Trout Fishing : Gisborne Accommodation, Gisborne Lodge, Hawkes Bay Accommodation, Waikaremoana Accommodation

Lake Whakamarino Lodge is situated right on the edge of a wilderness fishing paradise!

Several double figure fish, 4.45 kilograms (9.79 pounds) and over are caught from Lake Whakamarino (also known as Tuai Lake) each season. Very large trout (see photo) have earned this fishery its trophy reputation. The lake is hatchery stocked as well as holding a significant wild population of fish. Trout grow to an average weight of 2 to 2.5 kilograms (4.4 to 5.5 pounds). After dusk is the best time to fish. Shoreline angling and fly fishing from an anchored boat are both popular. No motorised craft are allowed on Lake Whakamarino and fly-fishing only is permitted. Lake Whakamarino is often productive for fishing when the weather at the larger Lake Waikaremoana is poor.

Whakamarino season open 1st October to 30th June.

OTHER TE UREWERA / EAST COAST FISHERIES Described by Fish and Game New Zealand

Te Urewera National Park provides spectacular wilderness fishing in both lakes and rivers. Lake Waikaremoana has exceptional summer fisheries for brown trout along the lake shores and rainbow trout for boat anglers. Spawning runs in the autumn also provide opportunities for fly-fishing in the later part of the season. World renowned wilderness fishing can be experienced in rivers such as the Ruakituri and the neighbouring Waiau River, which has one of the highest catch rates of these mountain rivers.

A number of spectacularly scenic and exciting fisheries are available and the trip to the area is well worth it. Bush clad lake and river fishing is the main feature along with a variety of opportunities to catch some large trout in special places.

Lake Kaitawa

Just a few minutes away from Lake Whakamarino Lodge is Lake Kaitawa. Although smaller and relatively shallow, Lake Kaitawa provides an excellent food source for both rainbow and brown trout. To supplement the wild fishery, the lake is stocked annually with yearlings and some of the trout grow to trophy size. Lake Kaitawa is a fly fishing only waterway. Motorised craft are not permitted but it is possible to hand launch dinghies. Casting a fly from an anchored boat is often successful, particularly from October to February.

Kaitawa season open 1st October to 30th June.

Lake Kiriopukae

As a virtually unknown lake the Kiriopukae fishery receives very low angler pressure. Brown trout only are present in the lake, and it is open to fly and spin fishing. This lake may dry up in drought years but local anglers have taken large fish at other times.

Kiriopukae open 1st October to 30th June.

Lake Waikaremoana ("sea of rippling waters")

The largest lake in Te Urewera National Park, Lake Waikaremoana is 248 metres deep (813 ft), formed by a massive landslide 2000 years ago. Brown and rainbow trout were liberated into the Lake in 1896 and since that time it has become internationally renown for the quality of its angling experience.

It is made up of two distinct fisheries - the shoreline brown trout and the trolling rainbow trout fishery. Excellent fly fishing from the shore and the skill involved in stalking the large brown trout that cruise the shallows entice a number of anglers to the lake. Spinning from the shore may also be productive, as can harling a fly in shallow areas. Mid-October through until mid-June is recommended for fishing brown trout, which average 2 kilograms in weight (4.4 pounds). Larger fish weighing up to 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) are sometimes taken too. There are a number of access points and boat ramps from turnoffs as the road winds around the side of the lake.

Waikaremoana is open for fishing all year round.

Lake Waikaremoana Tributaries

The Hopuruahine, Mokau, Aniwaniwa and Te Korokoroowhaitiri (also known as the Korokoro Stream) are the four major tributaries that feed into Lake Waikaremoana. Angling at the mouths of these major rivers provides exciting fishing from April, as trout begin migrating upstream to spawn. Anglers may choose to fish either from the shore or at the mouths from an anchored boat. Using a slow, sinking line or a floating line with a nymph is often successful.

Tributaries are open for fishing from 1st December to 30th June.

Lake Waikareiti

Lake Waikareiti lies to the north west of Lake Waikaremoana. It is accessed by a walking track starting approximately 400m (440 yards) from the DoC Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre on the Rotorua - Waikaremoana Road (S.H. 38). The walk to the lake is definitely worth the effort for the opportunity to fish in pristine surroundings and the rewarding wild rainbow trout that the lake offers. Trolling from dinghies or fly fishing from a drifting boat are the most popular methods. Summer months are the best time for shoreline fly fishing, and Sandy Bay is an ideal location. Most trout taken from Lake Waikareiti are around 1.5 kilograms (3.30 pounds) and are of excellent condition. Both fly and spin fishing are permitted.

Waikareiti is open for fishing all year round

Ruakituri River

The Ruakituri River is an internationally renown fishery, holding good numbers of both brown and rainbow trout. A classic feature of Ruakituri fish is their extremely strong fighting abilities. Some very large fish are caught in this river each year and most average around 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 pounds). General access to the lower and mid reaches of the river is from Ruakituri Road off SH 36. Papuni Road also provides access to some higher mid-reaches and access to the headwaters. The river above Waitangi falls is in Te Urewera National Park. Access to the park is via the formed paper road. As it is necessary to cross Papuni Station, anglers should advise the station manager.

Waiau River

The Waiau River drains out of the south-eastern corner of Te Urewera National Park and into the Wairoa system. The headwaters of the Waiau supports healthy populations of both brown and rainbow trout with some very high catch rates of fish in the 1 to 2.5kg ranges (up to 5.5 pounds). The wilderness setting makes it a beautiful river to fish and summer dry fly and nymph fishing can be very productive. The lower river is accessed from S.H. 38 and spinning is the best method. The middle reaches are reached from Putere Rd off S.H. 2 and again spinning and wet fly are best. The upper reaches are the real gem although access is difficult, via either long tramps from the Te Urewera Park end (S.H. 38) or Maungataniwha.

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To Contact Us:
Ph : +64 6 837-3876 Fax: +64 6 837-3872 info@lakelodge.co.nz