eastern region
Notable
Waters: Lake Tarawera and Ruakituri River
This vast region extends from Tauranga Harbour down to Huka Falls
on the Waikato River and across to Wairoa and Gisborne.
The range of fishing opportunities is incomparable. Huge trophy
rainbows lurk in the depths of Lakes Tarawera and Okataina and
abundant fighting browns and rainbows reside in spectacular
wilderness rivers and lakes.
The Bay of Plenty fishery has exceptionally good fly and
spin-fishing rivers such as the Kaituna, Tarawera, Rangitaiki,
Whakatane, Waimana and Waioeka. Downstream rapids and gentle
pools are accessible from local roads but the headwaters
constitute a physical challenge, with long tramps into pristine
native forest. The reward is finding superb pools that show the
promise of a trout at every cast. When they do take the fly and
storm downriver with a show of strength, leaping clear of the
water, it is a magical and unforgettable experience.
The Rotorua lakes are a remarkable special attraction that draw
anglers from around the world. The 13 fishable lakes offer
shoreline fly and spin fishing and boat fishing all year round.
They are a nirvana of peace and solitude - oases of crystal-clear
water, rippled by miniscule streams trickling out through
overhanging native bush, where trout cruise in the shadows. Lake
Rotorua is reputed to have the highest lake fishery catch rate in
the Southern Hemisphere. Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti regularly
produce fine trophy trout over 5 kg. Rotoma and Rotoehu shelter
wily tiger trout and Tikitapu (Blue Lake) has a population of
brook char.
Urewera National Park has splendid trout fishing in remote
bush-fringed lakes and rivers. Lake Waikaremoana has shoreline
fishing for brown trout and boat trolling for rainbows. You can
stalk the shallow lake margins with a dragonfly imitation lure or
fish the small streams with weighted nymphs. Mist-shrouded
valleys, tall trees and the lilting song of the bellbird and tui
all enrich the fishing experience. The Ruakituri River is a
classic wilderness river, favoured by local and international
anglers alike for its renowned fighting fish, averaging 2-3 kg.
and extending to excellent trophy size trout.
Guided lake and river trout fishing safaris can be arranged in
Rotorua, Ngongotaha, Whakatane, Opotiki, Motu, Gisborne, Murupara
and Lake Aniwhenua.
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