Rotorua Lakes
Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand · Geothermal lakes
A cluster of volcanic lakes holding fast-growing wild trout. Shore anglers do well on winter evenings at stream mouths, and boats open up year-round jigging and trolling.
Fishing Rotorua Lakes
Rotorua Lakes sits in Bay of Plenty, North Island and fishes as geothermal lakes. The headline species are Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and the productive window is year-round; winter shore fishing at stream mouths.
Access: A dozen fishable lakes ring Rotorua city with ramps and shoreline access; Lake Tarawera and Rotoiti are the standouts. If you are travelling to fish here, build flexibility into the trip — weather, water clarity and run timing move around every season, and the anglers who do best plan around conditions rather than dates.
Local tactics
- ▸Deep jigging on downrigger-marked fish is the summer pattern on Tarawera.
- ▸Fly fish the change of light at stream mouths in winter for cruising rainbows.
- ▸Some lakes have specific gear and method restrictions — check the regulations book.
Licences and rules
A Fish & Game New Zealand sports fishing licence is required. Seasons, bag limits and closures change through the year, so confirm the current rules with Fish & Game New Zealand before you fish Rotorua Lakes.
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Rotorua Lakes?
Rotorua Lakes holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout. A cluster of volcanic lakes holding fast-growing wild trout. Shore anglers do well on winter evenings at stream mouths, and boats open up year-round jigging and trolling.
When is the best time to fish Rotorua Lakes?
Year-round; winter shore fishing at stream mouths. As everywhere, the hours either side of first light, last light and a moving tide or current change produce the most fish.
How do you get to Rotorua Lakes?
A dozen fishable lakes ring Rotorua city with ramps and shoreline access; Lake Tarawera and Rotoiti are the standouts.
Do you need a fishing licence at Rotorua Lakes?
A Fish & Game New Zealand sports fishing licence is required. Confirm the current position with Fish & Game New Zealand before you fish.
Get the free weekly bite report
Tides, moon phase and the species firing around Australia this week — plus early access to new spots and Pro offers. Free, unsubscribe any time.