Last updated October 2026
Lake Rotoiti, Te Rotoiti-kite-a-Īhenga, lies north-east of Lake Rotorua and is joined to it by the Ōhau Channel. Fish & Game counts it among the Rotorua “trophy lakes” that regularly produce trout over 5 kg, and anglers fish it for rainbow and brown trout by trolling, jigging and fly fishing from the shore.
The main lake is open from 1 October to 30 June, while set winter shoreline areas stay open all year. SH30 follows the southern shore, giving easy roadside access at places such as Ruato Bay and Hinehopu.
At a Glance
- Location
- North-east of Rotorua, along SH30 (south shore) and SH33 (west end)
- Type
- Large, deep lake; steep bush and cliffs on the north shore, shallow and weedy along the south
- Water
- Lake Rotoiti (freshwater), draining to the Kaituna River
- Main species
- Rainbow and brown trout, mostly hatchery-reared
- Season
- Main lake 1 October to 30 June; winter shoreline areas open all year
- Methods
- Fly and spin only; no bait
- Shore access
- Roadside bays on SH30 such as Ruato Bay; Hinehopu Lakeshore Reserve at the eastern end
- Facilities
- Toilets, boat ramp, playground and BBQs at Hinehopu Lakeshore Reserve
- Rules
- Fish & Game Eastern Region; licence required
- Cost
- Free access; Fish & Game licence needed
No tides here. Wind direction and the season move the fish: deep in summer daylight, close to shore in autumn and winter.
More About Lake Rotoiti
Te Ara links the lake’s full name, Te Rotoiti-kite-a-Īhenga, to Īhenga of the Te Arawa canoe, who explored the lakes district. Matawhaura is the bush-covered mountain at the eastern end. The Ngāti Pikiao Environmental Society works with the regional council on the lake’s water quality.
The northern shore is bush-clad with steep cliffs and is reached only by boat. The southern shore is shallow and weedy, with small tributary streams, and SH30 runs right beside it. At Ruato Bay, for example, the aerial photo shows a narrow grass verge between the highway and the water, with the bay curving away on either side.
Most of the trout are hatchery-reared, because the lake has few spawning streams. The Ōhau Channel brings water in from Lake Rotorua at the western end, and a diversion wall built in 2008 sends much of that water straight down the Kaituna River.
Fish & Game’s February 2026 report described excellent catches of solid fish from Rotoiti, with rainbows over 3.8 kg and some to 4.5 kg.
How to Fish Lake Rotoiti
From a boat
Trolling is the most popular and effective method all year. In daytime the fish hold deep, so anglers use 100 metres or more of lead-core line, or a downrigger set to 20 metres or more.
At dawn and dusk, harling or shallow trolling along the margins works well. Jigging is popular in winter. Lead line, wire and downriggers are all allowed on Rotoiti.
From the shore
Shore fishing picks up from autumn into winter, when big trout move in close looking for spawning sites, especially near stream mouths. Fish the lake, not the streams: every stream flowing into or out of Rotoiti is closed, apart from the Ōhau Channel and the Kaituna River.
A 6 to 8 weight rod with a floating or very slow sinking line suits the shallow, weedy southern shore. Our Ōhau Channel fishing guide covers the channel itself.
What to use
- Trolling: Tobies, Tasmanian Devils and copper lures, or smelt flies such as Grey Ghost, Ginger Mick and Rabbit.
- Jigging: Glo-bugs, nymphs and smelt patterns.
- Shore by day: smelt streamers.
- Shore at night: dark or marabou flies such as Fuzzy Wuzzy, Craig’s Night-time and Scotch Poacher, with luminous flies on very dark nights.
- Warm weather: cicada, wasp and blowfly dries along the edges.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: SH30 towards Whakatāne runs along the southern shore. SH33 passes the western end at Ōkere Falls.
- Hinehopu Lakeshore Reserve: Tamatea Street, at the eastern end. Rotorua Lakes Council describes it as well known for shoreline fishing. It has toilets, a boat ramp, electric BBQs, picnic tables and a playground. Dogs must be on a lead, and there is no overnight parking or camping.
- Boat ramps: there are several public ramps around the lake. Boats that have been on the Waikato River in the previous 30 days must be cleaned at a wash station before launching on any Te Arawa lake.
- Water skiing: the council allows it on the lake from December to February, so expect more boat traffic in summer.
Rules and Safety
- Lake Rotoiti follows the Fish & Game Eastern Region rules for the Rotorua lakes: fly and spin only. The main lake is open from 1 October to 30 June.
- Two winter shoreline areas are open all year: from Tapuaekura Bay to Hinehopu, out to 200 metres from shore, and, new for 2026/27, a 130 metre strip of the SH33 shore at Ōkere Falls from the control gates to the public jetty opposite the Ōkere Falls Store. No trout fishing from a boat in those areas between 1 July and 1 October.
- All streams and springs flowing into or out of the lake are closed at all times, except the Ōhau Channel and the Kaituna River.
- No trout fishing from an unanchored boat within 200 metres of a landmark (a black, yellow and white ringed post or buoy). Boats may use no more than two anchors, and anchoring in the Ōhau Channel is not allowed.
- No fishing between midnight and 5am. Check the current Eastern regulations for size and bag limits.
- Check Health New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty health alerts for algae warnings before you go, especially on the Ōkere Arm in summer.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Rotorua, 360 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore: trolling gear, lures, flies and Fish & Game licences.
- Eastern Fish & Game office, 1130 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotahā: licences and regulation brochures. Licences can also be bought online from Fish & Game.
Find Out More
Fish & Game Eastern Region regulations: seasons, the winter shoreline areas and limits for Rotoiti.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Lake Rotoiti: reserves, ramps and facilities around the lake.
Te Arawa Lakes programme: Rotoiti: water quality and any current health warnings.
Common Questions
When is Lake Rotoiti open for fishing?
The main lake is open from 1 October to 30 June. The winter shoreline areas from Tapuaekura Bay to Hinehopu and at Ōkere Falls stay open all year, but not for fishing from a boat from 1 July to 1 October.
What can you catch in Lake Rotoiti?
Rainbow and brown trout. Fish & Game lists it as a trophy lake that regularly produces trout over 5 kg.
Can I fish Lake Rotoiti from the shore?
Yes. SH30 runs beside the southern shore, and Hinehopu Lakeshore Reserve at the eastern end is well known for shoreline fishing. Autumn and winter are best from the shore.
What is the best method on Lake Rotoiti?
Trolling, using lead-core line or a downrigger to get deep during the day and harling the edges at dawn and dusk. Jigging works well in winter.
Can I fish the streams around the lake?
No. All streams and springs flowing into or out of Rotoiti are closed, apart from the Ōhau Channel and the Kaituna River.
Do I need a licence?
Yes, a Fish & Game licence. Bait is not allowed; fly and spin only.
Is there a boat ramp?
Yes, there are several public ramps, including at Hinehopu Lakeshore Reserve. Boats from the Waikato River in the last 30 days must be washed first.
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