Last updated October 2026
Lake Rotomahana lies south-east of Rotorua, beneath Mount Tarawera, over the site of the Pink and White Terraces that were destroyed in the 1886 eruption. It holds good stocks of hard-fighting rainbow trout, averaging around 1.5 kg according to nzfishing.com, and is open all year to fly and spin fishing.
Getting there is the hard part: road access is through the Waimangu plantation forest by permit, there is no boat ramp, and the lake is a wildlife refuge closed to powerboats in May.
Lake Rotomahana at a Glance
- Location
- South-east of Rotorua, below Mount Tarawera; forest roads from Waimangu
- Type
- Large volcanic lake with steaming cliffs, weed beds and drop-offs
- Water
- Lake Rotomahana (freshwater), a wildlife refuge
- Main species
- Rainbow trout
- Season
- Open all year
- Methods
- Fly and spin only; no bait
- Access
- Forest roads by permit (Fish & Game lists First Security); or on foot from Lake Tarawera via the DOC Isthmus Track
- Boat launching
- No ramp; boats go in off the hard lake bed at the road end. No powerboats in May
- Facilities
- None at the lake; bring everything
- Rules
- Fish & Game Eastern Region; licence required
No tides here. Wind pushes insects and fish along the shore in summer; access depends on the forest permit and the fire season.
What to Expect
Rotomahana was transformed by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, which destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces on its shores and left the lake much larger. There is still plenty of thermal activity around the lake: steaming cliffs line parts of the shore, and rare ferns and orchids grow in the warm ground.
The lake and its margins are a wildlife refuge protecting many kinds of waterfowl, under an order dating from 1967. DOC says the lake is closed to powerboats in May for the birds’ breeding season. Most visitors see Rotomahana from the Waimangu Volcanic Valley side, but anglers usually reach it by forest road.
nzfishing.com describes good stocks of hard-fighting rainbow trout, averaging about 1.5 kg. Because the lake is off the beaten track, it sees far less fishing than the lakes beside the state highways.
How to Fish Lake Rotomahana
Methods
Trolling, harling, jigging and downrigger fishing all work from a boat, with lead-core line or a downrigger to get the lure down. From the shore, fly fishing and spinning both catch fish. nzfishing.com suggests fishing a fly just over the drop-off, or around the weed beds along the lake edge, with a 6-weight rod.
Summer
When the wind blows insects onto the water in summer, dry flies such as cicada, blowfly and wasp patterns can bring trout up.
What to use
- Trolling: lead-core line or a downrigger with lures or smelt flies.
- Fly from the shore: a 6-weight rod, working the drop-off and weed edges.
- Dries: cicada, blowfly and wasp patterns on windy summer days.
- Spin: soft baits are allowed, as Rotomahana is not a fly-only water.
Getting There and Facilities
- Forest permit: road access is through the Waimangu plantation forest, along signposted gravel forest roads. Fish & Game’s forest access page says permits are through First Security (0800 347 787). First Security’s online permit page currently lists other forests only, so phone them to confirm how to get a Waimangu permit before you go.
- Fire season: forest access can be restricted during the fire season, which covers the warmer months. Check when you apply for the permit.
- Launching: there is no boat ramp. Boats are launched from the hard lake-bed surface at the end of the forest road.
- On foot from Tarawera: boaties on Lake Tarawera can tie up at Rāpatu Bay and walk the DOC Isthmus Track over to Rotomahana.
- Facilities: there are no facilities at the lake. Bring water, food and everything you need, and take your rubbish home.
Rules and Safety
- Lake Rotomahana follows the Fish & Game Eastern Region rules for the Rotorua lakes: open all year, fly and spin only. Check the current regulations for size and bag limits.
- All springs and streams flowing into or out of the lake are closed.
- No trout fishing from an unanchored boat within 200 metres of a landmark (a black, yellow and white ringed post or buoy). No more than two anchors.
- No fishing between midnight and 5am.
- The lake is a wildlife refuge and is closed to powerboats in May. Keep well away from nesting birds.
- Thermal ground and hot water edges can be dangerous. Stay off steaming ground and do not wade near hot spots.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Rotorua, 360 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore: trolling gear, lures and Fish & Game licences.
- Eastern Fish & Game office, 1130 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotahā: licences and advice on lake access.
Where to Learn More
Fish & Game Eastern: forest access: permits for Waimangu and other forests.
Fish & Game Eastern Region regulations: the rules and limits for Rotomahana.
DOC: Rotomahana Isthmus Track: walking access from Lake Tarawera and the May powerboat closure.
Common Questions
How do I get to Lake Rotomahana to fish?
By forest road through the Waimangu plantation forest, which needs a permit, or on foot over the DOC Isthmus Track from Lake Tarawera.
Who issues the forest permit?
Fish & Game lists First Security (0800 347 787). Phone them to confirm the current process for Waimangu Forest before you go.
Is there a boat ramp at Lake Rotomahana?
No. Boats are launched off the hard lake bed at the end of the forest road.
When can I take a powerboat on Lake Rotomahana?
The lake is closed to powerboats in May for the birds’ breeding season.
What fish are in Lake Rotomahana?
Rainbow trout, averaging about 1.5 kg.
Is Lake Rotomahana open all year?
Yes, for fly and spin fishing. The streams around it are closed.
Do I need a licence?
Yes, a Fish & Game licence, as well as the forest permit for road access.
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