Last updated October 2026
Lake Rerewhakaaitu is a shallow, clear lake at the southern foot of Mount Tarawera, about 29 km south-east of Rotorua. Rainbow trout are the fish here, and they often cruise the shoreline where you can see them and cast to them.
Anglers fish from the shore at Homestead Arm, Ashpit Bay and The Domain, or troll the shallows from a boat. The lake is open all year to fly and spin fishing.
At a Glance
- Location
- Off Rerewhakaaitu Road and Brett Road, south-east of Rotorua, at the southern foot of Mount Tarawera
- Water
- Fresh: Lake Rerewhakaaitu
- Main species
- Rainbow trout
- Season
- Open all year
- Methods
- Fly and spin only; no bait
- Best time
- Dawn and dusk, with calm weather; wind is the main problem
- Access
- Guy Roe Reserve (Homestead Arm), Brett Road Campsite and Ash Pit Road Campsite, all with boat ramps
- Facilities
- Toilets at the reserve and campsites; barbecues and picnic tables at Guy Roe Reserve
- Rules
- Fish & Game Eastern; licence required
- Cost
- Fish & Game licence
No tides. Wind is the main thing that decides the fishing, and the lake is shallow and clear, so calm dawn and dusk fish best; check the lake page for water quality updates.
Setting and Background
Lake Rerewhakaaitu sits on flat farmland south-east of Rotorua, with Mount Tarawera behind it. The water is very clear and mostly shallow, with extensive weed beds along the shoreline. Because it is so clear, trout are easy to see and easy to spook, which makes quiet, careful casting matter more than heavy gear.
Rainbow trout are the species reported here, with plenty of fish around 1.5 kg and some much bigger. They are hard fighting and often cruise close to the shore.
Fish & Game Eastern has described the lake as popular for spin fishing and well suited to children. The springs, streams and tributaries that flow into or out of the lake are closed to fishing, so the fishing is all in the lake itself.
Guy Roe Reserve is the first access you reach on Brett Road. Rotorua Lakes Council says its Homestead Arm is a popular fishing spot. The lake is also a breeding area for banded dotterel, dabchicks and scaup, so give nesting birds space along the shore.
How to Fish Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Where and when
Fish & Game Eastern names the shorelines around Homestead Arm, Ashpit Bay in the north and The Domain in the south as the places anglers fish.
Walk the margin quietly and look for fish cruising along the weed edges before you cast. Polarised glasses help in the clear water. Wind across the flat land can make casting hard, so calm mornings and evenings are the easiest.
From the shore
Cast to visible cruising fish with fly or spinner. A 6 weight rod is usually enough, and the lightest line you can manage suits the shallow water. Fish & Game has suggested a floating line with a small glow bug under an indicator, and an olive damsel nymph twitched along the edge of the weed beds.
From a boat
The lake is very shallow, so harling or shallow trolling with minimal weight is the usual approach. Fish & Game has reported spring trolling with a Tassie and smelt-fly combination from the shallows out to about 10 metres of water. Check the current brochure for the rules on set rods, anchoring and fishing near landmarks.
What to catch and what to use
- Rainbow trout, nymphs: Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail and Halfback in sizes 14 to 16.
- Rainbow trout, dries: beetle patterns in November and December, then cicada, blowfly and wasp patterns from January to early March.
- Rainbow trout, wets and streamers: Hamill’s Killer, smelt patterns such as Grey Ghost and Parson’s Glory, a small Woolly Bugger, Red Setter and Dorothy.
- Rainbow trout, spinners: Tobys, Tasmanian Devils, Tokoroa Chickens, Glimmies, or small bully and smelt imitations.
What to bring
Polarised glasses, a light leader, a wind jacket and a hat. Bring your licence, and check the current Fish & Game Eastern brochure for the hours you can fish.
Getting There and Facilities
- Getting there: from State Highway 38 take Rerewhakaaitu Road, then Brett Road to the lake. Guy Roe Reserve is the first area you reach.
- Guy Roe Reserve: Rotorua Lakes Council lists barbecues, picnic tables, toilets, a boat ramp and a jetty. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Brett Road Campsite and Ash Pit Road Campsite: DOC campsites on the shore with non-flush toilets, a cooking shelter and a boat ramp. Dogs are not allowed at DOC campsites. Fees and bookings are on the DOC website.
- Mount Tarawera: access up Crater Road is through private land and is not permitted.
- Mobile coverage: intermittent around the lake.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Eastern regulations apply and you need a current sports fishing licence. The lake is fly and spin only, with no bait. Check the 2026/27 Eastern brochure for night hours, gear limits, set rod rules, bag and size limits.
- Springs, streams and tributaries flowing into or out of the lake are closed to fishing. Do not fish the inflows or outflows.
- Wind on the open flat land is the main hazard for boats. Keep a close watch on the weather before you launch.
- Check for water quality and algae updates on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council lake page before you fish.
- Clean boats and gear between lakes to stop pests spreading.
Official Sources for Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Fish & Game Eastern regulations 2026/27: methods, hours, closed waters and limits for the lake.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Guy Roe Reserve: facilities and Homestead Arm access.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Lake Rerewhakaaitu: lake facts, water quality and health updates.
Common Questions
What fish are in Lake Rerewhakaaitu?
Rainbow trout. Many are around 1.5 kg, and some are much bigger.
Is Lake Rerewhakaaitu open all year?
Yes, under the Fish & Game Eastern regulations. Check the current brochure for hours and methods.
Can I use bait?
No. The lake is fly and spin only.
Where can I fish from the shore?
Around Homestead Arm at Guy Roe Reserve, Ashpit Bay in the north and The Domain in the south.
Can I fish the streams that run into the lake?
No. Springs, streams and tributaries flowing into or out of the lake are closed to fishing.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a current Fish & Game licence, which you can buy online or from a licence agent listed on the Fish & Game Eastern website.
Can I troll from a boat?
Yes. The lake is very shallow, so shallow trolling or harling with little weight is the usual method. Check the brochure for set rod and anchoring rules.
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