Lake Tarawera is one of the Rotorua district’s most prized trout fishing destinations, famous for the size of its rainbow trout. Fish regularly exceeding 10 pounds (4.5 kg) are caught throughout the year, and specimens over 6 kg are documented catches. The lake sits about 18 kilometres from Rotorua city, accessed via Tarawera Road off State Highway 30. Most of the lake is only accessible by boat — the shoreline is steep and densely vegetated in many places — but the western end around The Landing and Te Wairoa has good shore access, and these areas are productive for fly fishing particularly in the cooler months.
Practical Information
| Location | ~18 km from Rotorua, via Tarawera Road off SH30 |
|---|---|
| Access | Boat ramps at The Landing (western end); most of lake requires boat |
| Boat fishing season | Closes June 30; check Eastern Fish and Game for current regulations |
| Shore fishing | Year-round at The Landing, Te Wairoa, Rangiuru Bay |
| Licence required | Yes — Eastern Fish and Game licence required |
| Fish species | Rainbow trout (dominant), with large specimens common |
| Best methods | Trolling (lead core / downrigger), fly fishing at night and shore edges |
About Fishing Lake Tarawera
Tarawera is a deep, cold lake formed partly by volcanic collapse — the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera reshaped its outline and filled some arms of the lake with debris. The depth and cold water create conditions that support large trout, and the lake’s relative remoteness means it receives less fishing pressure than the more accessible lakes closer to Rotorua city. The trout grow large here because the food supply is good and the population doesn’t face the same level of fishing mortality as some other lakes.
Boat fishing closes on 30 June each year, making the period from October through to the end of June the main window for boaties. Shore-based fly fishing continues year-round. The autumn period — March to June — is widely considered the best time for boaties chasing large fish, with trophy rainbows particularly active in the cooling water. Winter shore fishing from April through July suits those willing to brave cold conditions for the chance at the lake’s biggest fish.
Fishing Methods
Trolling is the most popular boat method during warmer months when fish are holding deep. Lead core line or a downrigger is necessary to get lures to productive depth — surface trolling alone won’t reach the fish once water temperatures rise. Working systematically along depth contours produces more consistent results than random trolling patterns.
Night fly fishing on Tarawera has a strong tradition. Cold, dark, moonless nights fire up the mature trout at the lake’s edge. Lumo (luminescent) Doll flies on a floating or slow-sinking line are the standard approach, with flies incorporating pink or red flash also producing. Tippet should be stout — these are powerful fish and a thin tippet in dark conditions is a recipe for lost fish. Rangiuru Bay, The Landing and Te Wairoa are the most accessible shore fishing locations, with good platforms for casting into deeper water close to shore.
Accessing the Lake
From Rotorua, drive south toward Lake Rotorua on Tarawera Road, which branches left off State Highway 30 at the southern end of the lake. This road provides access to the western shoreline and several boat ramps at The Landing area. Services at The Landing include a café and boat hire options during the warmer months. Lake Tarawera is also served by water taxi from The Landing — useful for reaching more remote fishing spots on the eastern shoreline that are otherwise inaccessible by road.
What Visitors Say
“Caught a 4.5 kg rainbow on my second night fishing — the lake lives up to its reputation. Worth the early start and the cold. Go prepared for the weather to change quickly.”
Where to Learn More
NZ Fishing — Lake Tarawera covers access points, best methods and seasonal fishing patterns in detail.
The Fishing Website — Lake Tarawera Spots goes into specific locations and timing for different styles of fishing on the lake.
Rotorua NZ — Fishing provides an overview of guided fishing options across all the Rotorua district lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are the trout in Lake Tarawera?
Rainbow trout regularly reach and exceed 10 pounds (4.5 kg), and fish over 6 kg have been caught. Tarawera is well-known in New Zealand angling circles for producing large fish.
Is boat fishing allowed on Lake Tarawera all year?
No — boat fishing closes on 30 June each year. Shore fishing continues year-round. Check Eastern Fish and Game for current regulations as they can change.
What’s the best time to fish Lake Tarawera?
Autumn (March–June) for boaties chasing trophy fish, and winter (April–July) for shore-based fly fishing. Cold, dark nights produce the most active fish at the lake edge.
Can I fish Lake Tarawera from shore?
Yes — The Landing, Te Wairoa and Rangiuru Bay on the western end provide good shore access. Most of the rest of the lake requires a boat.
What flies work on Lake Tarawera?
Lumo Doll flies are the traditional night fly fishing standard. Flies with pink or red flash also produce. Use a stout tippet given the size of fish the lake holds.
Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Tarawera?
Yes — an Eastern Fish and Game licence is required. The lake is within the Eastern Fish and Game region.
If you’re fishing the Rotorua district, also see our guides to Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotomā for two more excellent options within an hour of the city.
