Eastern Region

Fish and Game New Zealand’s Eastern Region offers a large range of fishing opportunities for both lake and river fishing.

The bush clad Lakes Waikaremoana and Waikareiti in the east provide spectacular boat and shoreline fishing for both brown and rainbow trout in the scenic Te Urewera National Park. The rivers within the park also provide opportunities to target headwater fish and spawning run fish. The Ruakituri River gives anglers a chance to catch world renowned strong trout while the Waiau Rivers offers very high catch rates.

The Bay of Plenty has a large number of spectacular river fisheries from the Waioeka River in the east through the Rangitaiki, Tarawera and Kaituna catchments to the Ngamuwahine River in the west. Lakes like Aniwhenua and Flaxy also add to diverse fishing opportunities.

The Rotorua Lakes are the central feature of the region. Shoreline fly fishing and spin fishing can result in very good catch rates while boat fishing over the summer months provides action and fun for the whole family. Most of the Rotorua Lakes lack suitable spawning rivers to sustain fish populations so supplementary stocking of Tarawera-strain trout maintain the high numbers for anglers.

Lake Rotorua has one of the highest catch rates in the district while Lake Okareka also keeps anglers happy with high numbers of good quality fish. The trophy lakes - Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti - regularly produce fish in excess of 5 kg. Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu provide experiences for those wanting to get away from the crowds and the opportunity to chase tiger trout. Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shorebased anglers targeting deep bodied fish. Smaller lakes with secluded bays and rising trout are there for the more adventurous anglers who want to “get off the beaten track”.