Tongariro River :: The Tongariro is one of the most famous trout fishing rivers in the world with a well deserved reputation. Tens of thousands of trout use this beautiful river for massive migrating runs - an estimated one third of all Lake Taupo trout run the Tongariro. Icon pools of the Tongariro include the Bridge, Judges, Major Jones, Hydro, Admirals, Cattle Rustlers, the Birches, Red Hut, and the Whitikau. The renowned Bridge Pool is an easy 4 minute walk from our front door and double figure browns can be found here early in the spawning season. When the runs are on, this pool can be very productive as a resting stop for the migrating trout as they churn their way upstream. Both nymph and wet fly are used with equal success in the Bridge and this pool is a great place for the beginner as the water is easy to fish with plenty of rear clearance for casting. The size of the Tongariro means that good fishing can be all year round. During summer when the flow of the river is lower nymph fisherman will find ideal conditions. The lower Tongariro below Delatours [3 pools below the Bridge], offers some challenging fishing due to the concentration of snags and few actual pools. However, some productive fishing can be had especially in summer with dry fly. The 'town pools' [the several pools above the Bridge within walking distance from Turangi] can be very productive and also very popular on the weekends. Multiple hookups are common when the runs are on and the action can be furious and fast when the run moves through the pool. The upper Tongariro offers many fine fishing experiences and innumerable excellent pools and reaches. There are several parking spots along the river where you can explore the various pools and reaches on offer. It is best to give yourself at least 4-5 days to fish otherwise you are certainly going to be missing out on world class action and stunning locations. There is clear access along the bank if you prefer to walk and explore your way up or down the Tongariro with two swingbridges. Care should always be taken when wading, and it is advisable to cross the river at the swingbridges, especially in high flow periods. Season: All Year to Fence Pool, no fishing above this point from May 31 to December 01. Methods: Fly fishing only. Size/limit: 45 cm minimum/3 trout. Lake Taupo :: From September to December lake edge fishing is at its most productive time when trout can be found within casting reach. All year round fish can be found in concentrated numbers around the mouths of rivers and streams either chasing food or preparing to make their spawning runs. Find out the depth of the drop-of where you will be fishing so you can ensure that you are presenting your fly at the right depth. Spring and early summer offer some spectacular lake fishing opportunities with the arrival of large numbers of spawning smelt in shallow water. Trout can go mad feeding on smelt in the shallows and smelt fishing can be very exciting and fast as trout smash your smelt fly often with acrobatic fervour. Spin fishing can be a great way to fish Lake Taupo especially since it is much faster to learn and casting can give you a longer reach beyond even the most experienced fly casting expert. Most spinning fishers use a weighted lure cast from the shore, then retrieved after the lure has sunk to the desired depth. You can also use the Heave 'n' Leave method you where cast out a Booby or Muppet [wet flys with floating eyes] with a running sinker and wait for a cruising trout to take the fly. Season: All Year. Methods: All legal Taupo methods [most stream mouths have a 300m fly fishing only restriction]. Size/limit: 45 cm minimum/3 trout. Lake Otamangakau :: This lake has a dual reputation of consistently producing double figure fish as well being a challenging lake to fish. 60% of the fish population are rainbows with the highest average weight in the region. Anglers who are looking for trophy trout should visit this small lake. Shoreline angling, float tubes, and boat fishing are all popular. Casting to large fish cruising in the channels and between the weed beds is also popular especially if you first take time to observe the fish's routine then target the fish at the appropriate time. Lake Otamangakau is only a 15 minute drive from our front door, with two good boat ramps and shoreline angling spots, this lake should not be over looked if you want the opportunity to fish to large wild trout. Season: 1 October to 30th June. Methods: All legal Taupo methods. Size/limit: 45 cm minimum/3 trout. Raft Fishing :: For an unforgettable experience of isolated wilderness combined with large numbers of fantastic wild trout, you must try raft fishing. Raft fishing the upper Tongariro will get you to locations that do not experience the pressure of the lower river, these locations are in wild terrain with crystal blue pools and reaches holding excellent rainbows and browns. These upper river fish can be caught using either nymphing, wet fly, or dry fly techniques. Raft-fishing trips can be made to suit every angler's specific needs. Experienced guides are available to help you make the most of your trout fishing time. Season: May 31 to December 01. Methods: Fly fishing only. Size/limit: 45 cm minimum/3 trout. River Fishing :: There are many exceptional fishing rivers within a short 5 - 25 minute drive from our front door. To a greater extent, the healthy reputation of the Taupo fishery is due to the many fine fishing rivers that feed into the lake. When the runs are on these rivers tend to regularly produce very exciting fishing. However, it is not only the large numbers of good fish but also the variety of river fishing habitat within such a short distance which attracts so many anglers to this region year after year. If you prefer small streams using light gear on large fish then you can try the Waimarino, the Waiotaka, or the Hinemaiaia. These rivers and streams offer excellent fishing especially when the runs are on. You can try mouth fishing when the runs have begun, then follow the fish as they move upstream. The Tokaanu Tailrace, just 5 minutes down the road towards Tokaanu offers some great year round fishing for both fly and spin fishers. The spring and early summer smelt runs are legendary here as both the smelt and hungry trout are confined within the banks of the tailrace. This means the angler can easily target feeding fish with some very exciting action. Both rainbow and brown trout are found in the tailrace and some rather large fish have been caught here. In summer its a great spot for dry fly fishing. The Tailrace tends to fish best in the morning and evening when the current created from the above power station pushes the fish closer to the banks. Popular Activity Locations :: Tongariro River & Delta, Lake Taupo, Lake Otamangakau, Waiotaka Stream, Waimarino River, Tokaanu Tailrace, & Hinemaiaia River.