Tongariro Fishing Locations

Trout & Fly Fishing

There are many exceptional Tongariro fishing locations within 5 minutes – 1hr drive from Riverstone Lodge & Backpackers. It is not only the number and quality of trout in the Tongariro Region but also the variety of different environments and fishing experiences within a short distance that appeals. There are mountain streams surrounded by lush native bush requiring a degree of walking, or small-medium sized rivers, often right next to state highways! Before you go be sure to check the fishing gear & methods and weather and water conditions sections of this site

Tongariro River 

Each winter tens of thousands of trout use this beautiful river for massive migratory spawning runs to the headwaters and tributaries. It is estimated that one third of all Lake Taupo rainbow trout run the Tongariro River predominantly from July– November, although in recent years the timing of these ‘runs’ are becoming more variable. The average size of the rainbows is about 3lb.

The Bridge Pool is famous Tongariro fishing location and is a 4 minute walk from our front door, where trophy brown trout can be found. Brown trout run between January-June and in recent years have averaged about 5lb, though fish over 10lb are regularly caught. This area of the river is also a great place for the beginner as the water is easy to fish.

Above the SH1 road bridge in Turangi township there are several access points off Taupehi Rd. including through Te Aho Rd, at the back of Taupehi Reserve, Poto St, Kutai St and Koura St where you can cross the river at the Major Jones swing bridge.

Above the town area there is another 7km of water below the Tongariro River Gorge, with access points from SH1 at the Admirals Pool, behind the Tongariro National Trout Centre, and at the Red Hutt swing bridge. The access to the upper river below the gorge is from the dirt road on the left just after you drive over the Poutu Stream on SH1 south of Turangi.

To access to the middle reaches an alternative to using a car is to cross the Major Jones Swing Bridge in Turangi and walk up to the Red Hut Swing Bridge (3hr return). Some of these tracks are shared with cyclists and walkers on the Tongariro River Trail, a loop which you could complete back to your vehicle making for a long day trip.

Below the SH1 bridge in Turangi there is another 5km of fishable water, though the pools tend to become slower moving, more difficult to reach and more snag infested the lower you go. Fish tend not to hold so long in these stretches when they are running but the area is known for the large and difficult to catch Brown Trout that reside here from December each year.

Tongariro National Trout Centre

The Tongariro National Trout Centre has an interesting collection of Tongariro trout fishing memorabilia and runs fresh water ecology, conservation classes and learner fishing days for children. The Centre is situated on the banks of the Tongariro River off SH1 3km south of Turangi. It can also be visited as part of a walk or bike ride along the Tongariro River Trails and there is good fishing right behind the Trout Centre.

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