Waiotaka River
Introduction
A meandering stream which flows into Lake Taupō 7 km north of Tūrangi. The Waiotaka River offers willow lined stretches in the lower reaches which shelter some large browns over summer and a healthy run of rainbows during the winter.Fishing seasons: lower reaches: 1 July to 30 June; upper reaches - 1 December to 31 May (mid reaches - prohibited)
The Waiotaka is a small stream that flows out from the Kaimanawa Forest Park across Department of Corrections and iwi land before entering Lake Taupō at a very shallow mouth in Stump Bay. It is fishable up to the prison boundary. It offers willow lined stretches in the lower reaches, opening up to more open runs and riffles upstream of Rongomai marae.
Access
Public access is available from a limited number of parking places. The mouth is accessible from Frethey Road, just north of the SH1 bridge over the Waiotaka. There is also an access point at a vehicle ford along the Waiotaka Road that leads to the Hautu Prison.
Techniques
Being a small river the Waiotaka can be fished with lighter tackle but keeping large fish out of snags often necessitates using heavier tackle. Many anglers opt for an 8 weight for this reason. Nymphing is the most popular technique used on the river, although it can also fish very well on the dry fly in summer.
Check in with a local tackle shop for the latest advice.
Hazards to watch for
- River is small but has some deeper pools.
- River mouth is extensive shallow areas with drop-offs some distance off shore.
- Tracks have erosion present in places.