SUMMER FISHING
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
December through March are the peak summer fishing months in New Zealand and there’s no better place to base yourself for summer fishing than Taupo. That’s because of both the variety of fishing methods available, as well as the variety of fishing locations available. read more >
Summer fishing methods used in and around Taupo include:
• Fly fishing, including dry fly, nymph, and dry-nymph combo
• Boat fishing, including trolling with downriggers and leadlines, harling (shallow water trolling using flies) and jigging
• Spinner fishing
Fly fishing
As fly-fishing devotees are well-aware, there is no greater thrill than seeing a trout rise to the surface and take your dry fly. This summer has the potential to be a fabulous dry fly season in the Taupo area, because spring has been warm and dry and mayfly hatches are already bringing hungry trout to the surface.
Local rivers like the world-famous Tongariro and the beautiful Tauranga Taupo offer some fantastic dry fly action and are easy to access without a 4-wheel drive or helicopter. In the lower Tongariro, lazy summer browns of 10 pounds plus can be found lurking, and each year, some of the anglers who pursue these monsters succeed in catching trophies of 12 pounds or more! Other easy-access options include the spring-fed Waitahanui River, just 15 minutes from town, the Hinemaiaia River which is about 25 minutes from town, and the Waipunga and Mohaka rivers, both within 1 hour’s drive of Taupo.
For the more adventuresome, a raft-fishing trip is a great option. The raft is used as a means of transportation down the river – you get out of the raft to fish. This is a fantastic option too for anyone with mobility issues. Raft-fish the waters of the upper Tongariro – its gorges and native bush are spectacular, and the only way to access these waters is by raft. Other fantastic rafting options include the Mohaka and Whakapapa rivers. Take a day trip, or better yet an overnight trip with a campout on the riverbank.
New Zealand is famous for its wilderness rivers, many of which are accessible only by helicopter. Here again, Taupo offers abundant choices, none more famous than the upper Rangitikei where it is not uncommon to see wild trout of 12 pounds or larger (catching them is another story).
Taupo has a number of full-time professional fly fishing guides who will pick you up from your hotel, motel, lodge, b&b or campground, provide all the gear you need as well as lunch on the river, and deliver a first-class fishing experience. Even if you have never fly-fished before, the guides will patiently work with you to develop your skills and in all likelihood, deliver the exhilaration of catching your first wild New Zealand trout on a fly rod.