NEW ZEALAND'S BEST FLY FISHING GUIDES
  • Home
  • About
  • Book a Trip
    • Rates and Bookings more info
    • Make a Deposit
  • Packages
    • Rites of Spring
    • High Country
    • Mataura River fly fishing guide
    • Out of Dunedin
    • Central South Island
    • Introduction to New Zealand Fly Fishing Techniqes
    • Corporate Retreats
  • References
  • General Info
    • New Zealand River Flows
    • New Zealand Fly Box
    • What to Bring
    • F.A.Q
    • New Zealand Fishing Regulations
  • 中文
    • 特惠
    • 价格及预约
  • 日本語
    • マタウラ川の神秘
    • 荒野渔夫的用户评价及推荐

Eastern Fishing Regulations 2016-2017

Contact

Office: Unit A5, 7-11 Nell Place
Whangarei 0110
Postal Address: PO Box 25003
Whangarei 0148
Phone & Fax: (09) 438-4135
Email: [email protected]
​Office Administrator: Fay Stodart; Manager: Rudi Hoetjes; Field Officer: Andrew Kirk.
Picture
No licence holder shall fish for sports fish at any time from the following waters: 3.1 All streams flowing into Lake Tarawera and that portion of the Tarawera River enclosed by landmarks at the Lake Tarawera Outlet and extending approximately 150m downstream to landmarks in the river, otherwise known as the Tarawera Outlet Spawning Sanctuary. 3.2 The Utuhina Stream upstream of the Pukehangi Road Bridge and all tributaries of this stream. 3.3 The following streams and their tributaries which flow into Lake Rotorua: (a) The Awahou, Waiowhiro, Waiohewa, Waingaehe, Waimataa and Waikuta Streams. (b) The Hamurana Stream upstream of the Hamurana Road Bridge. 3.4 All springs, streams and their tributaries which flow into Lake Waikareiti, and into or from Lakes Rotoma, Rotoehu, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Okataina and Rotoiti except the Ohau Channel and the Kaituna River. 3.5 The section of the Ruahihi Canal between the landmarks at the southern end of the canal which enclose the artificial spawning bed.
     Fish and Game New Zealand’s Eastern Region offers a large range of fishing opportunities for both lake and river fishing. Access to much of the fishable water in the Eastern Region has been described in a series of comprehensive informational pamphlets. These can be obtained free of charge from most licence sellers and sports shops, as well as our Rotorua office or on the Eastern Region fishing pages on the www. fishandgame.org.nz website. These pamphlets have detailed maps of their respective catchments along with labelled access points and fishing information, and outline the best fishing areas and methods to use. An active access programme is also being implemented throughout the region with extensive signage and tracks to guide anglers to many fishing opportunities.

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 and spawning run fish. The Ruakituri River gives anglers a chance to catch world renowned strong trout while the Waiau River 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 the diversity of 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 trout populations so supplementary stocking maintains high numbers for anglers. Lake Rotorua is not stocked but has one of the highest catch rates in the district while Lake Okareka also keeps anglers happy with high numbers of good quality fish. Lakes Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti can produce trophy fish. Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu provide experiences for those wanting to get away from the crowds, and at Rotoma, the opportunity to chase tiger trout. Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shore based 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.”

The Eastern Region offers diverse angler experiences, high catch rates and big fish. There is something for everyone.

PAMPHLET LIST

Comprehensive pamphlets are available for the following waters:

• The Rotorua lakes
• Lake Rotorua and tributaries
• The Waikaremoana lakes
• The Ruakituri River
• The Waioeka River
• The Rangitaiki River System, Horomanga and Whirinaki
• The Waikato River and Waikato lakes
• Boat fishing information
• Tauranga area trout fishing

Regulations

1. DEFINITIONS

“Fly line” means any floating or sinking line used to facilitate casting that is greater than 3m in length.
“Set rod” means any assembled rod that is not in physical contact with a licence holder when being used to fish for sports fish.
“Wild rainbow trout” means any rainbow trout not having a fin-clip mark or tag.

2. OPEN SEASON, PERMITTED METHODS, DAILY BAG LIMITS

Lakes &                                         Open                    Permitted                  DailyBag 
Rivers                                            Season                 Method                       Limits      

All other waters not listed
and excepting closed waters
(clause 3 for this region)               1 Oct – 30 Jun    Artificial fly/spinner             2
Aniwaniwa Stream downstream
of Aniwaniwa Falls.                         All year                Artificial fly/spinner            8*
Aniwhenua Lake and canal           All year                Artificial fly/spinner             2
Aratiatia Lake                                  All year                Artificial fly/ spinner/bait    No limit Atiamuri Lake                                  All year                Artificial fly/ spinner/bait    No limit Flaxy Lake and Canal                               All year                Artificial fly/spinner             2
Hamurana Stream downstream
of Hamurana Road                         All year                 Artificial fly/spinner             8* Hopuruahine Stream
and tributaries upstream of
the landmark pole.                          1 Dec – 30 Jun    Fly fishing only                    8*
Kaitawa Lake                                    1 Oct – 30 Jun     Artificial fly/spinner             8*
Kaituna River downstream
of control gates.                               All year                Artificial fly/spinner             2
Kaituna River downstream 
of Highway 2 Bridge.                        All year                Artificial fly/ spinner/bait    No limit McLaren Lake                                   All year                Artificial fly/spinner              2
Maraetai Lake                                   All year                Artificial fly/ spinner/bait    No limit Matahina Lake                                  All year                Artificial fly/spinner             2
Mokau Stream upstream
of the landmark pole                       1 Dec – 30 Jun    Fly fishing only                    8*
Motu River upstream
of Highway 35.                                  1 Oct – 30 Jun     Artificial fly/spinner            2
Motu River downstream
of Highway 35.                                  1 Oct – 30 Jun     Artificial fly/ spinner/bait   No limit Ngahewa Lake                                   All year                Artificial fly/spinner           8
Ngapouri Lake                                  All year                 Artificial fly/spinner           8
​Ngongotaha Stream downstream
of Highway 5 Bridge.                        All year                 Artificial fly/spinner           8* Ngongotaha Stream and
tributaries (excluding Waimataa)
upstream of Highway 5 Bridge.     1 Dec – 30 Jun       Fly fishing only                    8*
Ohau Channel within
landmarks at either end.                1 Oct – 30 Jun        Fly fishing only                    8*
Ohakuri Lake                                    All year                   Artificial fly/ spinner/bait   No limit Okareka Lake                                   All year                   Artificial fly/spinner             8
Okaro Lake                                       All year                   Artificial fly/spinner             8
Okataina Lake excepting
areas below:                                     1 Oct – 30 Jun       Artificial fly/spinner              8
• Winter shoreline area from
Te Koutu Point landmark to west
of Okataina Lodge landmark
extending 200m offshore.               All year                   Artificial fly/spinner               8
• Within 200m of Log pool,
Rayners 1 and 2 stream mouths    1 Oct – 30 Jun      Fly fishing only from
                                                                                         1 April to 30 June                   8
Putere Lakes                                     All year                 Artificial fly/spinner               2
Rangitaiki River downstream
of Otamatea Stream confluence.   All year                   Artificial fly/spinner               2
Rangitaiki River downstream of
Highway 2 Bridge.                            All year                   Artificial fly/ spinner/bait     No limit Rangitaiki Canal (Wheao)                All year                    Artificial fly/spinner              2 Rerewhakaaitu Lake                        All year                    Artificial fly/spinner              8
Rotoehu Lake                                   All year                    Artificial fly/spinner              8
Rotoiti Lake excepting areas
below:                                               1 Oct – 30 Jun         Artificial fly/spinner              8
• Winter shoreline area from
Tapuaekura Bay landmark to
Hinehopu Landmark extending
200m offshore, excepting areas 
below in italics:                               All year                      Artificial fly/spinner                8
• Within 200m of Tapuaekura
Bay Stream mouth, Hauparu
Bay Stream mouth, Ruato Bay
Stream mouth, Waiiti Stream
mouth and the Pipe.
                    All year                        Fly fishing only from
                                                                                          1 April to 30 September       8
• Within 300m of the Ohau
Channel delta landmark               1 Oct – 30 Jun          Fly fishing only                       8
Rotoma Lake excepting
areas below.                                  All year                      Artificial fly/spinner                8
• Winter shoreline areas
between landmarks at Anaputa
Point and Matahi Bay, and
between landmarks in
Manawahe Bay both extending
200m offshore.                             1 Oct – 30 Jun           Artificial fly/spinner                8
Rotomahana Lake                         All year                      Artificial fly/spinner               8
Rotorua Lake excepting
areas below.                                  All year                       Artificial fly/spinner                8*
• Within 200m of Awahou
Stream mouth.                              All year                       Fly fishing only                        8*
• Within 200m of Ohau
Channel entrance.                        All year                        Fly fishing only                       8*
Ruahihi Canal                                All year                        Artificial fly/spinner               2
Ruakituri River and tributaries
(excluding Hangaroa)
upstream of Te Reinga Falls        1 Oct – 30 Jun             Fly fishing only                       2
Tarawera Lake excepting
areas below                                   1 Oct – 30 Jun            Artificial fly/spinner               8
• Within 200m of Te Wairoa
Stream mouth.                              1 Oct – 30 Jun            Fly fishing only from
                                                                                            1 April to 30 June                 8
                                                                                            female trout only
• Within 200m of the mouths
of Wairua Stream, Twin Creeks
and the Tarawera Outlet.            1 Oct – 30 Jun              Fly fishing only from
                                                                                             1 April to 30 June 8
• Winter shoreline area from
Tarawera Outlet landmark to
Te Tapahoro Bay landmark
and 200m offshore.                     All year                          Artificial fly/spinner          8
• Winter shoreline area from
Te Wairoa Landing landmark
to Otumutu Lagoon landmark
and 200m offshore, excluding
landmarked stream mouths
as below in italics:                        All year                           Artificial fly/spinner           8
• Within 200m of the Landing,
the Orchard and Waitangi
Stream mouths.
                          All year                             Fly fishing only from
                                                                                              1 April to 30 September   8
Tarawera River from the
outlet to the Tarawera
falls, excluding the
spawning sanctuary.                 1 Oct – 31 May                 Fly fishing only                    8
Tarawera River from the
falls to Highway 2.                     All year                              Artificial fly/spinner             2
Tarawera River
downstream of Highway 2.      All year                              Artificial fly/ spinner/bait    No limit Tikitapu Lake                             All year                              Artificial fly/spinner             8
Tiniroto Lakes                           All year                              Artificial fly/spinner             2 Utuhina Stream downstream
of Devon Road Bridge.            All year                               Artificial fly/spinner            8*
Utuhina Stream upstream
of Devon Road Bridge but
downstream of Pukehangi
Road Bridge.                            1 Dec – 30 Jun              Artificial fly/spinner           8*
Waikareiti Lake                        All year                          Artificial fly/spinner           8 Waikaremoana Lake
excepting area below.            All year                          Artificial fly/spinner           8*
• Within 200m downstream
of Hopuruahine and Mokau
landmark poles.                       All year                            Fly fishing only                    8*
Waikaretaheke River
downstream of Piripaua
Powerhouse.                            All year                              Artificial fly/spinner             2
Waiau River downstream
of the Waikaretaheke River
confluence.                              All year                             Artificial fly/spinner             2
Waikato River from Huka
Falls to Maraetai.                     All year                               Artificial fly/ spinner/bait        No limit Waimana River
downstream of
Matahi Bridge.                         All year                                Artificial fly/spinner              2
Waioeka River
downstream of
Tauranga Stream
confluence.                          All year                                  Artificial fly/spinner               2
Waioeka River
downstream of Highway
2 Bridge.                              All year                                   Artificial fly/ spinner/bait     No limit
Wairoa River downstream
of Te Reinga Falls to
Highway 2.                            All year                                  Artificial fly/spinner              2
Wairoa River
downstream of Highway
2 Bridge.                               All year                                  Artificial fly/ spinner/bait     No limit
Wairoa River (Tauranga)
downstream of Lake
McLaren.                               All year                                Artificial fly/spinner                2
Wairoa River (Tauranga)
downstream of Highway
2 Bridge.                               All year                                 Artificial fly/ spinner/bait       No limit
Waiteti Stream
downstream of
Hamurana Road.                  All year                               Artificial fly/spinner                 8*
Waiteti Stream upstream
of Hamurana Road.             1 Dec – 30 Jun                   Artificial fly/spinner                  8*
Whakamarino Lake
(Tuai Lake)                             1 Oct – 30 Jun                   Fly fishing only                         8*
Whakamaru Lake                  All year                              Artificial fly/ spinner/bait        No limit Whakatane River down
-stream of Owaka Stream
confluence.                           All year                               Artificial fly/spinner                 2 Whakatane River
downstream of the Highway
2 Bridge.                                All year                              Artificial fly/ spinner/bait         No limit
Wheao River                        All year                               Artificial fly/spinner 2 Bag limits denoted by 8* mean no licence holder shall kill more than 2 brown trout in a daily bag limit of 8 trout.

3. CLOSED WATERS

No licence holder shall fish for sports fish at any time from the following waters:

3.1 All streams flowing into Lake Tarawera and that portion of the Tarawera River enclosed by landmarks at the Lake Tarawera Outlet and extending approximately 150m downstream to landmarks in the river, otherwise known as the Tarawera Outlet Spawning Sanctuary.

3.2 The Utuhina Stream upstream of the Pukehangi Road Bridge and all tributaries of this stream. 3.3 The following streams and their tributaries which flow into Lake Rotorua:
(a) The Awahou, Waiowhiro, Waiohewa, Waingaehe, Waimataa and Waikuta Streams.
(b) The Hamurana Stream upstream of the Hamurana Road Bridge.
3.4 All springs, streams and their tributaries which flow into Lake Waikareiti, and into or from Lakes Rotoma, Rotoehu, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Okataina and Rotoiti except the Ohau Channel and the Kaituna River.
3.5 The section of the Ruahihi Canal between the landmarks at the southern end of the canal which enclose the artificial spawning bed.

​4. AUTHORISED TACKLE 4.1 No licence holder shall fish for sports fish with a set rod unless he or she is fishing from a boat. 4.2 Downriggers, paravanes and metal cored or wire lines are prohibited in Lakes Waikaremoana and Waikareiti. 5. BAIT FISHING WATERS No licence holder when fishing in bait fishing waters shall use any whole fish sourced from any water other than that where the fishing is occurring. 6. COARSE FISHING WATERS There are no defined coarse fishing waters in the Eastern Region. 7. USE OF BOATS 7.1 No licence holder shall fish for trout from a boat in the following waters: (a) That section of the Tarawera Outlet enclosed by landmarks. (b) The designated winter shoreline-fishing areas on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina (clause 2 for this region) from 1 July to 30 September. Note 1)No boats are allowed to pass through the Tarawera Outlet Spawning Sanctuary at any time. Note 2)No boats are permitted under the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaws 2004 to anchor in the Ohau Channel. 7.2 No licence holder shall fish for trout from any unanchored boat: (a) in waters that, at any time of the year, are reserved for fly fishing only except in Lake Whakamarino (Tuai). (b) in waters that are within a 200m radius around the centre of the Utuhina, Waiteti, Ngongotaha and Hamurana Stream mouths in Lake Rotorua. (c) in waters that are within the section of Rangiuru Bay 

​
​
  • Home
  • About
  • Book a Trip
    • Rates and Bookings more info
    • Make a Deposit
  • Packages
    • Rites of Spring
    • High Country
    • Mataura River fly fishing guide
    • Out of Dunedin
    • Central South Island
    • Introduction to New Zealand Fly Fishing Techniqes
    • Corporate Retreats
  • References
  • General Info
    • New Zealand River Flows
    • New Zealand Fly Box
    • What to Bring
    • F.A.Q
    • New Zealand Fishing Regulations
  • 中文
    • 特惠
    • 价格及预约
  • 日本語
    • マタウラ川の神秘
    • 荒野渔夫的用户评价及推荐