Lake Rotoaira
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Lake Rotoaira is a shallow lake that has a large population of hard fighting rainbow trout and is a very productive fishery. Note that an entry permit is required in addition to a Taupo licence. |
| Fish type | Rainbow trout |
| Situation | Although a natural lake, Rotoaira has been extensively modified for hydro electric generation purposes and water is diverted to it to be used at times of peak generation. It lies about 20 minutes drive south of Turangi and requires a separate fishing licence as well as the usual Taupo licence to fish it. |
| Maps | |
| Check conditions |
View the rainfall. View the MetService weather forecast. |
| Description |
Because water is diverted into Rotoaira during times of low electricity demand and then diverted to the Tongariro Power Station during times of peak demand, the lake levels fluctuate and there can be different currents at different times at inlets and outlets to the lake. Rotoaira is a shallow lake. The large amount of weed around the margins produce good food for the large population of rainbow trout. This lake was used as a venue for the 28th World Fly Fishing Championships. |
| Fish numbers and size | A reasonable population of rainbow trout in the 1-1.5 kg (2-4lb) range |
| Access | The lake is reached by taking SH46 which turns of SH1 at Rangipo, or by taking SH47 which leads of SH41 at the Tokaanu Junction. There are boat ramps at the northern end of the lake just off SH47 and at the south west corner of SH46. See the Lake Rotoaira access map. |
| Recommended tackle |
A 6 to 7 weight rod A weight-forward or double taper floating line 6 metre leader of 2.5 kg monfilament A spinning rod with 6lb line Either a bubble float and suspended fly or dark bladed spinners. |
| Recommended lures |
Nymphs: Hare and Copper, Halfback, Pheasant Tail and green caddis patterns patterns in sizes 12 to 16 Dry flies: Daddy Long Legs and Coch-y-Bondu. Cicada patterns and Green Beetle in summer. Wet flies/streamers:
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| Tributaries |
Tributaries include: |
| Regulations (1) | |
| Applicable to | Lake Rotoaira |
| Region | Taupo fishery area regulations |
| Entry permit |
In addition to a current Taupo licence, a separate entry permit is required to fish Lake Rotoaira. The permits, issued by the Lake Rotoaira Trust Board, can be bought from:
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| Season | 1 September to 30 June (and 1 Dec to 30 June in Rotoaira Channel) |
| Methods | All legal Taupo methods |
| Bag limit | 6 |
| Size limit (cm) | 35 cm minimum |
| Regulations (2) | |
| Applicable to | All rivers and streams flowing into Lake Rotoaira (including the Poutu Aqueduct) except the Wairehu Canal |
| Region | Taupo fishery area regulations |
| Season | Closed |
| Methods | Not applicable |
| Bag limit | None |
| Size limit (cm) | Not applicable |
