Access map

Lake Mahinerangi is a large man made lake that is well stocked with both brown and some perch. It is nearly 2,000 feet it can get very windswept and cold making it a fishery best suited to the warmer months. This lake generally fishes best when the lake level has been relatively high and stable for some time. When drawn down the lake can have extensive mud flats along the water’s edge. Lake levels can be checked by ringing Trust Power on 03 489 3339.

There is good shoreline access around much of the lake though a small boat will open up much more water as much of the shoreline is forested with pine and fir trees. All methods work at times though the majority of fish are taken by harling or trolling. On calm evenings and morning there is often a good midge hatch.

In summer schools of perch often cruise the shoreline. These are great fun for young anglers using small spinning lures and worms. Worm fishing from the shoreline has traditionally been popular and a good method of catching some of the larger brown trout. Young perch imitations such as some of the soft plastic lures can be particularly successful in spring when targeting the brown trout.

Nymphs:
Mayfly nymph patterns such as a pheasant tail work throughout the year. Damselfly nymphs are effective during the warmer months and midge and caddis patterns fished just subsurface on warm summer evenings. Bead head nymphs work well on perch.

Dry flies:
The lake is best fished with a dry fly from mid November (with beetle and mayfly patterns such as an adams) and later in summer with a cicada or hopper pattern. Midge patterns work well especially on warm summers evenings.

Wet flies:
The usually patterns such as a Woolly Bugger or something to imitate a small bully such as a Hamills Killer.

Spinners: Rapalas, and bladed spinners such as a veltic or mepps. Soft plastic perch imitations are also very effective.