Lake Okareka is a short drive from Rotorua township. It is a small sheltered lake surrounded by hills and highly recommended for family fishing.

Due to its close proximity to Rotorua township there is now a sizable permanent population residing in a small settlement on the western shore.

Access map

View the MetService weather forecast.

See the Environment Bay of Plenty website for:

- A report card on the lake water quality.

- Lake use map and lake closure notices

View the lake level.

Lake Okareka is well-sheltered making it fishable except in the most extreme weather conditions. Most of the lake is surrounded by open land and bush. As there are no feeder streams of note the lake is dependent upon stocking for the maintenance of the trout population. As a consequence, numbers of fish are good and the condition of those caught is often superb.

There are many opportunities for the shoreline angler. At the western end Boyes beach that is a great place to target fish at change of light and at night. Wading is safe  around the western, southern and northern sections with only the northern area suitable for boat fishing.

While there are good opportunities for shoreline fishing, the best fishing is done by boat. Trolling is the preferred and most popular method of catching fish although fly fishing from a boat can also be very successful.

Those wishing to fish from the shore will find plenty of opportunities at Boyes Beach and at a number of small bays around the western shoreline. Fish can often be spotted as they cruise the shoreline along the weed beds. Good polarising glasses therefore are essential. Fishing from the shore can be most productive either early in the morning
or in the evening when fish often come very close in to the shoreline.

Nymphs:
Lightly weighted Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, Halfback, Caddis and stonefly patterns fished on a floating line can be effective when fishing close to the shoreline weed beds.

Dry flies:
In November and December Green Beetle patterns can be very successful and in late summer Cicada and Blowfly patterns work well.

Wet flies / Streamers:
Hamill's Killer, Mrs Simpson and any smelt pattern such as Parsons Glory, Grey Ghost or Rabbit pattern in light colours. At night use dark colours with such flies as Black Fuzzy Wuzzy and Woolly Buggers

Spinners: Small Black and Gold  Toby's, bright coloured Tasmanian Devils and Cobras.