The South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau extends 60km from its southern outlet near Lake Manapouri to its northern tip at the famed Milford Track.

The lake’s western shore is rugged and bush-covered, with two fiords extending into the Fiordland mountains, while the farmed eastern side is straighter, drier and grass covered.

Access map

View the lake level.

View the MetService weather forecasts.

For sheltered spinning, try the eastern shore from the Rodeo Ground next to Te Anau township, or any access point from there up to Te Anau Downs harbour.

From a boat, trolling is deservedly popular at the lake outlet or the stretch of eastern shore from the township to Patience Bay. Most fishing from the shore is done by spinning though there can be good fly fishing around stream mouths where they enter the lake.

Fish can be hard to spot but the shallow delta at the mouth of the Eglinton offers good visibility.

Road access

Lakeside access is plentiful off SH94 from Te Anau up to Milford Sound. A gravel road from Te Anau Downs harbour takes you to the Eglinton River confluence. Boat access

Either from Te Anau township at the southern edge, or at Te Anau Downs harbour, 29km from Te Anau on SH94. See the Lake Te Anau access map.

Nymphs:
Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, Sandy Case Caddis.

Dry flies:
Coch-y-Bondhu, Green beetle, Adams

Wet flies / Streamers:
Red Setter, Hairy Dog, Mrs Simpson, Craig’s Night Time.

Spinners: Green and brown Cobras, Black and Gold Tobys, Rapalas and Tasmanian Devils

Tributaries to Lake Te Anau include:
- Upukerora River
- Eglinton River
- Clinton River

- Glaisnock River

- Worsley River