Lake Tarawera

The southwestern corner, at the end of Tarawera Road, where the Te Wairoa Stream comes in. One of the best shore platforms on the lake, with parking and toilets. It sits in the winter shoreline area from The Landing to Otumutu Lagoon, open all year, with no fishing from a boat from 1 July to 1 October. The stream is closed, and within 200 m of its mouth landmark only female trout may be taken.

Best for: Rainbow trout from the shore at dawn, dusk and night, from April into winter, on sinking lines and dark flies after dark

The western shore off Spencer Road, from Kāriri Point past Rangiuru Bay to Stoney Point. A good shore platform, inside the winter shoreline area, so open all year to shore anglers. No fishing from a boat here from 1 July to 1 October.

Best for: Rainbow trout from the shore as they move into the shallows before spawning, April to August

The northwestern bay where the Waitangi Stream comes in, toward Otumutu Lagoon. A winter shoreline spot, open all year from the shore. The stream itself is closed.

Best for: Rainbow trout off the stream mouth from the shore, through autumn and winter

The eastern end of the lake, where the Tarawera River leaves. The second winter shoreline area runs from the outlet landmark to Te Tapahoro Bay, 200 m out, open all year with no fishing from a boat from 1 July to 1 October. The outlet itself and about 150 m of river below it are a spawning sanctuary, closed to fishing, and no boat may pass through it. No road access: come by boat or on foot to the DOC campsite.

Best for: Rainbow trout from the shore near the outlet, through autumn and winter

The deep, clear main body of the lake, down to 87 m. Boat water, open 1 October to 30 June. In summer the trout hold at 20 to 30 m, reached with lead-core line, a downrigger or a jig. Shallow trolling works from April to December and on cool days.

Best for: Large rainbow trout trolled or jigged deep in summer, on Tobies, Tasmanian Devils and Cobras