Lake Wānaka

The delta at the head of the lake, where the Makarora comes in below State Highway 6. Trout and landlocked quinnat salmon gather off the drop-off in autumn, most of all in March and April when the whitebait run, and more of the lake's salmon are caught here than anywhere else. The lake trout run up the river to spawn in autumn and winter. The Wharf Creek boat ramp is beside it.

Best for: Brown trout, rainbow trout and quinnat salmon on a sinking line and a whitebait pattern such as a Grey Ghost, from the shore or a boat

The long eastern shore of the upper lake, where State Highway 6 runs close above the water between the Makarora delta and the Neck. Stream mouths such as Boundary Creek and Camp Creek break up the shoreline, and the DOC campsite at Boundary Creek and the ramp at Camp Creek are the easy ways in.

Best for: Brown trout and rainbow trout cruising the drop-offs and stream mouths, on nymphs, damsels or a bully pattern

A long, quiet arm on the eastern side of the lower lake, reached by boat from Roys Bay or Dublin Bay. Otago Fish & Game describes it as a productive autumn fishery where rainbows are the most common catch, with the odd brown trout or salmon. Trolling with lead line at 10 to 20 m is the usual method, and fly anglers work the edges and stream mouths.

Best for: Rainbow trout from a boat, trolled or on a sinking line, in autumn

The south-east corner of the lake, where Dublin Bay leads round to the outlet of the Clutha Mata-Au. There is a boat ramp at Dublin Bay. The river below the outlet is a separate water with its own rules, including the fly-only Deans Bank section 1 km downstream. The town end of Roys Bay is closed to fishing within 150 m of the Wānaka launch wharf and the marina jetty, and along the shore between them.

Best for: Brown trout and rainbow trout along the shore and drop-offs, and a launch for the lower lake

The shallow, weedy bays of West Wānaka, along the Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road. This is the sight-fishing water of the lake. Browns cruise slowly along the edge within a few metres of the shore, so stay out of the water and watch before you cast. From late August, post-spawn browns patrol the stony margins for bullies and dragonfly nymphs, and in summer they take cicadas, beetles and blowflies. Glendhu Bay has a boat ramp.

Best for: Sight fishing to cruising brown trout with damsel, midge and snail nymphs, bully streamers and summer cicada and beetle dries, on a long, fine leader

The north-west corner of West Wānaka, just north of Paddock Bay, where the Matukituki River builds a wide delta into the lake. Like the Makarora mouth, it fishes all year and best in autumn, when trout and salmon gather to feed on native fish and whitebait moving in and out of the river. The Matukituki itself has its own seasons above the lake.

Best for: Brown trout, rainbow trout and quinnat salmon at the drop-off, on sinking lines and baitfish streamers