Taupō Fishery Focus.

By trout anglers for trout anglers.

Issue 43 – October 2025.

The Labour weekend is often regarded as the transition from winter to summer fishing. That is partially true, but it certainly doesn’t tell the full story.

Spring weather can be variable to say the least, so river anglers need to have a variety of methods in their toolbox. Heavy nymphing and even swinging a wet fly can still deliver when conditions are right. Equally, small nymphs and lighter gear will pay dividends when rivers run clear. Dry dropper combinations will also begin to feature as days get longer and insect activity increases.

There is a mix of trout on offer too. Anglers can still contact chrome fresh run rainbows, but there are higher numbers of recovering fish around, eager to feed and regain condition. These darker coloured fish are less attractive to harvest and eat, but we still encourage anglers to dispatch some of these fish to reduce predation pressure on the limited food resources in Lake Taupō. If you prefer to catch-and-release, then please treat these dark battle-weary wild fish with the respect they deserve.

The shift in season certainly impacts boat anglers. Lake conditions change and rapidly growing pelagic trout will begin to feed on large shoals of smelt, offering a clearer target. Jigging is already starting to fire up, but a range of methods are effective at different times of the day. Fishing tackle stores are always willing to offer advice to visiting anglers, so pop in and get up to speed with what is working and where!

In this edition of the newsletter, you can read a summary of the Creel Survey carried out over winter, hear about a pilot project at Lake Otamangakau, broaden your understanding of compliance, help us combat fly-tipping, and hear about a men’s mental health initiative. Check Clean Dry remains an important tool to protect the Taupō fishery from invasive pest species, so refresh your knowledge below. 

If you are looking to take advantage of the variety of fishing on offer, head over to the Taupō online licence store and pick up your fishing licence before you start. You will find a licence option to suit your needs:
www.doc.govt.nz/FishingLicence

Tight lines.
James Barnett
Editor

Winter Creel Survey.

The winter Creel Survey has concluded and the data analysed. Surveys were undertaken on the Tongariro, Tauranga-Taupō and Hinemaiaia rivers between May and early October 2025. Survey distribution was based on a stratified random sampling model. The number of surveys each month was determined by the known angling effort. Therefore, more surveys were carried out during busy periods.

Tongariro River.

This update focusses on the most heavily fished river in the Taupō District, the Tongariro River, which has been surveyed consistently since 1957. The overall estimated catch rate for the 2025 season was calculated at 0.56 fish per hour (1 legal sized trout every 1 hour & 47 minutes) based upon 551 interviews where anglers had been fishing for at least 15 minutes. This is consistent with recent years and reflects how catch rates have generally improved during the last three decades due to more effective methods and a better understanding of the fishery. Figure 1 shows how Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) has changed over the years.

Tongariro River surveys are broken down into three main sections of river: Lower, Middle and Upper. The Lower section covers SH1 downstream to Lake Taupō, the Middle section is upstream from SH1 to the Red Hut Bridge and the Upper section is from the Red Hut upstream to The Fence Pool.

Tables 1, 2 and 3 show where interviews were completed and provides anglers with an insight into the most popular fishing spots.

The trout.

As part of every Creel Survey, trout that have been caught and kept by anglers are weighed, measured, sexed and their maturity identified. A total of 88 rainbows were measured and weighed by Fishery Rangers this winter on the Tongariro and these fish averaged 511mm and 1.5 kg (3.3lbs) with an overall condition factor of 40.5. The heaviest rainbow trout weighed during the Tongariro surveys was a hen measuring 585mm and weighing 2.2kg (4.8lbs) with a condition factor of 39.5, caught in the upper section of the Tongariro during early September.

Changes over time can be seen in figures 2, 3 and 4.

Satisfaction.

On average, anglers rated the size and quality of the fish that they were catching this season at 6.7 out of 10. Anglers rated their angling success at 5.8 out of 10 which is on par with 2023 but down on last winter. The average angling enjoyment score was 9.2 out of 10. The average score has remained above 9/10 since 2008 which saw poor catch rates and poor fish.

Anglers were also asked if anything detracts or spoils their fishing on the Tongariro River. Almost 72% of anglers asked couldn’t think of anything, while the remainder identified ‘bad manners/poor etiquette’ (9.4%), ‘overcrowding’ (6.5%) and ‘rubbish’ (2.7%).

Methods.

Anglers on the Tongariro River still favoured upstream indicator nymphing techniques with 73.3% of anglers interviewed using this method. This was followed by wet lining on 14.9%, euro nymphing 7.9%, and spey on 3.9%.

In comparison to the previous season, we observed a 5.1% decrease in the use of wet lining and a 4.4% increase in euro nymphing with the popularity of upstream nymphing and spey remaining relatively unchanged.

Conclusion.

The 2025 winter fishing season was relatively wet at the beginning between May and July before a slightly drier August, with showers returning in September. The wet weather helped encourage good runs of trout throughout the season and this was particularly evident on the Tongariro where catch rates peaked in September. Overall, catch rates were very good on the Tongariro this winter.

The average size of rainbow trout was down slightly on those from recent years averaging between 485 and 516mm and 1.4 to 1.5kg across the three rivers surveyed.

The percentage of catch-and-release occurring across all three rivers this winter ranged between 68-78%. This is another slight, welcome reduction compared to previous years, indicating that more anglers harvested fish.

Looking ahead, it is important for anglers to harvest trout from Lake Taupō this summer.  Data is clear, it is critical to keep trout numbers in balance with their main food source (smelt), in order to maintain a healthy trout population.

Further research at Lake Otamangakau.

As part of our ongoing work at Lake Otamangakau we have initiated a pilot for a technical programme that follows on from the catch-and-release study. In this case we are looking to gather specific information about the number of times trout survive catch-and-release at this iconic fishery.

A small number of trout were tagged this winter as part of a pilot study to test the tags ahead of a proposed full study next year. Anglers are asked to keep an eye out for these trout over summer and report any tagged fish caught. Please leave tags in the fish as identifying them is critical to the study. Some of these fish will show up again at our fish trap over winter, so this pilot will also provide information regarding growth and return timing.

The main study is due to start next winter, where approximately 200 browns and 200 rainbows will be tagged and released at the Te Whaiau Stream fish trap. Each of these trout will be fitted with a small silver metal ‘monel tag’ on the dorsal fin – see photo above. Each tag has a unique 4-digit number on it.

Only trout larger than 550mm will be tagged – regulations specify these trout must be released. Anglers will be asked to report the 4-digit code to the Taupo Fishery Team, along with basic catch details (species, sex, date, time, and a photo if possible).  Anglers who provide data will have a chance to win a free licence.

These trout will be tagged during June and July 2026 and will be accessible to anglers during the 2026/27 fishing season.

Compliance, a key tool in fishery management.

Fishery Rangers are frequently asked, “do you find many people fishing without a licence?” ‘Many’ is a subjective term, but we do find plenty of people not following the regulations. On average one in every 20 anglers we encounter is committing an offence of some kind. This can lead to warnings, infringement fines from $200 to $800, and in more serious cases, a court appearance.

Of course we check licences, what is less known, we also check where people are fishing, the gear being used, fish size and numbers caught, as well as eligibility for resident and non-resident licences, among other things.

Why do we do compliance? Quite simply our regulations are a key tool in managing the health and future of this world class wild fishery. There is also an expectation from licence holders that we invest time and effort into preventing and stopping illegal activity that threatens the fishery. Year round our Fishery Rangers patrol the rivers and lakes in the Taupō district.

As summer approaches attention broadens, from our rivers to include lakes. Therefore, you are likely to see Fishery Rangers on the water over the coming months. They will signal you to stop your vessel and come alongside to conduct compliance checks and also to collect data on your fishing and catch. This monitoring data is important because it helps our technical staff develop a picture of how the fishery is performing and helps guide fishing regulations. It is worth adding, Fishery Rangers are all handy with a fishing rod themselves, so hit them up for some hot tips!

Some helpful tips to help you with compliance this Summer. Based on offences we commonly deal with, this information may help you remain compliant when out fishing this summer. A little bit of preparation and making yourself aware of what the rules are will help you and our team:

• If you have a fishing licence, you MUST have it with you when fishing. Your licence card, a screenshot or photo, the PDF we emailed you on screen or printed all work for us, with ID.
• Ensure everyone fishing has their own licence. You can’t licence a rod or a boat or use someone else’s licence.
• Only licence holders can be holding a rod at any time. Even when Rangers ask you to bring them in for a compliance check.
• Adults assisting children where both are actively holding the rod need a licence each, or both be on a family licence.
• Family licences are for partners, parents or grandparents and up to four of their children or grandchildren. No mates, uncles, cousins, or neighbours sorry.
• Resident licences are for all NZ citizens and people with permanent resident status. Everyone else requires a non-resident licence.
• White marker poles with black and yellow stripes at river and stream mouths require you to be 200m away if trolling, spinning or jigging.

Importantly read up on the regulations and be aware that all breaches are taken seriously:

• Rules and regulations – what you need to know.  The page contains links to a summary of the regulations as well as the latest Taupō Anglers Notice and the Taupō Fishery Regulations 2004.

We hope the coming season is a good one for you. Our monitoring over the last year suggests there are great numbers of trout to be had in Lake Taupō this Summer. If you see people not sticking to the rules, you can contact us 24/7 on 027 290 7758. We will often be able attend, but if not, your call and any details you can provide will be followed up. 

Help keep our waterways free of rubbish.

It can feel soul destroying when people dump their rubbish beside our pristine waterways. Fishery Rangers are encountering an increasing amount of fly-tipping – not just domestic rubbish but also animal carcasses and offal.

Fishery Rangers get stuck into the repulsive work of clearing this mess to protect the health and safety of anglers and to conserve the natural environment that visitors to our world-famous fishery expect. Fly-tipping is not only an assault on our fishery but clearing up the mess diverts Rangers away from other important fishery management tasks.

The key to reducing this problem is early detection, and this is where the angling community can help. If you see rubbish or anyone actively dumping rubbish in an angler car park or beside a river, please report it immediately. Call us on the Taupō fishery duty number – 027 290 7758.

Dumping rubbish is illegal, with offenders risking a fine of $5,000 for general rubbish or $7,500 for higher risk material that could cause an injury or infection.

Supporting men’s mental health.

Recent studies have revealed the mental health benefits of fishing. In recognition, the DOC Taupō fishery management team is supporting a local men’s mental health initiative by providing free fishing licences.

Te Mātāpuna o te Mauri (the men’s flyfishing group) is run by Health Coach Troy Taylor from the Pinnacle Midlands Health Network with Remi Bertelsen as Co-Facilitator. The group provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment where men can come together to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. The program is designed to foster open dialogue, build resilience, and support participants in taking positive steps toward improved health and well-being.

Health Coach Troy Taylor says, “The program draws on the therapeutic benefits of Te Tai Ao, the natural environment, by engaging participants in outdoor activity along rivers and streams. This setting not only supports mental well-being through connection with nature but also encourages physical activity and provides new perspectives on the challenges of daily life.”

Find out more online: Supporting men’s mental health: Taupō Fishery articles

Increased biosecurity risk.

The long Labour weekend traditionally marks an escalation in boat traffic within the Taupō Fishing District, and with it comes an increased biosecurity risk.

Boat anglers have a greater capacity to transfer unwanted aquatic pests. High risk areas of a boat include anchors, warps, chains and anchor wells, around the transom and prop, and anywhere where water can collect such as the deck, footwells and bilge. Trailers are also very high risk, with wheels, wheel arches, rollers, winches and lighting components often accumulating aquatic vegetation. These areas should all be inspected and cleaned.

Check Clean Dry is an essential tool designed to protect against aquatic invaders. All anglers should become familiar with CCD protocols and weave them into their regular fishing routines.

Head to our recent Facebook post for more information>

Waipa fish trap, an insight into the Taupo fishery.

As part of our ongoing work to share technical fishery information with the angling community, we regularly post the latest trap data from our fish trap on the Waipa Stream – an important trout spawning tributary for the Tongariro River.  It is incredible to think that trout migrate up stream for 24 kilometres just to reach the trap!

Data has been consistently collected from this location since 1998, providing a valuable record of how the fishery has changed over time. Fishery Rangers record the numbers of trout, their sex, length, weight and iteroparity (how many times individual fish have spawned). From this data we also determine Condition Factor, which gives an insight into food availability in Lake Taupō.

Visit our website to find out more about the fish trap and to view the latest data:  Waipa Stream fish trap reports>