Fisheries & Seasons

Central Fisheries

Lake Taupo Fishery

The Lake Taupo fishery is one of the world’s premier wild rainbow trout fisheries and is a much-underrated brown trout fishery.

The Tongariro River fishing offers fishing throughout the seasons. The river is famous for prolific spawning runs of rainbow trout during the autumn/winter and in the summer, offers sight fishing for trophy-size brown trout. Rainbow trout range in size from 2-6lb+ and brown trout mostly from 4-10lb+

There are many smaller Taupo winter fly fishing streams on the eastern side of Lake Taupo that are superb winter Rainbow trout fisheries, and in the summer offer stream mouth fishing either wading or from a boat.

A Taupo-Tongariro region full-day trip is the best option or if you want two very different experiences, you could also consider a wilderness day trip.

Backcountry Wilderness

During the warmer months from Spring to Autumn, there is – within 45-90mins from Taupo or Turangi – phenomenal fly fishing amongst world-class scenery.

The relatively accessible backcountry fishery comes alive with feeding fish that can be targeted nymphing and in the warmer months, with dry fly and dropper fishing. The cicada ‘hatch’ from January-February can offer some sensational dry fly fishing on during the summer season on the Tongariro River and the backcountry rivers.

The high country lakes of the Tongariro National Park region offer still water fishing for trophy-size Rainbow and Brown trout that can often exceed 10lb+.

All destinations can be reached as day trips from Taupo or included in a multi-day regional Central North Island road trip staying where you are fishing. All trips can be tailored to the experience and mobility of anglers.

Booking Here

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Fishing Seasons

Spring | September-November

1 October is the opening date for most waters that have been closed since the autumn, backcountry and local Taupo headwater fisheries, and the lakes of the Tongariro National Park.

Early spring is often a great time to target the smaller tributary streams of some of the major river systems before water levels fall, and the trout retreat to the middle reaches during November and December. Great opportunities for nymph fishing on 4-6 weight gear.

At the beginning of the season, there will still be opportunities for fresh run spawning fish in the Lake Taupo tributaries nymphing, downstream Skagit style fishing, or on the warmer evenings, dry fly mayfly hatches.

Later in the spring, there are runs of spawning Brown trout beginning, and as shallow lakes begin to warm there are abundant opportunities for trophy-size Rainbow and Brown trout either stalking the shallows or ‘loch’ style fishing.

Summer | December-February

Early summer right before the annual NZ summer holiday period the rivers are often a little less crowded and insect life has become much more prolific. Backcountry fishing in the middle and lower reaches of rivers come into its own for nymph and under the right conditions, dry fly fishing.

By January-February the larger terrestrials are on the wing and can present wonderful opportunities for dry fly fishing with larger bugs. The traditional dry dropper combination on 5-7-weight rods is the go-to method though there are sometimes opportunities for sight fishing – particularly on the Tongariro River. Caddis and mayfly hatches are in full swing and the fish are usually on the feed.

Lake fishing in the shallower lakes improves as the water really heats up and this is a particularly good time to target the fish in deeper thermoclines or, where colder water streams enter warmer lakes. By late summer trout have had plenty of time to put on condition and is often when some of the largest fish are caught.

Autumn | March-May

As the temperatures begin to cool trout seek out spawning opportunities, move closer to shore, and begin to ascend the tributary streams from lakes and larger rivers. Backcountry fish are often in the best condition of the year and in the tributary streams of the Central North Island, Brown trout spawning runs will be in full swing.

Later in the Autumn, the first runs of the Lake Taupo streams will begin. Stream mouth fishing also starts to fire up. Autumn is the time of year that offers the widest possible range of fishing opportunities. Some fisheries close at the end of April and others at the end of May.

A 5-7 weight setup will suffice though as fish will tend to be deeper the need to work toward the heavier end with well-weighted flies will be necessary at times, particularly during higher water conditions. Autumn mayfly and midge hatches can be prolific and may offer up some timely dry fly opportunities.

Winter | June-August

The Taupo-Tongariro fishery has rightly earned its world-famous Rainbow trout fishing reputation from the large numbers of spawning Rainbows that gather and then ‘run’ up the tributary rivers of Lake Taupo. In the Rotorua District, the majority of spawning happens on the beaches in the lakes.

As this is a time for larger flows and deeper holding fish a 6-8 weight setup is recommended. Deeply sunken attractor-style nymphs and large streamer flies fished Skagit style are the way to go. Fish mostly range between 3-5lb and in the right conditions – often when rivers are receding after a fresh – are in plentiful supply.

Most backcountry rivers are now fully closed and other rivers will close during the earlier parts of winter, before reopening in the spring. Being first on the rivers at this time of year is often very important for success, so early starts are the norm.

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Client Reviews

“My husband and I had a great time fishing with Rob. He was kindly able to book us the night before, after our original plan changed. I had not been fly fishing before and really appreciated the time Rob took with me to teach and instruct me on the basics. He gave my husband some really great instruction as well, even though he already does know how to fly fish. My husband was able to land some huge fish and I became well practiced at landing a few myself that Rob had hooked for me. By the end of the day I actually was able to cast, hook, and land one on my own! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and Rob provided all the gear. And we also enjoyed his company and talking with him during the day and the drive to and from our fishing spot. Thanks so much Rob!”

Britt Davis, California USA, January 2020

“Had an awesome day with Rob guiding ‘back Country’. Really remote, rugged beauty. Quite demanding physically but well worth the effort with wild rainbows and browns caught up to 5lb although much bigger are present. Really enjoyed Rob’s company, knowledge and enthusiasm. He is also a great photographer with many memories captured on film. Highly recommend his services for a great experience.”

Steve Mason, England, December 2019

“I was lucky enough to have a time-slot open to fish in the Tongariro region and Rob guided me for a day. He showed me where the fish were lying in each spot and, shared some of his secret locations. As I was time pressed hiring a guide with great local knowledge proved to be a sound decision. I'll certainly book him again next time I am coming through the region and would recommend the experience to others too.”

Tim Haynes, Auckland NZ, March 2019

“Every time I’m in NZ I will not hesitate to contact Rob for a fishing trip. He has intricate knowledge of all the best spots for fishing in the area and you will never be disappointed! From where to fish and what flies to use, Rob knows it all. He’s the man to bring you to places where few have ventured. Rob is also a very good teacher and my fly fishing skills has improved under his guidance.”

Shapy Khan, Singapore, February 2019

“Rob is an experienced guide that knows where to fish in the Tongariro and surrounding rivers to catch those big Rainbows we all dream about. He doesn’t take you to the normal spots unless the fish are active there. Rob is easy to get along with, he is willing to adjust plans to your every wish and I guarantee you will catch fish. Not only did my fishing skills improve but I got the opportunity to see and experience the beautiful wilderness surroundings of New Zealand Fishing”

David Vanacore, Los Angeles, California USA, January 2018

“I had an excellent when I fished with Rob in December 2016. He introduced me to the essential Kiwi fishing techniques and got me into some good fishing off the beaten track along the TongariRiverver. In some tough conditions he kept the tension high and provided me with some very helpful advice on good fishing spots for the rest of my trip all over New Zealand. It was fun fishing with him and not to forget; at the end of a tough and hot fishing day, back at the car he had some ice cold beer ready!”

Christian Thaladimer, Norway, March 2017

“My wife and I novice plus fly fishermen. Spent two days with Riverstone Fly Fishing Guides, Rob supplied all our gear plus a delicious lunch and was very patient with us casting. We anded 6 nice rainbows and lost lots of others, wonderful locations and had one fish for dinner yummy. I would highly recommend this experience for those seeking out guides who really go the extra mile in terms of catering to your needs, and providing an immersive experience with great local knowledge in beautiful New Zealand Fishing locations.”

Dave Yonders, New York USA, April 2016

“Andrew thank you so much for your time and patience in teaching us to fly fishing in New Zealand's beautiful North Island. A 5 & 6-pound brown trout each and then 3 more rainbow trout by the end of the day! Still telling our friends how fantastic the whole experience was and how good we are at fly fishing! We'll definitely be back for more, you've got Adam hooked (he's bought a salt water fly fishing rod & reel), he's practicing in Oz on our salt water rivers to perfect his fly casting technique for our next New Zealand fly fishing trip to the Central North Island.”

Llew & Adam Dowley, Australia, January 2016

    
 
 
        
   David Becker 
 6 November 2023
 
 
  I had a fantastic couple of days with Rob. He's a very knowledgeable guide with a nice patient approach. On top of putting me onto plenty of fish he also helped me to substantially improve my casting. Thanks again for a great experience!
  
 
       
   Brittany Sallaberry 
 9 January 2020
 
 
  My husband and I had a great time fishing with Rob. He was kindly able to book us the night before, after our original plan changed. I had not been fly fishing before and really appreciated the time Rob took with me to teach and instruct me on the basics. He gave my husband some really great instruction as well, even though he already does know how to fly fish. My husband was able to land some huge fish and I became well practiced at landing a few myself that Rob had hooked for me. By the end of the day I actually was able to cast, hook, and land one on my own! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and Rob provided all the gear. And we also enjoyed his company and talking with him during the day and the drive to and from our fishing spot. Thanks so much Rob!
  
 
       
   Ph D 
 27 April 2019
 
 
  I booked a day wilderness fly fishing with Rob Henderson and it was truly wilderness. Had an awesome day at the river with over 10 fish weighing up to 5 pounds, but there were even bigger ones. Despite I ha ve been fly fishing for several years, Rob gave me really helpful advice!
I can really recommend Rob as your guide for a beautiful and unforgettable fly fishing trip!
  
 
       
   Tim Haynes 
 9 August 2017
 
 
  I've been fishing with Rob a number of times and always an awesome experience :)
  
 
       
   Steve McLennan 
 26 July 2017
 
 
  Rob can fish!
  
 
       
   Ross Baker 
 24 July 2017
 
 
  After fishing this region for many seasons and guiding guests from his own lodge in Turangi, Rob Henderson knows the Tongariro River intimately - but more important is his wider experience guiding on many other smaller rivers with hidden access points not known to the public.  Highly recommended for back country trips.