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Best Places to Catch Trout: NZ & AU Picks
Local Hotspots and Hidden Gems:
Where to Find the Best Brown and Rainbow Trout in New Zealand & Tasmania
We asked, and you delivered! To kick off the trout fishing season, we launched a competition to find the best trout fishing spots across New Zealand’s backcountry and Australia’s epic lakes and rivers. From the Bay of Plenty, all the way down to Gore, and even Tasmania’s hidden gems, these entries showcase some incredibly stunning locations where you might just land your next big catch. Scroll down to explore the entries or check out our trout fishing map to find a prime spot near you!
New Zealand:
McLaren Fall Park Lake, Omanawa
Submitted by Daniel
"Super fishy spot with loads of beautiful rainbows and even some big browns, loads of bird life and super nice scenery."
Lake Rotoma, Rotorua
Submitted by Ray
"A great spot."
LakeTaupō, Taupō
Submitted by Sohaib
"Ideal location, take family around with tons of activity for family."
Lake Taupō, Turangi
Submitted by Liz
"Streams around Tūrangi that lead into Lake Taupo."
Lake Otamangakau, Ruapehu
Submitted by James
"The home of the big fish. Located next to Mt Ruapehu this stunning lake that provides challenging fishing for trophy size trout."
Lake Waikaremoana, Hawke's Bay
Submitted by Archie
"This is my favourite spot at the rivers around Lake Waikaremoana."
Located in Te Urewera Park.
@archie_mccallum_ 📍The lake #flyfishing #trout #livingthedream #nofishwereharmed ♬ original sound - cheekychowmein
Te Urewera, Hawke's Bay
Submitted by Jason
"Troutee of trout holes deep in the north island jungle valley. Te Urewera gold."
Everett Park, Taranaki
Submitted by Koby
"Everett Park is a absolutely beautiful spot with a wonderful river flowing though it off the Waitara River Everett park is a well known fishing spot with multiple access points around to the public Everett park holds around 8 pools with tons of trout around veering is sizes beautiful browns and rainbows."
Access through Everett Road.
Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki
Submitted by Jake
"It's one of my favourite locations providing some of the most beautiful brown trout."
Waipawa River, Hawke's Bay
Submitted by Scott
"Walker Road access the tuki tuki in summer time lots of fish can be seen in the pools."
Access through Walker Road.
Ōhau River, Levin
Submitted by Miles
Ruamahanga River, Wairarapa
Submitted by Johnny
"Beautiful mixture of shallow fast flowing and slow moving deep water. Ideal for fly and lure fishing. Predominately Brown trout with the odd rainbow."
Access through Glenmorven Road, Morrisons Bush.
Wairau River, Marlborough
Submitted by Jordan
"Our fav fishing spot and right by our house. Our girls love playing and feasting while mum and dad fish ❤️."
Cobden Bridge, Greymouth
Submitted by Oliver
"This place is magical during whitebait season. Head below the Cobden bridge as the sun is setting and be prepared to fight. No mater how often I go I always come back with a fish. Trout seems to love the whitebait and lights of the bridge. This is also a must-stop for kids, quick and entertaining. Great spot for all without the travel if you live local."
Lake Alexandrina, Near Tekapo
Submitted by Diane
"It's a beautiful peaceful lake filled with rainbow trout. Our family enjoys trolling from our row boat and our kids favourite is casting off the jetties. It's a great spot off the beaten track."
Tekapo Canal, Lake Tekapo
Submitted by Martin
"Super easy for the kids to get a fish, the wild fish can be quite fatty, but are large and great eating. Keep downstream from the fish farms."
Ōpihi River, Timaru
Submitted by Nathan
"Sea Run Brown Trout heaven on the single spey rod."
Lake Dunstan, Cromwell
Submitted by Jordan
"I Love fishing Lake Dunstan, it's very accessible, great drop offs, wicked weedlines, and most importantly loaded with brown trout."
Southern Rivers, Gore
Submitted by Robbie
"Heaps off backwaters spring creeks."
Australia:
Curries River Reservoir, George Town, Tasmania
Submitted by Jason
"Love the place. It's only 10 minute drive from home."
Access through Bridport Road.
Lake Rowallan, Mersey Valley, Tasmania
Submitted by Ben
"Beautiful spot to camp and catch a trout or just relax in the sun."
Lake Skinner, Southwest, Tasmania
Submitted by Arthur
"This lake is in the south west of Tasmania, it is a 3 hour hike into this remote alpine lake but it’s well worth it as it is filled with quite the population of beautiful wild rainbow trout that have the most unique colours ever. The water is crystal clear and mainly comes from snow melt from the rocky ridge above it, lake skinner was also formed by a glacier."
