Tongariro River
The Tongariro River is the largest and most important spawning river in the Taupo District. Each year an estimate is made of how many fish run the river to spawn, and this gives an indication of the health of the fishery.
The Tongariro is well known all over the world for the fishing opportunities it provides. Ever since Zane Grey fished the river and promoted it in his book "Angler’s Eldorado” in the 1920’s, the river has gained a reputation as a world-class river to fish for prime rainbow and brown trout.
Today, on any one day in the spawning season, over the winter period in NZ, up to 80 or more anglers can be seen fishing the pools of the Tongariro. The Tongariro National Trout Centre is nestled beside the river and the displays at the centre help to provide visitors with information on river fishing and the history of fishing in the area.
Other popular rivers to fish at Taupo are the Hinemaiaia River at Hatepe, the Tauranga-Taupo River and the Waitahanui. The Taupo District provides plenty of streams and tributaries that flow into these rivers and all combine to provide trout with outstanding spawning habitat, and protected areas for rearing young fish.
A special feature of the Taupo District is that the lower parts of the main rivers are open to fishing all year around, and very exciting sport can be had over the winter period as the trout run the rivers to spawn.
New anglers to the area are encouraged to contact one of the many guides in the area to learn how to fish at Taupo, or to speak to the staff at the local fishing stores. Licences can be bought from most fishing and outdoor stores in the region.
