Today's Best Fishing Times for
Rotorua, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Solunar
Weather
7-Day
Spots

Fishing Overview for Lake Rotorua

The city’s namesake lake is a renowned trout fishery with easy access, piers, and broad shallow bays that hold rainbow and brown trout. Shore anglers target smelting fish at river mouths on cool evenings, while boat fishers troll or jig the deeper edges and drop-offs in summer. Wind-driven food lines, spring smelt activity, and winter spawning runs from tributaries like Ngongotahā Stream and Waiteti Stream keep action steady year-round.

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 9:37 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    33%
  • Third Quarter Moon - 33% illuminated Third Quarter Moon
Next New Moon in ~5 days on 15th June
  • Distance to earth:
    376,169 km
    Proximity:
    69.3 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Rotorua
New Moon
Mon, 15 Jun
Full Moon
Tue, 30 Jun

Solunar Bite Times

Settings
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  • average Day
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Best fishing times:
  • minor Time:
    12:20 am - 02:20 am
  • major Time:
    06:15 am - 08:15 am
  • minor Time:
    12:10 pm - 02:10 pm
  • major Time:
    06:50 pm - 08:50 pm
All times are displayed in the Pacific/Auckland timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is +12 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). The center shows the current moon phase which is a Third Quarter Moon at 33% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a average day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. Today some bite times coincide with sunrise or sunset. Those will be particularly good times for fishing and are indicated by sun icons. Currently we have a major fishing time. The next best fishing time will be tomorrow. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
Pacific/Auckland • Wed, 10 Jun 19:46 • -38.139, 176.245
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Rotorua, NZ
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase
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Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
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S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
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R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
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R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Crescent moon phase
Waning Crescent
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S: 		R:
S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
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S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
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S: 		New Moon moon phase
New Moon
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Rotorua

Rotorua fishing covers a variety of habitats — clear, spring-fed crater lakes, shallow weed fringes and rocky points, sheltered bays, and short inflowing/outflowing streams — so matching presentation to water type is the key to consistent results. Seasonally, trout come shallow and crepuscular in spring and autumn as they feed aggressively; in mid-summer they commonly push off the flats and suspend on or below the thermocline in 8–20m, while colder months often bring sluggish but targeted feeder activity near inflows and structure. Perch concentrate around weed edges, submerged timber and drop-offs and show peak activity at dawn and dusk; carp favour shallow weedy bays and soft mud margins and often feed nocturnally; eels are largely nocturnal and sit tight near deep structure or holes during daylight.

For trout on the lakes, successful tactics include:

  • Fly fishing: Nymph rigs and slow-swing wet flies for lake-edge and shallow flats early/late; use an intermediate or lightly sinking tip to target fish holding below the surface during warmer months. Midge and small nymph patterns are productive on calm, clear days; streamers work well for eating fish and in wind-driven situations.
  • Spin and trolling: Troll spoons, shallow and deep-diving plugs with lead-core or downrigger setups to locate the thermocline; trolling speeds are generally slow (1.5–3 knots) for trout. Spinning small softbaits, blades and shallow minnows along points and weedlines produces fast reactions.
  • Shore tactics: Walk the headlands and bays, fish weed edges with light spinning gear and small lures, and present long leaders with dry/dropper or single nymph rigs when wading pressured water.

Perch anglers do best with light spin gear, small soft plastics, tiny blades and micro-jigs fished up and down the weedline or vertically over structure. Slow, erratic retrieves that imitate injured baitfish trigger perch strikes — vary depth and cadence until you find holding fish. Carp tactics are straightforward: heavy-ish rods, robust hooks and hair-rigged baits (corn, boilies, dough baits) presented on the bottom near weed margins and in shallow bays; be stealthy with your approach and consider targeting low-light periods.

Eel fishing thrives with strong rods and corded lines, large whole or chunk baits presented on the bottom in deep holes, under docks and beside large structure — expect hard, slow runs at night. Smelt and small galaxiids form important forage; casting small metal jigs or soft plastics produces strikes around shoals, and anglers using sounders can pick off schools holding over deeper shelves.

Practical tips: use a fishfinder to locate thermoclines, weed edges and bait schools; change depth rather than lure type when fish are present but inactive; match lure size and profile to local baitfish; carry both clear-water and stained-water colour options. Wind direction matters: light onshore breezes concentrate food and attract feeding trout to sheltered lee shores. Finally, adapt retrieve speed to temperature — slower in cold water, livelier in warm months — and favour stealth in clear, pressured waters for noticeably higher hookup rates.

The Best Fishing Spots around Rotorua

Lake Rotorua

The city’s namesake lake is a renowned trout fishery with easy access, piers, and broad shallow bays that hold rainbow and brown trout. Shore anglers target smelting fish at river mouths on cool evenings, while boat fishers troll or jig the deeper edges and drop-offs in summer. Wind-driven food lines, spring smelt activity, and winter spawning runs from tributaries like Ngongotahā Stream and Waiteti Stream keep action steady year-round.

Ohau Channel

Linking Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, this short, clear channel concentrates migrating trout and is famous for its spring and autumn movements of fat rainbow trout. Shore-based fly and spin tactics excel along the weed edges and current seams, while small boats drift the mid-channel. Early and late light windows are prime when smelt push through and fish stack up in the flow.

Lake Rotoiti

A deep, scenic lake east of Rotorua, Rotoiti consistently produces heavyweight rainbow trout and quality browns. Boat anglers jig over thermoclines in summer and troll along steep-sided points; shore fishers work accessible bays and weed lines at dawn and dusk. Smelt schools gather around points and reefs, drawing aggressive trout, and the western end near the Ohau Channel is especially productive during migrations.

Lake Tarawera

Tarawera is famed for trophy-calibre rainbow trout in cold, clear water, with volcanic scenery as a backdrop. Trolling and harling the drop-offs at first light is classic here, while mid-depth jigging over bait schools excels in warmer months. Productive bays and points light up during smelt runs, and cooler winter conditions bring fish close to shore for fly and spin tactics around beaches and stream mouths.

Ngongotahā Stream

A celebrated tributary entering Lake Rotorua, the Ngongotahā supports strong runs of brown and rainbow trout. The lower reaches and mouth are popular for evening and night fishing, especially in cooler months, while upstream riffles and pools reward stealthy fly presentations. Smelt activity at the lake edge and fresh inflows after rain often trigger short, intense feeding spells.

Waiteti Stream

Just north of Rotorua, the Waiteti flows into Lake Rotorua and is well known for accessible mouth fishing and nearby pools that hold rainbow and brown trout. Shore anglers work the current tongue and drop-offs after dark or at dawn, while small craft can position along the lake edge to cover smelt schools. Cooler months see increased movement as fish stage and run with fresh flows.

Hamurana Stream

Fed by crystal-clear springs, the Hamurana enters Lake Rotorua with year-round cold flow that attracts large, cruising brown trout and bright rainbows. Sight-fishing with small naturals or smelt patterns along the edges can be outstanding on calm days, and the mouth fishes well at low light when trout patrol the seam between clear spring water and the lake’s greener edge.

Lake Okataina

A deep, forested lake with minimal shoreline development, Okataina is a local favorite for quality rainbow trout. Boat anglers focus on mid-lake basins to jig above thermoclines and troll along bluffy points; limited shore access still produces at dawn and dusk where smelt gather. Stable, clear water often rewards subtle presentations and careful speed control during summer.

Lake Rotoma

East of Rotorua, Rotoma’s ultra-clear water and lush weed beds hold sleek rainbow trout that feed heavily on smelt. Light leaders, natural-colored lures, and precise boat positioning are key in bright conditions, while the edges fish well at first and last light. Jigging small baits over schooling fish is productive in summer, with trolling effective along prominent points and contours.

Kaituna River

Flowing out of Lake Rotoiti near Okere Falls, the Kaituna offers fast-water sport for fit rainbow trout with the odd brown in quieter pockets. Pocket-water nymphing, dry–dropper setups, and small spinners work through riffles and runs, while calmer margins and pools reward patient presentations. Cooler periods and overcast days often see increased surface activity and aggressive strikes.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Rotorua area

Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 3 beaches and bays in this area.

Holdens Bay - 5.1381372579km , Hannahs Bay - 6.07354027985km , Pohue Bay - 9.68626746506km

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Rotorua. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Rocky Point - 1.40451208896km , Sulphur Point - 1.56373616274km , Motutara Point - 2.02115232264km , Puarenga Stream - 3.30089903554km , Kawaha Point - 4.32098538391km , Kauaka Stream - 4.40455332223km , Waiowhiro Stream - 4.42345143858km , Hinemoa Point - 4.55959693745km , Holdens Bay - 5.1381372579km , Tureporepo Stream - 5.34667564371km , Waihuahuakakahi Stream - 5.64636744789km , Waingaehe Stream - 5.82144622995km , Hannahs Bay - 6.07354027985km , Utuhina Stream - 6.0899823935km , Waiteti Stream - 6.23732223217km , Ngongotaha Stream - 6.23732223217km , Roto Rua - 6.43322622571km , Waikaruru Stream - 6.61649452433km , Waiotokomanga Stream - 6.73098531851km , Hinemoa Pool - 7.06775713142km , Ngunguru Point - 7.26415988999km , Mokoia Island - 7.80760590859km , Ohineuia Stream - 7.82420162702km , Te Kuha Stream - 7.82420162702km , Umurua Stream - 8.11562918907km , Waiohewa Stream - 8.27264080471km , Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) - 8.56878106982km , Ngongotaha Stream - 8.63993990529km , Komutumutu Stream - 8.92657948752km , Tupapakurua Stream - 8.92657948752km , Punaruku Island - 9.09657641258km , Aorangi Stream - 9.40505659447km , Pohue Bay - 9.68626746506km , Te Kohu Point - 10.05474694501km , Te Kotukutuku Point - 10.13539755619km , Owhitiki Point - 10.13539755619km , Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) - 10.13539755619km , Awahou Point - 10.28317113641km , Lake Tikitapu - 10.29243374119km , Hopetete Point - 10.50324470937km

Harbours and Marinas Beaches Bays Wharfs Points,Reefs,etc
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