Lake Otamangakau. Central Plateau. New Zealand. - Fishing Holes on Waymarking.com

Lake Otamangakau, created as a result of the Tongariro hydro power scheme, is a fine fishing water which can be very frustrating or hugely rewarding. The lake is know to locals as the Big O.

The Lake is set high on the plateau with Mount Tongariro in the background. It has a barren beauty and sense of isolation. The weather can be bleak and cold, or shimmeringly hot.

The lake is reached by following State Highway 47 from Turangi and has two boat ramps.

The fish in Lake Otamangakau are dependant on insects for food, and the best fishing coincides with increased insect activity over summer. In some years, large numbers of cicadas are blown onto the lakes in late January and early February stimulating some great dry fly fishing. As the lake is quite shallow, it is best fished during overcast conditions. Most fish are caught casting between the weedbeds.

Most angling involves fly fishing from a boat using a floating line and small nymphs, or stalking and casting to cruising brown trout around the lake edge. This lake is sometimes fished using a float tube as this allows a stealthy approach to the feeding fish. Whatever method used, don't expect the fishing to be easy, most trophy fish are hard earned.

Recommended tackle: Dry fly: Cicada patterns, a Muddler Minnow fished dry.
Nymph: A dark olive nymph such as a Stone Fly or Hares Ear that is almost black when wet.
Spinners: Bladed spinners such as Mepps or Veltic in dark colours.
Local Tackle shops and fishing guides in Turangi will be happy to advise you what to use and what's catching the fish at the time.

The given co-ords will take you to the boat ramp. From here you can fish around the lake edges or in the tributaries which include the Te Whaiau Canal and the Wairehu Canal.
Check here for the Taupo Fishery Area Regulations. A fishing licence is required.

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