Lake Wakatipu

Anglers know Lake Wakatipu as one of the lesser-trafficked lakes of Otago, New Zealand. The standard playbook on a lake this size is to start shallow at first light, work outward toward deeper water as the sun climbs, and circle back to the shallows before dusk. Surface activity at Lake Wakatipu is a useful tell — boils, swirls, and rising baitfish point straight at the predator zone.

Location

-45.0888, 168.5566 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Rainbow troutBrown troutChinook salmonLake charLandlocked atlantic salmon

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Brown trout

  When fishing streams, focus on seams and current breaks, where trout hold to ambush prey.

• For Chinook salmon

  Vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what the fish are responding to, as their preferences can change daily.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Lake Wakatipu.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Lake Wakatipu, make sure your licence covers Otago, New Zealand and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in Otago

See all fishing spots in Otago →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand