Lake Manapouri

Anglers know Lake Manapouri as one of the lesser-trafficked lakes of Southland, 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 Manapouri is a useful tell — boils, swirls, and rising baitfish point straight at the predator zone.

Location

-45.5270, 167.4809 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Southland

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Southland. Conditions at Lake Manapouri may vary.

Brown troutRainbow troutEuropean perchEastern Australian salmonChinook salmonAustralasian snapper

Fishing Techniques

• For Brown trout

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

• 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 European perch

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure depth until you find what the perch are responding to on that day, and use light line.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species reported in Southland.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Lake Manapouri? Check current conditions before you go: water level, recent weather, and any local closures. New Zealand regulations on licences, seasons, and bag limits apply at Lake Manapouri — confirm them ahead of time.

Nearby Spots in Southland

See all fishing spots in Southland →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand