Trout and Salmon Fishing Lake Takepo New Zealand
Targeting Rainbows, Browns and Salmon
Fishing Lake Tekapo’s Rivers, Dam and Canals
Lake Tekapo, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, is a breathtaking location that draws anglers from far and wide to experience both exceptional fishing and unparalleled natural beauty. Situated amidst the towering Southern Alps, the lake offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, vast turquoise waters, and a tranquil atmosphere that makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is fed by crystal-clear glacial waters, with the surrounding terrain offering both rugged landscapes and serene vistas, making it an ideal destination for anglers looking to escape into nature.
For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Tekapo is famed for its rich populations of brown and rainbow trout, along with schools of salmon. The clear, cold waters provide an ideal environment for these prized fish species, with the lake’s deeper sections and cold, nutrient-rich waters creating abundant opportunities for anglers to cast their lines. Whether you’re fly fishing near the shorelines, trolling for trout in the deeper areas, or casting your line from a boat, Lake Tekapo offers a wealth of fishing opportunities that suit all levels of experience. The beauty of the surrounding mountains and the serenity of the lake only add to the allure, making every fishing trip here a memorable adventure.
For our NZ fishing adventure on the south island, we teamed up with local legend Tim of Fish Tekapo, a seasoned angler and expert on the Tekapo region and all it has to offer. Our target species for the day were trout and salmon.
Quick Facts
- The Tekapo Dam is located at the southern end of Lake Tekapo. It was completed in 1968 as part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme, which is essential for power generation in the region.
- The Tekapo Canal system diverts water from the lake to the nearby Pukaki Canal and the Waitaki River, which powers hydroelectric stations.
- The canal water is often colder and clearer than that in surrounding rivers, it provides a great environment for trout
- The canals are famous for their trophy-sized trout, especially monster rainbow trout and brown trout. Fish weighing over 10 kilograms (22 pounds) are not uncommon, with some record-breaking specimens caught here.
Our Guide:
Tim from FishTekapo.com
Tim is a seasoned angler with over 30 years of experience fishing the pristine waters of the Lake Tekapo region in New Zealand. Coming from a family with deep roots in the area spanning more than a century, Tim possesses unparalleled knowledge of the diverse waterways, including the lake, rivers, dams, and iconic canal systems.
His expertise spans all aspects of fishing in the region, from targeting trophy-sized trout in the Tekapo Canal to exploring the serene shorelines of Lake Tekapo or it rivers for brown and rainbow trout. Tim’s intimate understanding of the local ecosystem, combined with his decades of hands-on experience, makes him a trusted guide for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing adventures.
Picking Our Location
Launch: We started our day with Tim picking me up. Our locations were picked based on areas that hold the largest trout.
Spot 1: The first stop was a quick flick of lures under the dam. No luck here but did have a hit on the second cast.
Spot 2: The second stop is where monster trout and salmon are known to lurk. The canals consistently provide the largest fish in the area. This is where we caught our first fish, a 2kg Rainbow. We used a drift fishing tactic with bait.
Spot 3: At my request, we moved on to a more scenic area and flicked lures along the Tekapo river. We had a few small takes but were unable to land a fish.
Spot 4: We finished up the day back at the canals trying to chase the 10kg+ monster trout. Unfortunately it didn’t happen for us but we had a great time.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Top Target Species
The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a prized freshwater fish known for its vibrant colours and acrobatic fight. Introduced to New Zealand, it thrives in cold, clear lakes, rivers, and canals. Found near deep pools and currents, they offer an exciting challenge on light tackle. Anglers can target them using fly fishing, spinning, bait, or trolling, making them a rewarding catch for all skill levels.
Common Species In The Lake Tekapo Region
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Tackle we used for the day
We did a combination of lure fishing and a tactic known as “egg drift” fishing. The main difference in tackle was a longer rod for the drift fishing.
Rods: 6’6 medium power, fast-action spinning rod & a 8 ft light/medium action rod for drift fishing
Reels: 2500 & 4000 size spinning reels (Gear Ratio: 6.3:1 to 7.1:1)
Line: 6lb braid with 6lb fluorocarbon leader
Lures: Spoons, Tassie Devil, Diving Minnows, Egg Drift Rig
Our techniques for the day
Fishing The Dam: Whilst the sun was still rising and water was heavily running from the dam. We decided to flick a range of lures for the first half hour of the morning. We didn’t connect with any fish but did have a strong hit after a few casts.
Canal Egg Drifting: As the sun came out, we decided to do about 10 to 12 walks along the canal drifting various baits. We started with marshmallow baits, then eggs and finally prawns. We caught a 2kg Rainbow on with the prawns.
River Fishing: After a productive session with the drift fishing, we then moved locations to fish the Tekapo River. Here we switched to soft plastics. We did have a few takes but were unable to land a fish.
Canal Drift Fishing: With the lack of success at the river, we returned to the canal to try and catch that trophy trout. Unfortunately it didn’t happen for us on the day but we had a incredible time and enjoyed our time with Tim!
Top tips from Tim on fishing Lake Tekapo Areas
Do you have any great tips for "Egg Drift" fishing?
If you are new to drift fishing or are having issues with your line tangling, use mono for your line and leader. This will drastically reduce the tangling. You will sacrifice a bit of the feel, but that is balanced out by not getting tangled.
Change your bait type around every 5 to 6 walks to see what the fish are interested in.
What area of Tekapo is most active for fish, is it the lake, rivers, dam or canals?
All areas of Lake Tekapo are fairly active and full of fish. The largest fish are going to be found in the canals and dam area. The rivers are great for sight fishing as its shallower water and they are easier to spot.
Is trout or salmon fishing difficult or can anyone do it?
Fish Tekapo caters for all levels of fishing including age groups. We love to see kids out here fishing along with first timers. Outside of the rivers, there are not many if not any snags for fish to break you off on, so landing fish is much easier. We have seen many first time anglers land trophy trout.
What is the best time of year to catch fish in Tekapo?
Fishing in Lake Tekapo is good all year, but certain times stand out more than others. In spring, the warming water gets the trout feeding more actively, especially near river mouths. Summer’s great too, with longer days making for excellent early morning or evening fishing. Autumn is a favourite, cooler temperatures really get the trout biting aggressively. Even in winter, while the fish slow down a bit, the canals stay productive, and that’s when you can land some real trophy trout.
Why choose Fish Tekapo for a fishing trip?
Fish Tekapo offers a unique, local experience, with over 30 years of fishing in the area and a family history spanning 100 years, we know the best spots for trophy trout. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler, we tailor each trip to your needs. Plus, you’ll fish in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful, peaceful locations, making your experience truly unforgettable.
Photo gallery of our day in Tekapo with Tim
Get to Lake Tekapo and go trout and salmon fishing!
A day with Fish Tekapo and our expert guide Tim offers more than just a fishing experience—it’s a unique 3-in-1 adventure that provides exceptional value. Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 ride across expansive hillside and river locations, followed by a scenic hike along stunning riverbanks and canals. All the while, you’ll fish in pristine waterways teeming with trout and salmon, making for an unforgettable outdoor experience that combines adventure, nature, and world-class fishing.
During my day with Tim, I had the opportunity to land a stunning Rainbow Trout and came close to a few others. While I was already experienced in trout fishing, I had never tried “Egg Drifting” before, and it turned out to be both unique and enjoyable. This technique was where I caught my only fish of the day, and Tim’s expert guidance and instruction played a crucial role in making it a successful and memorable experience.
Ready to experience Lake Tekapo’s incredible fishing? Use the tips from this article to get started or book with Tim for a personalised adventure. Whether you’re a local or visiting New Zealand, Tim’s expert guidance ensures a memorable day on the water. Book your trip with Fish Tekapo today!
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