Best Time of year to fish in Taupo?
This question is asked a lot but it really depends on what you want from your adventure.
Lake Taupo tributaries remain open all year, where many of the rivers & streams around the rest of New Zealand are closed from May through to October, including the regions own back country rivers which we head for during the summer months.
November & December offers some great spring and early summer fishing. The Backcountry Rivers throughout the Central Plateau are open after the winter months and the fish are active, hungry, and haven't seen anglers since May but have ‘real attitude’. Dry fly can be limited to the afternoons, but good nymph fishing is had all day. On the Lakes the smelt are spawning bringing trout into the shallows for some exciting action along the beaches and stream mouths.
January & February are the warmest summer months with good dry fly fishing, with options galore around the region. If you really want to get away our recommendation at this time is overnight trips into the wilderness. Check out the wilderness options for both rafting and helicopter access.
March & April, dry fly begins to slow down especially towards April but hatches will still occur if the afternoon conditions are right. Mostly you will get some great nymph fishing, fish are in peak condition and some of the biggest fish of the season can be caught.
May - Autumn fishing at its best, Migratory runs start on the Lake Taupo tributaries. There are some very big trout caught in but you should expect cooler temperatures but generally very pleasant days.
June to October winter fishing mode 10-15c. This is the time when the trout are migrating for spawning. Expect to see plenty of anglers but the fishing can be exceptional.