Fishing Lake Wanaka & Lake Hawea: Trout, Salmon & Guided Trip Options
Fishing Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea offers another side of the Southern Lakes experience.
Both lakes hold wild brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked Chinook salmon, surrounded by high-country scenery, remote shorelines and deep alpine water. Depending on the season and conditions, fishing methods may include trolling, spinning, softbaiting and selected fly-fishing techniques.
Queenstown Fishing’s regular short lake charters depart from Frankton Marina and fish Lake Wakatipu. Guided fishing on Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea may be available as a private or specially arranged experience, depending on the season, weather, guide availability, vessel requirements and logistics.
This guide explains the differences between the two lakes, what species can be caught, the fishing methods used and how to plan a customised Southern Lakes fishing trip.
🏔️ Why Fish Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea?
Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are two of the South Island’s great alpine lakes. Both offer large areas of fishable water, dramatic mountain backdrops and the opportunity to target several freshwater sport-fishing species.
Highlights can include:
- Wild brown and rainbow trout
- Landlocked Chinook salmon
- Deep-water trolling opportunities
- Spinning and softbaiting
- Selected lake-edge fly fishing
- Remote shorelines and river mouths
- Private trips planned around your group
- Excellent scenery even when the fish are challenging
These lakes are significantly larger than they appear from the road. Local weather, wind, water temperature, seasonal fish movement and access logistics all influence where and how a trip can operate.
🌊 Fishing Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is a vast glacial lake surrounded by high mountains, river valleys and long stretches of undeveloped shoreline.
The variety of available water allows anglers to explore:
- Deep drop-offs
- River and stream mouths
- Rocky shorelines
- Protected bays
- Areas where baitfish and feeding trout may concentrate
Fish can move throughout the water column according to temperature, light, food and the time of year. Some days may involve searching deeper water by trolling, while other conditions can favour casting around edges, drop-offs or inflows.
What fish are in Lake Wanaka?
The main sport-fishing species are:
- Brown trout: Intelligent, cautious fish that may patrol lake edges, river mouths and productive feeding areas.
- Rainbow trout: Powerful and energetic fish found throughout the wider lake system.
- Landlocked Chinook salmon: Schooling fish that can hold in deeper water and may be targeted using controlled-depth trolling techniques.
The location and behaviour of each species change naturally throughout the year. No single area or fishing method can be guaranteed in advance.
💧 Fishing Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea is a deep, cold alpine lake separated from Lake Wanaka by a narrow area of land known as The Neck.
It is surrounded by steep mountain country, open shorelines and river systems feeding into the lake. The scale of Lake Hawea creates opportunities to search large areas for trout and salmon while experiencing a quieter side of the Southern Lakes region.
What fish are in Lake Hawea?
Lake Hawea supports established populations of:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Landlocked Chinook salmon
Trout may be encountered around shorelines, structure, drop-offs and inflowing water. Salmon are commonly associated with deeper water and moving schools of food, making boat-based trolling an effective way to search for them.
Lake Hawea is highly exposed to changing alpine weather. Wind direction and strength can quickly influence the available fishing area and whether a planned trip can operate safely.
🐟 Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout or Salmon?
Brown trout
Brown trout are one of the Southern Lakes’ most prized species. Their colouring allows them to blend into rock, weed and shadow, and they can be extremely cautious in clear water.
Depending on the conditions, they may be targeted by:
- Spinning
- Softbaiting
- Trolling
- Selected fly-fishing techniques
Rainbow trout
Rainbow trout are known for strong runs and energetic fights. They can be found in both lakes and may respond to trolling, spinning, softbaiting or fly fishing when conditions suit.
Landlocked Chinook salmon
Chinook salmon behave differently from trout. They can school, move through deep water and follow temperature layers and concentrations of baitfish.
Boat-based trolling allows a skipper to:
- Cover a large area of water
- Search different depths
- Use downriggers or controlled-depth equipment
- Adjust lure speed and presentation
- Respond to changing conditions
Landlocked Chinook salmon are smaller than their sea-run relatives but remain an exciting sport-fishing target and are highly regarded as eating fish when legally retained.
Learn more about targeting landlocked Chinook salmon in the Southern Lakes.
🎣 How Do You Fish Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea?
Trolling
Trolling is one of the most effective ways to search large alpine lakes. It allows multiple lures to be presented while the boat covers changing depths, structure and temperature zones.
The skipper may adjust:
- Boat speed
- Lure style and colour
- Distance behind the boat
- Fishing depth
- The area being searched
For a closer look at this technique, read our beginner’s guide to trolling with downriggers.
Spinning
Spin fishing can be used around lake edges, river mouths, drop-offs and other areas where trout or salmon may be feeding.
Lure weight and style must suit the depth, water clarity, target species and permitted fishing methods for the location.
Softbaiting
Softbaits allow an angler to imitate small fish and other natural prey. They can be cast, retrieved or worked through different depths depending on the fish being targeted.
Learn more about softbait fishing techniques for Queenstown and the Southern Lakes.
Fly fishing
Fly fishing may be possible around selected lake edges, river mouths and areas where trout can be reached from shore or boat.
Lake fly fishing differs from classic river fishing. Wind, depth, fish movement and the size of the water can make locating trout the greatest challenge.
Experienced anglers interested in clear-water trout fishing can also explore our guide to technical sight fishing in Queenstown.
📅 When Is the Best Time to Fish Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea?
Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea provide year-round fishing opportunities under the current Otago Fish & Game regulations, although seasonal conditions influence the best methods and available fishing.
Spring: September to November
- Water temperatures begin to rise
- Trout become increasingly active
- Fish may move around shorelines and inflowing water
- Spring weather can change quickly
Summer: December to February
- Long daylight hours
- More time available for full-day exploration
- Fish may move deeper as surface temperatures increase
- Downriggers and controlled-depth trolling can become important
- Afternoon wind may influence the fishing plan
Autumn: March to May
- Cooling water temperatures
- Changing trout and salmon movement
- Productive opportunities around selected inflows
- Beautiful autumn scenery and quieter conditions
Winter: June to August
- Cold, clear alpine conditions
- Snow-covered mountain scenery
- Trout and salmon remain available
- Shorter daylight hours
- Warm waterproof clothing is essential
Fishing regulations can change between seasons. Always check the latest Otago regulations through Fish & Game New Zealand before fishing.
⚖️ Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea: Which Should You Choose?
| Lake Wanaka | Lake Hawea |
|---|---|
| Large glacial lake with varied bays, shorelines and river systems | Deep alpine lake with expansive open water and dramatic mountain scenery |
| Brown trout, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon | Brown trout, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon |
| Trolling, spinning, softbaiting and selected fly fishing | Trolling, spinning, softbaiting and selected fly fishing |
| More surrounding visitor facilities and activity | Generally a quieter and more remote-feeling lake environment |
| Conditions vary considerably between different parts of the lake | Highly exposed to changing wind and alpine weather |
The best choice depends on your travel plans, target species, preferred fishing style, available time and the conditions forecast for your date.
We will recommend the most practical option after discussing your group and fishing goals.
🚤 Can You Book a Guided Lake Wanaka or Hawea Fishing Trip?
Potentially, yes—but these are not regular daily departures.
Our standard shared and private lake charters depart from Frankton Marina and operate on Lake Wakatipu. Fishing Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea requires additional planning and may be available as a private or specially arranged experience.
Availability depends on:
- Your preferred date
- Group size
- Target species and fishing method
- Guide and skipper availability
- The vessel required
- Launch and transport logistics
- Weather and lake conditions
- The duration of the experience
Because of the travel and operational planning involved, Wanaka and Hawea fishing is generally better suited to a longer private experience than a short shared charter.
Contact Queenstown Fishing with your dates, number of guests and preferred lake before making a booking.
🛶 What About Drift-Boat Fishing?
Our ClackaCraft drift boat provides a quiet, non-motorised way to explore selected alpine lakes.
This is a separate private full-day experience for one or two anglers. The operating location is chosen according to access, weather, season and the fishing experience being planned.
The drift boat does not operate on Queenstown’s main rivers. It is designed for exploring selected still waters and secluded alpine-lake environments.
Discover our alpine-lake drift-boat fishing experience.
🎒 What Should You Bring?
For any Southern Lakes fishing experience, bring:
- Warm layered clothing
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- Secure, comfortable footwear
- Polarised sunglasses
- A hat and sunscreen
- A water bottle
- Personal medication
- A phone or camera
Queenstown’s alpine weather can change quickly, even during summer. It is always worth carrying an extra warm layer.
The fishing equipment supplied depends on the trip, vessel and fishing method. We will confirm all required clothing and equipment before departure.
🎫 Do You Need a Fishing Licence?
Yes. Every person actively fishing requires the appropriate current New Zealand Fish & Game sports-fishing licence.
Short-term licences are available for visitors and can be purchased through the official Fish & Game New Zealand licence website.
Fishing licences are additional to the guiding or charter price and are non-refundable.
Permitted methods, closed areas, seasons and catch limits vary between individual waterways and can change. Your guide will operate according to the regulations applying on the day.
🧼 Protecting the Southern Lakes
Anyone moving fishing equipment between New Zealand waterways must follow the Check, Clean, Dry freshwater biosecurity process.
- Check: Remove visible plant material and debris.
- Clean: Clean all equipment that has been in contact with freshwater.
- Dry: Allow equipment to dry completely before entering another waterway.
Tell us if you are bringing fishing equipment previously used overseas or in another New Zealand lake or river.
Felt-soled wading footwear must not be used in New Zealand freshwater.
❓ Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea Fishing FAQs
Can you fish Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea all year?
Both lakes provide year-round fishing opportunities under current regulations. Weather, water temperature and seasonal fish movement influence the techniques and areas available.
What fish can you catch?
The primary sport-fishing species are wild brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked Chinook salmon.
Do Queenstown Fishing trips depart from Wanaka every day?
No. Our regular daily charters depart from Frankton Marina and fish Lake Wakatipu. Wanaka and Hawea trips require private or special arrangements.
Can beginners fish Lake Wanaka or Hawea?
Yes. The fishing method and pace can be tailored to beginners, but the larger travel and operational commitment means Lake Wakatipu may be a more convenient introduction for visitors wanting a short trip.
Can children join a Wanaka or Hawea trip?
Potentially, depending on the child’s age, group size, trip duration, vessel and forecast conditions. Contact us before booking so we can recommend the safest and most enjoyable option.
Can you guarantee which lake we will fish?
A particular lake may be requested, but all trips remain subject to weather, safe operating conditions, guide availability and logistics.
Can you guarantee we will catch a fish?
No responsible operator can guarantee a catch. We provide experienced guides, quality equipment and the best available fishing plan for the conditions.
Can we keep our catch?
A legal catch may be retained where current regulations permit. Your guide will explain the applicable species, size and bag limits on the day. Responsible catch and release is encouraged when appropriate.
Should I choose Wakatipu, Wanaka or Hawea?
Choose Lake Wakatipu for convenient two-hour, three-hour or private Queenstown departures. Consider Wanaka or Hawea when you want a longer privately arranged Southern Lakes experience and have the flexibility required for additional planning.
🎣 Plan a Lake Wanaka or Lake Hawea Fishing Trip
Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea offer outstanding scenery, varied freshwater fishing and the opportunity to explore beyond our regular Queenstown departures.
These trips are planned individually rather than offered as standard daily charters. Contact us with:
- Your preferred date or dates
- The number of people in your group
- Your fishing experience
- Your preferred lake
- Whether you want to target trout, salmon or both
- Your preferred fishing method
We will assess guide availability, vessel requirements, logistics and the most suitable experience for your group.
For regular Queenstown departures, explore our Lake Wakatipu Fishing Charters. For extended and remote experiences, discover the Queenstown Fishing Expedition Series.
Contact Queenstown Fishing to discuss a private Wanaka or Hawea trip.
🎣 Your next adventure starts here.
explore. fish. repeat.
Reviewed by Simon Cruickshank, owner, skipper and professional fishing guide at Queenstown Fishing.
