Last updated October 2026
Lake Whatihua, also called Thompson’s Lake, is a small trout lake beside the Waiuku-Kariotahi Road west of Waiuku, about 1.5 km back from Kariotahi Beach. Fish & Game stocks it with rainbow trout every year, and a few large brown trout live there too. It is best known for trout rising on calm days.
A paper road and marked trail lead in from the gate, the shore is farmland, and Fish & Game advises asking a local landowner too. Carry a Fish & Game licence.
At a Glance
- Location
- Beside the Waiuku-Kariotahi Road, about 1.5 km back from Kariotahi Beach
- Type
- Long, narrow, shallow lake with weedy margins, surrounded by farmland
- Main species
- Rainbow trout (stocked yearly, about 1.2 kg on average); a few big brown trout
- Method
- Fly, spin or bait
- Season
- Open all year; fishes well May to November
- Best time
- Calm days, and still evenings in late spring and early summer
- Access
- Paper road and a marked trail from the gate to the west end; Fish & Game also advises asking a local landowner
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence (Auckland/Waikato rules)
- Tides
- None; wind is the main factor
No tides. Wind is what matters: calm days bring the rise, and the westerly sea breeze pushes fish deeper and makes fly fishing hard.
Setting and Background
Whatihua is a long, narrow lake in the farmland between Waiuku and the west coast, open to the prevailing westerly. Fish & Game notes that sea breezes keep the water cool enough for trout to grow well through summer, but they also ruffle the surface, which makes life hard for fly anglers waiting for a rise.
Fish & Game Auckland/Waikato releases rainbow trout into the lake every May. They average around 1.2 kg, and the odd fish tops 2 kg. A small number of brown trout also live in the lake. They are generally large and hard to catch.
The lake is surrounded by farmland. A paper road gives access, and a marked trail runs from the gate down to the western end of the lake. Fish & Game also advises getting permission from one of the local landowners, so ask first, leave gates as you find them, and keep to the trail.
How to Fish Lake Whatihua
Watch for the rise
The thing that sets Whatihua apart is its rise. On calm days, and on warm, still evenings in late spring and early summer, trout feed on hatching insects at the surface. The fishing is best when the water is undisturbed, so approach quietly and wait for fish cruising along the edges close to shore. Wind tends to push them deeper.
Flies and lures
- Nymphs: damsel and dragonfly nymphs on a floating line, fished along the weed beds.
- Dry flies: cicada, cricket or beetle patterns in summer, and lace flies from late summer.
- Evening emergers: small sedge patterns such as an Invicta or Greenwell’s Glory, just below the surface.
- Wet flies: bully patterns such as a Mrs Simpson, Kilwell’s No 1 or Lord’s Killer, or a Red Setter, harled slowly around the weed beds.
- Spinners: a black and gold Toby, or a small dark Veltic or Mepps.
- Bait: allowed. Fish & Game says a float and bait is an easy way to catch fish in its stocked lakes.
Seasons
The lake is open all year. Fish & Game picks the cooler months, May to November, as the time its stocked lakes near Auckland fish well. In summer, save your visit for a still evening.
Wading and boats
The lake is shallow and mostly wadeable, but the weed beds around the edge make it hard going from the bank in places.
A float tube, small dinghy or kayak lets you harl a fly around the weed beds, which is one of the most productive ways to fish it. Be ready to carry it down the hill from the road.
Rules and Safety
- Licence: carry a current Fish & Game sports fish licence whenever you fish the lake.
- Methods: Lake Whatihua comes under the general Auckland/Waikato lake rules: open all year for fly, spin and bait fishing.
- Access: use the paper road and marked trail from the gate, and ask a local landowner as Fish & Game advises.
- Bait: you may not use fish taken from any water as bait, or carry water, including bait buckets, from one waterway to another.
- Waders: felt soles are banned.
- Limits: the daily bag and any size limit for Whatihua are in the Auckland/Waikato section of the Anglers Notice.
- On the water: wear a lifejacket in a float tube, dinghy or kayak, and stay close to shore when the westerly gets up.
Getting There and Facilities
- Road: from Waiuku, follow Kariotahi Road towards Kariotahi Beach. The lake is beside the road about 1.5 km before the beach.
- Before you go: buy your licence online and your tackle in town. Walk in on the marked trail from the gate to the western end of the lake.
- Another lake nearby: Parkinsons Lake, on Whiriwhiri Road, is also stocked with rainbow trout and is easy to fish from the shore.
Trusted Sources
Fish & Game: Waiuku lakes: stocking, access and tips for Whatihua and Parkinsons.
Auckland/Waikato regulations 2026 to 2027: the lake rules for the region this season.
NZ Fishing: Whatihua Lake: flies, lures and timing for this lake.
Lake Whatihua: Common Questions
Do I need permission to fish Lake Whatihua?
There is paper road access with a marked trail from the gate, but Fish & Game also advises asking one of the local landowners. Carry a Fish & Game licence.
What fish are in Lake Whatihua?
Rainbow trout stocked every May, averaging about 1.2 kg, plus a few large brown trout that are hard to catch.
When is the best time to fish Lake Whatihua?
May to November, and on calm days or still evenings when trout are rising.
Can I use bait at Lake Whatihua?
Yes. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed, but not fish or shellfish taken from another water.
What flies work at Lake Whatihua?
Damsel and dragonfly nymphs along the weed beds, terrestrial dries in summer, and small sedge emergers on still evenings.
Is Lake Whatihua the same as Thompson’s Lake?
Yes. It is also known as Thompson’s or Thomson’s Lake.
Can I fish from a kayak or float tube?
Yes. A float tube, small dinghy or kayak is a good way to harl around the weed beds. Wear a lifejacket.
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