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Lake Wānaka

Boat Ramps
2
Access Points
0
Species
4

Lake Wānaka is one of New Zealand's most stunning and productive fisheries, ranking as the country's fourth largest lake. Carved out during the last ice age, this magnificent glacial lake stretches 42 kilometers in length, reaches up to 10 kilometers at its widest point, and plunges to a maximum depth of approximately 300 meters. Covering roughly 180 square kilometers, the lake sits in a north-south oriented glaciated valley in the Otago region of the South Island, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery that draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Fed primarily by two major tributaries — the Makarora River and the Matukituki River — and drained at its southern end by the Clutha River, Lake Wānaka offers a diverse and productive fishery for anglers targeting both trout and salmon in a breathtaking alpine setting.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Wānaka and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Wānaka. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Wānaka

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Otago licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Otago.

Take Lake Wānaka with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Wānaka to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Wānaka to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Wānaka and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Explore Otago waters

Top fishing waters

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Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.