Lake Kārapiro is the most accessible of the Waikato hydro lakes, sitting on the Waikato River and offering some of the finest trophy trout fishing in the Auckland/Waikato region. Fed by the Waikato River system, this large reservoir is characterized by extensive weed beds, productive stream mouths, and a rich forage base that grows fish to exceptional sizes. The upper reaches of the lake are particularly renowned, with rainbow trout averaging 2kg and brown trout approaching 4kg — and double-figure fish (10lb and above) are genuinely not uncommon. The lake also supports healthy populations of coarse fish species, including rudd and the occasional large goldfish, making it a versatile destination for a wide range of anglers.