Last updated November 2026
Lake Mahinerangi is a hydro lake in the hill country inland from Dunedin, formed by damming the upper Waipori River. It holds brown trout and perch.
Most trout are taken by trolling or harling from a boat, while worm fishing from the shore has long been popular, and in summer schools of perch cruise the edges where children can catch them. The lake sits close to 2,000 feet above sea level, so it is cold and exposed, and it fishes best in the warmer months.
At a Glance
- Location
- Upper Waipori River, in hill country inland from Dunedin
- Water
- Hydro lake with many bays and arms; the level rises and falls
- Main species
- Brown trout, mostly under 2 kg; perch to about 500 g
- Season
- Open all year
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait; trolling and harling from a boat are the main methods
- Best time
- The warmer months; the lake is high, cold and windswept in winter
- Getting there
- Mahinerangi Road off State Highway 87 near Traquair, Waipori Falls Road, or the road from State Highway 8 at Lawrence
- Suits
- Boat anglers trolling for trout; families fishing for perch from the shore in summer
- Licence
- Fish & Game sports fish licence required, including for perch
- Rules
- Fish & Game Otago sports fishing regulations
No tides; the hydro lake level rises and falls, and wind on this high, exposed lake decides most days.
More About Lake Mahinerangi
Lake Mahinerangi was made by damming the Waipori River for hydro power. It is a long, irregular lake with many bays and arms.
Much of the south and east shore is pine plantation forest, while farmland and tussock run down to the north side. Gravel roads run close to the north shore and through the forest, and a road crosses the southern arm.
Because it is a hydro lake, the water level changes. When it is drawn down, a pale band of bare shore shows all the way around, and some bays turn to mudflats. The fishing shore you found on one trip may be a long walk across soft ground on the next.
The lake is close to 2,000 feet up, which makes it colder and windier than the lowland waters around Dunedin. It fishes best in the warmer months. Below the lake, the Waipori runs down to the Taieri Plain, takes in the water draining from Lake Waihola, and joins the Taieri River near Henley.
How to Fish Lake Mahinerangi
Trout
Most of the lake’s brown trout are caught trolling or harling a lure behind a boat. The many bays and arms give plenty of edges to work along. Fish are mostly smaller than 2 kg, so light gear is enough.
From the shore
Worm fishing from the shore is the traditional method here. Look for a shore you can reach without crossing soft mud, which will depend on where the lake level sits on the day.
What to catch and what to use
- Brown trout: trolled or harled lures from a boat; worms from the shore.
- Perch: in summer, schools cruise along the shoreline. They are the easiest fish in the lake for children to catch. Perch here run to about 500 g.
Getting There and Facilities
- From Dunedin: take State Highway 87 towards Outram and Middlemarch, then turn off on Mahinerangi Road near Traquair. Waipori Falls Road is another way in.
- From the west: a road runs to the lake from State Highway 8 at Lawrence.
- Roads: the roads near the lake are mostly gravel. Much of the shore is plantation forest or farmland, so stay on public roads and ask before crossing private land.
- Facilities: this is remote hill country. Bring food, water, warm clothing and everything you need for the day.
Rules and Safety
- You need a Fish & Game sports fish licence. Perch are sports fish in Otago, so the licence covers them too.
- Lake Mahinerangi is open all year to fly, spinner and bait under the Fish & Game Otago regulations. Check the regulations for the current limits before you go.
- The lake is high, cold and windswept. Wear a lifejacket in a boat and come off the water when the wind gets up.
- When the lake is low, the exposed margins can be soft mud. Don’t walk out onto it.
- Check the Otago Regional Council and the signs at the lake for any toxic algae warning before you fish or let dogs swim.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Dunedin (Allan Millars), 141 Crawford Street, Dunedin: trout lures, terminal tackle and Fish & Game licences.
- Fish & Game Otago, 5 Hazlett Road, North Taieri, Mosgiel: sells licences.
From locals
Is Lake Mahinerangi fly fishing only, or can I use bait and spinners?
Is there anywhere at Lake Mahinerangi that works for someone in a wheelchair?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Common Questions
What can you catch in Lake Mahinerangi?
Brown trout, mostly under 2 kg, and perch up to about 500 g.
How do most people catch trout at Lake Mahinerangi?
By trolling or harling lures from a boat. Worm fishing from the shore is also popular.
Is Lake Mahinerangi good for kids?
In summer, yes. Schools of perch cruise the shoreline and are easy to catch. Dress warmly, as the lake is high and windy.
When can you fish Lake Mahinerangi?
The lake is open all year, but it is cold and windswept in winter and fishes best in the warmer months.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game sports fish licence for trout and for perch.
How do I get to Lake Mahinerangi from Dunedin?
Take State Highway 87 and turn off on Mahinerangi Road near Traquair, or go in on Waipori Falls Road. A road also comes in from State Highway 8 at Lawrence.
Why is there bare shore around the lake?
It is a hydro lake, so the level rises and falls. When it is low, bands of bare shore and mudflats show around the edges.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- NZ Fishing: Lake Mahinerangi: the lake, its trout and perch, and the access roads.
- Fish & Game Otago sports fishing regulations: the season, methods and limits for Lake Mahinerangi.
- Otago Regional Council water data: river flows and lake levels across Otago.