Located on the Waipa Stream, the Waipa spawning trap is positioned within a significant spawning tributary of the Tongariro River, 24 km upstream from Lake Taupo.

Fishery rangers record the numbers of trout, their sex, length, weight, and iteroparity (how many times an individual fish has spawned). From this data, rangers can determine a Condition Factor (CF), which reflects how much food has been available to the trout.

This trap has been operational since 1998 and has provided a valuable long-term data set. This information is viewed in combination with a variety of other studies – such as angler surveys, drift dives, and lake productivity work – to ensure a broad understanding of the fishery's health.

The monthly reports are available on the DOC website. These are presented as graphs and tables for each month, with the previous month and the same month of the previous year also included. 

Each file includes the below data for brown and rainbow trout (male and female): count, average length, maximum length, average weight, maximum weight, and condition factor.

The fish trap was recommissioned in May following an upgrade over summer, and initial data collection got underway. Flow rates in the Waipa Stream have been ideal and encouraged trout to enter this important spawning tributary for the Tongariro River.

The numbers and quality of fish recorded this May were exceptional, with figures exceeding everything recorded in May 2021. It appears that trout have begun to migrate early this year with 153 fish recorded compared to only 35 last year. The average weight for rainbows (1.9 kgs) is well above normal and the condition of these fish is excellent.

These figures reinforce what fisheries managers DOC are hearing from anglers, who say the fishing has been excellent.

This winter/spring is shaping up to be something special, so grab your gear and make the most of this great wild trout fishery.

- DOC Taupō Fishery Management Team