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Lake Taupo – Smelt Permit

Smelt season opens: 1 November and closes 28 February each year.

Permits can be obtained by visiting one of our Offices in Turangi and Taupo.

Permit Conditions

  • Available to registered beneficiaries of the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board.
  • Permits must be carried at all times by the holder when fishing and must be produced on demand by the Conservation Officer.
  • The maximum amount of smelt that can be taken by the permit holder is 2 litres per day over the designated 7 day period.
  • Smelt fishing is allowed in the Tokaanu Tailrace and anywhere around the lake shore except within 300 metres of any stream or river mouth.
  • The taking of smelt outside of the hours of 6am to 9pm on any day is not permitted.
  • Only one (1) net may be used by the permit holder and party.
  • Any net is restricted to a maximum length of 8 metres, and a depth of 0.9 metres.

The Record of Smelt taken must be returned to the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board.

For further information, please contact our office.

Phone: 07 386 8832 or 07 376 5086
Email: info@tuwharetoa.co.nz