"FISHERMAN’S PARADISE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 215, 30 November 1927, Page 11

"FISHERMAN’S PARADISE”

LAKE OKATAINA NEW RESORT OPENED UP Situated 25 miles from Rotorua, and easily accessible by means of a w ellmetalled road. which for five miles runs through some of the best native forest obtainable in the district, lies one of the best stretches of fishing water in the North Island—Lake Okataina. In the past this lake has been isolated to most fishermen owing to the fact that neither accommodation nor boats were available. The establishment of a well-equipped fishing lodge which will shortly be completed, and the provision of a boat and launch service for the convenience of anglers, will undoubtedly be the means of bringing this lake into great popularity with overseas anglers, who previously did not feel inclined to transport camping gear and boats, however desirable the attractions. To reach this lake the motorist leaves the main road at the 16-mile peg, near a native settlement named Ruato. After passing through a fine belt of native forest for five miles thelake is reached. It is situated in an old volcano crater —the walls being almost perpendicular and covered with forest to the water’s edge. Its waters contain trout of an exceptionally large type, and from it most of the trout for exhibition purposes have been taken. One of the latest taken —for the Panama Exposition —weighed 271 b. fine specimens also being taken for the Dunedin Exhibition. Two small streams feed into the lake and it is at the mouth of these that most of the fly fishing is done. Trolling on the lake is also proving a very popular pastime, and fish up to 181 b have been caught from the launches and boats now available. For the quality of its fish Lake Okataina has always been renowned and the establishment of the Okataina fishing lodge and the service it can offer to fishermen will no doubt be widely appreciated, not only by anglers alone, but also by many who at times will make the trip if only for the glorious scenic attractions at the lake en route.

The lodge will be opened at Christmas and, as accommodation is limited, early application is essential. Applications may be lodged with Mr. F Davidson, grocer, Rotorua.