Last updated November 2026
Lake Ratapiko is a shallow 21 hectare hydro lake 9 km down Tariki Road, which leaves SH3 between Inglewood and Stratford, about 35 km from New Plymouth. It holds hatchery rainbow trout, wild browns and perch, and Fish & Game Taranaki calls it a good place to introduce young anglers to bait fishing for perch. It is open all year except May, when it closes for duck hunting.
Public access is through the water ski and power boat club areas, and the lake is busy with boats on fine weekends.
At a Glance
- Location
- 9 km down Tariki Road off SH3, between Inglewood and Stratford
- Type
- Shallow hydro lake of 21 ha (Motukawa scheme)
- Water
- Freshwater lake (Fish & Game Taranaki)
- Main species
- Hatchery rainbow trout, wild brown trout and perch
- Season
- 1 Oct to 30 Apr and 1 Jun to 30 Sep (closed in May)
- Methods
- Fly, spin and bait
- Access
- Through the water ski and power boat club areas off Tariki Road
- Other users
- Jet boats, power boats and water skiers, busiest at weekends
- Suits
- Families; bait fishing for perch
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required, for perch as well as trout
No tides. A shallow hydro lake: wind and boat traffic stir it up, and calm early mornings fish best.
About Lake Ratapiko
The lake is part of the Motukawa hydro scheme, built in 1927, which takes water from the middle Manganui River and uses the 99 metre drop to the Waitara River to make power. It is shallow and long, and from above it winds through paddocks in narrow, willow-edged arms, with a road crossing at its eastern end.
LAWA describes it as commonly used for boating and fishing, especially at weekends and in the holidays. It is home to the Taranaki branch of Jet Boating New Zealand and the New Plymouth Water Ski Club.
Fish & Game released 200 hatchery rainbows in September 2025, and in January 2026 reported the lake fishing well for perch and trout.
How to Fish Lake Ratapiko
Where and when
Fish from the margin in the club areas. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter, before the boats and skiers are out. Because the lake is shallow, let soft baits and spinners sink to the bottom and bring them back slowly and steadily, which Fish & Game found worked best in January 2026.
What to catch and what to use
- Rainbow and brown trout: small Veltic and toby spinners are the favourites. Nymphs and wet flies also work.
- Perch: a worm or small bait under a float is an easy way for children to catch them.
- Soft baits: fished slowly along the bottom, for trout and perch.
What to bring
A light spinning rod, a few small spinners and soft baits, worms for perch, and food and drink: there are no shops at the lake.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: turn off SH3 onto Tariki Road midway between Inglewood and Stratford, and follow it about 9 km to the lake.
- Access: the water ski and power boat club areas reach the lake edge. Elsewhere the shore is farmland, so ask the landowner first.
- Boat ramp: there is a ramp at the lake, used by the clubs. Check with them before launching.
- Nearby: the lake is fed from the Manganui River, a short drive north.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Taranaki rules apply. You need a licence, and in Taranaki that includes fishing for perch.
- The lake is open from 1 October to 30 April and again from 1 June to 30 September, with fly, spin and bait. It is closed in May for duck hunting.
- Some Fish & Game winter tables exclude the inlet race, so check the current regulations before fishing it.
- Check the regulations for the trout limit; there is no perch limit.
- Watch for jet boats and water skiers, and keep your line clear of the lanes they use.
- Clean, check and dry your gear before fishing other waters.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki Valley, 2/20 Rifle Range Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth.
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki, Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
Official Sources
Fish & Game: Taranaki ringplain waters: Lake Ratapiko access, species and methods.
Taranaki sports fishing regulations: the season, methods and limits.
LAWA: Lake Rātāpiko at boat ramp: water quality at the lake.
Common Questions
When is Lake Ratapiko open?
From 1 October to 30 April and from 1 June to 30 September. It is closed in May for duck hunting.
Can I use bait at Lake Ratapiko?
Yes. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed.
What fish are in the lake?
Hatchery rainbow trout, wild brown trout and perch.
Where can I fish from?
The water ski and power boat club areas off Tariki Road. The rest of the shore is private farmland.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. Fish & Game says it is a good place to introduce young anglers to bait fishing for perch.
Is the lake busy?
It can be, with jet boats, power boats and water skiers on fine weekends and holidays. Early mornings are quieter.
Do I need a licence for perch?
Yes. Perch are sports fish in Taranaki, so a Fish & Game licence is needed.
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