Lake Kohata is a small freshwater lake adjacent to Lake Wiritoa, roughly five minutes south of Whanganui off State Highway 3. It holds a good population of perch and is less visited than its neighbour — access requires a short ten-minute walk from the Kaitoke Road carpark, which keeps fishing pressure low. No licence is required for perch, making it an accessible option for casual anglers as well as more experienced fishers targeting larger fish in quieter water.
Practical Information
| Location | Adjacent to Lake Wiritoa, accessed from Kaitoke Road off SH3, ~3km south of Whanganui |
| Access | Park near 250 Kaitoke Road; cross fence at the stile beside the Lake Kohata sign; 10-minute walk to the lake |
| Target species | Perch |
| Licence required | No licence required for perch |
| Best spots | Low-lying eastern shoreline; deeper water outside weedbeds |
| Summer note | Hornwort weed growth can make fishing difficult in summer — autumn through spring is best |
| Seasonal closure | Lake Kohata is closed to angling during the duck-shooting season |
About Lake Kohata
Lake Kohata sits close to Lake Wiritoa on the southern outskirts of Whanganui, separated from it by a short walk along the fence line from the Kaitoke Road access point. The lake is within a reserve, and anglers must stay within the reserve boundary — located 20 metres from the water’s edge. You can walk around the entire lake, with the low-lying eastern shoreline offering the easiest access and some of the best fishing positions.
The lake holds good-sized perch. Fish & Game recommends fishing in deeper water outside the weedbeds for the best results, particularly as hornwort — an invasive aquatic weed — can limit access to parts of the lake in summer. The most productive season is autumn through spring, when weed growth is less dense and fish are more active.
Recommended techniques match those used at nearby Lake Wiritoa: bait fishing with a bubble float and worm, or spinning with small Veltic or Toby spinners. Wet flies can also be effective. The lake is bank-fished only — there is no boat ramp.
Where to Learn More
Fish & Game — Whanganui Fisheries has detailed access information, fishing tips and seasonal notes for Lake Kohata and other Whanganui lakes.
Discover Whanganui — Hunting and Fishing covers the wider range of fishing options in the Whanganui region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Kohata?
It is adjacent to Lake Wiritoa on Kaitoke Road, approximately 3 kilometres south of Whanganui off State Highway 3.
How do I access Lake Kohata?
Park near 250 Kaitoke Road, cross the fence at the stile beside the Lake Kohata sign, and walk approximately 10 minutes along the fence line to reach the lake. The eastern shoreline is easiest to access.
Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Kohata?
No licence is required for perch, which is the main species in the lake.
When is the best time to fish Lake Kohata?
Autumn through spring is best. Hornwort weed growth in summer can reduce access to productive water.
Can I use a boat on Lake Kohata?
No — it is bank fishing only, with no boat ramp. Anglers must stay within 20 metres of the water’s edge within the reserve boundary.
When is Lake Kohata closed to fishing?
The lake is closed to angling during the duck-shooting season. Check Fish & Game for current season dates.
Lake Kohata is part of the fishing in Whanganui guide. The nearby Lake Wiritoa offers similar perch fishing with the addition of a boat ramp and is just a short distance away on the same access road.