Bay of Islands fishing forecast
Bay of Islands is a saltwater fishing spot in Northland NZ, New Zealand. Anglers here target Atlantic Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowtail Kingfish. The most productive months are typically December, January, February, March, April.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 15.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 17 km/h from SSW |
| Wave height | 0.5 m at 5 s |
| Current | 0.02 m/s toward SW |
| Pressure | 1024 hPa |
| Depth | 25 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands currently scores 88 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 15.9 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Bay of Islands:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 25 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
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Makaira nigricans
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Kajikia audax
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Coryphaena hippurus
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Seriola lalandi
Best months by species at Bay of Islands
| Atlantic Blue MarlinMakaira nigricans | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped MarlinKajikia audax | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-MahiCoryphaena hippurus | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail KingfishSeriola lalandi |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents No licence required for recreational sea fishing in New Zealand coastal marine area., non-residents No licence required.
Some rules may have changed since our last verification — always confirm with the authority before you fish.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. NZ fishing rules vary by Quota Management Area (QMA). Always verify with MPI at mpi.govt.nz before fishing.
Check Bay of Islands before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 372 km of Bay of Islands.
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Bay of Islands New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Tutukaka Coast NZ
Whitianga Coromandel
Lake Rotorua New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Bay of Islands?
Anglers at Bay of Islands target Atlantic Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Mahi-Mahi and Yellowtail Kingfish.
When is the best time to fish Bay of Islands?
The most productive months at Bay of Islands are typically December, January, February, March, April.
What is the fishing forecast for Bay of Islands right now?
Bay of Islands currently scores 88 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Bay of Islands?
Fishing at Bay of Islands follows the local rules for Northland NZ, New Zealand. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Mahi-Mahi / Dorado: Chasing the Electric-Green Ghosts of the BluewaterHow to Catch Yellowtail Kingfish: Taming the Brown BomberHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.