Without a doubt New Zealand is an anglers' Mecca, with thousands of lakes, spring creeks and rivers that hold trout, some of them rarely seeing an angler. New Zealand combines this abundant choice of fishing waters with clear air and water, majestic scenery and on top of all that trout that are large by world standards. You can guess what is waiting for you!

New Zealand’s claim to fame is the size of trout to be caught in gin-clear waters. The name of the game is to spot the trout, choose an approach and cast to the visible fish, presenting them with dry flies and nymphs, or even a spinner.

“You will be rewarded with memories you will be dreaming and talking about for years to come”!

We have a world-renowned wild trout fishery and the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. Certainly there are trophy fish, but there is usually a very good reason that these fish got to be so big!

If you decide to discover New Zealand's fishing on your own, make your stay as long as you can afford. We constantly meet people who wished they had put more time aside to discover the secrets of our fisheries.

Another similarity of new people we guide each year is that they wished they had hired a fishing guide on the first instead of the last day of their precious holiday! It is certainly the best way to get an introduction to New Zealand fishing and ensure a successful fishing holiday without wasting days or more often weeks figuring things out.

Experienced guides know where the fishing is best, know the moods of local waters and the weather, often have access arrangements and will provide transport. They can help you adjust your technique to the different conditions, in order to take maximum advantage of the ever-changing conditions. It has taken guides many thousands of hours to find the best waters and methods that can help to make you successful.

Where to go:
Ask one hundred fishermen which are the best rivers? and you will probably get one hundred different answers.

In our opinion hard to beat are:

• the Tongariro River in the North Island for winter fishing (mostly Rainbow Trout),  
• the Mataura River on the South Island for summer fishing (only Brown Trout),
• many South Island West Coast rivers for their combination of top fishing for mainly Brown Trout and spectacular scenery.

The fishing in the Tongariro and Mataura rivers is mainly based on blind fishing, but the number of fish present in these rivers does compensate for the missing excitement of sight fishing. However if you want the true experience of spotting your prize and casting to it, the West Coast should be your pick!

West Coast Region:
The West Coast is recognised the world over for its top fishing and scenery. You will be delighted at the sheer beauty of the pristine rivers running through valleys of native rainforest, all framed by rugged mountain ranges. One look at these locations and you can't help feeling you have arrived in trout heaven. This is why The Coast is one of the favourite locations of Kiwi fisherman, who come here on holiday to do their fishing. It is superb fishing in real New Zealand!.

If you are looking to hire a fishing guide on the South Island, we would be very pleased to be of assistance.  We generally guide within 200 km from Westport.  All major river systems and tributaries with good fishing are included.  There are over 30 rivers and creeks on our list, from the very small to the very big, most of them containing some trophy fish. (10 lbs.= 4.5kg).  The average fish size in our region is in the 4 to 5 lbs. mark, which is just about as good as it gets in New Zealand!.  We customise our selection of fishing water depending on the experience level and preferences of the client and the prevailing weather and water conditions.

The West Coast has it all - the one area of New Zealand you shouldn’t miss!

Fishing West Coast Of New Zealand -
(Equipment)
Sea Trout & Kahawai:

AFTM 7-10 fly rod  
Fishing line: floating & sinking WF./DT.  

Trout:
AFTM 5-7 fly rod (8.6' or longer)
3 or 4 piece rods are ideal.  
• Fishing line: floating WF./DT. (dull colour)  
• Reels able to hold 50-100m of backing  
• Leaders: 9-12' long with 4-6 lb. tippet  
• Short spinning rod & reel (6-8 lb.)  
• Landing net (most guides carry their own)  
• Water proof inner bag for back pack  

Fishing:
(Clothes)

• Polypropylene long johns
(can be bought in NZ.)  
• Nylon shorts (or trousers)  
• Polypropylene socks
(can be bought in NZ.)  
• Hat / Cap  
• Polar Fleece Jacket  
• Rain top (& trousers)  
• Walking and/or Wading shoes  
• Light weight waders (April - October)  
• Polaroid glasses  
• Avoid ight coloured clothing!  

Please submit a booking inquiry to check on available dates.

For trout fishing we consider the best fishing time to be October to April for most of the country and from April to September in the North Island Taupo region. However this does not preclude some excellent sport to be had outside these peak times.

Book Now - "What the guide charges, is what you will pay and nothing extra. No middleman fees ~ book direct or contact the guide today!"
John Openshaw ~ President, WadersOn.com

* Guided fishing for 1 or 2 anglers, free transport by car, picnic lunch and equipment if required

** Winter Fishing Season. This is for the fisherman visiting between the 1 May and 30 September.

Over Night Stay: NZD $108. Camp out rate is charged per person per night for food and all equipment.

Anglers are required to hold a current fishing licence while fishing with us.

Map of Fishing West Coast Of New Zealand