Flyfishing in New Zealand

As professional flyfishing guides, we have a good idea on what most flyfishing anglers seek when visiting New Zealand. Rivers with plentiful fish, big owns, feisty rainbows, remote wilderness waters and rivers surrounded by lush native forest. Those crystal clear spring creeks running from snow caped mountains you so often see in most material on flyfishing in New Zealand and of course our professional & friendly hospitality.

It is our aim to ensure that not only do we provide you with what we consider some of New Zealand's finest flyfishing locations but also an experienced guide who is willing to go that extra mile to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding flyfishing tour for all.

Nestled in the heart of the south Island of New Zealand you will find a district known as the McKenzie country . Three main townships lie within the McKenzie basin, Tekapo, Twizel & Oamarama . They all offer first class Accommodation and restaurant facilities. The McKenzie country and surrounding Areas offer world class flyfishing opportunities along with some stunning mountain scenery . In the background to this lies the snow caped Southern Alps , it is the crystal clear waters that flows from this magnificent mountain range that you will most certainly find Brown & Rainbow trophy trout. Two of the more renowned fishing locations in this area are the Tekapo & Ahuriri rivers due to their high numbers of trout. These are two fantastic rivers to fish offering both own & rainbow trout . Blind fishing in the runs & rapids can be very rewarding in the mid to lower reaches of both rivers.

The Southern Alps provides remote, off the beaten track memorable fishing opportunities, 4wd and walking will access us to some of these areas. Helicopters will fly us into the most remote parts, the views alone are eathtaking and hooking into a good sized trout make for some of the greatest fly fishing around.

Expeditions are made to most parts of the South Island, from the remote Fiordland National Park up to the West Coast. We tend to focus on the Upper Waitaki Valley, the sparkling clear waters of the Mount Cook National Park and Mackenzie Basin catchment's areas along with Rakaia to Fairlie these all have first class flyfishing waters. We know the weather conditions well in these parts and in order to give you quality flyfishing conditions it is a must that we have nice clear water , decisions between client and the guide are made to satisfy the client before and on the day. Water clarity is most important when stalking large own trout.

The Deep South

Fiordland national park offers beauty in the mountains and bush alone. The fishing in this part of New Zealand is outstanding in every form, but due to its remoteness a helicopter or boat ride is essential. If one is to fish these remote wilderness areas, one must be prepared to put up with sand flies. Insect repellant is a must in this area. The weather is prone to changing rapidly and downpours of rain can make rivers rise very fast. An up to date weather forecast is a must before venturing into these parts and the ( DOC ) Department of Conservation office in Te Anau is where you can obtain this along with other relevant information. We do strongly recommend a guide in these parts.

More information on this location is available on request.

Flyfishing in New Zealand -
The first day of October kicks off the start of the low land trout fishing season . The first weekend of November is when most of the high country opens, there are however some rivers , streams , creeks and tarns that do not open until the first weekend of December . It is important that you check a current Fish & Game New Zealand sports fishing regulations guide to ensure that you are fishing within the correct regulations for each location you intend fishing . These are obtained from most NewZealand fishing tackle stores or are given when you purchase a New Zealand Trout fishing license.

November through to March are our main summer months , temperatures get up around 25-30 degrees. The abundance of insect activity at these high temperatures make for some great dry flyfishing action. A size 12 to 16 Royal Wolf on a high country stream in such conditions is one of our more favored flies and often entices large owns to come up and snap at such an offering. Early morning and late evenings are also prime times to be out on the river bed for there are generally good insect hatches at these lower light hours. When you strike a good hatch its not uncommon to catch more than two or three fish from the same pool. When fishing the middle of the day it pays to not over look those turbulent runs and rapids these are well worth fishing for on hot summer days fish tend to like the cool oxygenated waters and a weighted Nymph can be very rewarding, a dry fly indicator is also suggested if conditions permit.

The temperature does drop to the low 10's around June through to September. It is at these times that flyfishing does slow down never the less with the right nymph or lure in the right location there is still plenty of good fishing opportunities to be had. If you do intend to visit New Zealand at this time of year we do recommend inging plenty of warm clothing and good wet weather gear, waders are also suggested for fresh snow in the mountains not only makes for great skiing but turns the water temp to near freezing levels.

We are able to arrange all accommodation needs if required whether it be a Backpackers, farmstay, motel or 4 star accommodation.

Please submit a booking inquiry above with your preferred dates.

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

*One full day includes: lunch & afternoon refreshment - Fishing License/ On & off Road Vehicle transport/Fly Fishing Equipment as required .

Additional Fees:
Accommodation if required
Helicopter charters
Campout Rates - charged per night -

Helicopter Charters:
These are for clients wanting to fish remote back country locations, these vary in time spent flying. Package deals are available on request.

Packages for 4 days or more including accommodation are available which include a discount, please contact us for more information.