Rainbow Trout Fishing South Canterbury

Hello and welcome!

Come join us and let us show you some of the magnificent area in which we live, work and play. Fish amongst towering snow capped mountains, through sheer valleys and on open flood plains or one of the many low land rivers and streams which our region has to offer.

We are based out of Timaru, which is a coastal town and the main centre of South Canterbury, a region in the Central South Island of New Zealand.

The Central South Island region is located on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Including the towns of Timaru, Temuka, Geraldine, Pleasant Point and Tekapo, the area is only two hours south of Christchurch and a similar drive to Dunedin. Timaru is the ideal base to explore Mount Cook, Mackenzie Country and the Waitaki Lakes areas where both Brown and Rainbow Trout can be found.

Your guides Kevin and Jason will work hard to show you the skill and technique needed to get the most out of some of New Zealand's very best fly fishing.

Both born and bred locals, we have a life time of knowledge and experience for the rivers and lakes of the region.

Here we specialise in the classic kiwi style of clear water sight fishing. Fish are first sighted, then stalked before being tempted with a dry fly or nymph. This is a very exciting and challenging style of fishing, and is suited to parties of 1 - 2 anglers per guide to ensure maximum quality time on the water. The fishing here in New Zealand is considered hard in comparison to most other places, don't expect to catch great numbers of fish but rather large well conditioned fish.

All rivers and streams are accessed by comfortable 4WD vehicle with some walking is involved. We have fishing in our region to suit most levels of fitness. A typical day's fishing starts with angler pick up between 7:30 and 8am and travelling to one of the many rivers and streams the region has to offer, with a return time to be arranged between the angler and guide on the day. Travelling time varies but is usually between a 30 - 90 minute drive depending on which waters are to be fished.

Rainbow Trout Fishing South Canterbury -
The fishing season here opens on the 1st of October and runs through until the end of April with the exception of the high country, which opens on the first Saturday of November. There are also some selected waters, which are open to fish between May and September – contact us for further information on winter fishing options.

We have a mixture of spring creeks, freestone streams, alluvial rivers and still waters all offering their own challenges and fantastic sport. The trout here average 3 - 4 pounds with many larger fish landed each year.

Oct: The start of the fishing season. Exceptional nymph fishing available.

Nov: Weather starting to warm. Good nymph fishing with some dry fly fishing as well.

Dec/Jan/Feb: Summer is here with warm weather. Excellent dry fly fishing.

Mar/Apr: Weather starting to cool again. Fish are in prime condition. Again, a combination of dry fly and nymph fishing.

Some useful fly patterns.
Dry Flies - Black knat, Royal Wullf, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Green Beetle and emerger patterns, all in sizes 16#-10#. Cicada patterns work well during the summer months, these should be in the larger sizes of 8#-10#.

Nymphs - Hare and Copper, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Green Caddis 16#-10#. Green and Brown Stoneflies 8#-10#. Nymphs in various weights should be carried in order to get them down to the bottom of our fast flowing rivers and streams.

All accommodationcan be arranged, wether it be B&B, Motel, Hotel or Farm Stay.

Please contact us for current available 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

Packages include - All accommodation, transfers return Christchurch, fishing licenses, fishing equipment if required, lunch and refreshments through out the guiding day plus your guides friendly advise and services.

Packages do not include meals while not with guide, there are many resturants close by.

Guide rate per day covers 4x4 road transport to fishing sites from accommodation, fishing licenses, fishing gear if required, lunch and refreshments plus guide services.