Learn To Flyfish In New Zealand

Our 3, 5, 7 and 10-day all-inclusive LEARN TO FLYFISH programs emphasis solid casting and all major flyfishing techniques as well as river skills and streamside entomology. You will learn in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, in the  fantastic natural classroom: the lakes and rivers of the Wanaka region. Upon the completion of our program you will be a fully-hackled and capable angler. You will be able to understand and figure out new waters and that we believe is one of the most rewarding and enduring aspects of our pursuit.

As your knowledge and skills increase our tuition changes format to GUIDED FLYFISHING. Our field trips thus become custom-designed fly-fishing safaris to the waters of your choice and our suggestion. All our instructors are fully-qualified flyfishing guides (members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association), with an intimate knowledge of local waters.

Learn To Flyfish In New Zealand - Our flyfishing academy is based in Wanaka, in the heart of New Zealand's magnificent Southern Lakes region. We are thus in the epicentre of both brown and rainbow trout action and during our seminars and safaris we can roam the entire bottom half of the South Island: from West Coast to Fiordland, Southland and the Mackenzie basin.

Wanaka is also a happening place when it comes to art, wine and the multitude of other outdoor activities so there are plenty of things to do for a non-fishing companion


Our flyfishing is largely shore-based: we stalk both browns and rainbows in clear mountain streams and rivers. These are accessed by a 4WD, while the HELICOPTER option of reaching more remote rivers is available on request. We also offer drift flyfishing on the Clutha River from small inflatable rafts. Parts of this fabulous river are inaccessible on foot and thus rarely fished. A superb wilderness day out and no second-hand water!

Our academy is based a unique and wonderful hunting-lodge style accommodation located almost within a casting distance from Lake Wanaka.
The Lodge has been a dream-come-true project of Shonagh and Roger North who will be your hosts. Their sense of taste and excellence permeates every aspect of the Lodge: from solar heating, through the recycled-timber interiors and a luxurious under-the-stars spa, to their selection of wines.

A range of accommodation is available from singles, twins and master suite to self-contained 2 and 3 bedroom cottages.

We are lucky folks here in Wanaka - we have the scenery, the sunshine, the four seasons that could have given Vivaldi his inspiration. And we have superb trout waters, even a spring creek that runs through the middle of town. Better still, we have a year-round fishing season - there is always somewhere you can go and cast a fly. Thus, our LEARN TO FLYFISH seminars are available throughout the year though the styles and locations may vary according to seasons and water conditions.

In spring most rivers open (1 October) and even before that we have some good sea-run browns on the West Coast, within an easy drive. Summer means manuka beetles, cicadas, dry fly and smelt. Autumn fishing is superb with settled weather and plenty of insect life. The days are long so it's time to venture further afield. Then, with the onset of winter, when most rivers close for spawning (31 May), we have superb runs of first browns and then the rainbows which in their feistiness (they spawn in glacial waters after all) can rival even the legendary Tongariro fish.

In October-April you can expect primarily nymph and dry-fly fishing, while in late autumn/winter/early spring we fish mainly stream mouths and larger rivers using heavy sinking and shooting-head lines.

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