Fly Fishing New Zealand
Fly Fishing Travel and Adventure. Information, news and reviews.
Fly Fishing in New Zealand is a world class fishing experience. The pristine and extremely scenic islands host some very productive trout fishing lakes and rivers.
Both rainbow and brown trout are abundant in NZ with the rainbows more prevalent in the lakes of the north island and the browns in the rivers of the south island. Of course both species can be found over both islands. Whereas the average catch size is less than 5 pounds, anglers often land trophy fish of closer to ten pounds on both islands.
The trout fishing season is from October to April in most areas but there are variations to this. Some areas also have a winter season and some are open year round.
A fishing licence is required in New Zealand costing adults NZD$116 for a summer season, $70 for a winter season and $23 for a 24 hour licence. More information on seasons and licences can be obtained from NZ Fish & Game.
The peak season for freshwater fly fishing in NZ is of course the summer months. From December to March the days are longer with sunsets after 9pm, the weather is generally more stable and the fish have often retreated further up the river systems to find cooler water. There is less pressure on the fisheries during October, November and April and the trout are often very hungry during the early months of the season.
The scenery in New Zealand is often so spectacular that even if you are not catching fish it is a pleasure to be out there.
Check out this video of the Motueka River region near Nelson at the top of the South Island.