Fly Fishing Trip Info
It’s a good idea to bring your own equipment, as familiarity with your tackle is always advantageous. However, if this is not possible we can provide all tackle. Simply let us know your requirements and we’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible. During a day’s guiding I supply all flies, tippet materials and indicators, vehicle transport and a picnic lunch.
Fishing Equipment and Clothing
- Rods 4, 5, or 6 weight
- Reels with a drag system
- Floating line (dull colour, gray, brown or green)
- Fluro-carbon 2x to 5x, tapered leaders optional
- Fly’s: nymphs and dries – bring your favourites
- Polaroid sunglasses are essential
- Light-weight waders and wading boots (if you have them, bring them)
- Waterproof rain coat
- Dull coloured cap or hat
- Insect repellent & sun screen (at least SPF 15)
- Camera
- Light weight clothing (long sleeves & dull colours)
- Warm fleece or woollen top
Note: Felt soled boots are banned in NZ.
A couple of good ideas to make the most of your trip…
- Definitely practice short, accurate casting prior to arrival. You never know a trophy trout may be facing you on your first cast of the morning… and you don’t want that to be your first cast in six months!
- Walking and fishing in New Zealand go hand in hand and the fitter you are the more you will gain from the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to come?
Overall, any time of year is a great time to visit, we catch good fish throughout the whole season. Personally, I like the fishing in early or late season, but it depends on what you are looking for from your fishing trip or holiday. Spring, summer and fall (autumn) fishing all have advantages and disadvantages.
Spring to early summer, (October to mid December).
Great small stream fishing. Fish are very active and most willing to take reasonably well presented flies. Rain can be a factor particularly in October and November, but the quality of the fishing will more than make up for weather conditions.
Early to late summer, (mid December to mid March).
Water levels drop allowing better access to larger rivers and streams. The fishing requires better and more constant casting. The weather tends to be fine and warm, the days are long… What more can we say? Summer is a great time of year in New Zealand.
Fall / Autumn (Mid March to May).
The fishing pressure drops away and the fish feed vigorously with the on set of winter and spawning. The fish are in prime condition but the daylight hours are shortened and the angles of sunlight more pronounced making spotting trout more difficult. However, there are amazing hatches of mayflies in April and the dry fly fishing can be fantastic.
When is the best time to fish dry flies?
Good dry fly fishing can occur at any time, even on cool and rainy days in early spring. However, the most consistent months for dry fly fishing are December, January, February and April.
