New Zealand Angling

  New Zealand is widely recognized as the most diverse and rewarding trout fishery on the planet. Thousands of lakes, rivers, back country streams and spring creeks all offer fantastic opportunities to sight fish for brown and rainbow trout.
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  If you like upstream sighted fly fishing to large wild trout then New Zealand is your dream destination. Combine this supreme fishing with some of the world’s most stunning scenery and you have a very special experience.

  New Zealand is widely considered to be the best sight fishery for trout in the world. The Fiordland/Southland region is home to more rivers and streams than any other province in New Zealand. Blessed with an abundance of productive spring creeks, freestone rivers, rain fed streams and lakes of many sizes, coupled with the incredible Fiordland scenery and crystal clear water this is a fly fishing paradise.

 JET BOAT FISHING: The ultimate kiwi adventure aboard this custom-built jet boat piloted by a friendly local fishing guide. The Upper Waiau River has some of the highest counts of trout per kilometre in the whole of country, making it one of NZ's most productive fisheries. Fishing with the jet boat will allow you to access remote parts of this fantastic river. But it’s not just the thrill of catching trout that makes this such a memorable day. The scenery is truly epic - think Lord of the Rings - with the wilderness of Fiordland National Park as a backdrop. Clients get to enjoy a hearty Riverside BBQ lunch with local produce such as Fiordland Crayfish. This is kiwi hospitality at it’s best.

HELI FISHING: As an optional add-on; go remote, into waters rarely fished by the majority of anglers with a Heli Fishing Adventure. Heli fishing isn't necessarily about finding larger trout, or bigger numbers of fish. It is all about getting into truly remote waters and experiencing the challenge of deceiving wild brown and rainbow trout in the breathtaking surrounds of inaccessible mountain valleys and gin clear waters. Price varies with flight duration and a quote can be arranged on application.

Details

While many of our rivers do not support the sheer numbers of fish found in many American waters, the opportunity to spot and stalk individual trout more than compensates for quantity. The skilful sight fishing and 'match the hatch' techniques required to catch these fish draw much international interest , and many anglers visit in search of the ultimate fly-fishing experience. This is hunting; we stalk, locate and cast to trout in their natural environment, where stealth and presentation mean everything.
Many of these trout are large – a 6-pound (circa 24-inch) trout will fail to raise the eyebrows of the locals – although the average size of the trout that we encounter at around 3 pound (18inches). However this fishery is also recognised as one of the most technical; very long leaders (sometimes 18ft+), big or heavy flies, spooky fish and strong wind are all factors that make the fishing here challenging.

The Lodges

Equipment

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: We recommend a #6 weight rod for fly fishing in Fiordland, preferably one with a fast action that can deal with heavy flies and strong winds. Floating lines are the most commonly used, those with short heads are the best for cutting through the wind. Most clients are happy to bring there own rods/reels/waders etc. Wet wading is common practice in New Zealand through the majority of the summer season from Nov-March. If bringing your own waders and boots please remember that New Zealand has a No Felt Sole policy, all fishing gear you bring must be declared through customs.

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