The New Zealand Fly Fishing Guidebook
Your guide to fly fishing in New Zealand.
At Poronui we want to make your New Zealand fly fishing trip as memorable and as easy as possible. And if you’re looking to catch and release New Zealand brown and rainbow trout in some of the country’s most iconic rivers – you’ve come to the right place!
It’s important you have the right clothing and equipment for the climate and the riverside terrain in New Zealand. The sun can be strong and the weather can change suddenly, so it pays to be prepared. New Zealand can be known for experiencing four seasons in one day.
The terrain along the backcountry rivers can be challenging and a good level of fitness is recommended, especially when helicoptering into the more remote streams and tributaries.
January/February
Traditionally this is the most popular time for anglers to visit New Zealand. Streams are low and wading is easy. Trout are highly visible in the water, but selective with their feeding. On smaller streams these conditions demand careful stalking and delicate presentations with small drys and nymphs. On mountain freestone streams there is excellent terrestrial activity on the surface.
March
A warm, settled month with often low rainfall. Resident trout in mountain streams willingly rise to the surface. The dry, cooler evenings are known to induce good hatches. Great months for combining fishing and hunting with the rut for the Red Stag starting mid-March.
April
The weather is still warm and settled. April generally has the lowest average rainfall of any month in New Zealand. Typically a brilliant day is heralded by a good frost. Resident trout in mountain streams willingly rise to the surface. At this time the trout are in peak condition. Great month for combining fishing and hunting with the rut for the Red Stag still in progress and the rut for the Sika getting under way.
May/June
The perfect time to wrap up warm and enjoy the variety of outdoor country pursuits. The best fly fishing is using nymphs on the lower reaches of the backcountry rivers. The tributary streams flowing into Lake Taupo also come into their own. The duck hunting and game bird season opens and all the North Island deer species are available for trophy hunting.
July/August
The backcountry rivers in New Zealand are closed for spawning at this time of year, however the hunting season continues. It is also a very popular time for short adventure breaks with family and friends. Expect to experience the occasional snow storm!
September
Although the headwaters of the backcountry rivers remain closed the fishing in the mid and lower reaches are open and provide some excellent early season fishing. While predominantly nymph fishing the occasional trout will rise to the dry.
October
October 1, heralds the opening of the fishing season. Snow melt is not something we have to contend with, instead fish tend to be hungry, less fussy and presentation is not as critical as during summer - no wonder guides get so excited as opening morning approaches.
November
Fishing during November and December is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Those ‘in-the-know’ choose this time of year to fish. The days are lengthening and while the weather warms up, the water is still cool. There can be good mayfly hatches, encouraging the trout to feed recklessly on the surface during the day. This is the least crowded time to fly fish in New Zealand.
December
Fishing during November and December is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Those ‘in-the-know’ choose this time of year to fish. The days are lengthening and while the weather warms up, the water is still cool. There can be good mayfly hatches, encouraging the trout to feed recklessly on the surface during the day. This is the least crowded time to fly fish in New Zealand.
New Zealand fly fishing species
Do I need a fly fishing guide in New Zealand?
Finding the best backcountry spots and reading the water are skills that makes all the difference when fly fishing in New Zealand. Poronui has a team of permanent full-time fishing guides who are considered consummate professionals in their field. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about the outdoors and will ensure you have the best possible New Zealand fly fishing experience.
What should I bring on a New Zealand fishing trip?
- A good windproof, water-proof shell layer is essential at any time.
- Layering for the conditions is preferable, the sun can be strong so light, collared shirts are recommended.
- A sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent (avoid getting it on the fly and line though)
- Solid footwear is important. Boots with good ankle support and a firm sole with good grip are very important for climbing over slippery rocks and through river beds.
- Poronui provides guests with waders, rods and nets.
What kind of fish can I catch in New Zealand?
A fishing trip to Poronui will see you fly fishing on some of New Zealand’s best Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing rivers.
Rainbow Trout are distinguished by their unique pink flush along their sides while Brown Trout vary considerably in body colouration and markings depending on their habitat.
What New Zealand fishing licenses do I need?
Any fresh water fishing in New Zealand requires a fishing licence, but licencing in New Zealand can be complicated.
There are two fishing regions, Lake Taupo and its tributaries are managed by the Department of Conservation while the rest of New Zealand’s fly fishing is managed through licences from Fish and Game.
Fishing licence options include day or season licences for local areas or the whole country (excluding Taupo). We can organise licences for our guests and make sure you get the correct type for the rivers you’ll be wishing with us.
New travel rules to New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors and transit passengers. It’s called the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and travellers need to request theirs via the official mobile app or website. Approval can take up to 72 hours, so get yours before you go.
The NZeTA is required for travel from 1 October 2019.
Visit immigration.govt.nz/nzeta to find out if you need one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When are the New Zealand seasons?Peak fly fishing season is considered to start in mid to late December and go through until March. Backcountry rivers officially open on October 1st and spring time at Poronui is a great time to fish due to the lack of snow melt.
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Do I need a licence to fish in New Zealand?In 2023 Fish & Game introduced the Designated Waters Licence to replace the Backcountry Endorsement. This has been implemented to reduce overcrowding and improve monitoring of angler usage on a small number of sensitive fisheries. At Poronui, we organize licenses for our guests and make sure you get the correct type for the rivers you’ll be fishing.
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