New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel

New Zealand Fly Fishing Itineraries and Travel

The Choice of Fly

Every New Zealand fishing guide develops their own favorite fly selections, and these preferences can vary considerably.

While some anglers will visit New Zealand and bring their favorite patterns, it may be best sometimes to allow the guide (who has local knowledge and experience) to match the hatch. There’s certainly no one-size-fits-all approach and the best fly choice depends on several factors throughout the spring-summer-autumn season:

  • Weather and water conditions: These change constantly, so staying adaptable is key.
  • Entomology: What insects are hatching each month? Matching the fly pattern to the current bug buffet is crucial.

Generally, larger flies work better in high water conditions (like spring) and fast-moving water, while smaller flies are ideal for low water (around February) and still water. Most Americans will not fish still water in New Zealand. The lakes in Tasmania is perhaps best known for still water fly fishing in the Southern Hemisphere.

Here’s a list of suggested fly patterns by month as suggested by Tony Orman, just to give you a starting point. Remember, every guide will likely have their own unique recommendations based on their experience and favorite flies. Feel free to adjust this list based on the specific advice you get from your guide.

October

Nymphs:

  • Green stonefly: size 8
  • Hare and copper: sizes 8 and 10
  • Gold ribbed hares ear: sizes 10 and 12
  • Zug bug: sizes 10 and 12

Dry Flies:

  • Royal wulff: sizes 10 and 12
  • Humpy: sizes 10 and 12
  • Sedge (elk caddis or turkey sedge): size 12 (for dusk fishing)

Streamers:

  • Grey ghost: size 8 (for sea-run browns near estuaries)
  • Red shadow: size 6 (for dusk or after dark)
fishing nymph
Hare and Copper trout fly is New Zealand's best-known nymph and probably the most popular. It is a very simple fly pattern but is arguably the most productive fly in New Zealand. It certainly deserves a place in any anglers box.
fishing streamer
The Red Shadow streamer has been part of New Zealand fly fishing for many decades. It probably originated in the Canterbury region.
The Cicada trout fly is a great summer-time dry. There are many versions of it but it is a most effective fly to use when the cicadas are around (often the bush is filled with the noise of the cicadas indicating this is thetime to use these flies)
The twilight beauty can be very effective for earlier in the season.

November & December

To October’s selection add:

Nymphs: 

Pheasant tail size 10, 12, 14

Dry Flies:

  • Humpy (green for green beetle, brown for brown beetle) in sizes 12 and 14.
  • Coch-y-bondu in size 12 (useful beetle imitation).
  • Mayfly imitations: Adams, Quill Gordon, and Twilight Beauty (a New Zealand pattern) in sizes 12, 14, and preferably 16.
Mouse pattern used as a streamer across the water in mast years
The Pheasant Tail trout fly is one of the most popular nymphs for New Zealand waters. It is an important representation of a mayfly nymph, one of the most important foods for trout.

January & February & March​

Retain your existing fly selection, but consider adding some smaller options to cover various hatches and feeding behaviors:

  • Nymphs:

    • Hare and copper: sizes 12 and 14
    • Gold ribbed hares ear: size 14
    • Pheasant tail: size 16
    • Willow grub (New Zealand pattern): sizes 14 and 16 (imitates grubs falling off willow trees)
  • Dry Flies:

    • Hopper imitations (to imitate cicadas)
    • Sedge pattern: size 14
    • Muddler minnow: size 8 (can be used as a dry fly cicada imitation)
This basic sedge design will cover almost any fishing situation
Willow Grub—Late summer/Autumn A popular fly to fish on a dropper with a dry fly
fishing dry fly
The Humpy trout fly comes in a range of patterns and colours: green, peacock, red and yellow. It is a useful indicator fly in the larger sizes.

April

As the weather cools and brings a crispness to early mornings and evenings, consider making some slight adjustments to your fly selection:

  • Nymphs: While you can maintain your current selection, think about adding some slightly larger sizes (perhaps size 12) in hares ear and pheasant tail nymphs. These can be more effective in attracting fish during this time.

  • Dry Flies: Dry flies in sizes 10 and 12 with a touch of “attractor” color, like a red bodied humpy, remain a good choice this month.

The Hares Ear is designed with a small profile but to sink quickly.
After one honeymoon summer fishing New Zealand's spectacular fly rivers and streams, Canadian photographer David Lambroughton was hooked: 25 years later he is still to miss a season. Story and photographs: David Lambroughton As a photographer specialising in fly fishing, it has been easy to fall in love with much of what I've seen through my lens: the big brawling salmon rivers of Norway, the massive sunsets over Argentine trout waters, the lush spring creeks of Montana, or the lovely steelhead pools on British Columbia streams....

https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/news/the-lure-of-fly-fishing/

After one honeymoon summer fishing New Zealand`s spectacular fly rivers and streams, Canadian photographer David Lambroughton was hooked: 25 years later he is still to miss a season. Story and photographs: David Lambroughton As a photographer specialising in fly fishing, it has been easy to fall in love with much of what I`ve seen through my lens: the big brawling salmon rivers of Norway, the massive sunsets over Argentine trout waters, the lush spring creeks of Montana, or the lovely steelhead pools on British Columbia streams....

https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/news/the-lure-of-fly-fishing/
...

While in the Northland many will not have the chance to play Waitangi GC. It’s a shame because the setting and proximity to the excellent museum is a great way to spend a day enjoying this beautiful area! #waitangigolfcourse #waitangi #newzealand #northisland @bestofnz_travel

While in the Northland many will not have the chance to play Waitangi GC. It’s a shame because the setting and proximity to the excellent museum is a great way to spend a day enjoying this beautiful area! #waitangigolfcourse #waitangi #newzealand #northisland @bestofnz_travel ...

Mastering Fishing Tackle for New Zealand’s Trout Waters

Essentials Fishing tackle is the foundation of success for New Zealand trout fishing, where the rivers and lakes offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Fishing in New Zealand isn’t just a pastime—it’s an art form. Across the country, anglers have embraced lightweight fly fishing gear, especially during the summer months.

Link in Bio to Read More!

https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/mastering-fishing-tackle-for-new-zealands-trout-waters/ 

#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing

Mastering Fishing Tackle for New Zealand’s Trout Waters

Essentials Fishing tackle is the foundation of success for New Zealand trout fishing, where the rivers and lakes offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Fishing in New Zealand isn’t just a pastime—it’s an art form. Across the country, anglers have embraced lightweight fly fishing gear, especially during the summer months.

Link in Bio to Read More!

https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/mastering-fishing-tackle-for-new-zealands-trout-waters/

#bestofnzflyfishing #nzflyfishing
...

It’s been a while since we posted so here a reminder of what awaits you in New Zealand. Look at this monster! Look at that smile on Mr Amero! Nice hat too! @tongariro_lodge

It’s been a while since we posted so here a reminder of what awaits you in New Zealand. Look at this monster! Look at that smile on Mr Amero! Nice hat too! @tongariro_lodge ...

(🔗LINK IN BIO) Hooked on New Zealand: A Fly Fishing Primer 

When it comes to fly fishing, there are three primary techniques used to present your fly to a fish: nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing. While each method involves enticing a fish to strike, they differ significantly in their approach.

(🔗LINK IN BIO) Hooked on New Zealand: A Fly Fishing Primer

When it comes to fly fishing, there are three primary techniques used to present your fly to a fish: nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing. While each method involves enticing a fish to strike, they differ significantly in their approach.
...

Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.

Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.

Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!

#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel

Few anglers have logged more casts, more catches, and more laughs on New Zealand’s rivers than Al Coble.

Year after year, he returns to test himself, which is really a testament to passion, patience, and a love for these waters that runs deep.

Here’s to another season of unforgettable moments, Al. You’ve earned your legend status for sure!

#bestofnzflyfishing #troutfishingnewzealand #catchandrealease #flyfishingadventures #newzealandtravel
...

@christchurchgolfclub dates back to the 1870s and is a fantastic place to play. Updates by Peter Thomson provide an accessible and challenging round. #golfnz @bestofnz_travel

@christchurchgolfclub dates back to the 1870s and is a fantastic place to play. Updates by Peter Thomson provide an accessible and challenging round. #golfnz @bestofnz_travel ...

New Zealand will welcome back anglers this year. Want to be among the first to Poronui? We just released an all-inclusive ground package on our site- check it out!

New Zealand will welcome back anglers this year. Want to be among the first to Poronui? We just released an all-inclusive ground package on our site- check it out! ...

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