Note that as of the 2008/09 season felt-soled waders and boots are banned for use by anglers in New Zealand. To slow the spread of the invasive alga didymo and other aquatic pests in New Zealand waterways, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand requires all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.
New Zealand has some of the most pristine rivers and lakes in the world. To help keep it that way, freshwater users must ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ aquatic equipment between use in different waterways – regardless of location and perceived didymo risk.
New Zealand’s rivers, streams and spring creeks are best fished with 8 1/2 or 9 foot graphite fly rods designed to cast a 5 or 6 weight forward fly line.
Travel rods that can be packed in your duffel bag are highly recommended. 7 weight rods can often help in windy conditions and when larger, weighted flies are required, as well as on larger rivers (where longer casts are necessary to cover the water effectively).
NOTE: Lodges and most of the fishing guides are equipped with good quality rods and reels available for their guests’ use.
New Zealand’s fish are large, on average, and a top quality, single action fly reel with a reliable drag system and capacity for a full line and minimum 75 yards of backing will help ensure success.
Long leaders are the standard in New Zealand fly fishing. Fly fishing in New Zealand requires delicate and accurate casting with leaders up to 15, and sometimes 18, feet. The ability to cast a long line is rarely necessary, whereas the ability not to slap the water with false casts may make the difference in catching the large, easily spooked fish of New Zealand. The most important thing to do before leaving on your trip is to practice – practice – practice your casting.
Dry fly leaders are usually 12, 14 and even 16 feet long, tapering to 4x or 5x.
Nymph leaders are equally long and often as light.
The Umpqua Spring Creek Tapers in 13 foot lengths, tapered to 4x, 5x and 6x, are preferred by many experienced New Zealand fly fishermen with matching tippet spools in 3x, 4x, 5x and 6x.
Most experienced New Zealand anglers feel that the only line necessary is a floating line for all river situations, though a sinking tip line may be occasionally useful. The contemporary floating fly line preferred by anglers in New Zealand is the Scientific Anglers Mastery fly line in Slate Gray or Camo.
Take a broad brimmed, dull colored hat- preferably one of ours! If you do catch a fish with a BNZFF hat on, be sure to take a photo and send our way – you might be our next ‘Hat of the Week’ on Facebook.
New Zealand fly fishing is a very visual experience. Spotting the fish is part of the excitement and part of the challenge. It is also a critical element in the formula for success, in most situations, and good polarized lenses are essential. If you wear prescription glasses, order a pair from your optometrist, Action Optics or Specialized Sunglasses. If you don’t wear sunglasses, invest in a top quality pair of sunglasses; they will increase your pleasure and improve your results
A lightweight pair of sun gloves (Patagonia, Simms, Glacier Glove, Wind River, Cabelas, etc.) is recommended as protection from both the sun and sand flies. They also grip the fish for that special “catch & release” photo. Simms solarfex sun gloves are perfect for protecting your hands from the sun, wind and insects. Light and dry very easy.
New Zealand trout are big and smart. There are no natural predators, other than a few fish ducks, so their only predators are human. Anglers that wear olive and camouflage spectrum colors will be far less likely to be seen than those with bright or light colored garments. This includes rain gear!
Much of New Zealand is a veritable rain forest. It doesn’t get particularly cold, but it can, and does, get wet. A top quality, lightweight, hooded rain jacket is mandatory.
New Zealand guides are well versed in the use of indicator nymphing. The two most common and popular indicators are white or bright colored. We suggest the highly visible “Striker” material or a red shade of Glo Bug Yarn; either should be trimmed quite small and occasionally dressed.
A good floatant is a must. Effective dry flies and nymph indicators must float high and visible.
A small backpack or tackle bag is handy to have along in the helicopter, boat or guide vehicle each day to carry such items as extra glasses, medication, aspirin, snacks, camera equipment and film, rain jacket and dry socks.
Be sure to take a good insect Repellent. Perhaps 30% DEET at a minimum. We recommended a lotion with a "time release" protection means DEET is slower to evaporate and provides protection after others have dissipated.
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
New Zealand`s rivers are world-class, and keeping them that way starts with how we fish them. From resting your beats to respecting fellow anglers on the water, ethical fly fishing practices protect the fishery for seasons to come.
Read our latest guide on New Zealand fly fishing etiquette via the link in our bio.
#newzealandflyfishing #flyfishingetiquette #protectnzrivers #nzflyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/uncategorized/fly-fishing-etiquette-rules-customs-and-river-ethics/
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
New Zealand trout don’t come small… and the Slivkers proved it🎣 What a day on the water, what a fish, and what a memory to take home.
Thinking of traveling for the 26-27 season? Contact our travel experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #trophytrout #wildtrout #bestofnzflyfishing
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Fly fishing guides in New Zealand do so much to make your trip a success. They know great spots to fish and can really spot trout!
Thinking about travelling to New Zealand? Spots for the 2025-26 season are filling fast. Reach out to one of our Experts today!
Albert P. with a beautiful brown trout!
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Albert P. with a beautiful brown trout!
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Wonderful photos from the Sabbatinis fly fishing adventure on New Zealand’s South Island rivers!🎣🏞️
#newzealandflyfishing #southislandnz #luxurytravelnz #catchandrealease #bestofnzflyfishing
Looks like a beautiful North Island rainbow by Mr. Havens.
Join in on the fun and reach out to one of our experts to plan your 2025-26 trip to New Zealand!
#nzflyfishing #flyfishingnz #bestofnzyfishing #northisland #wildtrout
Looks like a beautiful North Island rainbow by Mr. Havens.
Join in on the fun and reach out to one of our experts to plan your 2025-26 trip to New Zealand!
#nzflyfishing #flyfishingnz #bestofnzyfishing #northisland #wildtrout
A Beginner`s Guide to New Zealand Fly Fishing
Dreaming of casting your line in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? If you`re a beginner fly angler, don`t let the reputation of this iconic fishing destination intimidate you.
With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can have an unforgettable experience.
This blog post will provide you with essential information to get started on your New Zealand fly fishing adventure....
🔗 Link in Bio to Read More!
A Beginner`s Guide to New Zealand Fly Fishing
Dreaming of casting your line in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand? If you`re a beginner fly angler, don`t let the reputation of this iconic fishing destination intimidate you.
With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can have an unforgettable experience.
This blog post will provide you with essential information to get started on your New Zealand fly fishing adventure....
🔗 Link in Bio to Read More!
Good looking BoNZFF hats on a few of these lucky anglers (and guide!) many thanks to the Rochlins and Menascos for traveling this past year.
Good looking BoNZFF hats on a few of these lucky anglers (and guide!) many thanks to the Rochlins and Menascos for traveling this past year.
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Te Anau
Te Anau rests at the heart of the stunning Fiordland World Heritage Park, boasting a mere 3000 residents. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Te Anau, the town enjoys a tranquil setting, bordered by the serene lake on its northern and western fronts, while lush mountains grace the opposite shores. Rolling farmland extends to the south and east, leading up to the imposing Takitimu Mountains, shielding the Te Anau Basin from southerly winds....
(🔗LINK IN BIO) Fly Fishing in Te Anau
Te Anau rests at the heart of the stunning Fiordland World Heritage Park, boasting a mere 3000 residents. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Te Anau, the town enjoys a tranquil setting, bordered by the serene lake on its northern and western fronts, while lush mountains grace the opposite shores. Rolling farmland extends to the south and east, leading up to the imposing Takitimu Mountains, shielding the Te Anau Basin from southerly winds....
Beyond Just Fishing “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you`re young at heart.”This lyric from Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen says a lot about New Zealand. Whether you`re after new challenges or a change of pace, New Zealand offers outdoor experiences that feel almost unreal, but they’re very real and very accessible. If you`re already planning a fly fishing trip, here’s what else you can add to your itinerary, and why so many people return for more than just the rivers....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/why-new-zealand-is-perfect-for-outdoor-travel/
Beyond Just Fishing “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you`re young at heart.”This lyric from Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen says a lot about New Zealand. Whether you`re after new challenges or a change of pace, New Zealand offers outdoor experiences that feel almost unreal, but they’re very real and very accessible. If you`re already planning a fly fishing trip, here’s what else you can add to your itinerary, and why so many people return for more than just the rivers....
https://www.bestofnzflyfishing.com/fly-fishing/why-new-zealand-is-perfect-for-outdoor-travel/
Congratulations to @paraparaumu_beach_golf_club and Leo Barber for recently winning the U.S. prestigious Ed Walsh Award! Well deserved recognition, we think! #golfnewzealand #newzealandgolf #paraparaumu #bestofnewzealand #golfnz
Congratulations to @paraparaumu_beach_golf_club and Leo Barber for recently winning the U.S. prestigious Ed Walsh Award! Well deserved recognition, we think! #golfnewzealand #newzealandgolf #paraparaumu #bestofnewzealand #golfnz
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
A few photos of Mr. Rooney enjoying a beautiful day @tongariro_lodge on his recent trip to New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling for the 25-26 season? Contact one of our Experts today!
#nzflyfishing #luxurynztravel #newzealandvacation #wildtrout #flyfishing #bestofnzflyfishing #catchoftheday
