Mar 01, 2020

Fly fishing in New Zealand - March

We are often asked what is the best time to fly fish in New Zealand. While many North Americans will tend to escape the dark winter days in the Northern Hemisphere during January and February, we often let people know that March has many positive offerings as well!

The weather this summer in New Zealand has been unprecedented: while the North Island has seen its worst drought in many years, the South Island experienced flash flood south of the Queenstown area and into the fiordland. Hopefully the weather system over New Zealand is more stable during this month.

Current the outlook for March looks very nice! The rivers should have well and truly settled down provided current stable conditions and back-country rivers are also usually stable at this time of year- low and easy for the angler to negotiate.

March also brings slightly cooler days, with calm weather make for good dry fly fishing at this time of year.

Another great thing about March? Pressure on the beats are often less as Kiwis have finished their summer holidays...but not yet taken Easter holiday. Most of the North American and non-resident anglers are also less numerous- returning home as Spring begins to arrive in the States.

If looking for a last minute trip this year it's not too late. One of the best points about fishing 2020 is that trout in the back country are in fanatic condition due to high-protein diets offered through high mouse numbers in the beech forest area catchments.

Don't hesitate to give one of our experts an email or a ring and allow us to make your trip to New Zealand the best it can be!

Author: Frank Krieger