New Zealand Trout Fishing Information

 

The Fishing Season 1st Oct / 30 April
Nelson region, known as the sunshine capital of New Zealand has much to attract the visiting angler. Large wild brown trout inhabit numerous crystal clear valley streams, large river systems and mountain lakes. Allowing for great fly fishing opportunities at any time of the year.

Headwater fisheries at their best early season. Large hungry trout feeding confidently in small rivers and streams until mid Dec before lower waterflows and increasing water temperatures forces these large fish into bigger waters.

Larger rivers fish well all season long with the Dec to Feb being the promo time, when good number of fish move out of the deeper waters into well oxygenated shallow ripples. Exciting fly fishing to sighted fish sipping on small dries and nymphs.

Small rivers and tributaries. Trout inhabit these streams all year long with most holes having 1to3 good brownies per pool. Lots of spotting and stalking opportunities.

Backcountry rivers (access by helicopter, boat and 4WD ) Pristine, wild and untouched, these rivers are a must! The jewel in the crown these rivers have a good population of big fish(5lbs plus). Good nymph fishing right from the start of the season, Nov afternoons sees good hatches of large mayfly. Christmas marks the start of the terrestrial fall with trout succumbing to big hopper type patterns. Fantastic dryfly fishing that's hard to beat.

Winter Fishing - 1st May to Sept 30th
We are fortunate to have a good many rivers open throughout the winter. Days are short yet there is good nymph fishing to be had from mid morning and afternoon hatches of mayfly.