The ultimate fly fishing experience
New Zealand's superb fly fishing is
one of the fishing world's worst kept secrets! In the 100 years since their
release, rainbow and brown trout have thrived in the unpolluted rivers and
streams of the New Zealand back country. Food is abundant most of the year
and there are no natural predators. It is said that this environment has
allowed the fish to achieve their amazing size, creating a fly fishing experience
of large wild fish in superb, pristine waters. This is connossieur upstream
sight fishing.
The practice of catch and release on back country streams
is the best protection we can give these fragile fisheries. Tagging programs
are providing information now that indicate that some of the large old breeding
fish are 12 or more years old. For most visiting anglers the moment of release
can be a finale or quiet reflection on a successful battle.
In the Lake Taupo district,
fly fishing is possible all year round.
Summer Fishing December, January, February, March, April
The warmest months tend to be January through March. However, November,
December and April can also be very warm - and the fishing, red hot! Dry
fly fishing reaches its prime as the temperatures rise. Expect temperatures
of 18 - 31 C (65 - 90 F)
* Multi day
trips with overnight camping and helicopter access.
* Road trips covering a variety of streams, staying in
farm stays or local motels.
* Travelling by air-conditioned landcruiser, fish a different
river each day.
Winter Fishing - May, June, August,
September
Winter day temperatures are around 3 - 15 C (38 - 60 F), and winter equipment
is usually heavier than for summer. Spawning runs of browns and rainbows
from Lake Taupo start around Easter and go right through until December.
Well known rivers such as the Tongariro, Tauranga-Taupo, Waitahanui, and
a number of smaller rivers all provide excellent up and downstream fly fishing.
Spring Fishing - October, November
On the 1st of October, when the back country opens, the fish have not seen
a fly for 6 months. Many trophy fish are taken at this time. Dry fly begins
in November. Exciting smelt fishing to sighted fish on Lake Taupo's shoreline
makes a pleasant alternative to back country river fishing. Expect smelt
fishing to carry on through December and January.
