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.
