NZ Fly Fishing Overview

I have designed this series especially for beginner anglers and first-time visitors who want to understand the unique way we fish down here.

In this first episode, I’m going to walk you through what makes fly fishing in New Zealand so special, how our local fishing culture and etiquette works, what you can expect from the season in terms of weather and river conditions to what you might see and experience on the water.

So first off, what makes fly fishing in New Zealand unique?

New Zealand is world-famous for its gin-clear rivers and large, wild trout. But it’s not just the scenery or the size of the fish—it’s the style. Fly fishing here is often intimate and technical, with a strong emphasis on stealth, patience, and precision. You’re not just casting—you’re hunting. Our fishery is very special. The large size of our fish is due to a lack of aerial predators such as Eagles or Osprey. This factor means out Trout are more than happy out in the open feeding in full sight. The clear waters allow our fish to feed for long periods of the year. Very little winter snow melt “run off” means our clear waters allow fish to find food a lot of the time.  Interestingly, the rocks are home to very little insect life. The rivers and generally very flood prone and the aquatic invertebrates are often swept away generations at a time. With the densities of fish being relatively low and by low I’m talking about half a dozen fish per mile in some cases, there is little competition for food and plenty of food availability for fewer fish.

Let’s talk about the culture, ethos, and etiquette of NZ fishing

Respect for the fishery is huge here. Catch-and-release is common practice, and there’s a strong unwritten code about space, behaviour, and humility. You’ll hear more about “river etiquette”—like not dropping in ahead of another angler, or how to approach locals on a stretch of water. Kiwi anglers tend to be quiet achievers, and it’s all about doing it properly, not necessarily doing it fast or flashy. In future episodes I intend to dig deeper into the etiquette and fish handling aspects of the NZ fishery.

Here is a brief overview of the seasons and what to expect.

The fly-fishing season typically runs from October to April, with regional variations some waters are open all year around. Expect everything from sunny bluebird days to sudden alpine downpours—layering is key. Spring can mean hungry fish but unpredictable weather; summer is prime time for dry fly fishing and backcountry adventures. Autumn brings cooler temps, fewer people, and often very focused trout. You’ll want to be prepared for all of it. More detail of seasonal patterns and habits of trout will be in upcoming episodes.

So, let’s get an understanding the Backcountry Style

NZ fly fishing is less about numbers and more about the experience. NZ is famous for sight fishing to big trout. One of the defining features of fly fishing in New Zealand is sight fishing—literally spotting a fish in the water before making your cast. Thanks to our clear rivers and low fish densities, you’re not just casting in hope—you’re stalking individual trout. It’s visual, intense, and addictive. Some days you might only get a shot at one or two fish, but they’ll be of high quality.

The concept we employ is “hunting” fish and not “blind casting” Rather than casting repeatedly into water and hoping for a take, Kiwi-style fly fishing often involves quietly moving along the riverbank, watching for movement, shadows, or the flick of a tail. Once you’ve spotted a fish, it’s about planning your approach, making that one perfect cast, and holding your breath. It’s closer to hunting than traditional fishing, and that’s part of the thrill. Future episodes will cover how to stalk trout.

A big part of NZ fly fishing is walking long distances. You’ll often be far from the car—walking several kilometres up remote valleys or through farmland. That means packing light: a small fly box, a spool or two of tippet, a net, and maybe a snack. You’re not relying on heaps of gear. It’s just you, the rod, and the river. Being fit helps, but being mentally prepared for a long, immersive day outdoors is just as important. Because of the long distances walked we “wet wade”. Waders are hot and cumbersome during hot summer days, don’t get me wrong, waders certainly have a place on wet cold days but wet wading with thermal or merino wool leggings and quick drying nylon shorts are preferable.

So, moving forward there will be a series of blogs posted to the site to help you make the most of your NZ fishing. Stay tuned for more.

Anton Donaldson