The Ultimate Guide to Gear Required for NZ Fly-Fishing

Essential Equipment for an Unforgettable Experience

NZ sight fishing conditions demand specialized gear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious novice, having the right equipment can make all the difference in the success of your fishing adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the gear required for fly-fishing in New Zealand.

Rods

When it comes to fly-fishing rods, the New Zealand environment calls for rods that are versatile. A medium/fast actioned 9-foot rod, typically in the 5-6 weight range, is ideal for most NZ fishing conditions. This length and weight provide a balance between casting a multitude of different weight flies and the size of fish you will catch. Rods which are lighter will not be able to cope with either the size of the fish we have here – we are trying to land these fish in a timely manor to minimise excess suffering or the size of the flies you may end up trying to cast ie. Large Stoneflies or Cicadas. The problem we encounter when we go up of 7 weights is the subtleness of the heavy 7 weight line landing on the water. Trout have very sensitive lateral lines, which pick up the most minute of disruptions to the surface of the water. When it comes to rods, it is always advisable to go with the best quality rods you can afford. Another very important thing – in fact the most important thing when travelling to NZ is to BRING A SPARE! Its no-good breaking a rod early in your trip and not having a backup!

Reels

Matching your rod with a reliable reel is essential. For NZ fly-fishing, a reel with a smooth drag system is a must. This ensures you can handle the powerful runs of New Zealand’s trout without risking breakage. We fight most of our trout from the reel. They are simply too big to strip in by hand. We also need to chase large fish downstream and trailing a long loop of line behind you is a recipe for disaster, there is no doubt the line will catch in bankside vegetation, and you will lose your big fish. You want a large Arbor reel to make retrieving speedy if a fish runs back toward you. Having enough capacity to hold 100 yard of backing may also be important too. I have seen fish in larger rivers strip a full fly line and 100 yards of backing in less than a minute. Powerful fish in good condition in heavy flows often need to be followed. 

Lines

Selecting the right fly line is critical for sight fishing in New Zealand. Floating lines are generally the go-to choice, as they are best suited for the clear, shallow waters found in many of NZ’s rivers and streams. A weight-forward taper is the ticket here. We are often making very short casts. In fact, a lot of the approaches are from 30 feet or less from the fish. We use very long leaders as well so loading the rod is very difficult. A more aggressive front taper helps with loading the rod at short distance.  Additionally, consider lines with a low memory and high strength to ensure smooth casts and effective hook sets. A factor which is almost completely unique to NZ is considering the colour of the fly line. Bright colours contrast against the forested backdrops along a lot of New Zealand’s rivers. Bright greens, blues and whites etc really do seem to pop. Great for us to see and help with mending but are super visible to pressured and wary trout.

Leaders

Leaders play a significant role in your fly-fishing setup. In New Zealand, where fish can be particularly wary due to the clarity of the water, using long leaders is advisable. At a minimum 12ft of leader is required to consistently hook fish. Having said that, 16ft plus is better. Commonly leaders of 18ft to 20ft are used to fool fish in pressured waters. This is critical at times because of many factors including but not limited to; low flows, calm water surface, difficult and drag prone drifts and very spooky fish. We want there to be as big a buffer zone between the fly and fly line as we can get. An ideal starting point is a 12ft 3X leader connected by loop to loop to the end of your line. From there add in 4x fluorocarbon tippet. If you make the length of this section 3 feet that takes the total out to 15ft. From here you can add in another section of 5X fluorocarbon if fish are particularly touchy. I realize these leaders are long by world standards, but there are very few fish we would catch if we just used a standard 9ft leader. It is one of the most difficult things to come to terms with and adjust to when you fish here.

Wading Boots

Navigating the rocky riverbeds and slippery banks of New Zealand’s fishing spots requires high-quality wading boots. Look for boots with sturdy ankle support and non-slip soles. Comfort and durability are key, as you’ll likely spend extended periods walking. 4- or 5-miles walking is standard here so having boots that you can easily walk in and are going to last the duration of your trip are important if you are planning to fish most days. One very import factor when coming to NZ is the fact that felt soles are banned here. In the early 2000’s an invasive algae “Didymo” was brought here from a Scandinavian country supposedly on felt soled wading boots. Didymo has spread quickly throughout the South Islands rivers hitching a ride on the wading boots of fishers. It is recommended that your boots are cleaned in a 5% detergent solution and dried before fishing a new catchment. The Didymo smothers the riverbed and fills in the spaces between the stones where the aquatic invertebrates live. It is not only unsightly, but it is often in the flow and ends up getting on your nymphs and other sunken flies. It thrives in stable rivers below lake outlets and tailwaters. It doesn’t, however, grow in the North Island or in Spring fed streams. When travelling to NZ please make sure your boots are cleaned as thoroughly as you can. Our boarder takes biosecurity and in particular fishing boot cleanliness very seriously. So, the only boot option we have is rubber soled. To increase traction, tungsten screw in studs can be added. A walking pole is also recommended for stability on swift or deep crossings. Be aware that the tungsten tip they often add to the bottom of walking poles can alert wary trout as you tap your way across the river below the fish – try and minimise tapping where possible or find a pole with a rubber tip.

The standard way to fish here is to wet wade. With the long distances we walk during the day and the mild water temperatures we experience coupled with the short periods of time we are in the actual water mean waders are just not required most of the time. So wading boots are worn and inside these we wear neoprene wading socks. Wading socks with built in gravel guards are an asset also. Leggings or tights made of polypropylene or merino wool are worn with quick drying nylon shorts over the top. The leggings provide warms, sun and insect protection. Waders do have a place here, especially on wet days. So, waders could be left at home to save space in your suitcase for other necessities.

Clothing for All Weather

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so being prepared for all conditions is crucial. We can experience four seasons in one days at any time of the year. Layering is the best approach to tackle the varying temperatures. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin. Merino wool is a great base layer option. Insulating mid-layers such as fleece or down provide warmth, while outer layers should be waterproof and windproof to protect against rain and wind. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat for the intense UV rays and polarized sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and enhance your vision in the water. Prepare for everything is the best advice I can give.

What to Bring Versus What to Buy

When planning your NZ fly-fishing trip, decide what gear to bring from home and what to buy locally. It’s often more convenient to bring personal items such as clothing, packs, and accessories. However, purchasing rods, reels, and lines locally can save you the hassle of transporting delicate equipment and ensures you have gear suited to local conditions. Many NZ fishing shops offer high-quality gear and expert advice, making it easier to find equipment tailored to the specific waters you’ll be fishing in.

In conclusion, fly-fishing in New Zealand is an extraordinary experience that requires thoughtful preparation and the right gear. By equipping yourself with the appropriate rods, reels, lines, leaders, wading boots, packs, and clothing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the diverse and beautiful fishing environments that NZ has to offer. Happy fishing!

Anton Donaldson