Top 10 Trout Flies for New Zealand
- antondonaldson01
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
🎣 Top 10 Trout Flies for New Zealand Waters — What They Imitate and How We Fish Them
Fly fishing in New Zealand is all about sight fishing to large, wary trout in some of the clearest water on Earth. Because of this, fly selection matters — a lot. Here are ten of the most reliable flies used by Kiwi fly fishing guides, what they represent, and how we fish them throughout the trout’s feeding life cycle.
Whether you're planning a fly fishing trip to New Zealand or just want to understand what local anglers trust on the water, these patterns are the backbone of most fly boxes here.
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1. Parachute Adams
Imitates: Adult mayfly
Lifecycle stage: Dry/Adult
Size range: #12–#18
The Parachute Adams is a go-to dry fly on New Zealand rivers, especially when trout are rising to mayflies. It rides low on the surface, with great visibility thanks to its white post. Use it in summer and autumn when mayflies hatch during the day. Pairs well with a trailing nymph like a Hare & Copper for a dry-dropper setup.
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2. Hare & Copper
Imitates: General nymph attractor – often caddis or mayfly nymphs
Lifecycle stage: Nymph
Size range: #12–#16
Weights: Unweighted / 2mm or 3mm bead heads
This is perhaps New Zealand’s most iconic nymph. Its buggy appearance and natural colours make it effective all year. Fish it deep under an indicator or behind a heavier lead fly. We often use lightly weighted or unweighted versions for spooky fish in shallow runs.
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3. Pheasant Tail Nymph
Imitates: Mayfly nymph
Lifecycle stage: Nymph
Size range: #14–#18
Weights: 2.5mm to 3.5mm tungsten bead or lightly weighted
When trout are keyed in on mayflies, the Pheasant Tail delivers. It’s slender, realistic, and deadly in clearer water. Use a heavier version in pocket water or a light version for stealth in slower currents.
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4. Stonefly Nymph
Imitates: Stonefly nymph
Lifecycle stage: Nymph
Size range: #8–#12
Weights: Often 3.5mm–4mm beads or lead-wrapped body
New Zealand has excellent stonefly populations, especially in South Island freestone rivers. These nymphs are chunky and trout love them. Fish them as your point fly in a tandem nymph rig or under an indicator in deeper runs.
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5. Cicada
Imitates: Adult cicada
Lifecycle stage: Terrestrial adult
Size range: #6–#10
Cicada season is a highlight of the NZ summer, with aggressive surface takes. Big foam cicadas or deer hair versions draw strikes in January–March. Fish them solo or as a strike indicator fly with a trailing nymph.
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6. Woolly Bugger
Imitates: Small baitfish, damselfly nymphs, leeches
Lifecycle stage: Streamer
Size range: #6–#10
Weights: Unweighted / bead head / cone head / lead-wrapped
A versatile fly that comes into its own in lakes and deeper pools. Black and olive are top colours. Use heavier versions in spring or after rain. Strip it through likely holding water to trigger reaction strikes from cruising trout.
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7. Elk Hair Caddis
Imitates: Adult caddis
Lifecycle stage: Dry
Size range: #12–#16
Ideal in the evenings or early mornings when caddis are active. The buoyant elk hair wing makes it easy to see and perfect for fast water. It can also act as a dry fly “indicator” for a trailing nymph.
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8. Horn-Cased Caddis (Rock Roller)
Imitates: Cased caddis larva
Lifecycle stage: Larva
Size range: #10–#14
Weights: 2.5mm–3.5mm bead
This realistic nymph represents the many horn-cased caddis found in stony-bottomed NZ rivers. The casing can be mimicked with peacock herl or dark dubbing. Fish it deep in the riffles and tail-outs where trout are grubbing along the bottom.
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9. Green Caddis Larva
Imitates: Free-living green caddis
Lifecycle stage: Larva
Size range: #12–#16
Weights: 2mm–3mm tungsten bead or wrapped wire
Especially effective in summer and early autumn when caddis are abundant. Olive green or chartreuse bodies tied slim work best. Great for deep nymphing and double nymph setups.
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10. Blue Humpy
Imitates: General attractor – sometimes beetles, blowflies or other terrestrials
Lifecycle stage: Dry
Size range: #12–#16
A Kiwi twist on a classic attractor fly. The Blue Humpy is high-floating, flashy, and works great in the backcountry where trout don’t see many patterns. It’s especially effective when trout are looking up but aren’t feeding on anything specific.
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🧠 Pro Tips for NZ Fly Fishing Success
Carry multiple weights of your nymphs: Sometimes a 2mm bead won’t cut it in faster flows — swap in a 3.5mm or even lead-wrapped stonefly to get down.
Size matters: NZ trout are selective, so don't go too big on your dries unless the hatch demands it.
Presentation beats pattern: Even the best fly won't work if your cast lands like a cannonball.
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🎒 Final Thoughts
These ten flies are staples in any New Zealand fly fishing guide’s arsenal. Whether you’re casting to backcountry browns or polaroiding lake cruisers, understanding what these patterns imitate and when to use them will dramatically increase your chances of success.
If you're planning a fly fishing trip to New Zealand, or you're just starting your Kiwi trout journey, make sure your fly box is stocked with these proven patterns. Better yet, come out on the water with NZ Trout Adventures and see how we put them to work!
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