TROUT and SALMON FISHING

New Zealand

TROUT FISHING

New Zealand is an angler's paradise, offering some of the best opportunities for fishing in beautiful, isolated and pristine locations. New Zealand's crystal clear waters, uncrowded rivers and deep blue lakes offer exciting opportunities for trout fishing - trophy sized browns and rainbows are legendary. These trout fishing options are easily accessible and concentrated in relatively small areas.

Rainbow and brown trout are the main freshwater species fished in New Zealand, along with salmon in some areas. But it's mainly the big browns and rainbows that anglers come to seek. New Zealand's reputation for "trophy" sized wild fish is reinforced each season. In general, catches average 3-5 pounds but trophy fish over 10 pounds are caught each year. New Zealand is a wild trout fishery and a catch and release approach is promoted to conserve resources.

Dry fly, wet fly and nymphing are the most common methods for fishing both rivers and streams, but spin fishing can also be effective. Methods of fishing and styles can vary from district to district.

Dotted around the prime freshwater fishing regions you will find wonderful accommodation options ranging from fishing lodges (providing a complete service for overseas anglers) to bed and breakfasts, home stays, motor inns and motels.

Trout fishing has a distinctly different character on the two islands. In the Rotorua-Taupo region of North Island, the main quarry is rainbow trout, which are usually taken from the lakes with wet flies or spinners. Trolling is also popular and productive. On South Island, where brown trout predominate, there is outstanding dry-fly fishing. It's best in the Nelson region and in the Southern Lakes district, at the top and bottom ends of South Island, respectively. Trout season lasts from October through April in most areas, though Lakes Taupo and Rotorua are open all year.

SALMON FISHING

Salmon are found in rivers that drain the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps, especially those that reach the sea between Christchurch and Dunedin. Salmon season runs from October to April, reaching its peak from January to March.

THE GREAT SOUTH, A FISHERMANS DREAM

The South Islands wide diversity in landforms and climate is reflected in its waterways. There are sluggish, rain and swamp-fed streams meandering across farmland, clear rushing mountain torrents shaded by dense native bush, unstable glacier fed rivers, cold spring streams and natural artificial lakes. Nearly all these waterways contain trout, and with the many rivers and lakes exhibiting such widely differing characteristics, the South Island is truly an angler's paradise.

Recent NZ Fish & Game research has shown that brown trout remain very wary in more heavily fished regions. The following locations are our preferred Trout Fishing Areas.

NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT Rakaia River Region

Accommodation: We can arrange for various types of accommodation from Bed & Breakfast, Hotel, and New Zealand Lodge Accommodation.

Our Guides will provide tackle, food and drink and transport. The best fishing is in the early morning. Heavy Fishing Gear is the most common but fly-fishing is becoming more popular.

CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND DISTRICT Mount Cook Region

Accommodation: We can arrange for various types of accommodation from Bed & Breakfast, Hotel, and upmarket Lodge Accommodation.

Our Guides will provide tackle, food and drink and transport. The best fishing is in the early morning. Heavy Fishing Gear is the most common but fly-fishing is becoming more popular.

WEST COAST DISTRICT Lake Brunner Region

We can provide for Trout fishing within the confines of our main Hunting Area. These are remote, back-country 'boots~and~shorts' rivers

Here you are unlikely to be disturbed by other anglers, through the sandflies are big enough to shoot. Trout are easily spotted in clear water.

For more information e-mail info@nzadventure.com

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