Winter Fishing in Central Otago
During the winter months here in the Central Otago region we are fortunate to have several rivers that that have sections that are open 365 days of the year for trout fishing. The Clutha River which is open all year round from the marker post just below the famous Deans Bank section and provides some excellent fishing. Streamers fished on sink tips and high-density sinking lines using a double handed rod works a treat as do weighted bomb style nymphs with a glo bug, hare and copper or a pheasant tail tied off the bottom will all produce fish to. Fly fishing New Zealand over the wintertime around the Southern lake’s region can be very productive. With Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan all being within an hour’s drive of Wanaka, still water opportunities are also plentiful. Whether it be stalking the weed beds and flats of the lake deltas with small lightly weighted woolly buggers and nymphs, stripping streamers on sink tip lines through the rip and drop off zone of an in flowing river mouth or fishing a weighted bomb with an egg pattern dropper suspended underneath New Zealand trout fishing adventures over the winter months are usually around 6-8 hours in duration but can vary dependent on location chosen on the day. Lake Wanaka is home to three main species of sport fish, Brown trout, Rainbow trout and land locked Chinook Salmon (also known as Quinnat salmon). All of which provide excellent sport !
Winter full Day Rate $850.00 nzd includes quality Simms waders and boots, Epic Reference rods and the all the other necessary equipment for the day along with a healthy packed lunch, hot coffee/tea and refreshments.
For those anglers brave enough to don all the necessary warm layers the rewards can be well worth it ! The areas to fish over the winter months (June-August) are the inflowing rivers mouths and stretches of lake edge either side as trout begin to congregate around these areas waiting for the right conditions to head upstream to begin spawning.
Brian with a mid-winter fish taken a small bunny leech streamer.
Hunter with a beautiful Brown he sight-fished to on a stunning August afternoon.
If you feel like a break from the ski field and fancy a day of winter fly fishing or soft baiting contact me and we can plan a day on the water for you.
Multi-Day Guided Fly Fishing
Choose to spend as many days on your fly fishing trip with our multi-day trip option. Multi-day trips are based throughout the South Island, all of which offer the angler something slightly different. Multi-day guided fly fishing trip for one to two anglers includes:
Customised experience to suit your preferences with accommodation, location, weather and previous fly fishing experience
Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in a modern air-conditioned 4WD
Delicious snacks, lunch & refreshments provided for the duration of the day
Day typically is 8 am - 6 pm but may vary due to weather and river conditions
Full-Day Guided Fly Fishing
Our one-day guided fishing charters are perfect for those who want to do a guided fly fishing trip in the South Island. Full-day guided fly fishing trip for one to two anglers includes:
Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in a modern air-conditioned 4WD
Delicious snacks, lunch & refreshments provided for the duration of the day
Day typically is 8 am - 6 pm but may vary due to weather and river conditions
Half-Day Guided Fly Fishing
Our half-day fly fishing trips are for those who want to try fly fishing for their first time, are short on time, or want to enjoy the beautifully remote areas that the South Island of New Zealand offers. Half-Day Guided Fly Fishing Trip for one to two anglers includes:
Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in a modern air-conditioned 4WD
Delicious snacks & refreshments provided for the duration of the day
Half-day guided trips from 8am - 1pm or 12pm - 5pm.
Aspiring Fly Fishing Guided Trip Prices
Full-Day Rate: $1050.00 NZD for one angler; $1100.00 NZD for two anglers.
Half-Day Rate: $800.00 NZD for one or two anglers.
Wader/Boot Rental: $50.00 NZD per set, per angler, per day if required.
Please note that the half-day option is only available ex Wanaka and not Queenstown.
Please note that the above prices do not include the price of a fishing licence. These are required by each person fishing and can be purchased online through the New Zealand Fish and Game website at the cost of $38.00 NZD per person per day.
What to Expect on Guided Fishing Trips
Aspiring Fly Fishing will pick you up by 4WD from your Wanaka or Queenstown accommodation at a pre-arranged time. Early starts are recommended to ensure we get to good water and maximise our day, and your chances of success. Weather conditions, river conditions and your goals will determine our location to ensure the day surpasses all your expectations landing wild New Zealand Brown or Rainbow Trout.
Delicious snacks, lunches & refreshments are provided (if you have any dietary requirements, please let me know in advance and I will do my best to accommodate you). I can also supply quality Epic Reference fly rods rods and Lamson reels if you don’t want to bring your own if you are short on suit case space. Simms Freestone waders and Simms Head-water wading boots can be hired for $50.00 nzd per set also. All you need to bring is a sun hat, wet weather jacket and other warm clothes for the day, even through the summer months ! Weather can change unexpectedly as New Zealand and we can experience four seasons in one day!
Please note that if you are on any specific medication, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Many small towns we will stay in won't have a Pharmacy or a medical centre, so you will need to be prepared.
The Accommodation
I have hand-picked each accommodation base in all regions that offer the best access point to the widest variety of quality waterways and offer suitable, clean accommodation and delicious eateries.
Accommodation options include B&B's, motels, campground cabins, good ol' kiwi-style pubs, campouts and luxury lodges. Something for everyone's budget and taste.
Before you arrive in NZ...
I recommend spending time practising your basic casting techniques before arriving in New Zealand, as this will give you an advantage through the many opportunities that will involve an accurate presentation of your fly to the trout without excessive false casts made. This practice, in theory, will prevent you from spooking or alarming the fish.
Felt soled boots are prohibited from use by freshwater anglers in New Zealand. Felt may harbour and transport microscopic waterborne pests, particularly didymo. To slow the spread of the invasive alga didymo and other aquatic pests in New Zealand waterways, the Ministry of Primary Industries Biosecurity New Zealand also requires all used freshwater fishing equipment brought into New Zealand to be clean and dry.
Biosecurity staff require any freshwater fishing equipment which is not completely dry (inside and out) to be treated, regardless of whether it has been cleaned before coming to New Zealand. Treatment for some items takes time and will most likely take place outside of the airport. If it is not feasible for the owner to wait for treatment to be completed, they will have to make their own arrangements to collect the item or have it shipped to their New Zealand or home address.
To avoid this inconvenience, Fish & Game New Zealand asks visiting anglers to leave their felt-soled waders at home and not bring them into New Zealand. It also reminds anglers to check, clean, dry all fishing equipment before arriving in this country.
