New Zealand's
trout and salmon fishing is widely reputed because of the beautiful
scenery, well-conditioned trophy fish and the variety of the New
Zealand fly fishing experience. New Zealand also offers coarse
fishing and great sea
fishing. |
| Finding the
best places to fish |
Some
of New Zealand's best fresh water fishing spots are well known and
popular, others are underfished but equally deserving of the angler's
attention. For a selection:
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| Getting to the
fishing |
| Unless
you are hiring a guide, you will need a vehicle to get to the fishing
on most lakes and rivers. You can hire a rental car, motorhome or
campervan. Travelling in a motorhome or campervan allows to travel
independently and flexibly, at your own pace. A
4-wheel drive vehicle may be needed to drive to the more remote
fishing over unformed roads and tracks.
Freedom Fishing
Much of New Zealand's best fishing is able to
be easily reached by vehicle. And to increase the range of waters
able to fish, a good four wheel drive is recommended. Many rivers
and lakes are remote but do have tracks to them suitable for a 4WD
vehicle. Combined with a tent and camping equipment, the numbers
of rivers and lakes open to the intrepid angler is huge. There is
nothing more frustrating than having to leave a great fishing spot
because you have to get back to your accommodation in daylight hours
and so miss the best evening fishing times. A tent and a good vehicle
allow you to really experience the best of the backcountry fishing
available.
Four wheel drive vehicles can be hired through
New
Zealand 4WD Hire which has offices at the two major international
terminals at Auckland and Christchurch. New
Zealand 4WD Hire can also arrange for the hire of tents and
other camping equipment to save you bringing these bulky items in
as part of your baggage allowancwe.
And do remember that New Zealand has extremely
strict bio-security proceedures and any camping equipment brought
into the country that border control suspects has been used overseas
and may contain unwanted organism will be taken away and cleaned.
A process that can take a few days thereby shortening your fishing
time considerably.
* As of 1 September 2011, Councils
and the Department of Conservation will have the power to restrict
freedom camping from specific areas, and fine people $200 for breaking
the law; a heftier fine of up to $10,000 can be sought for more
serious breaches such as dumping waste.
The Freedom
Camping Bill 306-2 (2011) is a response to community concerns
about pollution and waste left behind by freedom campers travelling
the country. |
| Backcountry fishing |
While
a number of rivers are easily reached by car there are many places
where the best fishing is found after some effort is expended in
getting there. This can involve walking for a few hours or taking
a mountain bike or even a horse to the fishing area. Due to their
remoteness they get less fishing pressure and so often provide the
best fishing.
Note: Some of the best and most popular back
country rivers require a special
licence to fish. |
| Wilderness fishing |
| There are many rivers
in New Zealand that require considerable effort to get to (or the
expense of a helicopter or jetboat). To walk in can take a day or
longer but the angler is usually rewarded with pristine water that
is seldom fished and in pristine condition. |
| Using a fishing
guide |
An experienced
New Zealand fishing guide can provide invaluable expertise, transport,
and often fly fishing tackle as well. Some New Zealand flyfishing
guides even offer a "no fish, no pay" policy when trolling
for trout. Many professional New Zealand flyfishing guides are members
of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, NZPGA.
To find a flyfishing guide in any region, first
select the region from the New
Zealand fly fishing regions map, then select Fishing Guides
from the menu. |
| New Zealand
fishing methods |
In New
Zealand, fresh water fishing is permitted using the following methods:
|
| Flies and lures |
A
typical New Zealand fly box:
Find out about and view pictures of commonly used trout flies
Index
of trout flies and lures: Browse a huge selection of New
Zealand trout fishing flies, spinners and lures. |
| The New Zealand
fishing year |
Most New Zealand
fishing waters are open during the warmer month from October to
April, while some New Zealand lakes and rivers are also open for
winter fishing. See the New
Zealand fishing year for a month-by-month description of New
Zealand fishing. |
| Fishing etiquette
|
A code of expected
behaviour governs the way anglers interact, particularly in popular
New Zealand fishing spots. Please see New
Zealand fishing etiquette. |
| Boat fishing
guidlines |
New Zealand
boat fishing guidelinesPlease see New
Zealand boat fishing guidelines for some common sense rules
to follow when launching and retrieving a boat at busy boat ramps. |
| Help prevent
didymo |
Please check,
clean and dry your equipment after fishing in New Zealand waters
to help prevent the spread of didymo (also known as rock snot).
See preventing
didymo spreading in New Zealand fishing waters for further details. |
| Further information |
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