Rotorua's Premium
Fly Fishing Experience
Experience some of New Zealand’s finest fly fishing across Rotorua’s renowned spring creeks, backcountry rivers & streams, and iconic trout lakes. From sight fishing for Rotorua’s trophy brown trout in the local spring creeks to dry-fly fishing on freestone rivers during the summer months, the region offers an exceptional variety of fly fishing throughout the year.
With such a diverse range of fisheries on our doorstep, each day is shaped around the season and conditions to make the most of the best available fishing.
Rotorua Spring Creeks
Rotorua’s renowned spring creeks are among New Zealand’s most unique trout fisheries, with the season running from 1 December to 30 June.
Including the renowned Ngongotahā Stream, Rotorua’s spring creeks offer a world-class trophy brown trout fishery, along with quality rainbow trout and some of New Zealand’s finest sight fishing.
Backcountry Rivers & Streams
The Whirinaki and Rangitāiki river systems and their tributaries open on the 1st October and offer outstanding opportunities to sight fish for wild brown and rainbow trout, with excellent dry fly fishing during the warmer months.
Flowing through native forests, pristine wilderness and picturesque rural settings, these remarkable fisheries offer an authentic backcountry fly fishing experience in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes.
Rotorua Lakes
Rotorua’s iconic trout lakes offer exceptional fly fishing throughout the year, with each season providing unique opportunities.
Highlights include sight fishing for trophy brown trout on the shallow flats of Lake Rotorua, exciting spring fishing as trout chase smelt, and exceptional winter fishing opportunities throughout the Rotorua lakes.
Rotorua offers outstanding fly fishing throughout the year, with each season bringing different fisheries, conditions and opportunities.
October – December
The backcountry rivers and streams open on the 1st October, providing excellent spring fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. Both nymph and dry-fly techniques are productive, with mayfly and caddis hatches occurring throughout the spring. Rotorua’s lakes also offer excellent smelt fishing and sight fishing from the boat. From December, the spring creeks of Rotorua open, and cicadas begin to emerge, marking the start of the terrestrial dry-fly season that continues through to around mid-February.
January – March
Summer provides excellent fishing across Rotorua’s backcountry rivers, streams and spring creeks. Warmer conditions bring increased activity and excellent dry-fly fishing across the backcountry fisheries. The Rotorua spring creeks provide outstanding sight fishing for trophy brown trout and good numbers of rainbow trout. Rotorua’s lakes also offer great opportunities to fly fish from a boat, wade the lake edges and sight fish for brown trout, or target the high numbers of rainbow trout congregating around the stream mouths on Lake Rotorua.
April – June
Autumn brings cooler conditions, with the local spring creeks at their seasonal best as winter migratory runs bring increasing numbers of trout into these fisheries. Backcountry rivers and streams continue to provide quality fishing, with lacewing dry-fly hatches continuing through into April. Increasing numbers of rainbow trout also begin to congregate around some of Rotorua’s lake edges. Rotorua’s lakes offer great boat fly-fishing opportunities during this period.
July – September
Winter fly fishing centres around Rotorua’s lakes, with large numbers of rainbow trout congregating around lake edges and stream mouths as part of their spawning runs. From September, sight fishing for Rotorua’s brown trout on the lake edges begins. Boat fly fishing provides an unparalleled opportunity to target these fish throughout the winter months.
Experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness fly fishing by helicopter. Access remote backcountry rivers and target wild brown and rainbow trout in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness.
With extensive experience guiding heli fly fishing throughout the Central North Island, including at Poronui, one of New Zealand’s leading luxury fly fishing lodges, Julian has developed an in-depth knowledge of these remote wilderness fisheries. Every heli fly fishing trip is carefully planned around seasonal conditions to provide the best possible fishing experience.
What's included in a guided fly fishing trip?
Professional guiding, pickup and return to your Rotorua accommodation, premium fly fishing equipment if required, and lunch and refreshments on full-day trips.
What should I bring?
Natural-coloured outdoor clothing is recommended, along with thermal base layers during the cooler months. A quality rain jacket, hat and polarised sunglasses are also recommended. Premium Simms boots and waders are provided at no additional cost.
Do I need previous fly fishing experience?
No. Guided trips are tailored to anglers of all experience levels, from complete beginners through to experienced fly fishers. Instruction can be provided throughout the day where required.
Is transport included?
Yes. Pickup and return from your Rotorua accommodation is included with all guided fly fishing trips.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes. A Fish & Game New Zealand Eastern Region fishing licence is required for all guided fly fishing trips. No backcountry licence is required within the Eastern Region. Backcountry endorsements may be required for some heli fly fishing trips.
Are multi-day fly fishing trips available?
Yes. Multi-day guided fly fishing itineraries can be customised to suit your interests, allowing you to experience a wider range of Rotorua and Central North Island fisheries.
Why is Rotorua one of New Zealand's best fly fishing destinations?
Rotorua offers one of New Zealand’s most diverse fly fishing experiences, with renowned spring creeks, backcountry rivers and iconic trout lakes all within easy reach.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
Send an enquiry today and let’s plan your guided fly fishing experience in Rotorua.
