Posted: October 8, 2025Category:

Fly Fishing in Queenstown & Across New Zealand – The Complete Guide

Fly fishing in Queenstown is a bucket-list adventure for anglers from around the world.

New Zealand is world-famous for its fly fishing, from the crystal-clear rivers of the South Island to the remote backcountry streams of the North. Queenstown sits right at the heart of it all — the perfect base to explore some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing that elusive brown trout or a first-timer curious about casting a fly, Queenstown offers something truly special.

At Queenstown Fishing, we’ve been guiding for 30 years, sharing this freshwater paradise with visitors from all over the world. Our family-run business started back in 1995, and today we’re proud to be TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” four years running.

This is your complete guide to fly fishing in Queenstown, New Zealand — from what fish you’ll catch to when to visit, what gear you’ll need, and how to plan your trip. Everything you need is right here.

🏔 Why Fly Fishing in Queenstown?

  • ✅ Gin-clear rivers → sight fishing at its best.

  • ✅ Wild trout → every fish is strong, smart, and 100% wild.

  • ✅ Variety of waters → alpine streams, braided rivers, big lakes, hidden creeks.

  • ✅ Scenery that steals the show → fish with mountains, beech forests, and turquoise pools as your backdrop.

🐟 What Fish Can You Catch?

Brown Trout 🟤 – Smart and spooky. Trophy potential 10lb+.
Rainbow Trout 🌈 – Aggressive, strong fighters, perfect for beginners.
Quinnat Salmon 🐟 – A rare Lake Wakatipu bonus catch.

👉 Catch-and-release is encouraged on rivers, but you can also enjoy your trout with our Cook Your Catch add-on at Fino Wine Bar.

📅 Seasons & Best Times to Fish

  • October 🍂 → Season opens. High flows, hungry fish.

  • Nov–Dec 🌱 → Spring hatches, classic dry-fly action.

  • Jan–Feb ☀️ → Summer sight fishing, clear rivers.

  • Mar–Apr 🍁 → Aggressive browns before spawning.

  • Winter ❄️ → Lakes only, peaceful days, snow-capped scenery.

👉 Pro tip: Summer trips book out fast. Secure your booking early.

🚤 Fly Fishing Methods in Queenstown

Drift Boat Fishing 🛶

  • Our custom ClackaCraft drift boat Treasure.

  • Alpine lakes, scenic, stable, ideal for couples & families.

4WD Backcountry Fishing 🚙

  • Rugged rivers, hidden pools, trophy trout.

  • Perfect for adventurous anglers.

Lakes vs Rivers

  • Lakes → Open year-round, offering relaxed stillwater fly fishing, trolling, or drifting with endless scenic backdrops.

  • Rivers → Seasonal gems with crystal-clear flows, perfect for sight fishing wild trout in pristine wilderness.

👉 The best part? We’re truly spoilt for choice — with so many waters on our doorstep and multiple ways to access them (from boats, heli to 4WD to drift fishing), Queenstown is an angler’s paradise. Both options offer incredible opportunities, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and weather conditions.

Whether you’re chasing brown or rainbow trout in Otago, Southland, or Fiordland, our guides know every waterway worth exploring. Many visiting anglers plan multi-region trips — starting with a few days in Queenstown before heading north toward Canterbury or the central North Island.

Fly vs Spin

🎒 Gear & Equipment

  • Rod weight: 4–6wt.

  • Flies: Adams Parachute, Royal Wulff, Hare & Copper, Pheasant Tail, Woolly Bugger.

  • Clothing: Layers + sun protection.

  • Waders: Handy but optional on lakes.

👉 Full gear hire available $95/day.

🎫 Do You Need a Fishing Licence?

Yes — required for all anglers in New Zealand.

  • Options: Day, multi-day, season, family.

  • Price: From NZ$38 (subject to Fish & Game).

  • Easy: Buy online or let us arrange it for you.

👩‍🎣 Can Beginners Try Fly Fishing?

Absolutely! Many guests are first-timers.

  • Learn casting, water reading, fish spotting.

  • Drift boat & lakes = perfect beginner setting.

  • Kids welcome (ages 6–12 child rate).

🌟 Unique Queenstown Fly Fishing Experiences

  • Cook Your Catch 🍽 at Fino Wine Bar.

  • BBQ hire 🍖 for private charters.

  • Water taxi transfers ⛴ for a scenic twist.

  • Largest fleet in Queenstown 🚤 — we can tailor to your group.

  • Drift Boat Adventures 🛶 → Experience our custom-built ClackaCraft drift boat “Treasure” — stable, comfortable, and perfect for alpine lakes and clear rivers.

  • Heli Fishing 🚁 → Take your fly fishing to the next level with scenic helicopter access to remote backcountry rivers and untouched waters few ever see.

❓ Fly Fishing FAQ – Quick Answers

  • Can I keep my fish? Yes, within regs. Cook it at Fino!

  • What should I wear? Layers, polarised sunnies, jacket.

  • Do I need my own gear? Nope, we provide it all.

  • Can non-anglers join? Yes, ride along & enjoy the scenery.

  • What if the weather is bad? We’ll choose the best safe option.

🗺 Planning Your Trip

  • Departure: Frankton Marina (5 mins from the airport) if using boats, or we can arrange pickup directly from your Queenstown accommodation for 4WD, drift boat, or heli fishing experiences.

  • Trip Lengths: Full-day guiding, generally 8am – 5pm, though we’re happy to tailor the day to suit your needs.

  • Guided Options: Drift boat, 4WD, heli-access, and lake trips (fly fishing on our Stabicraft “BumbleBee,” the ultimate centre-console fishing machine).

  • Season: Rivers open October – May; lakes are fishable year-round.

FAQ: Fly Fishing in New Zealand

Is New Zealand good for fly fishing?
Absolutely. Both the North and South Islands offer pristine rivers, lakes, and backcountry streams famous for sight-fishing to large wild trout.

When is the best time for fly fishing in New Zealand?
The main fly fishing season runs from October through May, with the South Island offering year-round options in certain lakes and rivers.

🏆 Why Choose Queenstown Fishing?

  • 🎣 30 years on the water – family legacy since 1995.

  • 👨‍👩‍👦 Multi-generation guides – unmatched local knowledge.

  • 🚤 Largest fleet in Queenstown – from drift boat to hard-top to 4WD.

  • ⭐ TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” 2022–2025.

  • 🪶 More than fishing – it’s about learning, exploring, and connecting.

Ready to experience world-class fly fishing in Queenstown? Whether it’s your first cast or your fiftieth, we’ll make it a day to remember.

🎣 Your next adventure starts here.
explore. fish. repeat.