At Queenstown Fishing, fly fishing is more than just a hobby. It’s a way of life! We know you love it, too:
* Being out there on the water
* Casting your line
* Hooking a big trout
* Hauling it all home
The Southern Lakes region offers some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world, and it’s also a great place to go fishing!
This article discusses the kinds of fly fishing rods you need to go fly fishing, the expectations you should set, and what gear will make your fishing adventure complete.
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE ROD
Experienced anglers develop gear preferences with experience, but your rod is the most critical piece of your fly fishing gear. Fly fishing rods come in different sizes and with different features, depending on your needs. Here are some of the basic elements to consider.
LENGTH
The average fly fishing rod length is 8-9 feet. If you have less room to cast, or you’re angling for smaller fish, a 6-to-8 foot rod is a great choice. Most beginners will not want a longer rod than this until they gain some experience in the fly fishing basics.
ALL ABOUT THAT ACTION
The term “action” refers to the flexibility of your fly rod. Medium action rods are great for beginners as well as experienced anglers, because they are versatile enough to use in any environment. We recommend you start with a medium-action fly rod.
THE WEIGHTING GAME
Like rod action and length, weight is variable and important. Most anglers start with a 5-weight line for trout fishing, but you can always experiment a little.
BAIT OPTIONS
Whether you use soft baits or hard baits depends on the kinds of fish you’re trying to catch. Whatever your fishing expectations, tailor your kit to the fish you’re trying to hook. When in doubt, soft baits work well in more tangled fishing environments, and hard baits are more durable for stronger fish in deeper waters.
OTHER GEAR
Be sure to pack your other gear before you go out fishing:
* Fishing clothes
* Be sure they are appropriate for the season
* Supplies
* Snacks
* Sunblock
* Hat and sunglasses
These are some of the basic things you will want to pack. It’s also a good idea to bring along a small medical kit and plenty of snacks to make the trip memorable (and to be prepared just in case!).

Here’s a quick guide.

Target Fish Rod Weight
Small stream trout 3–4 wt
All-round trout 5 wt
Large river trout or lake fishing 6 wt
Big game / saltwater 7+ wt

🐟 If you’re fishing lakes like Wakatipu or Hawea, a 6-weight may help handle larger fish and stronger wind.

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🧰 Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Kit

Beyond your rod, here’s what else to bring for a comfortable, productive day:
• Seasonal fishing clothing (layers, rain gear, or sun protection)
• Polarized sunglasses & hat
• Fly box with a variety of local dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
• Snacks & water (we always recommend staying hydrated)
• Small first-aid kit (just in case)
• Sunblock & bug spray

We provide gear on our charters, but you’re welcome to bring your own setup. We’ll even help you fine-tune it.

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🛶 Learn With Us

At Queenstown Fishing, we’ve helped thousands of anglers explore fly fishing across Otago and Southland. Whether you’re casting on Lake Wakatipu or drifting one of our alpine rivers, we’ll guide you toward the right gear – and the fish.

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🎟️ Book a Fly Fishing Trip with the Right Gear & Guidance

Need help choosing the right rod? Want to learn how to cast with confidence? Our guided trips include:
• Equipment and fly rod training
• Local insights into hatches and conditions
• Flexible options for river, lake, or drift boat fishing

Book your fly fishing adventure today and fish Queenstown with gear you can trust – and guides who’ve done it all.