Where We Fish, South Island NZ
Fly Fishing Central Otago
Central Otago is where we fish when the rest of New Zealand has packed the rods away. The Lake Dunstan Delta and the lower Clutha River stay open through winter and fish every bit as well as the height of summer, and they sit barely an hour from Queenstown. Add the gold-country rivers of the Clutha catchment through the main season and it is one of the most reliable regions on the South Island.
- Nearest airport
- Queenstown (ZQN), about 1 hour
- Species
- Brown and rainbow trout
- Season
- Dunstan and lower Clutha open year round
- Style
- Sight fishing the flats, nymphing, streamers
- From
- NZ$2,500 for a guided day
Why winter is prime here
Trout stack up in the Dunstan Delta and the lower Clutha for the spawning run, joined by fat maiden fish that are on the chew rather than on the redds. Numbers concentrate, the water is low and clear, and nobody else is out.
It is the inverse of the usual New Zealand pattern: the months everyone writes off are the months this water is at its best.
The water
Shallow flats hold browns cruising and hunting baitfish, which is sight-fishing at its best and the reason most anglers come back. Off the deep drop-offs there are hard-fighting rainbows, plus fish nymphing over the weed beds.
We fish it fly or spin, and tailor the day to the conditions and the angler rather than forcing one method.
Access is the difference
Our inflatable jet boat reaches river and lake water that anglers on foot simply cannot get to. Less pressure, more fish, and a good chance you will not see another rod all day.
The boat also means we can move if a section is not producing, instead of committing the whole day to whatever is walkable from the car.
Combining it with the rest of a trip
Queenstown is our southern base and the recommended start for longer expeditions, so Central Otago days slot naturally onto the front or back of a multi-day trip.
From here it is also a short run to the Mackenzie Country canals, which pairs a Central Otago winter day with a genuine shot at a trophy.
Other Regions We Fish
Fly Fishing Canterbury High Country
Braided rivers and gin-clear spring creeks in the shadow of the Southern Alps. Reached from Christchurch, taking in the waters around Methven, Fairlie and Hanmer Springs. The heart of our 3-day expeditions.
Fly Fishing Mackenzie Country
High-country lakes, glacial rivers and the Twizel and Tekapo canals, home to some of the largest trout on the planet. A short run from Queenstown on our 3-day trips.
Fly Fishing South Westland
Wild West Coast rainforest rivers, remote, rarely fished and dramatic. We operate throughout South Westland for anglers chasing water few others ever see.
Spaces Are Limited Each Season
Your Backcountry
Adventure Awaits
Every trip is personally guided by Scott with small group sizes to keep things exclusive. Get in touch to check availability, tailor your itinerary, and lock in your dates on the water.