Queenstown & Otago

Otago is a region of true diversity, sporting some of the country’s most prolific estuaries ,  iconic high country rivers, alpine lakes and famous lowland streams.

From the remote wilderness streams of the Mt Aspiring National Park in the west to the meandering Taieri River  and  large braided waters of the Waitaki  in the East as well as a plethora of waters in between, Otago truly offers the visiting angler a vast  amount of fishing options.From the  bustling tourist  destinations  of Queenstown and Wanaka to charming historical townships your fly fishing adventure has numerous options in which to base yourself.

Let one of our experienced Otago guides host you on a scenic fly fishing excursion to help  create  memories that last a lifetime. 

All the members listed on this web site have the following vital accreditations:

  • Current  first aid certificate
  • DOC Concession to guide on the DOC estate
  • Audited Health & Safety Plan
  • Public liability insurance

Nick Clark

Nick has been operating Southern Trout based out of Queenstown for the past 20 yrs, 14 of those as a member of the NZPFGA. Nick offers guided day trips and overnight expeditions. He will listen to exactly what you are looking for on your New Zealand flyfishing vacation. His extensive experience and knowledge of the Queenstown area enable him to custom tailor individual packages to suit your needs, whether that means hiking through beautiful country to a secret spot or flying by helicopter into flyfishing paradise.

Nicks flyfishing trips will introduce you to some of the best and most remote New Zealand flyfishing water. With his in-depth knowledge of the 19 plus rivers in Otago and Southland you will have an awesome time flyfishing for Browns and Rainbows with Nick.Southern Trout’s fly fishing guides create New Zealand fly fishing packages that dreams are made of. I’m Queenstown’s longest-serving flyfishing-only guide. My vast knowledge and experience coupled with my reputation and association standards enable me to offer you the trip of a lifetime. Telephone: +64 3 442 9401

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Jake Berry

Born and bred in the Wanaka and lower South Island Regions around experienced fisherman Jake caught the adventurous bug at a very young age. He pursued his fascination for fly fishing with great success gaining an extensive understanding of wild trout behaviour, whilst refining his art of fly fishing. Jake guides his fly fishing guests through a smooth exposure to our way of life in the New Zealand outdoors and our methods of fly fishing, through being a highly experienced and well-educated guide who maintains a friendly and relaxed attitude with strong elements of safety and reliability.

Guide Jake at Southern Rivers Fly Fishing has vast local knowledge of the lower South Island rivers and lakes and is known as an expert in sighting trout in what can be very challenging water, this is crucial to your success when fly fishing New Zealand. Jake’s boundless passion, skill and enthusiasm for fly fishing the South Island’s trout rivers will take you a long way toward your dream New Zealand fly fishing experience. Telephone: +64 3 443 6941

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Gordon Watson

Gordon was born and raised in Glenorchy and has a long-standing family history in the area dating back 6 generations.Growing up in a place like Glenorchy gave Gordon the opportunity to hone skills in the backcountry. Gordon has been fishing all his life and accumulated a vast amount of knowledge of the local rivers and fishing conditions. Gordon provides guided trips stalking and fishing sighted Brown and Rainbow Trout while exploring the crystal clear mountain rivers flowing though majestic valleys with scenery that is truly breathtaking. Telephone +64 277881160

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Paul Wright

For me, a great day of fly finishing starts the moment I meet the anglers joining me. The excitement of setting off to an unknown, secluded location; the majestic scenery of the region; the preparation and the first trout sightings set us up for a fishing day like no other.

I have been a fishing guide in Wanaka and its surroundings for over 15 years now, splitting my time between a well renowned exclusive lodge and private customers. The full day fly fishing experience with me can include 4WD transfers as well as locations accessible only by helicopter.

Having moved to New Zealand from Scotland, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be based in one of the best fishing regions in the world and I am always keen to share this piece of paradise with other keen anglers. Regardless of your level of experience, age and expectations, I can guarantee an unforgettable day of fishing.

You can call or text me on +64 21 037 6259 or by clicking on the link below.

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Jonathan Greer

Please contact Jonathan Greer on +64 27 450 7411 or click the link below.

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Ed Halson

You can contact Ed by email (click the link below), cell phone +64 27 445 1144 or landline +64 3 442 4236.

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Trevor Cruickshank

Trevor Cruickshank Charters - guided Trout Fishing on Southern Lakes & Rivers of South Island specializing in all types of Trout Fishing from matching the hatch on a mayfly rise in the beautiful waters of Southland to Fly Fishing the crystal clear rivers of the Southern Alps chasing Wild Brown and Rainbow Trout.

Toyota Landcruiser courtesy four wheel drive is used for your fishing safari. Fully licensed M.S.A.N.Z. 6m launch with Qualified skipper for Lake Trawling – drift fly fishing – Jigging and Harling Claka Craft 5m row boat for fishing shallow lake Margins and rivers. Take your pick and get hooked we know where they are. Telephone: 0800 466 533

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Grant Adolph

Grant Adolph is an experienced fly fishing guide based out of Queenstown and Nokomai Station and is a proud member of NZPFGA. Let Grant share the best of New Zealand fly fishing that the Otago Southern Lakes region and Southland waterways have to offer. Grant is able to customise your fishing experience to suit your needs, from day packages, multi day trips and heli-fishing options.

Grant’s teaching background enables him to cater to the needs of beginner fisherman through to expert anglers creating memorable days on the river. He is enthusiastic to share his wealth of local knowledge and experience with you and maximise your angling opportunities in New Zealand. Phone: +64 3 442 1924 or Cell +64 27 609 0872

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Ronan Creane

I started fly fishing at the age of 12 and have been completely immersed in it since. I have fished all over the South Island, particularly in Otago for the last 16 years. As a recreational angler I would fish about 140 days a year, always with adventurous attitude. In 2015 I decided it was time to put that experience to good use, so I became a full time fly fishing guide. I was born in Ireland but visited New Zealand on a one year working holiday visa in 2002. That was it, I was hooked! I returned every October for the following 9 years for 6 months at a time.. just to fish! I also fished much of the globe during those explorative years.

In 2011 I made New Zealand my home. Lake fishing was a big part of my life in Ireland and I've adapted many Irish tactics to suit New Zealand lakes and rivers. I have written about fly fishing for over 10 years with most of that effort going into my very active blog. In 2005 I was one of the first anglers in New Zealand to receive the Casting Instructor Certificate from the Federation of Fly Fishers. I continue to teach fly casting today. In 2008 I was the co-host for a Discovery Channel fly fishing TV show called "Fish This", while more recently took the lime light with Jeff Forsee in "Pure Fly New Zealand" which aired for the first time in October 2016. We have since filmed another episode for the second series which was big hit, representing the series at the “Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival”. The episode from the first series is available on the inflight entertainment on Air NZ! I have over 30 ten minute films on youtube, so there's plenty ways to get to know me a bit before you drop me a line! Fly fishing is my life and I'm dedicated to it. You can contact me on +64 22 0461768 or via my web site.
 

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Chris Dore

Chris Dore is a Queenstown based fly fishing guide and well known New Zealand fly fishing personality. He is an endorsed member of the SCOTT Fly Rod Pro Staff Team and in 2006 became one of the first New Zealanders to successfully pass the internationally recognised, Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors examination.

When not on the river, Chris is the Marketing and Promotions Ambassador for Manic Tackle Project, New Zealand and Australias largest fly fishing tackle distributer where he hosts public events, talks, fly casting and product demos from our brands including Simms, Scott Fly Rods, Waterworks Lamson, C&F design, Airflow, Hatch, Primal, MFC and Loon Outdoors. As you can see, Chris is a people person, so you won't have any problem sharing a few days or more on the river together.

Chris believes that "life's too short to not catch fish", and takes a highly instructional, and fun-filled approach to fly fishing.

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Tom McAuliffe

Hi there! I’m Tom McAuliffe, your professional fly fishing guide. I offer honest and enthusiastic fly fishing adventures to suit you throughout the lower South Island of New Zealand! I am based in Dunedin, and guide all over the Otago and Southland regions. I am experienced, patient, friendly and professional, and I am dedicated to providing you with an experience of a lifetime.

 

Fly fishing is my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You won’t forget me as your guide! For a real ‘kiwi’ fly fishing trip on top trout waters, and among some of the worlds best scenery - look no further! Head over to my website now to start planning your next adventure, and to lock in some fly fishing!

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Craig Smith

Craig Smith is a full time professional guide around the Wanaka region, with 15 years experience. His family lives on the shore of Lake Hawea.

Key points about Craig’s guiding service:

  • All equipment supplied if required. Latest Sage rods, Simms wading gear.
  • FFF certified casting instructor
  • Expert local knowledge of the waters and weather patterns of the Southern Lakes region
  • Backcountry rivers a specialty including multi day tours staying in private huts
  • Heli fishing options
  • Regular guide for the top lodges and accommodation providers in Wanaka

For more information please go to my website, or call on + 64 27 6469419

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Simon Cruickshank

Simon may be contacted via his mobile phone +64 21 904 462 or by clicking the link below.

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Mark Buckingham

You can contact Mark via his web site or telephone him:+ 64 3 443 4486

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Paul Macandrew

New Zealand is regarded as a trout fishing mecca. The Wanaka region has some of the most amazing landscapes, boasting gin clear rivers, streams and still water's with large brown and rainbow trout, a combination that provides a 'once in a lifetime' fly fishing experience. He offers sight fishing to wild brown and rainbow trout, using dry flies / nymphs & streamers. Paul will customize your fly fishing adventure to suit your experience, from a keen beginner needing attentive tuition, to the advanced angler exploring the back country wilderness. Be it a half day, full day or multi day adventure , Paul will ensure you will experience the best of Wanaka's trout fishing and come away as addicted to fishing as he is ! Telephone: + 64 3 443 5053

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Casey Cravens

Casey guides the Mataura, Otago and Southland streams and wilderness rivers of the South Island. His fishing obsession dates back to a childhood in a hot dry land far, far away. For over 25 years he's fly fished for a wide range of species and landscapes: from Texas black bass and redfish to Rocky Mountain cutthroats, to Quebec's sea-run brook trout and Atlantic salmon, to Patagonia's browns and rainbows. His favorite rivers are concentrated on the lower half of the South Island. Casey enjoys road trips connecting Queenstown or Wanaka with Dunedin.

Casey moved to Dunedin in 1993, where he raises two sons. He enjoys backpacking the high country with camera and fly rod, sight fishing with a dry fly, and tying new patterns for hatch-driven rivers like the Mataura. Casey is on the pro staff for Thomas and Thomas Rods. He also enjoys reviewing gear, writing and giving talks on conservation, fly fishing traditions, techniques and destinations. Wild Angler offers a wide range of options, from basic casting lessons to helicopter backcountry expeditions to some of the world's finest wilderness rivers. All-inclusive packages available. Corporate inquiries welcome. Telephone + 64 27 346 6903

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Bruce Leitch

Bruce Leitch is an angler who revels in every moment on the river. A local of over 40 years experience on the waters of Central Otago, a day out with Bruce encompasses so much more than just a trout chasing adventure. Experience the pristine high country valleys of the Queenstown region with a guide not only versed in the history of the locale, but who oozes enthusiasm and the infectious enjoyment of our sport. A day out with Bruce is one to remember, for all the right reasons. His locally famous bacon and egg pie is but just one!

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Nick Johnson

You can contact Nick either by clicking the link below or call him on +64 21 380 950

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Alex Scott

Alex is a highly experienced fly fisherman with over 15 years of fishing in the Otago and Southern Lakes Region. Trout Fishing in New Zealand holds a special allure of its own, with majestic backdrops and unspoilt gin clear rivers. You never know what is around the next corner or in the next pool, it might just be the trout of a lifetime! He currently works for Cedar Lodge in Makarora, specializing in helicopter access fishing in remote backcountry waters in the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand. Contact him on +64 226 525 019 

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Gavin McAuliffe

The son of an accomplished fisherman, Gavin has been fishing since he was three years old. Now based in Queenstown, Gavin spends his winters training ski instructors and his summers guiding fishing. Whatever your needs and skill level, Gavin can tailor a memorable day on the water for you.

Day trips, multiday trips, heli-fishing are all available. Get in touch to make a plan. Telephone +64 21 341 214

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Simon Wilkinson

Simon offers  Drift Boat fly fishing in the lower South Island of New Zealand.  Imagine floating down some of the iconic larger South Island rivers in the drift boat.

It offers you great fishing, fabulous scenery and access to water you could never otherwise get to and is easy on the body. Drift boat fishing is a great way to get a true, natural drift of your fly, access to water otherwise impossible on foot.

A day is made up of fishing from the boat, stalking and fishing some runs on foot and hunting the back waters. We fish nymphs, dries and streamer’s. Spending a day on the upper Clutha or multi day trips on the Waiau or Waitaki Rivers, multi day expeditions are also available on request. We operate an American built, outboard-jet-powered, pro-Drift boat.

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Roger Tompkins

Roger offers Drift Boat flyfishing. Hugely popular in the USA & Canada now here in New Zealand. Float down some of the legendary South Island rivers, the drift boat offers you great fishing, great scenery and access to water you could never otherwise get to.

Drift boat flyfishing is a great way to get a true, natural drift to your fly, access to water imposable on foot. A day is made up of fishing from the boat, walking the runs and hunting the back waters. Fish nymphs, Dries and streamers. Spend a day on lake Dunstan or the Upper Clutha.

We offer multi daytrips on the Waiau or Waitaki Rivers and the Hydro lakes and Multi day expedition trips are available on request. We operate an American built, out board jet powered Pro Drifter. Our guides/skippers are MNZ certified. Call/WhatsApp Roger on +64 21 436 870 or click on the link below.

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Todd Adolph

Todd Adolph developed a deep passion for fly fishing from a young age. Brought up in Queenstown, he has been exposed to some of New Zealand's best waters and knows them extensively.

And it’s in the blood. His father and uncle are both fly fishing guides in the Otago and Southland regions, which has enabled Todd to build on their comprehensive in-depth knowledge of the fisheries. His approach is based around teaching, and he believes every day on the river is an opportunity to gain more understanding and develop as an angler.

Todd may be contacted via his mobile phone +64 27 383 7049 or by clicking the link below.

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Ian Cole

Ian Cole is based in picturesque Wanaka which nestles in the very heart of NZ’s Southern Alps. Ian would be the most passionate, experienced and qualified of fly fishing guides in the local area having fly-fished for more than 40years and throughout many places in the world. He was one of the first NZ guides to qualify as a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. Additionally, he is an accomplished fly tyer and teacher. Over the years, his expertise, fisheries knowledge and experience have seen him feature in many magazine articles, videos and books. Ian has enthusiastically guided and up-skilled anglers since 1992 - novice, intermediate and advanced anglers alike. He revels in sharing with others the wonders the NZ South Island fishery offers anglers. He proudly specialises in sight fishing to both large brown and rainbow trout, is a patient guide and teacher who offers top friendly professional service, indeed, the high percentage of repeat clients are a testimony to both his professional skills and happy friendly disposition.

Ian offers enormous flexibility in his guiding service by having intimate knowledge of 3 adjoining areas – Otago, Central South Island and Southland. His day and multi day adventures provide a marvellous spectrum of angling opportunity with a larger number of rivers, streams and lakes to choose from as well as maximising prevailing weather and angling conditions.Quality gear can be supplied – Sage, Simms, Orvis and T & T. A variety of accommodations can be arranged. Telephone: :+64 3 443 7870

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Jeff Forsee

Jeff Forsee is a true blue American Kiwi; a photographer and a fly fishing guide. He grew up on the farm ponds of southern Ohio and has come to build a life down under.

Nowadays he lives on the shores of sunny Lake Hawea with his family Hilary and Gus and their 11 year old black lab Kenai. He owns and operates Aotearoa Anglers, a guide and travel service specializing in custom NZtrout fishing trips and destination fly fishing travel. His work and adventures have taken him around the globe from the remote islands of the South Pacific, to Alaska and Mongolia, where he has spent many seasons as a guide for Mongolia River Outfitters.

His photography and writing has appeared in The Fly Fish Journal, Fly Fisherman, FlyLifeand The Mission. Click below to go to his web site, or give him a call at +64 220 954 700.

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Henare Dewes

Kia Ora... I'm Henare Dewes and if you are reading this then already we have something in common - the love of fly fishing to sighted wild Rainbow and Brown Trout. Since beginning guiding with Dick Fraser in his superb "Cedar Lodge" in 1999, I have learned many lessons about fly fishing but the main thing that stays with me is that it is a privilege to be able to make a living in this way. My job is about sharing the "where", "how" and "what" of fly fishing here in the Southern Alps region. You're the "who" and as I have already said, we have enough in common to know the exact reason why! Telephone: : +64 21 228 3473

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Greg Dougherty

Greg, a born and bred southern kiwi, along with his wife and young family have operated Alpine Fishing Guides since 2002 . Based in the beautiful town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and just 1 hrs drive from Queenstown. With many fine restaurants and accommodation options, vineyards, walking trails and golf courses and New Zealand's Southern Alps as a backdrop, It is not just a fishermans paradise it is a paradise for everyone.

Alpine Fishing Guides offers guided half, full and multi day trips on the surrounding gin clear rivers and lakes for wild brown and rainbow trout.  Walk and wade sight fishing using 4WD, drift or float fishing by inflatable raft or remote back country rivers by helicopter.

Alpine Fishing Guides is one of the few companies in New Zealand to offer float trips .

Greg is trained in Outdoor First Aid, River rescue and is a qualified New Zealand Rafting guide. Audited by Maritime NZ yearly and fully insured you can be sure of a safety conscious and professional operation.

Greg is a passionate and patient guide and is happy taking beginners to the most experienced. He will tailor your fishing trip to meet your ability and expectations  and do his uttermost to be sure you leave New Zealand with fond memories of a true New Zealand trout fishing adventure.

For any questions or inquiries contact Greg now . You will be sure to get a prompt reply.

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Dean Whaanga

Dean is an internationally recognised, Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide with over 30 years experience, and has an intimate knowledge of the waterways throughout Southland, Otago, Fiordland, the Mackenzie and North Canterbury. Dean and Fiona have established Mataura River Lodge in Riversdale, Southland, located just 5 minutes drive from the Mataura River…the Brown Trout Capital of the World. Mataura River Lodge offers dinner/bed and breakfast and has extensive vegetable and flower gardens.  Fiona is a great cook and you will enjoy her homestyle, homegrown meals. There are 30 rivers/streams within 30 minutes of the Lodge and road trips throughout the South Island are also an option. Dean has built up a honest relationship with landowners and has access to many wonderful, low pressured rivers and streams. He is jovial, kind and very patient man with the eyes of a hawk and has a reputation for delivering the goods. Dean +64 27 491 2585 Fiona +64 21 175 7046

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Taz Dawson

The Southern Lakes of New Zealand has some of the best fishing available in the world and I want to show it to you!

Hi I am Taz Dawson from Creating Tracks NZ, with over 20 years of guiding experience in and around the Southern Lakes Areas I am able to show you unique locations and experiences. I am able to offer a range of 4WD access and Heli Fishing options.  +64 0274228452

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Ethan Clark

Top Of The Lake Guiding is run by the knowledgeable and passionate fly fishing guide Ethan Clark. Ethan is based at the top end of Lake Wakatipu in the beautiful small township of Glenorchy and operates from here and Queenstown. Having access to many of Otago's premium trout fishing locations and within a small drive to Southlands fly fishing Mecca, Ethan will guide you in these beautiful locations for wild brown or rainbow trout.

Ethan is a genuine kiwi outdoors man, he has been fishing since a young age and has experience and a can do attitude to make your New Zealand trout fishing experience a memorable one. So if sight fishing for our world renowned rainbow and brown trout is on your list of things to do don't hesitate and give Ethan a call now.

Ethan may be contacted on his mobile phone +64 27 427 5120 or by clicking the link below.

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Scott Little

Scott Little may be contacted via phone +64 3 443 8903 or +64 21 293 7306 or clicking the link below.

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Declan Wong

Declan Wong is a professional, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate local fly fishing guide who has lived and fished in South Island, New Zealand for over 28 years.

A day with Declan Wong will be a day you won't forget – he'll bring to you his intimate and extensive knowledge of fly fishing the incomparable waterways of New Zealand's South Island, along with his colourful, entertaining personality, patience and tenacity.

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