Queenstown & Otago
Queenstown & Otago
Find A Local Fishing Guide in 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.
Central Otago / Southern Lakes region provides some of the most dynamic back drops and unique lake fishing experiences. Five large lakes take the centre of the region, and over 20 other mid-small lakes and tarns dotted across every corner of the region offers some of the most diverse fishery in New Zealand.
Drift boats can fish waters that are inaccessible by anglers on foot mostly fishing Otago’s bigger Hydro Rivers. Most of the fishing is a mixture of fishing from the boat or walking and wading the many runs and riffles.
All the members listed on this website have the following vital accreditations:
- Current first aid certificate
- DOC Concession to guide on the DOC estate
- Audited Health & Safety Plan
- Public liability insurance
Hudson Weathington
Hudson can be contacted on +64 20 4103 0580 or click the link below.
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
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.
Mark Buckingham
You can contact Mark via his web site or telephone him: +64 3 443 4486
Shelen Scout Boyes
Shelen Scout Boyes is a professional fly fishing guide based in Queenstown. As a Kiwi-American and one of the few female guides in the country, Shelen brings over eight years of expertise in both Aotearoa and globally. Her deep passion for the sport and her comprehensive knowledge make her a sought-after guide for anglers of all levels.
Shelen offers top-quality fly fishing services through her company, Trout Scout Limited. She provides single and multi-day expeditions, tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of her clients. Known for her patience and personalized approach, Shelen ensures that every fishing experience is memorable and rewarding, going above and beyond to help her clients' angling dreams come true.
In addition to guiding, Shelen is heavily involved in the local fly fishing community and regularly hosts events for fly fishermen of all levels. Her career reflects her passion for teaching and fly fishing, empowering her to make a positive impact on both her clients and the environment.
Shelen can be reached directly on +64 21 026 36312, or via link link below.
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
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
Mitch Green
Mitch Green is a South Island fly fishing guide and a valued member of the Southern Rivers Fly Fishing team. Based in Wanaka, he's known for his calm nature, sharp eye for detail, and ability to consistently put anglers in the right place at the right time.
Whether exploring remote backcountry rivers or heli-access wilderness, Mitch creates relaxed, enjoyable days while maximising every opportunity for success. Clients regularly praise his professionalism, approachable manner, and uncanny ability to read the water.
If you're looking for a guide who combines local knowledge with an easy-going style, Mitch delivers the genuine Southern Rivers experience guests return for year after year.
Ben Laverack
Ben is passionate about back country fly fishing, regularly fishing the rivers and lakes that are surrounded by native beach forests or tussock lands. He will take you to some of the country's most picturesque locations for a day of premier fly fishing.
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
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
Roger Tompkins
Hi, I'm Roger Tompkins, a senior NZPFGA guide with over 45 years of fly-fishing experience and owner of Drift Boat Fly Fishing New Zealand.
Hugely popular in the USA and Canada, drift boat fishing is now available here in New Zealand. Float down some of the legendary South Island rivers and enjoy outstanding fishing, spectacular scenery, and access to water that few anglers ever reach. Drift boat fly fishing is a fantastic way to achieve a natural drag-free drift and access water that is impossible to fish on foot.
A typical day includes fishing from the boat, wading productive runs, and exploring backwaters. Fish nymphs, dry flies, or streamers while experiencing some of New Zealand's finest trout water. Spend a day sight fishing the Lake Dunstan flats (weather permitting), or explore the runs and backwaters of the Upper Clutha. We also offer multi-day trips on the Waiau and Waitaki Rivers, as well as the South Canterbury hydro lakes.
Whether you're a beginner requiring tuition or an experienced angler wanting to explore the intricacies of streamer fishing, we cater to all skill levels. While we specialise in fly fishing, we are also happy to accommodate spin anglers.
We operate on consented waters and can take up to two anglers (minimum 14yrs) in our imported, American-built, outboard jet-powered Pro Drifter. Our guides/skippers and vessel are certified by Maritime New Zealand.
Call or WhatsApp Rogerthefish on +64 21 436 870 or click the link below.
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.
Jeff operates Aotearoa Anglers with his business partner Jack Scott from their home base in the quaint mountain town of Wanaka. Aotearoa Anglers offers a wide range of New Zealand fishing experiences including day trips, multi day road trips, backcountry campouts, heli fishing and drift fishing. They also offer a travel service to some of the finest fly fishing destinations on the planet.
Jeff has guided in New Zealand for over a decade and between NZ, Alaska and Mongolia has more than twenty seasons of experience under his belt, offering a huge amount of specialized insight and knowledge to his guests. Jeff takes a relaxed but focused approach to his guiding - insisting that fishing is fun!
For more information on fishing with Jeff or Aotearoa Anglers, visit the link below or contact him by phone or Whatsapp at: +64220954700
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
Simon Cruickshank
Simon may be contacted via his mobile phone +64 21 904 462 or by clicking the link below.
Nick Johnson
Can we use your car? Mines got a flat battery. You got a 4wd? What about flies, tippet and leaders, I’m just about out. And I’m gonna be late for the pick up, got the school run this morning, oh and this afternoon too so it’ll be a short day.
If that sounds like a bit of you then swipe left!
Reverse psychology aside, I’m currently guiding out of our local lodge for the majority of the season. However if you’re planning on fishing in April and you want a guide with a genuine love of the game, local experience and a little wit, take a chance! Cheers, Nicko. I can be contacted by clicking the link below or on +64 21 380 950
Ethan Clark
Top of the Lake Guiding is owned and operated by professional fly fishing guide Ethan Clark, whose passion for New Zealand’s pristine wilderness and world-class trout fisheries is reflected in every guided experience.
Based in the picturesque township of Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Ethan guides throughout the Queenstown Lakes/Otago, and Fiordland/Southland regions, accessing some of New Zealand’s finest trout waters. Top of the Lake Guiding specialises in remote backcountry sight fishing, and exclusive heli fishing adventures, offering anglers the opportunity to pursue wild brown and rainbow trout in spectacular, uncrowded environments.
With a lifetime of fishing experience and an extensive knowledge of New Zealand’s rivers and backcountry, Ethan provides personalised guiding tailored to each client’s ability, experience, and goals. Whether introducing beginners to the sport or helping experienced anglers target the trout of a lifetime, his patient instruction, local expertise, and commitment to excellence ensure every trip is both rewarding and memorable.
At Top of the Lake Guiding, the focus is on more than just catching fish—it’s about immersing yourself in New Zealand’s extraordinary landscapes, refining your skills, and creating lasting memories in some of the world’s most iconic trout fishing destinations.
If sight fishing for New Zealand’s legendary wild brown and rainbow trout is on your bucket list, Top of the Lake Guiding invites you to experience an unforgettable adventure on the water.
Scott Little
Scott Little may be contacted via phone +64 3 443 8903 or +64 21 293 7306 or clicking the link below.
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
Paul Macandrew
Hi I’m Paul Macandrew, owner and head guide at Aspiring Fly Fishing based in the beautiful mountain resort town of Wanaka.
I offer guide fly fishing trips sight fishing to wild brown and rainbow trout in the stunning rivers and streams in the lower South Island. I specialize in bespoke, multi-day adventure road trips and will customize your guided fly fishing experience from start to finish. From a keen beginner needing attentive tuition, to the advanced angler wanting to explore the back country wilderness I’ve got you covered !
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
Alex Scott
Alex specialises in guiding the remote backcountry waters of the Otago, Southern Lakes and South Westland regions. 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! Contact him on +64 226 525 019
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 50 years 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 tier 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 for 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. Ian is an Epic Pro Guide and ambassador and can supply quality gear – Epic, Simms, Orvis, Sage. Accommodations can be arranged. Tel + 64 (0)27 208 0188
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.
Doug Beech
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!
Ronan Creane
If you want a spotlessly clean truck, an hour for lunch and a nice relaxing day on the river then I’m probably not your man. If you want to go hard and get the most from your trip to New Zealand, whatever your fitness or skill level, then talk to me.
Check out my website to learn more.
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.
Jonathan Greer
Please contact Jonathan Greer on +64 27 450 7411 or click the link below.
Jake Berry
Jake Berry is the founder of Southern Rivers Fly Fishing and one of New Zealand's most experienced fly fishing guides. Born and raised in the deep south, he has spent more than two decades guiding anglers through the South Island's most remote and spectacular trout waters.
Known for his calm professionalism, meticulous planning, and genuine hospitality, Jake specialises in premium backcountry and heli-fishing experiences tailored to international anglers, couples, families, and discerning travellers. His focus on safety, integrity, and conservation ensures every trip is as seamless as it is memorable.
For those seeking an authentic New Zealand experience guided by a trusted local host, Jake and the Southern Rivers team offer access to some of the finest fly fishing the country has to offer.
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.
Ed Halson
You can contact Ed by email (click the link below), cell phone +64 27 445 1144 or landline +64 3 442 4236.
