Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Fly fishing in New Zealand is a popular recreational activity, particularly favored by amateur anglers. The country's stunning landscapes and relatively low population density contribute to its appeal, with numerous rivers and lakes offering ample fishing opportunities away from urban areas. Prominent locations for fly fishing include Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Turangi, and various rivers on both the North and South Islands, such as the Tongariro River, renowned for its spawning trout.
Anglers use artificial "flies" designed to mimic the insects that fish typically prey on, targeting species like brown and rainbow trout, as well as saltwater fish such as marlin and snapper. Fly fishing in New Zealand is governed by specific regulations, requiring a fishing license for freshwater fishing, while saltwater fishing is generally exempt from licensing. The fishing season for trout runs from October to April, promoting sustainable practices among fishers.
Although fly fishing is primarily an amateur pursuit, it supports a vibrant industry of guides and lodges, with opportunities for learning and competition. Notable figures in the local fly fishing scene include television hosts Graeme Sinclair and Matt Watson, who contribute to the sport's popularity and promotion in New Zealand and beyond.
Subject Terms
Fly Fishing in New Zealand
Fly fishing is a recreational pursuit done primarily by amateur anglers. New Zealand is particularly well-known for its fly fishing because of the country’s relatively low population per capita and relative distance of many rivers and lakes from roads. North Island freshwater locations that perennially have large stocks of fish are Rotorua, near the Ngongotaha River), Lake Taupo, and Turangi, near both Lake Taupo and the Tongariro River. On the South Island, the Haast, Mataura, Motueka, and Upper Clutha Rivers are all usually well stocked with fish as well.
A rod and reel are standard issue for fishing. For fly fishing, the angler needs to add a “fly”, or artificial bait, usually constructed to suggest an insect that is part of the target fish’s diet. Fish commonly caught in New Zealand include trout (brown and rainbow), marlin (black and Pacific blue), swordfish (broadbill), shark (hammerhead, mako and thresher), tuna (yellowfin), salmon, snapper and kingfish (yellowtail).
Origins and History
Fly fishing has a long and rich history, dating as far back as Roman times. Some medieval writers make mention of fly fishing as well, with descriptions of fishing rods made of wood and bamboo and fishing lines made of horsehair and silk. Fly patterns proliferated starting in the nineteenth century, with one well-known study listing forty-eight different kinds of fly. The twentieth century innovations of lightweight materials, such as fibreglass, for rods led to even more people taking up fly fishing for sport.
In New Zealand in particular, various kinds of saltwater fish have historically been available along the country’s 15,000 kilometres of coastland. Many species of sport fish, however, are imports. Trout, New Zealand’s most prevalent catch, came to the country courtesy of European settlers, beginning in the mid-19th century. Atlantic salmon was introduced about the same time but did not survive. California salmon, introduced later, proved more hardy. Other varieties of fish came later.
Rules and Regulations
There are three types of fly for fly fishing: dry fly, wet fly and nymph. A dry fly looks like the adult stage of a bug that is drifting on the surface of the water. A wet fly resembles an insect just beneath the surface. A nymph looks like an insect that is still maturing and so is hiding in the crack or underside of a rock.
The fly fishing rod has, affixed to the end that does not have the reel, a tapered leader, which thins out as it extends away from the pole. On the end of the tapered leader is a “tippet”, a tiny line at the end of which the fly is attached. Leaders and tippets are usually made of monofilament, which floats easily on water. All components work together to make the fly as enticing as possible to the fish. Variation is the key to catching different kinds of fish. Flies come in different shapes and sizes, to be more attractive to various species of fish. Leaders come in different weights and strengths, to match the size of a fly. Fly lines come in different colours as well.
Trout fishing season runs from 1 October to 30 April. In New Zealand, anyone who wants to fish in fresh water must purchase a fishing licence. Licenses can be bought online or from local fishing stores and visitor information centres. Fishing in Lake Taupo requires a special licence. Saltwater fishing in New Zealand’s coastal waters requires no licence. People who do saltwater fishing are still required to follow the same set of rules as for freshwater fishing. Among those rules are a daily bag limit, a legal size limit and restrictions on the type of fish that can be kept. The Department of Conservation encourages sustainable fishing.
Top Athletes
Fly fishing in New Zealand is almost exclusively an amateur sport. Rare as well is the person who does fly fishing for commercial purposes, though the sport supports a thriving industry of guides and lodges. New Zealand is home to many amateur competitions and tournaments. Beginners and others wishing to improve their technique can avail themselves of lessons and advice from more seasoned fishers, either in person or via DVDs or the internet.
Some well-known fly fishers have hosted television programmes in New Zealand. One is Graeme Sinclair, the managing director of his own TV group and host of the popular and long-running series Gone Fishin. Another is Matt Watson, host of The Fishing Show and a well-known promoter for New Zealand abroad.
Bibliography
“Angling Etiquette in New Zealand.” New Zealand.com, www.newzealand.com/int/feature/angling-etiquette-in-new-zealand/. Accessed 11 June 2024.
“Freshwater Fishing in New Zealand”. NZFishing, www.nzfishing.com. Accessed 11 June 2024.
“History of Fly Fishing.” Ken Drummond Fly Fishing, www.nzfishing.com. Accessed 11 June 2024.
Losee, Clint. “Fly Fishing Leader and Tippet: What, Why and How.” The Fly Fishing Basics. 13 Jan. 2020. theflyfishingbasics.com/fly-fishing-leader-and-tippet-what-why-how/. Accessed 11 June 2020.
"New Zealand Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024." Fishing Booker, 16 Apr. 2024, fishingbooker.com/blog/fishing-in-new-zealand/. Accessed 11 June 2024.