Fly Fishing Brown Trout

The Brown trout, (Salmo trutta) form the basis of most freshwater fishing in New Zealand. From the late 1860s, brown trout, from Europe, were introduced throughout New Zealand. They established themselves rapidly where they were released – and also spread by going out to sea and swimming up other rivers. In the early years they were very well conditioned.

Riverview Lodge is located in the heartland of some of these large trophy Brown Trout. If you will allow, we boast to have guided clients to some of the largest Brown Trout in New Zealand. Nowdays fish average 5-6 pounds but every season still some 10+ pound fish are caught – every anglers dream of a lifetime.

New Zealand Fly fishing guides have the reputation of providing unparalleled fly fishing adventures. At Riverview Lodge we combine that with luxury and comfortable fishing lodge accommodation. Non anglers are welcome to accompany their partners, either on the river or Hanmer Springs offers many other activities to ensure they also have a wonderful holiday/vacation. (Refer to Activities page).

Guided fly fishing for large, wild Brown Trout in crystal clear mountain waters, is done on a daily basis in a variety of locations. Travelling by vehicle or helicopter, ensures an exciting day in beautiful remote scenery, and with every opportunity to outwith the smart New Zealand Brown Trout only to be captured on camera. Riverview Lodge adheres to the Catch and Release principal.

Our fly fishing guides are experienced and professional. All have a lifetime of knowledge, and are enthusiastic and passionate about the environment and conservation of our wonderful, wild brown trout. With the expertise of your guide's knowledge, the aid of Polaroid glasses, and then your presentation of a selected dry fly, or nymph, fishing is both exhilarating and testing.

Brown trout are predatory fish. In slow-moving pools, brown trout cruise looking for food. In flowing water they tend to face upstream, feeding on drifting aquatic insects.

Often our mountain waters are crystal clear and one of the main challenges is for you to see the brown trout before it sees you. Brown trout immediately seek cover if they see movement on the riverbank. Your guide virtually goes ahead, and stalks the fish, then points it out to you, and with additional aid of his instructions the challenge is for you to outsmart it. They are one of the most difficult freshwater fish to catch.

Clothing & Equipment

We recommend you bring dull coloured clothing, have a pair of good quality polarised sun or prescription glasses, thick socks, wide brimmed hat or baseball cap, and a good quality dull coloured hooded rain jacket.

If you wish to wade wet, which we often do during hot summer days, we recommend you bring polypropylene tights to wear under lightweight shorts, gaters and boots. Otherwise bring Gore-tex type light weight Waders.

Felt sole boots are banned in New Zealand. We recommend you bring rubber soled boots that have grip. The Aquastealth (sticky rubber) wading boots that Simms distribute are ideal.

We strongly recommend sage green or brown line – weight forward and also long leaders and fine tippet. Generally anglers use a 5 or 7 weight rod. Rods can be loaded with one size bigger line.

The Guides carry some flies, and most american patterns work well here, Dry: Cicadas, Royal Wulff, Parachute Adams - Size 12-16
Nymphs – Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, - Size 12-16 and should be tied with tungston bead heads or lead in them.