Experience world-class fly fishing in Southland with an experienced local guide on some of New Zealand’s most famous trout rivers. Flyfish The South offers professionally guided trout fishing trips on the Mataura River and rivers throughout Southland and Fiordland. These trips provide unforgettable fishing adventures in one of the most scenic regions of the South Island.
Based in Gore and Te Anau, your guide Michael Vetters has extensive local knowledge of Southland’s rivers and backcountry fishing locations. Whether you are an experienced angler or trying fly fishing for the first time, guided trips are tailored to suit your ability. In addition, they meet your interests and fishing goals.
Southland is home to some of the best brown trout fishing in the world. The region features clear rivers, spectacular scenery and excellent dry fly opportunities throughout the season.
Guided Trout Fishing on the Mataura River
The Mataura River near Gore is internationally known as one of the best brown trout fisheries in the world. Often referred to as the Brown Trout Capital of the World, the Mataura offers exceptional dry fly fishing. In addition, you can enjoy consistent mayfly hatches there.
With a professional Southland fly fishing guide, you’ll gain access to the best pools and stretches of river. At the same time, you will learn valuable techniques such as:
- Matching the hatch during mayfly and midge hatches
- Reading water and locating feeding trout
- Dry fly presentation and drift control
- Sight fishing in crystal-clear water
Even experienced anglers benefit from local knowledge when fishing the Mataura River, especially during the famous evening caddis hatches.
Southland & Fiordland Fly Fishing Locations
Guided trips are available across many of the region’s best trout rivers. Southland and Fiordland offer a wide range of fishing environments including large rivers, spring creeks and remote backcountry waters.
Popular rivers include:
- Mataura River
- Oreti River
- Pomahaka River
- Waikaia River
- Mararoa River
- Waiau River
- Whitestone River
- Eglinton River
- Hollyford River
These rivers provide outstanding South Island fly fishing, with strong populations of wild brown trout and incredible scenery throughout the region.
Backcountry rivers around Fiordland also offer exceptional sight fishing opportunities during summer when water levels are low and visibility is excellent.
New Zealand Fly Fishing Trips in the South Island
New Zealand is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top destinations for fly fishing trips, attracting anglers from around the globe.
Southland and Fiordland offer exceptional South Island fly fishing, with clear rivers, large wild brown trout and spectacular wilderness scenery. Many anglers travel to New Zealand specifically to experience rivers like the famous Mataura River. This river is widely known for its challenging dry fly fishing and consistent insect hatches.
Flyfish The South offers personalised New Zealand fly fishing trips for visiting anglers. These trips provide local knowledge, guiding expertise and access to some of the best trout fishing waters in the region.
Whether you are planning a dedicated fishing holiday or adding a fishing day to your South Island travels, guided trips can be tailored to suit your experience level and schedule.
Guided Fly-Fishing Trips & Prices
Flyfish The South offers personalised guided fishing trips designed to maximise your time on the water. In addition, they provide a memorable fishing experience.
South Island Fly Fishing Prices
(NZD – subject to change)
- NZD $800 – One-person, full day
- NZD $850 – Two people (maximum 2 anglers)
- Overnight camping trips are also available for anglers wanting to explore remote backcountry fishing locations. Overnight trips – NZD $150 per person per night
Multi-day discounts are available for bookings longer than three days.
A standard guided day typically runs from 7:30am to 4:00pm, depending on conditions and fishing location.
Please note: Fishing licence costs are not included.
New Zealand Trout Fishing Season
The Southland trout fishing season runs from 1 October to 30 April, offering excellent dry fly fishing throughout the warmer months.
The Mataura River south of the Gore traffic bridge remains open until 31 May, giving anglers additional opportunities late in the season.
Spring and summer provide the best dry fly fishing, while autumn offers excellent sight fishing opportunities as trout feed heavily before winter.
Plan Your Southland Fly Fishing Trip
Guided fishing trips can be tailored to suit your schedule, experience level and preferred rivers. Early bookings are recommended, especially during peak trout fishing months.
To confirm a booking, a 33% non-refundable deposit is required, with the balance payable on the day of your guided trip.
Weather conditions can occasionally affect fishing plans, and if unsafe conditions occur your deposit will be refunded.
Book a Southland Fly Fishing Trip
Planning a fly fishing adventure in Southland or Fiordland?
Contact Flyfish The South to organise a guided trout fishing experience on the famous Mataura River. You can also enjoy surrounding backcountry rivers.
Enquire about guided fly fishing trips and availability today.
Explore More Southland Adventures
Southland is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular outdoor destinations, offering incredible fishing, wilderness landscapes and adventure experiences.
Explore more Southland accommodation, activities and travel ideas on NZ Online Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best trout fishing in Southland?
The Mataura River near Gore is widely considered one of the best brown trout fisheries in the world. Southland also offers excellent fly fishing on rivers such as the Oreti, Pomahaka and Waikaia.
Do I need experience for guided fly fishing trips?
No experience is required. Guided fly fishing trips are suitable for beginners as well as experienced anglers, with instruction and guidance provided during the day.
When is the best time to go fly fishing in Southland?
The trout fishing season runs from October to April, with excellent dry fly fishing during summer and great sight fishing opportunities in autumn.
