What weight fly Rod for New Zealand?


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What fly fishing rod type should I bring to New Zealand? We recommend a stiff rod that has a bit of “guts” in it & can the handle wind i.e. Sage. Preferably within the 6 or 7 weight range. A 6 weight rod loaded with a 7 weight line is generally a good combination.

How much does it cost to fly fish in New Zealand?

One can reasonably expect to spend $9,000 or $10,000 including air fare for three weeks of trout fishing in New Zealand with a couple of days of guide service included.

Where is the best fly fishing in New Zealand?

  • Mataura River – Southland. Lower South Island.
  • Buller River. Nelson and West Coast.
  • Ahuriri River – Central Otago. Lower South Island.
  • Oreti River – Southland. Lower South Island.
  • Tongariro River. Central Plateau.
  • Haast River. West Coast.
  • Ngongotaha River. Rotorua.
  • Rai River. Nelson.

Is fly fishing good in New Zealand winter?

December One of the least crowded months to fish New Zealand waters up until Christmas Day. Great weather and excellent fishing in all lakes, streams and river with streamers, nymphs and dries. The trout in all streams are active throughout the day and at this time the browns seem least wary.

What is a 6 wt fly rod good for?

A 6-weight fly rod is the perfect size freshwater rod for casting streamers, dry flies and nymphs. It is the middle ground between lighter weight rods (3wt to 5wt) and heavier fly rods at 7wt and up. Six weights can be setup for every size trout, all sizes of bass and smaller salmon and steelhead.

What is the best length for a fly rod?

Fly Rod Length Get 8.5 feet for general, all-around fly fishing in a wide variety of conditions. Get 8 feet or less for the precise and short casts needed when small stream fishing. Or for chasing after panfish with a light fly line.

Where is the best fishing in New Zealand?

  • Turangi, Waikato.
  • Rotorua, Bay of Plenty.
  • Motueka River, Nelson.
  • Haast River, West Coast.
  • Upper Clutha River, Otago.
  • Gore, Southland.
  • Bay of Islands, Northland.
  • Stewart Island, Southland.

Does New Zealand stock trout?

New Zealand hatchery stocking program strengthens trout fishery in local streams. In New Zealand, salmon and trout aren’t native species.

Can you fly fish in the ocean?

Eventually, you may even find yourself asking the question, can you fly fish anywhere? Yes, you can fly fish any body of water that contains fish, provided you are legally allowed to do so. This includes everything from small streams and big rivers to ponds, lakes, and even the ocean.

Why are NZ trout so big?

Why are NZ trout so big? The answer is bioenergetics. Plenty of food and the right temperature range. When it’s too cold trout can’t digest food properly even if it is available and when it is too warm they burn more energy than what they can get from it.

Where is the best fly fishing in the world?

  • Russia.
  • Alaska.
  • Brazil.
  • New Zealand.
  • Cuba.
  • Tierra Del Fuego.
  • Florida.
  • Montana. The place where ‘A River Runs Through It’ was set, a movie which creating a million fly anglers pretty much overnight, Montana is Big Sky Country!

Do I need a fishing license in New Zealand?

Everyone, of any age, must carry a valid New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence with them (or be named on a family licence with the primary licence holder present) when fishing for sports fish in New Zealand.

Where do trout go in winter NZ?

Winter is traditionally a quiet time for trout fishing on the Taranaki ring-plain as most waters are closed for the trout spawning season. But fishing is still available in a number of local lakes and the lower reaches of rivers and streams that flow from Mt Taranaki are open in their lower reaches below SH45.

When can you fish for trout in NZ?

The main trout fly fishing season opens on the 1st October and runs through until the end of April. The are some exceptions to these dates so check on the Guide pages for any local differences. There is some good winter fishing available, particularly in the Central North Island in the Taupo area.

What time of year is best for trout?

It’s also year-round in most areas. Normally, the best months to target trout are July to Early September when the waters are at their warmest and many insects are hatching. Because of this, dry fly fishing becomes incredibly effective.

Is an 8wt too big for trout?

The 8-Weight Rod This rod is ideal for stripers, redfish, black drum, sea trout, flounder, largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, catfish, snakeheads, pickerel, bluefish, pike, bonefish, big trout, salmon, small tarpon and can be used for panfish.

What is the most versatile fly rod weight?

Virtually all fly fishing guides agree that a 9′ rod for 5-weight line is the most versatile trout rod in the world. If you’re likely to fish a mix of lakes, creeks and rivers, a 9′ 5-weight is a no brainer first rod. If you have no idea where you are going to fish, buy a 9′ 5-weight.

What is a 7 wt fly rod good for?

If you’re looking for a rod that can handle a variety of fishing techniques, specifically for larger fish, then you’ll want to add 7 wt fly rod to your quiver. They excel at casting large flies, streamers with sink tips, handling wind, and casting long distances.

Do longer fly rods cast further?

Distance – Longer rods present the ability to cast further. You generally have to slow down your casting stroke, but a longer rod can cary more line, keep it off the water, and help give you that extra distance you want.

How long should a beginner fly rod be?

Rod length, for trout fishing, should be 8.5 to 9 feet in length. Beginners will not want to go any longer, and only should go shorter if the majority of their fishing will be for smaller fish, such as panfish.

Are flies worth tying?

Saving money tying is a myth. Even with the excess of flies I’ve tied, there’s no way I’ve saved a dime. I’ll grant the actual cost per fly based on materials alone, it’s cheaper to tie. But that doesn’t take into consideration the quantities of “stuff” you’ll purchase in order to fill your boxes.

Who is the best fly fisherman in the world?

Steve Huff & Del Brown. Many of Steve Huff’s peers have called him “the best guide who’s ever lived.” Del Brown caught 513 permit on a fly, and is objectively the best permit fisherman who ever lived.

Does New Zealand have good fishing?

New Zealand is one of the world’s great fishing countries. Trout are plentiful throughout the country. Lakes, rivers, back country stream and spring creeks all offer fantastic opportunities to fish for brown and rainbow trout. In the South Island you can also fish for salmon in many places.

Does New Zealand have Steelhead?

To sum up, we were lucky with the choice of chinook salmon. There never will be a run of wild sea-run sockeye salmon, Atlantic salmon, pink salmon, or chum salmon if they are ever introduced. “Steelhead” rainbow trout runs do not exist and are never likely to in New Zealand.

Are rainbow trout native to New Zealand?

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were first introduced to New Zealand in the early 1880s. They are descended mainly from Californian steelheads โ€“ rainbow trout that migrate to sea and spend most of their lives there.

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