The Fishing

Some of the best trout fishing in the world can be found in Southland and Lumsden is in the centre of the best fishing that we have to offer. All roads out lead to one of our trout rivers.

The main rivers are the Mataura, Waikaia, Oreti, Aparima and Waiau and of course their many tributaries. The fishing is varied with wilderness fishing in the upper reaches, particularly the upper Oreti where large wary browns reside and makes for some exiting sight fishing.

The Mataura needs little introduction as it is a world renowned river with a very healthy population of brown trout and is John’s favourite river. The Mataura is well known for its prolific mayfly hatches particularly in the lower reaches and also late in the season in March/April at the upper end.

The Waiau and tributaries have fantastic populations of brown and rainbows particularly the upper stretch between Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, (there are estimated to be about 1500 fish/km). Much of it is hard to access though due to the bush and high banks in places and a guide with a jetboat is a good option here. This river is well known for some really big caddis hatches on dusk and there a lot of places can be reached for some really great dry fly action. Also when the river is at its lowest in high summer the daytime dry fly fishing is superb.

The Mavora Lakes are only an hours drive form Coleraine and offers some excellent lake edge fishing to cruising trout.

Also many of Otago’s rivers like the Pomahaka, Nevis and Upper Taieri are within easy driving distance for a day trip for a real wilderness experience.

Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland is a short one hour drive away and some great wilderness fishing which is accessible by boat in rivers such as the Worsley and the Clinton for example. Make sure you have plenty of insect repellent with you as the sandflies are always hungry.

The fishing varies throughout the year with upstream nymphing early in the season, brown and green beetles in November/ December to cicadas in late January/February with mayfly and caddis hatches throughout the season.

Unfortunately a lot of our rivers and streams have been infected with the invasive algae Didymo and cleaning gear at the end of each day is imperative to prevent its further spread. It hasn’t reached Fiordland and we want to keep it that way. It doesn’t seem to have affected the fish too badly, but it is ugly. Some winter floods help to flush it out to keep levels down in the first part of the season at least. Remember, Protect our waters:  CLEAN, CHECK & DRY.

The season runs from 1 October to 30 April each year with the lake tributaries opening and closing a month later. Some lower reaches and estuarine areas as well as our lakes are open 12 months of the year.

John has been fishing these rivers for almost 25 years and fly fishing/tying since 1994 and is happy to help out with advice on places to go, flies to use etc. He also knows several guides and can put you in contact with one of them if that is what you require. Several can be found on the links page on this website. John can also arrange for a heli-fishing trip if required.