NZ Trip Report with Aotearoa Anglers

An Unforgettable Fly Fishing Adventure in Southland, New Zealand

There are few things in life as good as a fly fishing trip that exceeds all expectations. That’s exactly what we experienced during an epic three-day adventure with Aotearoa Anglers in Southland, New Zealand. With coffee coursing through our veins and a hash brown stack in our stomachs, we were ready to smash some trout — and the adventure did not disappoint.

Drifting the Southland Rivers

The trip kicked off with a scenic drift down one of Southland’s incredible rivers. With two rafts, our group was pumped, and the conditions couldn’t have been better. Jack Scott, one of the guides with Aeoteroa Anglers, explained how the rafts are the ultimate fishing tool for this terrain. Stable, stealthy, and able to float in the shallowest of waters, they allowed us to access remote spots that would have been impossible on foot.

“The rafts let us explore without interrupting the local walk-and-wade etiquette,” Jack noted. “We fish places you just can’t reach otherwise, and it makes for such a unique and rewarding experience.”

The river offered an incredible variety of fishing styles. In the morning, we were pushing close to the banks, spotting trout cruising the flats. Later in the day, we switched things up — pulling streamers, turning big fish, and nymphing with indicators. The diversity of techniques and fish made for an action-packed day.

Backcountry Bliss

Day two took us deep into the New Zealand backcountry. After a fair bit of walking, we were rewarded with pristine waters and an abundance of fish.

“Sometimes, a little extra effort goes a long way,” Jack said. “And yesterday was proof of that.”

The backdrop of towering mountains and lush greenery set the stage for an unforgettable session of stalking and casting to wild trout. The adrenalin of having a feeding trout in front of you, followed by the deliberate sip of a Southland trout, is something every fly fisher dreams of.

Lake Fishing at Its Finest

On the third and final day, we switched gears and hit one of Southland’s stunning lakes. Lake fishing isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when planning a New Zealand fly fishing trip, but after this experience, it absolutely should be.

We spent the day Polaroiding — sight-fishing for cruising trout on the shallow flats. The sheer quantity of fish, paired with the challenge of making the perfect cast, created an addictive and exhilarating atmosphere.

“Honestly, today has been the best day of trout fishing I’ve had in my life,” Andrew admitted, beaming. “We had to work for it, and that made it even more rewarding. I cast to some of the biggest trout I’ve ever seen and landed a cracker. I’m a happy man and I’ll be back.”

The Power of Local Knowledge

One of the biggest takeaways from the trip was the value of local knowledge. In New Zealand, the weather can change in an instant, and knowing where to go and when is everything. Jack and his team at Aotearoa Anglers have curated an intimate understanding of the Southland fisheries, and it shows.

“It’s all about reading the conditions,” Jack explained. “Whether it’s finding a stark backdrop for spotting fish on a cloudy day or choosing a river stretch that’s protected from the wind, these little decisions make all the difference.”

A Trip to Remember

By the end of the three days, it felt like we’d been on a week-long holiday. The drifting, the backcountry exploring, and the lake Polaroiding combined into a perfectly balanced fishing experience.

“I could go back to Melbourne tomorrow and feel like I’ve had my trout fix — which isn’t something that happens easily for me,” Andrew confessed. “I’m totally addicted to this.”

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, do yourself a favour and get in touch with Aotearoa Anglers. Their knowledge, passion, and access to some of the most remarkable flyfishing spots in Southland make for an unforgettable adventure.

For more information on Aotearoa Anglers or to book. Head to www.aotearoaanglers.com