The month of April marks the transition from Autumn to Winter here in New Zealand with many rivers and streams closing on the 30th.Personally it is my favourite month to fly fish here in New Zealand as the angling numbers are lower than the previous few months, fish are in prime condition and the mayfly hatches can be outstanding !

A cracking brown from the Southland region mid April.

The weather is normally calmer with less wind than the summer months, the days start a little cooler but usually by mid day the temps are getting into the mid teens and sometimes into the mid 20s.

Excellent dry fly fishing for browns on many of the smaller streams in the Southland region can be found during this month. Rivers are usually low and clear by this time of the year so a careful approach with long fine leaders is required to fool these wary trout.

This month is definitely a quality over quantity time period as the fish have received angling pressures all season. Drag-free drifts with long fine leaders and tippets are essential throughout the year, but especially towards the end of the angling season here in New Zealand.

wendy’s first fish on a dry fly from a small central otago stream.

If your planning a trip here in April 2026 and would like to book a trip feel free to drop me an email. Dates are filling for the 2025/26 season fairly quickly so dont miss out !

Cheers Paul