Aspiring Fly Fishing is based in Wanaka, New Zealand, bordering Mt Aspiring National Park, meaning we know the best fly fishing areas in the region! Aspiring Fly Fishing provides guided fly fishing trips in the Wanaka and Southern Lakes regions. The Wanaka region has some of the most amazing landscapes, boasting clear rivers, streams and still waters with large wild brown and rainbow trout. This combination is a once in a lifetime fly fishing experience.

The trout fishing season begins on 1st October, with a couple of smaller local streams opening in the Wanaka region. We also have some exceptionally still-water fishing, with many brown trout returning from the tributaries to feed around the lake margins. This is a great time to stalk these fish who are hungry after the long winter months and will take olive woolly buggers, damselfly and dragonfly imitations without too much hesitation.

Backcountry rivers and streams in Wanaka open on 1st November. Many of the larger rivers in Wanaka will carry snowmelt early in the trout fishing season, so it's a great time to target the smaller tributaries in the region as they usually hold some larger fish whilst their flows are still good. Many of these fish will begin dropping back into the more extensive river systems as the river levels drop in the warmer summer months.

Peak months for fly fishing around the Wanaka and Central Otago region is from November to April, as the weather is hotter and more settled.  December sees the appearance of cicadas on our rivers and high country lakes, something not to be missed by anglers wanting the ultimate dry fly fishing experience! There's nothing more exhilarating than watching a big fish rise through the water column to smash your big dry fly off the surface.

Guided Fly Fishing Trips in Wanaka

Contact Aspiring Fly Fishing to discuss a possible guided fly fishing adventure in the Southern Lakes region. There are plenty of options, and we will tailor-make a trip to suit your experience and expectations. New Zealand trout fishing at its best!

Aspiring Fly Fishing's NZPFGA guide, Paul, will show you some of the best of New Zealand trout fishing in stunning Wanaka rivers stalking large wild trout.

Otago Fish and Game Region extends from Shag Point on the South Island's East Coast south to the Brother's Point in the Catlins area. The region runs inland to include the whole of both the Clutha and Taieri River catchments and several smaller coastal river catchments such as the Catlins, Tahakopa, Tokomairiro, Waikouaiti and Shag. The Otago region has a range of fishing opportunities set in diverse landscapes, from the pristine high country and barren Central Otago to the lush lowland pastures of coastal areas. Aspiring Fly Fishing ensures that all anglers and all methods are catered for on our guided fishing trips. The sizeable southern lakes such as Lake Wanaka, Wakatipu and Hawea hold good stocks of salmon, rainbow and brown trout and are popular with boat anglers. If smaller fly fishing water is your preference, then the productive coastal streams and the Taieri or Pomahaka Rivers are worth visiting. Please respect our angling waters by obeying the angling restrictions applying to them, not leaving rubbish and obtaining the landowner's permission where required.

Wanaka Region Fishing Regulations & Limits

(Subject to clauses 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 for this region)
Permitted Methods definition F = Fly fishing only FS = Fly or Spin fishing only FSB = Fly, Spin or Bait fishing permitted

Rivers / Lakes                                            Season                 Methods      Daily Limits
Akatore Estuary                                        1 Oct – 30 Sep        FSB               2
Akatore River                                             1 Oct – 30 Apr        FSB               2
Albert Burn                                                1 Nov – 31 May       FS                 1
Arrow River                                                1 Nov – 31 May       FSB              1
Blakelys Dam                                             1 Nov – 15 Apr        FSB              1
Butchers Dam                                            1 Oct – 30 Sep        FSB              3
Caples River and tributaries
(refer to clause 11 for this region)           1 Nov – 31 May       F                  1
Cardrona River                                           1 Oct – 30 Apr        FSB              1
Careys Creek                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr        FSB              3
Careys Creek downstream
of the rail line Bridge                                 1 Oct – 30 Sep        FSB             3
Catlins Estuary downstream
of State Highway 92 Bridge                      1 Oct – 30 Sep        FSB              6
Catlins River                                                1 Oct – 30 Apr        FSB              6
Clutha River upstream from Luggate
Bridge (except Deans Bank Section)        1 Oct – 30 Sep        FS                6
Clutha River Deans Bank Section (defined by landmark posts 1km
downstream of Lake Wanaka and
600m upstream of Albert Town Bridge)    1 Oct – 31 May      F                6
Clutha River dwnstrm of Luggate Bridge   1 Oct – 30 Sep       FSB           6
Coalpit Dam                                                  1 Oct – 30 Sep       FSB            1
Conroys Dam                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep       FSB            1
Contour Channel                                          1 Oct – 30 Apr       FSB            3
Dart River                                                       1 Oct – 30 Sep      FS               1
Dart River tributaries not mentioned
in clause 2.3 for this region                          1 Nov – 31 May    FS              1
Deep Stream                                                  1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB           3  
Diamond Creek                                              1 Oct – 31 May     FS             1
Diamond Lake                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep     FS             3
Dingle Burn (refer to clause 11)                   1 Nov – 31 May    FS              1
Falls Dam                                                        1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB           6
Fraser Dam                                                     1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB           3
Fraser River downstream of dam                 1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB           3
Fraser River Upper                                         1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB           1
Glenorchy Lagoons                                        1 Oct – 30 Apr      FS              1

Greenstone River and tributaries
(refer to clause 11 for this region)                1 Nov – 31 May    F                1
Greenstone River
downstream of Greenstone Station Rd
car park swing bridge                                    1 Nov – 31 May    FS              1
Greenstone River upstream of Sly Burn     1 Feb - 31 March
confluence (see clause 11)                           Controlled fishery F                1
Hamiltons Dam                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB            1
Hawea River                                                   1 Oct – 30 Sep      FS              6
Hoffmans Dam                                              1 Oct – 30 Sep      FSB            1
Hores Control Pond                                      1 Oct – 30 Sep      FSB            6
Hunter River and tributaries
(see clause 11 for this region)                      1 Nov – 31 May    FS               1
Ida Burn Dam                                                 1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Kaihiku Stream                                               1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Kaikorai Stream                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Kaikorai Estuary downstream of
Abbotts Creek confluence                            1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             3
Kawarau River                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep   FSB              6

Knights Dam                                                   1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Kuriwao Stream                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Kye Burn                                                          1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Lake Dispute                                                   1 Oct – 31 May   FS                3
Lake Dunstan                                                 1 Oct – 30 Sep      FSB              6
Lake Hawea                                                    1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              6
Lake Hayes                                                     1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              3
Lake Johnson                                                 1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              1
Lake Kirkpatrick                                             1 Oct – 30 Sep    FS                 3
Lake Mahinerangi                                          1 Oct – 30 Sept  FSB               6
Lake Onslow                                                   1 Oct – 30 Sep   FSB             10
Lake Roxburgh, Highway Bridge at
Alexandra downstream to the
Roxburgh Dam.                                              1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              6
Lake Sylvan                                                     1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              6
Lake Tewa                                                       1 Oct – 30 Sep    FS                1
Lake Tuakitoto including the outlet channel and inlet channel.                           1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              6

Lake Waihola including the outlet
and waterways interconnected
with Lake Waipori.                                          1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             6
Lake Waipori                                                   1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             6
Lake Wakatipu                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             6
Lake Wanaka                                                  1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              6
Lee Strea                                                         1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Lindis River                                                      1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              1
Lochy River and tributaries
downstreamof Disputed Creek
confluence.                                                      1 Nov – 31 May  F                   1
Lochy River and tributaries
upstream of Disputed Creek
confluence (see clause 11).                           1 Nov – 31 May  F                   0
Loganburn Dam                                             1 Oct – 30 Apr   FSB               6
Maclennan River                                            1 Oct – 30 Apr   FSB                6
Makarora River and tributaries                    1 Nov – 31 May  FS                  1

Makarora River downstream of
Wilkin River confluence                                 1 Oct – 30 Sep    FS                  1
Manorburn Dam Lower                                1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB                6
Manorburn Dam Upper                                1 Nov – 31 May  FSB                 6
Manuherikia and tributaries                         1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB               1
Mathias Dam                                                  1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB               3
Matukituki River and tributaries                   1 Nov – 31 May  FS                  1
Matukituki River downstream of
Motatapu confluence                                    1 Oct – 30 Sep   FS                  1
McAtamney’s Head Pond 1                           1 Oct – 30 Sep   FSB               6
Meggat Burn                                                   1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Mill Creek junior fishery above
Waterfall Park
(see clause 12)                                                1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             1
Mill Creek downstream of
Speargrass Flat Road Bridge                         1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              1
Moke Lake                                                       1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              3
Molyneux Pond                                               1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB              1

Motatapu River and tributaries                     1 Nov – 31 May   FS                1
Nenthorn Pond                                               1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             1
Nenthorn Stream                                            1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Nevis River and tributaries
(see clauses 10 and 11 for this region)        1 Oct – 30 Apr      F                 1
Owaka River                                                    1 Oct – 30 Apr      FSB             6
Owaka River downstream
of State Highway 92.                                      1 Oct – 30 Sep     FSB             6
Perkins Pond                                                   1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             1
Pinders Pond                                                   1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             1
Pleasant River                                                  1 Oct – 30 Apr     FS               3
Pomahaka River                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             6
Pomahaka River downstream of
Swans Bridge (Clydevale Road)                      1 Oct – 30 Sep   FSB              6
Pomahaka River upstream of
Park Hill Bridge (Switzers Road)                     1 Oct – 30 Apr   FSB              3
Poolburn Dam                                                 1 Oct – 30 Apr   FSB               3
Puerua Estuary downstream of
State Highway 92 Bridge.                                1 Oct – 30 Sep  FSB              6

Rees River and tributaries                             1 Nov – 31 May   FS               1
Rees River downstream of Muddy Creek    1 Oct – 30 Sep     FS               1
Reid Lake                                                         1 Oct – 30 Sep    FS                1
Routeburn River and tributaries                   1 Nov – 31 May   F                  0
Rutherford's Dam                                           1 Nov – 15 Apr    FSB             1
Shag River                                                       1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB              3
Shag River downstream of
Highway 1 Bridge.                                          1 Oct – 30 Sep     FSB             3
Shotover River                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep     FSB             6
Silverstream                                                    1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Southern Reservoir (see clause 3)                1 Oct – 31 Aug     FS               1
Styx Weir Pond                                                1 Oct – 30 Sep     FSB            6
Sullivans Dam                                                  1 Oct – 30 Sep     FS               1
Sutton Stream                                                 1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Tahakopa                                                         1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             6
Tahakopa River downstream of Maclennan River confluence.                        

1 Oct – 30 Sep     FSB            6
Taieri River                                                       1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB            6
Taieri River downstream of
Silverstream confluence.                                1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             6
Teviot River                                                      1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             6
Three O’Clock Stream                                     1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Timaru River and tributaries                          1 Nov – 31 May   FS                1
Timaru River downstream of
Timaru Road Bridge.                                      1 Oct – 30 Sep     FS                1
Tokomairiro River                                           1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB              3
Tokomairiro River downstream of
Coal Gully Road Bridge                                   1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             6
Tomahawk Lagoon                                          1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB            1
Tuapeka River                                                  1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB            3
Victoria Dam                                                    1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB            3
Von Lake                                                          1 Nov – 31 May    F                1
Von River and tributaries                               1 Nov – 31 May    F                1

Waipahi River                                                   1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB             6
Waipori River upstream of Lake Waipori      1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Waipori River downstream of Lake Waipori 1 Oct – 30 Sep   FSB              6
Waitahuna River                                              1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB              3
Waitati River                                                    1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB             3
Waitati River downstream of
Orokonui Stream confluence.                        1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             3
Waiwera River                                                  1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB             6
Waikouaiti River                                               1 Oct – 30 Apr    FSB             2
Waikouaiti River downstream of
State Highway 1 Road Bridge.                        1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB             2
Waters of Leith downstream
of the Lindsay Creek confluence to the
Leith Street Foot Bridge.                                 1 Oct – 30 Apr     FSB           3
Waters of Leith downstream of Leith
Street Foot Bridge                                           1 Oct – 30 Sep    FSB            3
Wilkin River and tributaries (see clause 11)  1 Nov – 31 May   FS              1
Young River and tributaries (see clause 11) 1 Nov – 31 May   FS               1

Closed Season

Fishing for sports fish is not permitted at any time in the following specified waters:
• Bullock Creek, from Lake Wanaka to source.
• Horne Creek, from Lake Wakatipu to source.
• Lake Wakatipu, within the waters of Queenstown Bay, bounded by a straight line drawn from the outermost point of Queenstown Gardens to the point where the south bank of One Mile Creek meets Lake Wakatipu.
• Lake Wanaka, within 150m of any part of the launch wharf at the township of Wanaka, within 150m of any part of the public jetty at the Wanaka Marina, and anywhere within 150m of the shoreline between the wharf and the jetty.
• Lake Wakatipu, within 100m of any part of the wharf in Black Bay (commonly known as the Walter Peak Jetty).
• Mill Creek (which flows into Lake Hayes), from the Speargrass Flat Road Bridge to Waterfall Park.
• Southern Reservoir in September except for Otago Fish and Game Council controlled fishing events.
• All waters in which sports fish are held in captivity for display, hatching or other purposes, or within a distance of 100m from any part of the outer boundaries of such waters.
• Waters of Leith upstream of the Lindsay Creek confluence and including Lindsay Creek.
 

Back Country Fishery

a) the Greenstone River backcountry fishery which means the Greenstone River catchment, namely— (i) the Greenstone River upstream of the swing bridge at the car park end of Greenstone Station Road; and (ii) all tributary streams flowing into the Greenstone River, including the Caples River.
(b) the Dingle Burn backcountry fishery which means the Dingle Burn upstream of the bridge on the Dingle Burn Station access road.
(c) the Lochy River backcountry fishery which means the Lochy River catchment upstream of the confluence with Disputed Creek.
(d) the Nevis River backcountry fishery which means the Nevis River catchment upstream of the confluence with the Kawarau River.
(e) the Hunter River backcountry fishery which means the Hunter River catchment upstream of the river's mouth where the river enters Lake Hawea.
(f) the Young River backcountry fishery which means the Young River catchment upstream of the confluence with the Makarora River.
(g) the Wilkin River backcountry fishery which means the Wilkin River catchment upstream of the confluence with the Makarora River.
 All anglers who fish in the backcountry fishery (as defined by the Sports Fish Licences, Fees, and Forms Notice 2016) must first obtain a backcountry licence (
Definitions:
• controlled area means the Greenstone River (and its tributary streams) between the river's source and its confluence with the Sly Burn.
• controlled period means the period beginning on 1st February 2017 and ending on 31st March 2017.
• controlled-period licence means a licence that entitles the following persons to fish for sports fish in the controlled area during the controlled period, but only during the day, and on the reach, specified in the licence:
(a) the holder of the controlled-period licence; and
(b) if the holder also holds a backcountry licence that is endorsed on a family licence, the holder's spouse or partner and, if accompanied by the holder or the holder's spouse or partner, any member of the holder's family; and
(c) any 1 or more companion anglers named in the controlled-period licence who hold backcountry licences.
11.4 In the controlled area, a controlled period applies. All anglers who fish in the controlled area must first obtain a controlled period licence.