Fly Fishing Guiding in Rotorua, New Zealand
Fly Fishing in Rotorua, New Zealand, gives anglers the chance to catch wild brown and rainbow trout that commonly reach trophy sizes (10 pounds). Lake Rotorua is the center piece of the areas trout fishing, with the time of year and lake temperatures determining the best spots to fish. Ollie Bassett is the 2025 New Zealand national fly fishing champion and offers fly fishing guiding in Rotorua to give you the best experience possible. The peak months for fly fishing for trout in Rotorua are November to June, although good fishing is available all year round.
October, November & December
Late spring and early summer offer fantastic fly fishing for trout around the edges of Lake Rotorua and in smaller local streams. Lake edge 'flats' fishing is an effective way to target trophy brown trout which congregate in the clear shallow water to prey on small baitfish such as smelt. Fly Fishing for trophy brown trout attacking schools of baitfish in two feet of water offers a unique and exciting experience. Many lesser known streams offer excellent fly fishing within a short drive of Rotorua, with the possibility to sight fish in clear water with dry fly and nymphing methods. December also marks the opening of the famous Lake Rotorua tributary streams (such as the Ngongataha and Waiteti) where trout have been rested for several months during the winter closed season.
January & February
Throughout the height of the New Zealand summer the surface temperatures of Lake Rotorua warm dramatically, driving trout in search of cooler water. Rotorua is a shallow lake and so trout are drawn in huge numbers to stream mouths where cold spring fed waters offer a great place for them to stay. The fishing can be fantastic throughout this period with high catch rates and the chance to see literally hundreds of large wild trout stacked into small areas. Stream fishing can also be great, with large trout from Lake Rotorua moving into cold tributaries to escape the warm lake temperatures.
March & April
The arrival of autumn marks the height of the brown trout spawning run from Lake Rotorua into local tributary streams. March and April offer the chance to see wild trophy trout up to 30 inches in streams barely ten foot in width. Sight fishing for these huge trout is incredibly exciting and unique experience.
May & June
Late autumn and early winter is rainbow trout time in the Rotorua streams. Large numbers of wild rainbow trout run the rivers from Lake Rotorua and can be caught in high numbers, particularly after rain. Euro nymphing is particularly effective, although other techniques can work well. Trophy brown trout can also be targeted in the right areas.
Central North Island guided trips
In addition to guiding around Rotorua, Ollie also offers guided fly fishing trips throughout other regions of the North Island. The South Waikato, Taumarunui and National Park areas offer great fly fishing throughout the year and are well suited to multi day guided trips. Fly Fishing around Taupō, Turangi, and the central North Island area is world famous and a great option, particularly throughout the winter months of June - September.
Full Day Fly Fishing Guiding
Full day guided fly fishing trip. Includes lunch.
$1000 NZD one person
$1200 NZD two people
Half Day Fly Fishing Guiding
Half day (~5 hours) guided fly fishing trip
$600 NZD one person
$650 NZD two people
Fly fishing equipment is available to use on the day such as rods, reels, lines, flies, etc. Waders & boots can be organised on request to use.
Pick up and drop off can be arranged from Rotorua or Tauranga for trips in the area.
Fish and Game New Zealand licences are not included. These can be purchased separately through the Fish and Game New Zealand website, non resident day licences currently costs $38 NZD. Guided trips in the Taupō fishery (such as the Tongariro river) need a different day licence which can purchased through the Taupō Department of Conservation website.
Fly Fishing Guiding Rotorua, Ollie Bassett. Fly Fishing Guiding Rotorua, Ollie Bassett. Fly Fishing Guiding Rotorua, Ollie Bassett.
