Rotorua Fly Fishing Guide | Ollie Bassett Fly Fishing
Experience some of New Zealand's best trout fishing with Rotorua fly fishing guide, Ollie Bassett, the current three-time New Zealand National Fly Fishing Champion (2024, 2025 & 2026). Based in Rotorua, Ollie is a full time professional fly fishing guide offering year-round guided fly fishing trips for wild brown and rainbow trout which average 2 -5 pounds and reach trophy sizes (10 pounds), helping anglers of all skill levels improve their success on the water.
Fly Fishing in Rotorua
Rotorua offers some of New Zealand's best trout fishing, with opportunities to target wild brown and rainbow trout all year round. Trout average between 2 - 5 pounds (16 - 20 inches), with many browns growing much larger and reaching huge trophy sizes. Ollie Bassett tailors every trip to the season, water conditions and angler experience level.
October, November and December offer fantastic fly fishing for trout around the edges of Lake Rotorua and sight fishing in local streams. Lake edge 'flats' fly fishing is an exciting way to sight fish trophy brown trout which congregate in the clear shallow water to attack small baitfish. 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 and February mark the height of the New Zealand summer with the surface temperatures of Lake Rotorua warming dramatically, driving trout in search of cooler water. Rotorua is a shallow lake and so trout are drawn in huge numbers to the cold and clear spring fed waters of the lakes tributaries. The fishing can be fantastic throughout this period with high catch rates and the chance to see impressive numbers of large wild trout stacked into small areas.
March, April & May mark the arrival of autumn and the peak of the brown trout spawning run from Lake Rotorua into local tributary streams. Autumn offers the best chance to target wild trophy brown trout up to 30 inches in streams barely ten foot in width. Sight fishing for these huge trout is an incredibly exciting and unique experience.
June to September 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 throughout June. Small streams and spring creeks in the South Waikato region offer great winter fly fishing amongst rolling green hills and remain clear even after heavy rain. Trophy brown trout can be targeted in the rivers throughout June around Rotorua, and sight fished in clear water around the lake edge from August on.
Guided Fly Fishing Trip Options
Ollie offers a variety of options to meet your goals, from full or half day guided fly fishing trips starting in Rotorua or Tauranga, to multi day adventures and exclusive streamside accommodation packages.
Day trips
Guided fly fishing day trips are a fantastic option for anglers visiting Rotorua wether you are an experienced fly angler or complete beginner. Ollie Bassett tailors all trips to your experience level, goals, the season and conditions on the day.
For experienced fly anglers, Rotorua offers some of the best trophy brown trout fly fishing in New Zealand. Rotorua is also a fantastic place to try fly fishing for the first time, with high catch rates of good size wild rainbow trout.
Multi day trips
Multi day guided fly fishing trips allow anglers to explore a variety of the best fishing locations around Rotorua and New Zealand's Central North Island. Each trip is fully customised based on your goals, experience level, time of year and the number of days you have available.
Road trips, backcountry camp out adventures and helicopter fly in trips to remote rivers are all possible options to explore.
Private Streamside Accommodation
From the beginning of December to the end of June, Ollie is excited to offer exclusive boutique stream side accommodation and fly fishing guiding packages in Paradise Valley, just 15 minutes drive from Rotorua.
Only a stones throw from the cabin door is some of New Zealand's finest fly fishing water in the private headwaters of the Ngongataha stream, home to wild brown and rainbow trout which grow to trophy sizes.
What's included in a guided fly fishing trip?
Use of high quality waders, boots, rods, reels and other fly fishing equipment is included in all guided trips. Picnic lunch and refreshments are provided on full day trips.
What options are available?
Ollie offers full day, half day (~ 4 hours) and multi day fly fishing guided trips.
Do I need to bring my own fly fishing equipment?
No. High-quality fly fishing equipment is available for clients to use, including rods, reels, Patagonia waders and Patagonia boots. Many anglers choose to travel light if visiting from abroad, while others prefer to bring and use their own equipment. Ollie is happy to accommodate either option.
Do I need fly fishing experience?
No. Guided trips with Ollie are suitable for complete beginners through to highly experienced anglers. Whether you're looking to catch your first trout, refine advanced techniques such as Euro nymphing, or want to sight fish for trophy brown trout, Ollie will tailor the day to your skill level.
What should I bring on a guided trip?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and any personal items you may need during the day. Weather conditions can change quickly, so dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket is advised.
Can you provide transport?
Pick-up and drop-off can be arranged from Rotorua or Tauranga for trips in the area. Please enquire when booking if transport is required.
Do I need a fishing license?
To fly fish in Rotorua you will need a Fish and Game New Zealand license. These are not included with the booking, and can be purchased separately through the Fish and Game New Zealand website, with non resident day licenses currently costing $38 NZD.
Do you offer backcountry Helicopter fly fishing trips?
Yes. Flying into remote North Island backcountry rivers by Helicopter is possible from Rotorua or Ōpōtiki. Backcountry fly fishing offers the unique opportunity to visit seldom fished remote rivers and sight fish for large wild trout in beautiful surroundings.
Return helicopter flights and landing fees start from ~ $9000 NZD for flights directly from Rotorua. Flights and landing fees for helicopter trips from Ōpōtiki start from ~ $3500 NZD. Flight prices are GST inclusive and for one or two anglers, with guide fees not included in the price.
Can I book a multi-day fly fishing trip?
Yes. In addition to half-day and full-day guided trips, Ollie offers multi-day fly fishing experiences tailored to your goals, experience level and travel plans. Multi-day road trips can explore a variety of rivers, streams and lakes across Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Taupō and the wider central north island.
Why choose a fly fishing trip to Rotorua?
Rotorua is one of New Zealand's best trout fishing destinations, with some of the highest catch rates and largest trout anywhere in the New Zealand. Rotorua's location only two and half hours south of Auckland makes it a great destination for those visiting New Zealand for a short time. It has a wide array of accommodation, dining options and famous tourism activities including Maōri cultural experiences and thermal baths to explore. For those traveling on cruise ships to Tauranga, Rotorua offers world class fly fishing only one hour away, with Ollie able to pick you up and drop you off at the dock.
