Fly Fishing in Otago
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Looking for fly fishing in Otago? Here’s the thing: some of the best trout water in the lower South Island isn’t actually in Otago—it’s just across the regional border in Southland. The Mataura River, known by anglers worldwide, offers the kind of dry fly fishing that Otago’s busier waters can’t match.
As a trusted fly fishing guide in the South Island of New Zealand, I’m based in Gore, right on the Mataura’s doorstep. While Otago’s popular rivers see steady pressure from anglers, Southland offers uncrowded water with incredible mayfly hatches that bring the trout to the surface when conditions are right. Ready to head from Otago to the Mataura? Book your trip today.
What’s Included with Your Fly Fishing Otago Trip
The Mataura is an easy drive from anywhere in Otago. You’ll trade an hour or two in the car for access to genuinely world-class brown trout fishing. Equipment is available for hire @ $60.00 per person per day, these include:
Rods
Reels
Waders
Boots
Whether you’re out fly fishing in Central Otago regularly, or it’s your first time on the South Island’s rivers, I will adapt the day to your experience. Whether you’re new or already confident, I’ll put you in front of challenging fish that’ll test your skills.
Why Book a Guide to Trout Fishing in Otago?
A good guide to trout fishing in Otago will show you beautiful water. But heading out to the Mataura offers something Otago’s busy rivers can’t: consistent dry fly fishing to brown wild trout that haven’t seen every fly pattern in the book.
The difference is the hatches. The Mataura’s mayfly activity through summer brings fish to the surface in unbelievable numbers. For anglers chasing technical dry fly fishing in NZ, this is where it all happens.
Fly fishing in Central Otago has its appeal, but the local rivers see plenty of traffic. Southland’s variety means I can always find fishable water, even with changing conditions. When the Mataura is running high, there are spring creeks, freestone rivers, and backcountry streams within reach. You fish wherever’s best that day—not whatever’s closest.
Book Your Fly Fishing Adventure Now
If you’re staying in Otago and want a day of fishing that’s genuinely worth talking about, the Mataura delivers. The drive from Dunedin takes roughly two hours. Regardless of whether I pick you up or you drive yourself, you’ll be on the water with a full day ahead.
Not staying in Otago? I can also guide fly fishing from Dunedin and fly fishing near Queenstown, so NZ locals and tourists can make the most of their time in the South Island. Book your guided trip from Otago to fish in the Mataura River in Gore today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is October to April, with December through to March being prime time for fly fishing near Central Otago. Summer brings warmer water temperatures and more active fish, particularly in the high country. The region’s variety means there’s almost always somewhere fishing well.
While fly fishing in Otago can yield quality fish, the waters see steady pressure—particularly during peak season. The Mataura offers denser wild brown trout populations and more consistent surface activity when the hatches come off. You’ll always see more fish rising here than in Otago.
On the Mataura, brown trout average 1-2kg with larger specimens appearing during the hatches. If you’re after variety, some nearby waters hold rainbow trout, and the region’s lakes have landlocked salmon. But the browns are the main draw—that’s why we travel here from Otago.
Gore sits right on the Otago-Southland border, so that Mataura’s closer than most people expect. The trip is approximately 2 hours under usual conditions. I can meet you in Gore, or arrange to pick you up from your Otago accommodation.
As an experienced guide to trout fishing in Otago and throughout Southland, I know how quickly the weather can shift. But this can be an advantage. Even on a less-than-optimal day, there are so many rivers within reach that I can almost always find somewhere for us to fish.
And if conditions take a turn for the worse, we can find a new fishing spot or reschedule your trip.