Southland is the most southern province in New Zealand, and is one of the most important agricultural regions in the country and is famous for its trout fishing! Aspiring Fly Fishing offer guided fly fishing experiences in the Southland region for Brown and Rainbow Trout fishing.

With New Zealand being a narrow Island, our climate is very much dictated by the surrounding seas therefore very changeable. Consequently, it is possible to experience four seasons in one day in the Southland region. From gin-clear mountain streams and peaceful meandering creeks to the more extensive river networks flowing through the fertile Southland Plains, the Southland region has it all!

The wide variety of trout waters in the Southland ensures we can cater for each angler's needs based on their experience levels. It also gives us some more options when weather conditions are not favourable to move about and find sheltered, clear water if required.

The Mataura River is the regions most famous river and is renowned for its "match the hatch" dry fly fishing, with trout rising to well presented dry flies. To successfully fly fish upon the Mataura River, you must understand the insects on which the trout feeds and how to effectively imitate the different stages and present them to well educated and selective trout.

The Southland region is one of the strongholds of brown trout in New Zealand. Regular summer rain means that the areas' rivers and streams usually flow firmly through the fishing season. The Southland Plains and hills offer many easily accessible rivers and streams that cater to all types of angling. Most waters have easy access points, many of which are marked with Fish & Game signage.

The Mataura is the best known Southland River. It flows through the town of Gore, "The Brown Trout Capital of the World". This reputation brings an ever-increasing number of anglers into our province to fish this and other rivers like the Aparima and Oreti. While the headwaters of these rivers have reputations for producing big fish, they are often tough to catch and are less numerous. The lowland rivers are much more productive and accessible and, while their trout are smaller on average, they can provide excellent angling, especially for family groups and those starting their fishing career. Rainbow trout are restricted to the western lakes and their tributaries, the Mararoa and Waiau River system.

Didymo, the invasive alga that smothers river beds, occurs in several Southland rivers, affecting the Mararoa and the Waiau the worst. Anglers need to carefully clean their gear between rivers because there are rivers where it hasn't got to yet. The rivers of Fiordland are pristine, and it is essential that didymo does not get introduced to these. Anglers fishing in these rivers must get a Clean Gear Certificate before fishing there. Details are on the Fish & Game website and at the F&G office.

The large lakes, Te Anau and Manapouri, and the smaller lakes Monowaiand North Mavora are ideal for trolling from a boat. While they don't have large trout populations compared to lakes farther north, they are beautiful scenic gems where competent anglers can expect to catch several fish in a day's fishing. In midsummer, Southland's mid-reach and easily accessible headwater rivers can get quite crowded, so anglers must consider others and give them space to enjoy trout fishing. Book your guided fly fishing experience with Aspiring Fly Fishing today.