A major benefit to Fly Fishing in the South Island of New Zealand is the quality of the fish and of course the fact that we sight fish most of the time. Our scenery always surprises guests, as does the lack of other fisherman around!

The New Zealand Fishing Season opens in October and closes the 31st May.

There is always a compromise with when is best however when it comes to fishing my cup is always half full rather than half empty.

The beginning of the season is great as the fish have been left alone all winter and aren't very picky, mostly nymph fishing but still hook a few on drys. As the season warms the bug life becomes more prolific and the fish start looking up more.

January is great we start to get the odd cicada around and nearly all our fishing is on dries. Throwing big bugs is what I really like to do the most and from mid Jan to early March thats what we are doing.

Late March to April sees the return of some good mayfly hatch and hardly an angler to be seen.

So whatever time of the season you are here we make the most of the conditions, seasonal patterns and choose a location that we feel will suit the angler and the current fishing conditions

Gordy caters for all levels of angler. Be it two hours of fly fishing tuition, a unique night fishing experience or a week long back country fly fishing adventure, Gordy will tailor your fly fishing experience to suit.

In terms of pointers for Anglers considering a trip to New Zealand – we can’t recommend practicing casting enough. It’s crucial. We fish with long leaders, so if you can practice at home and learn to roll out a 14-15ft leader, then you’ll be in good shape for fishing New Zealand’s waters. Also, practising accuracy is important. Being able to place the fly in the right spot will get you more fish than being able to cast a long way. Read more about the Fly Fishing conditions in our part of the world here.

Gordy can provide you waders and boots to your size and all the necessary fly tackle. Included is lunch and refreshments. If bringing your own gear into New Zealand please make sure it is well cleaned before entering the country to meet customs regulations.

Definitely. With a variety of locations to choose from either drive out or fly out, a one day fishing experience in New Zealand will be a memory you will cherish forever.

Yes of course. In our region there is an activity to suit everyone of all ages from adventure experiences to relaxing and enjoying being pampered at a day spa or wine tasting. Gordy has an excellent relationship with many of the regions best activity operators and can tailor an itinerary or reserve an activity of your preference.

Gordy’s Grandfather was a hunting and fishing guide on the Arcadia Station in Paradise, the Dart Valley – which is close to Glenorchy in the Mt Aspiring National Park.

In Gordy’s words “I spent a lot of time with him as a child and always wanted to do the things he has done. I’ve always loved fishing and hunting and becoming a guide was just a natural progression to that.”

“The best part of my job is watching people being blown away by our scenery and landscape. It still blows me away! Whether my day is spent walking up a valley with a rod in hand, hunting a head basin for alpine animals or underwater diving for crays (Crayfish or New Zealand Rock Lobster) out of the ocean, I’ve never taken my job for granted and feel very privileged to be using the skills that I’ve built up over a lifetime of practice to guide people through our pristine ‘back yard.”