South Island Fly Fishing Calendar

 

October-  Spring weather throughout New Zealand. Opening of most rivers & lakes except the high country with late rainbows spawning. Good nymph fishing for resident browns, rivers un-crowded.

November-  The start of summer weather. Flowers blooming & beautiful. Good dry fly hatches & nymph fishing. Rainbow fisheries open, fish hungry! My pick as the best month to fish. Un-crowded. Can be breezy in the Alps. Start of night fishing for sea runners. Brown beetle starts to fly.

December-   Summer begins December 21st, the longest day of the year. Good dry & nymph fishing. Great evening hatches. Good water clarity. Christmas holidays 23rd - 15th Jan see greater numbers of 'Kiwis' on the rivers. Weather settling down.

January-  Good time to spot fish. Good weather means popular time for visiting anglers. Rivers fish well on dries & nymphs

February-  Hottest month of the year. Very settled in the mountains. Most popular time for visitors. Good dry fly & terrestrial fishing. Rivers getting lower & fish need more stealth & some are getting selective.

March-  Weather still warm & settled. Fish in good condition. Good time for trophies. Not as many anglers as last month. Still good dry fly fishing, salmon runs start.

April-  Last month of regular season except for some high country rivers which close earlier. Fish in top condition, with lovin' on the mind. Un-crowded. Fish are active with cooler water

May-September-  Contact us regarding winter fishing opportunities in South Canterbury