Guided Fly Fishing in Rotorua
The North Island's Premier Fly Fishing Destination
Experience some of the best fly fishing on New Zealand’s North Island with professional fly fishing guide Mike Komara. Mike is a 4x World Fly Fishing Championships team medalist for Fly Fishing Team USA, and has been ranked 3rd nationally in the US since 2024. He is an international guide, spending 4 months guiding in the US, 4 guiding in Rotorua, and the rest of the year competing and fishing across the world. With this wide range of knowledge and experience, Mike will help you get on some great fish averaging 2-5 pounds, with chances at a true trophy over 10 pounds every day.
Fly Fishing in Rotorua
Rotorua offers some of the North Island’s finest fly fishing. The regions fishing is defined by the numerous large lakes scattered throughout, which produce great numbers of trophy sized fish. The lakes themselves offer some great fishing opportunities, but their many tributaries are the star of the show. These get basically a constant flux of large brown and rainbow trout, and offer sight fishing, nymphing, and dry fly opportunities. On top of this, there are a number of other spring creeks and freestone rivers that offer their own unique fishing opportunities.
Our Fly Fishing Season in Rotorua
Mike guides in New Zealand during the peak fly fishing season, December to March. The early season in December is marked by relatively cool temperatures and happy fish. This is a great time of year to fish the lake flats in search of trout crashing on bait, or get on the tributaries that are just opening for the season. Mid-season, January and February, are high summer. This time of year the lake waters warm and the fish stack up in the tributaries. We can have high number days catching nice rainbows, or sight fishing to pods of large browns. The other streams in the are fish great as well, with good opportunities to fish dries and even some cicada patterns. The tail season, and the end of our guiding season, is March. This is the start of autumn, as well as the brown trout spawn. It’s a great time of year to target a trophy brown in the tributaries.
What's Included in a Guide Trip?
We offer half day (4.5hr), full day (8hr), and multi-day guide trips. All fishing equipment ( rods, reels, lines, flies, etc) is provided. We have waders and boots available in select sizes. If you need a pair, please let us know in advance so we can see if we have your size. Depending on the season, wet wading in whatever water shoes you have with you may be appropriate.
Pickup and drop off services can be arranged from your accommodation in Rotorua or Tauranga. If you need transportation, please notify us at the time of booking so we can plan things out.
Licenses are not provided and much be purchased before your trip. For information on purchasing a license, click here: How to Purchase Your New Zealand Fishing License
Common Questions & Answers
What do I need to bring on my guide trip?
Some anglers prefer to bring all their own equipment, while others prefer to travel light and use ours. Whatever your case is, there are a few items we recommend you bring either to be more comfortable, or because we can’t provide them:
- Sunglasses
- A sunshirt and hat
- Sunscreen (NZ has some of the world’s highest UV!)
- Any medication you may need
- Extra water
- Having your own waders (if you want waders at all) is recommended for the most comfortable fit
How much fishing experience do I need?
Absolutely none! We can work with you to plan a trip to your skill level, where you’ll have fun, catch fish, and learn some new tricks whether you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced angler.
When is the best time to fish Rotorua?
The best time to fly fish the Rotorua area is whenever you’re there! There are always fish around and willing to eat. If I had to pick one moth over all the others though, it would be February.
Where should I stay when planning to fish the Rotorua area?
There are plenty of options for lodging in the area. If you want to be close to the fishing, staying in the Roturua town proper will put you about 20 minutes from the most notable rivers and lakefront. If that’s not close enough, the town of Ngongotaha is situated right on two of the largest tributaries, and is close enough to Rotorua that good restaurants and amenities are close by.
If you’re coming in on a cruise or otherwise on vacation to Tauranga and want to get some fishing in, which is common, you’ll be 30 minutes to an hour away from good fishing. We can arrange transport for you as well.
How do I get my New Zealand Fishing License?
The New Zealand license system is fairly straightforward, but figuring out exactly which license you need can be a bit tricky. For a full guide, check here: How to Buy Your New Zealand Fishing License.
What should I expect out of my day?
Every day of fishing is a little bit different, but in general it will look like this: We’ll meet at 8am or arrange pick up at 7:30. From there we’ll get geared up and fish until around 12:30. At this point, half day trips will end and we’ll part ways, and for full day trips we’ll stop for lunch. Full day trips will fish another four hours or so, and then we’ll finish up our day.
How many fish you can expect depends on your skill level and the day. It’s important to have realistic expectations for your trip- the fishing in New Zealand is not the easiest around. That being said, we’ll certainly catch fish. An average day for a beginner angler may bring five or ten fish to hand, while a good day with an experienced angler can result in forty or more fish netted.
Hooking a fish over 5 pounds is common, landing it not as much! The fish in NZ are bigger and stronger than most, and landing a larger one in the tight quarters we fish is a feat. Bringing any fish to hand here is a win, especially a trophy.
How can I pay for my trip?
Trip Options and Rates
Half Day Trip
4-4.5 Hours
The perfect trip for getting your feet wet and seeing what New Zealand has to offer
$800NZD / $465USD
Full Day Trip
8 Hours
If you want a serious chance at landing a New Zealand trophy, a full day trip is what you need. This 8+ hour trip helps ensure a few good shots at happy fish
$1400NZD / $815USD
Multi Day Trip
Custom Time
Want to see everything New Zealand has to offer? A multi day excursion is the best way to do it. We can see everything in the Rotorua area and beyond