Welcome to Hatch Fly Fishing New Zealand.

Enjoy guided fly fishing for trout in the picturesque rivers, streams and lakes of the Wanaka and Hawea region. You will be fly fishing around Wanaka for totally wild brown and rainbow trout, employing classic New Zealand South Island fly fishing style in clear water. When possible, your quarry is first spotted, then stalked or ambushed before being presented with a dry fly or nymph. 

After many weeks of drought conditions, we are finally getting some welcome rain to freshen up the rivers. The cooler nights will also improve the fishing on the flats and lake margins as water temperatures permit trout to stay in these areas to feed.

Fish are still taking terrestrial dries well (mountain cicadas and blowflies), but smelt patterns are also starting to account for some good fish as the weather cools down and smelt move into the river mouth areas prior to spawning. The catch rate has been higher than average over the last week, and I expect the fishing to remain good over the month of April. 

I guide all my companies trips personally, and if I can't be available for a certain date, I'll make every effort to put you in touch with another guiding company that will give you excellent service.

As principal guide I (Craig Smith) have been fly fishing Wanaka for 12 years, and have over 30 years experience fly fishing around the lower South Island. Hatch Fly Fishing is a guiding service I set up 10 years ago. I am a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, as well as being a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor. There are only 2 fly fishing guides in Wanaka with the FFF casting instructor qualification.

All levels of experience are catered for, with patient fly fishing tuition for the novice, and expert local knowledge for the advanced angler.  I guide 1-2 anglers per trip to ensure maximum quality time on the water.There is an extremely high return rate, with many clients enjoying their 9th year with Hatch Fly Fishing.I will give you an honest response about the fishing for the time of year you are enquiring about.

All equipment can be supplied free of charge if needed. The rod and reels used are mainly Sage, with Simms waders and boots to keep you dry and sure footed.
Whether you choose a guided half day, full day or multi day guided fly fishing adventure, I can assure you of a quality fly fishing Wanaka experience.
Please feel free contact me with any questions you have about our New Zealand fly fishing guide services around Wanaka and Hawea or South Westland. 

Also, check out the new Wanaka Fly Fishing Academy that has been set up in Wanaka by Ian Cole and myself.

If you have a date in mind let me know as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. I also welcome any emails about fishing around our area.

Thank you and regards,

Craig Smith Hatch Fishing

P.S.-Check out the latest info" page for up to date conditions etc...