Guided Fly Fishing Expeditions with Wild Angler

The lower part of New Zealand's South Island is recognised as one of the world’s premier fly fishing locations, and giving this sport a go has long been considered one of essential things to do in Queenstown. Employing the services of an expert local angler will greatly increase your chances of catching fish, and Casey Cravens of Wild Angler is one of the country’s best and most experienced fly-fishing guides. A guided fishing expedition will ensure that you get the most out of your time on the region's rivers and can discover for yourself why fly fishing is so special amongst Queenstown attractions.

Whether you are an experienced fisherman or a complete beginner, Casey can custom plan your fly fishing expedition to suit your needs. He’s learnt the best spots to fish, the best time of day and year, and lots of cunning strategies which he has acquired over a lifetime of fly fishing. He offers instruction and excursions to suit everyone, and guarantees that this is one of the best activities in Queenstown. Whether you are an experienced fisherman or a complete novice, Casey promises an experience never to be forgotten and the opportunity to appreciate some spectacular and varied South Island scenery. 

Experience fly fishing on the clear waters of the South Island (Photo credit Casey Cravens)

For beginners, the half day introduction course is a great way to get started fly fishing. You will learn how to cast, tie knots, select the right fly, discover about New Zealand insects, how to read the habitat and how to spot and stalk trout. All equipment is supplied, including high-quality rods and reels, flies and tippets. A delicious gourmet lunch is served and you will be transported in a comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle to the lake or river. This learning experience can also be one of the most fun things to do in Queenstown for kids and quality photos of your fly fishing trip will let you preserve the memory forever. As Casey says, "A boy never forgets his first wild brown on a dry fly."

The clear waters of the back country rivers and streams are the favourite hideout of brown and rainbow trout and are the perfect place to perform sight and stalk fishing. This is where the fisherman can see the very fish he wants to catch and casts his line directly to it. The only drawback is that the fish can also view the angler just as easily, and the real skill and sport of this type of fishing is sneaking up on your prey. As a longstanding member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, this is where Casey's experience can really help. 

Land your own NZ brown trout with Casey from Wild Angler (Photo credit Casey Cravens)

For more experienced anglers, Casey knows all the region’s best spots to catch fish, including along the 200-kilometres of the Mataura River, which has been called the brown trout capital of the world! Here 3 to 10-day excursions can be enjoyed, and the different types of waters encountered along the river offer a varied fishing experience. The Central South Island sampler offers 1-3 days in the Waitaki Basin, a fast running river for the thoughtful angler, and the Alpine waters offer completely different scenery and require different techniques. To reach some of the best remote fishing locations, jet boat or helicopter transportation can be arranged with Wild Angler specialising in guiding helicopter backcountry expeditions out of both Wanaka and Queenstown.    

Depending upon the time of year, your expectations and experience, Casey can design the perfect fly fishing trip for you to enjoy. He will advise you as to what to wear and what you need to bring to ensure that you have a fantastic time participating in one of the best activities in Queenstown. Wild Angler also offers guided fishing expeditions in Dunedin, Wanaka, Otago and Southland. For visitors looking to get around the Otago Region, collect your Queenstown rental car from Omega’s airport or town centre depots and start exploring!