Although the focus of the Academy is learning and tuition, the fly fishing around Wanaka is also wonderful.

Unlike many areas, even during the winter months, Wanaka has plenty of fly fishing possibilities, and enables us to teach you techniques in most types of water. Being able to access 3 major catchments together with a host of stillwaters and lakes means there are always options on offer.

We believe the best times to experience one of our courses is in the Autumn, or late winter/spring. These times have some really good (and hugely underrated!) fishing opportunities as well as uncrowded waterways. You will take away new skills to work on before the peak fishing season of summer.
 
When fishing with us, we outfit you in all the equipment you will need, from quality rods and reels, to Goretex waders and sure footed wading boots, polarised glasses, and even additional clothing if required. Of course you are welcome to bring over your own equipment if you prefer. We also offer advice on suitable equipment to purchase once your course is completed.

Our Fly Fishing Season
Autumn (April, May, Temp 9-15 degrees C). The weather is generally settled, with low rainfall. Mmmnn - To put it another way, light winds, sunshine, with clear rivers and stillwaters - perfect learning conditions! It is also one of the most beautiful time to see Wanaka, as the autumn colours and blue skies turn every view into a postcard.
The trout are also in peak condition, as they have been feeding all summer in preparation for spawning over the winter months.

Winter (June, July, August, Temp 5-15 degrees C). This is traditionally the ski season in the Wanaka Mountains, with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The trout are not so responsive during June and July, although in August the days get longer, things start to move again and the fish are hungry. Brown trout are cruising the stillwaters looking for easy prey to fatten up on after spawning, and the rainbows are starting to group up around river mouths to feed before heading up the rivers to spawn.

Spring (September, October, November, Temp 9-20 degrees C). While the weather can be unsettled, the fishing starts to warm up, with great stillwater and rivermouth fishing in September. October sees the opening of the low country rivers, which gives us new options to fish for trout that have not seen a fly for at least 5 months. In November the highcountry waters open, with all our local rivers and creeks available to fish, and it is the easiest time to catch rainbow trout. Yes, newly opened water, relatively unwary trout, higher than normal fish numbers.Yes, newly opened water, relatively unwary trout, higher than normal fish numbers. We think the springtime, along with Autumn is the ideal time to join us at Wanaka Fly Fishing Academy.

Summer (December, January, February, March, Temp 15-30 degrees C). This is peak fishing season in New Zealands South Island. There are high angler numbers and a lot more fishing pressure, but with good reason. The weather is generally more reliable, all waters are open, and the trout are in their normal habitats with spawning behavior all finished. They are taking both subsurface origin foods, as well as terrestrials. Summer is when your skills should be up to scratch - it's game time.

Fly fishing in New Zealand (particularly in the South Island) is primarily focused on "sight fishing," meaning most of the fish we catch are sighted before the cast is made. The trout, averaging 3 -4lbs, are often wary creatures, and don't give themselves up readily. We have seen many an angler become frustrated because of their lack of skills and knowledge to master this most challenging form of fly fishing. Taking one of our courses will maximise your precious time on the water, and undoubtedly increases your overall success and enjoyment of the art that is flyfishing. This, in turn, gives you a chance to apply the techniques learned to your local waters back home.

If you can fish well in New Zealand, then you can feel confident about fishing anywhere else on the planet!