Here's my fly fishing equipment check list so you can make sure you have all the right equipment you need for your visit; 

Flies:

New Zealand has many of it's own fly patterns which you'll want to stock up on. I have them listed on the Regional Fly Selections or the New Zealand Selection to help select flies for the areas of NZ you'll be fishing or click on 'All Flies' for a complete choice;

The New Zealand Fly Selection

Regional Fly Selections

All Trout Flies

Fly Lines;

Now these are really important, if nothing else, make sure you do have a dull coloured floating fly line. Every guide you talk to will tell you this, our waters are very clear and the big old browns are no pushovers, they'll spot any bright coloured fly line and be off, in fact they'll often be gone before the fly even hits the water!! You have been warned!! For sight fishing floating lines are used mostly, so that's what you need.

 

It's handy to have a presentation line for the smaller work and a back country line (ie one designed for dealing to the wind) on a spare spool.

Dull Coloured Fly Lines

Longer leaders are recommended in heavier tests, 9  - 12 + feet in 7 - 9lb test. These heavy leaders turn over better particularly if there's a wind. To the leader you add your tippet material, and it's a good idea to step it down in stages. 4 - 8lbs test covers most situations.

 

Again the clear waters mean that any advantage you can get can make the difference so leaders in these lengths are recommended. If you aren't accustomed to casting leaders of these lengths then it's a good idea to get a little practice in using them. Have a look at my fly casting page

Leaders and Tippets

Fly Rods;

A 6 weight fly rod is what I recommend as a general fly rod for New Zealand fly fishing conditions. ie. General fly fishing on streams and rivers. It's a good all round weight to cover most situations with enough back bone for a big fish and to cope with windy conditions. Having said that, many expert anglers use #5 weights predominately, so it does depend on your skill level.

 

It will depend on exactly where you'll be fishing and what your preferences are along with your casting skills. Those visiting the Central North Island intending to fish the Tongariro River may feel under powered with a 6 weight fly rod and so will need a heavier fly rod, a 7 or 8 weight being ideal for handling the heavy nymphs and bombs popular up there. Also if your preference is still water fly fishing then again a heavier fly rod, 7  weight maybe be preferable, depending whether you intend to fish sinking lines at river mouths etc or lighter flies to sighted fish.

 

Lighter fly rods have there place also and are fun to use when appropriate,  however if you turn up with just a 5 weight you'll find yourself struggling to cope on windy days not to mention your rods ability to control a large brown determined to reach the sanctuary of some obstacle on the other side of the river!!

Fly Rods

Bring reels with a good drag system and plenty of backing. Large abor reels are best for this with room for enough backing and ensuring a good retrieval speed. There's nothing worse than to see your fly line disappearing off your reel knowing that there's not much left as a big fish heads off down stream.....

Fly Reels

Wading boots are preferred my most fishermen for footwear, a lot of Kiwi's wet wade wearing shorts and long thermal underwear to protect legs from scratches, sun and insects. I prefer long lightweight trousers like the Columbia fishing trouser, saves your legs from scratches, insects and sunburn. Gaiters are useful for keeping the gravel out of boots

 

Light weight breathable waders are very popular also and are the preference of many, staying cool on warm days and it's certainly good to have them if the weather turns cold!

Waders and Wading Boots

ps Don't  waste your precious holiday time driving around tackle shops, get everything ready now before you leave and avoid that last minute rush when you'll have plenty of other things to take care of anyway

pps You can have your new equipment sent to your address here in NZ and have it waiting for your arrival. Saves you carrying it with you on the plane.