Expert Fly Fishing with Matt Butler — Te Anau Sight Fishing for Wild Trout
Spend an immersive day sight-fishing wild Brown and Rainbow Trout with guide Matt Butler from Te Anau. This tailored 8-hour trip focuses on visible fish, casting technique, and rivercraft across gravel runs and willow-lined pools.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear breathable waders
Neoprene can be warm; breathable waders give comfort across variable Fiordland conditions.
Bring polarized sunglasses
Polarized lenses reduce surface glare and help you spot trout and structure in the water.
Hydrate and pack electrolytes
An 8-hour day of casting and wading requires steady hydration—carry a refillable bottle and quick salts.
Respect private beats and access
Many productive river stretches are adjacent to working farmland—follow access instructions from your guide.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet side channels below willow fringe that hold big browns during low flows
- •Short back-country tributaries above road bridges that hatch terrestrials and reward stealthy sight fishing
Wildlife
- •Brown Trout
- •New Zealand Scaup (whio and other waterfowl are less common)
Conservation Note
Operators in the region emphasize catch-and-release, careful wading to protect spawning gravels, and minimizing riverbank disturbance to preserve trout habitat.
Fiordland rivers were used by Ngāi Tahu and later frequented by European anglers; the area’s angling traditions combine indigenous knowledge and mapping of productive beats.
What to Bring
Breathable wadersEssential
Keeps you dry and comfortable while wading varying water temperatures.
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Essential for spotting trout and protecting eyes from reflected glare.
Mid-weight fly rod (4–6 wt)Essential
Versatile for sight-fishing both small browns and larger rainbows in these rivers.
Waterproof daypack
Carries lunch, extra layers, and anything you want kept dry between beats.
Common Questions
Do I need previous fly-fishing experience?
No—beginners are welcome, but the trip is best for those who can handle basic casting and an all-day outing; instruction focuses on improving technique.
What is included in the price?
Lunch and basic rod/reel/flies are provided; Matt picks the best water for the day and offers one-on-one coaching.
How far from Te Anau are the fishing spots?
Most locations are within about an hour’s drive of Te Anau; your guide selects water based on conditions each morning.
Is catch-and-release practiced?
Yes—catch-and-release with careful handling is standard on many local beats to protect wild trout populations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Te Anau, Southland
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk uneven riverbanks, wade shallow runs, and cast repeatedly.
Ready to Explore Te Anau?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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