Fishing Season & Guides
The fishing seasons runs from 1 October to 30 April, the warmer waters of the summer months providing the perfect opportunity to hook the perfect catch.
However, on the Mataura River you can fish south of the Gore traffic bridge until 31 May.
You will need a licence to fish, irrespective of whether you are going out alone or with a guide.
Fishing licences can be bought from local sports stores:
- Shooter's World, 40 Medway Street, Gore. Phone: (03) 208-7456
- B&B Sports Ltd, 65 Main Street, Gore. Phone: (03) 208-0801
You can also buy a licence online on the Fish and Game NZ website. Here's the link.
Local Guides
To ensure success, it's worth finding a local fishing guide. These guides are experienced anglers who take this sport seriously – and can lift your chances of success with their inside knowledge and amazing skills.
Barry Perkins (NZPFGA)
- Mobile phone: +64 27 617 3529
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.flyfishmataura.co.nz
Lloyd Smith (NZPFGA)
- Mobile phone: +64 27 925 3135
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.lloydsmithflyfishing.co.nz
Mike Dennis (NZPFGA)
- Mobile phone: +64 21 022 60283
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: eveningriseflyfishing.com
Brendon Shields (NZPFGA)
- Mobile phone: +64 27 679 3664
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: trout-guide.co.nz
Julian Peters (NZPFGA)
- Mobile phone: +64 27 617 3559
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Mataura Valley Trout Safaris
Most guides, but not all, are members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. To learn more, you can check out the fishing guides website - here's the link.
Know the Rules
Fishing must only be undertaken while standing on the embankments or within the waters of the Mataura, its estuaries and streams. Fishing from a boat or floatation device of any kind is not permitted.
Always check the regulations relevant to the section of the Mataura you plan to fish and check the bag limit that applies – these range from four fish to one and must be strictly adhered to. There are also various maximum size requirements.
Fishing regulations can be checked on www.nzfishing.com
