Enjoy a half day of guided fly fishing with our internationally recognised Orvis Endorsed fly fishing guides in and around Lake Taupō and New Zealand's backcountry
Experience the incredible fishing of the Central North Island with our Orvis Endorsed guides. Our half day fly fishing experience is the best choice for beginners wanting to learn the ropes, and for more experienced fishers wanting to sneak in some quick time out on the rivers!
Trip Highlights
Trout rich rivers and streams among the beautiful scenery of the Central Plateau.
What’s Provided
An Orvis Endorsed fishing guide
A Taupō Fishing Licence
Orvis approved rods, reels, waders, boots and jackets
Required flies, leaders and tackle
Drinks during the trip
Transport and Timing
The Chris Jolly team provides transport to and from our fishing spots as part of the costs. The trip is around 4 hours, including travel time.
Notes
We recommend the following clothing:
In warmer months:
Rubber-soled boots, with plastic studs if possible.
Light layers, a fleece/light jersey in case of a bit of breeze in the shade.
In cooler months:
Thermal layers, preferably wool-based
A winter hat and gloves.
We provide outerwear but you are welcome to bring your own gear if you have it.
The Taupō region is the gold standard for rainbow and brown trout – an absolute anglers’ paradise!
Fly Fishing in Taupō
The Taupō region is fly fishing heaven – Chris Jolly Outdoors has the experience and knowledge to make your fly fishing trip one to remember.
Introduced from the late 1880’s, brown and rainbow trout have flourished in Lake Taupō and it’s tributary rivers. Our lake is full of clean, cold water, with an abundance of food sources for the trout, which leads to a thriving, well conditioned fish population. Most fish will be between 1.3kg to 2.2kg, but the odd trophy trout has been recorded at over 5kgs!
The area is popular for dry fly fishing – the large insect populations make for ideal conditions. While nymph and streamer fishing can also be productive, many anglers come to Taupō specifically for dry fly fishing.
You’ll Learn About
Fly selection
Casting a fly rod
Knot tying
Presentation skills
Understanding of where fish are likely to be and why for the season you’re fishing in
We believe fly fishing can be taught at any age, and it’s not difficult to pick up and land your first trout!
Fly Fishing Seasons
The Taupō region is a fly fisherman’s paradise, with plenty of local rivers and streams to fish all year round.
Spring – October sees fish putting on great condition with an increase of feed
Summer – Perfect try for dry fly fishing with all rivers open in December
Autumn – A bit more of a challenging time, but worth the effort – the remaining fish have learnt a thing or two
Winter – The spawning runs have made this area famous for incredible winter fishing
Local headwaters may be closed May – October. Backcountry rivers open December – May.
Your Guides
Chris Jolly Outdoors guides for our fly fishing trips are Orvis Endorsed. What does that mean? You’re in the care of a guide whom has been approved by Orvis to have a high level of competency, and incredible professional manner.
They’re put under scrutiny in lots of different areas to make sure they’re a skilled guide, prepared, with the mental alertness and physical prowess to accept any challenge – good or bad! Your guide is your leader throughout the day, and the Orvis Endorsement guarantees they’ve got what it takes to make your trip special.
As part of our Orvis Endorsement, we only use Orvis rods, reels, waders, and boots.
Fly Fishing for All Skill Levels
Fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s hard to know where to start if you’re a beginner. Even with some fly fishing experience, it can be tough to know what gear to use and where to go, especially if you’re visiting our region.
Guided fly fishing is the perfect for anyone looking for a successful half day on the water in some of the best fly fishing waters in Taupō.
Taupō is well-known for its fly fishing. Our Orvis-endorsed guides will show you the best locations for fly fishing and provide an unforgettable experience.
From the Tongariro, to the challenging Waitahanui, or the pristine, untouched backcountry waterways, we have an incredible amount of knowledge of where and when the best fishing is to be had.
Be spoilt for choice in the beautiful Taupō region, home to 12 fishable tributaries flowing into the lake.
40 Years of Fly Fishing Expertise
For over 40 years, Chris Jolly Outdoors has been helping anglers to experience the thrill of trout fishing in Lake Taupō.
As one of New Zealand’s oldest and most experienced fly-fishing guide providers, we know all the best spots and can provide you with everything you need to make your trout fishing adventure a success.
Tailor-made Trips
Fly fishing is a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also be intimidating for newcomers. We’ll take into account your level of experience, and the fishing techniques you are comfortable with.
We create a custom itinerary that will help you make the most of your time on the water and have a productive day learning about fly fishing in our beautiful region.
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
Do you have transport available?
Yes. Some of our trips include transfers but we can arrange helicopter or road transfers from anywhere in the country. Our guided fishing adventures have heli transfer options, with our grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.
Where is the best fly fishing in NZ?
We reckon the best fly fishing is on the rivers and streams that flow into Lake Taupō. The conditions here are just perfect for well conditioned rainbow and brown trout.
When is the best time to go fly fishing in Taupō?
From May through to October, the trout spawning gears up and runs upstream into the Taupo rivers. If you want a large trophy or very tasty rainbow or brown trout, this is the time to gear up and go!
Do I need a licence to go fly fishing?
Yes, you will need a New Zealand Sports Fishing Licence. We will supply all required licenses on our guided trips.
What is the maximum group size?
We can accommodate groups of all sizes, contact us about your group’s requirements and we can tailor a trip to suit you.
Do I need experience to go fly fishing in Taupō?
You don’t need any experience to go fly fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman looking to catch a trophy trout, or a beginner wanting to learn the basics of fly fishing, we have an adventure for you.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own equipment! Anything you don’t have, we can supply for the best fishing experience.
What should I wear for fly fishing in Taupō?
Conditions are changeable in Taupō, so it’s best to be prepared! The locals joke that Taupō can have four seasons in a day!
Rubber-soled boots, with plastic studs if possible
Sun hat or warm beanie – pack one and wear the other
Sunglasses – wear or pack, NZ has harsh sunlight
Gloves in polypropylene/wool – wear or pack for winter
Socks in polypropylene or wool (a spare pair is always a good idea)
A fleece or light jersey just in case for summer
Thermal layers in winter
Layer up your clothes:
Base layer – top and leggings in polypropylene/wool, quick dry shorts or pants
Mid layer – long-sleeved top in wool or polar fleece – wear or pack depending on the weather
Exterior layer – Wind and waterproof jacket with hood – wear or pack depending on the weather (waterproof overtrousers optional)
Bring your own outerwear, or we can provide!
What is the best way to learn fly fishing?
Practice makes progress! We recommend learning how to fly fish on a half-day fly fishing experience with a Chris Jolly Orvis Endorsed guide.
Can I wear felt-soled boots while fly fishing?
No. Felt-soled boots are banned in New Zealand as they can contribute to the spread of invasive species in our waterways. Learn more on the Fish and Game NZ site.
Do I need to clean my gear before and after fly fishing?
If you have fished in other waterways, you should always Check, Clean, Dry your kit to protect the waterways from invasive species.
Check – remove debris from your equipment. Clean – wash gear with detergent. Dry – If cleaning’s impractical, dry the item then leave drying for an additional 48 hours.
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
