Rotorua Trout Guide 

5.0/5 (15 reviews)
 5 Thackeray Place, Rotorua, 3010, New Zealand

If you’re a fly fishing addict, you’ve probably heard of the Rotorua District. The area is so rich with rivers and tributaries, amazing streams, and lake systems, that some spots don’t see anglers for the whole season. Rotorua Trout Guide is a perfect choice for this famous region, whether you want to visit well-known spots or discover some of those hidden ones.

If you’re attracted by wilderness and want to catch fish in peace and quiet, there’s a way to reach the unreachable spots - by helicopter! These trips are best during summer, when you can go after aggressively feeding Trout. Summer months are great for Rainbow Trout wherever you go, as they migrate. You can also catch Brown Trout and practice dry fly fishing.

If you prefer fishing on a boat, you’ll have a 17’Quintrex boat available. This model accommodates up to 3 guests. She’s powered by a 90 HP Mercury engine, a wireless trolling motor, and navigational electronics.

Saltwater fishing is available as well and you can go after Yellowtail Amberjack (Kingfish). As you’ll get them in the shallow water, you’ll catch them too on a fly.

All fishing equipment, snacks, and drinks are included in the price. You’ll need to get your fishing license and pack sun protection. There’s an extra charge if you’re taking a helicopter to your fishing spot.

Experience fly fishing at its best. Join Rotorua Trout Guide!

Julian Danby

Captain

Julian Danby

10 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified

Most popular features:

 Pickup Included
 Drinks
 Child Friendly
 Rods, reels & tackle
 Food (Lunch)

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Half Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
Price for up to 3 people
US $361 
Full Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
9 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
Price for up to 3 people
US $602 
Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
9 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
Price for up to 3 people
US $662 
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 15 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (31)

Great day catching rainbow trout around Rotarua.
Great day catching rainbow trout around Rotarua.
Great day catching rainbow trout around Rotarua.
+28

Angler rating

15
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

89%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews
James B.
James B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Equipment

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Julian is a great guide for wade fishing some beautiful stretches of water.

VERIFIED

Full Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) on December 3, 2024

We had a great day with Julian. My wife is a novice angler and I'm a bit more proficient. Julian geared us up with neoprene socks and wading boots that were a great fit. He brought pruning shears to help clear the trail. We went to a great stretch in the morning which was quite productive. He shared his knowledge of the river and history of the area with us. The sandwiches he provided for lunch were awesome. Afternoon fishng was mostly with dry flies in shallow gin-clear water. The experience exceeded all my expectations. Julian was very adept at spotting fish and gave good directional instructions so that I could see the fish. The afternoon was epic. I'd recommend Julian to anybody fishing this area. My wife and I are already making plans for a return visit and we'll get Julian as our guide for a couple of days.

We had a great day with Julian. My wife is a novice angler and I'm a bit more proficient. Julian geared us up with neoprene socks and wading boots that were a great fit. He brought pruning shears to help clear the trail. We went to a great stretch in the morning which was quite productive. He shared his knowledge of the river and history of the area with us. The sandwiches he provided for lunch were awesome. Afternoon fishng was mostly with dry flies in shallow gin-clear water. The experience...  

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 James B. recommends Rotorua Trout Guide
1 person finds this review helpful

Mark H.
Mark H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Equipment

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great day catching rainbow trout around Rotarua.

VERIFIED

Full Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) on February 11, 2025

Julian picked me up at 08:00 & we set off for a local river. He provided the waders, boots & rod & we worked our way up the river catching a few nice sized trout. After that we headed for a spot on Lake Rotarua & caught more trout there. I have fly fished for about the last 10 years but never had any coaching. I found it a really useful day. Thouroughly recommended.

Julian picked me up at 08:00 & we set off for a local river. He provided the waders, boots & rod & we worked our way up the river catching a few nice sized trout. After that we headed for a spot on Lake Rotarua & caught more trout there. I have fly fished for about the last 10 years but never had any coaching. I found it a really useful day. Thouroughly recommended.  

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 Mark H. recommends Rotorua Trout Guide

Jeff W.
Jeff W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Equipment

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED

Full Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) on September 7, 2024

Julian was extremely helpful and ensured that both my wife and I caught the biggest rainbow trout we have ever hooked. We will be comparing all future fly fishing experiences with this one!

Julian was extremely helpful and ensured that both my wife and I caught the biggest rainbow trout we have ever hooked. We will be comparing all future fly fishing experiences with this one!  

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 Jeff W. recommends Rotorua Trout Guide

Carter Y.
Carter Y.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Equipment

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fishing with Julian

VERIFIED

Half Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) on April 27, 2025

 

 Carter Y. recommends Rotorua Trout Guide

Ailsa L.
Ailsa L.

Auckland, New Zealand

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Equipment

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with first timers - amazing! 5*

VERIFIED

Special 3 hour trip for Ailsa Leach on January 30, 2022

Julian took myself and my youngest son (9) out On a warm Sunday morning when we were down from Auckland for anniversary weekend. He knew all the spots to go looking for trout and was a great teacher. My son caught the first one, and had quite a few chances at others, he also caught another but we only kept the first and the only one I caught. Truly a fabulous experience - it was our first time out trout fishing and we were so happy to land them all by ourselves with Julians advice . Just eaten our smallest one (51cm long) for dinner- delicious! Would highly recommend!

Julian took myself and my youngest son (9) out On a warm Sunday morning when we were down from Auckland for anniversary weekend. He knew all the spots to go looking for trout and was a great teacher. My son caught the first one, and had quite a few chances at others, he also caught another but we only kept the first and the only one I caught. Truly a fabulous experience - it was our first time out trout fishing and we were so happy to land them all by ourselves with Julians advice . Just eaten...  

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 Ailsa L. recommends Rotorua Trout Guide
1 person finds this review helpful

FAQs about Rotorua Trout Guide

What are the trip rates for Rotorua Trout Guide?

Rotorua Trout Guide offers the following trips to customers:

  • NZ $600 per group - Half Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) (5 hours)
  • NZ $1,000 per group - Full Day Fly Fishing Trip (2 MAX) (9 hours)
  • NZ $1,100 per group - Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip (9 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Rotorua Trout Guide?

When you book a trip with Rotorua Trout Guide, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
What's included in the trip price with Rotorua Trout Guide?

Trips booked with Rotorua Trout Guide include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Drinks
  • Lunch
  • Fly Fishing Equipment
What types of fishing does Rotorua Trout Guide offer?

Rotorua Trout Guide offers the following types of fishing:

  • River Fishing
  • Lake Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing
What fishing techniques does Rotorua Trout Guide offer?

Rotorua Trout Guide offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Rotorua Trout Guide?

Top targeted fish species with Rotorua Trout Guide include:

  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Yellowtail Amberjack

Your captain

Julian Danby

Rotorua, New Zealand

ID & license verified
35 Customer reviews
Response time 17 hours
Member since March 2019

For as long as I can remember I have had a fishing rod in my hand. Fishing became my livelihood in 2015 establishing Rotorua Trout Guide allowing me the opportunity to host visiting anglers from around the globe in the fabulous fly fishing destination, the Rotorua district.

The fish you can target

Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail Amberjack

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing

Lake Fishing

Inshore Fishing

Flats Fishing

Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS

Fishfinder

Wireless Trolling Motor

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Drinks

Lunch

Fly Fishing Equipment

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price

Transfer from hotels or jetties in Rotorua to departure site is available and included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 PayPal

 Bank Transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4.5% charge will apply.