Hamill guiding specialise in personalised fly fishing adventures on the spectacular lakes, rivers and streams in the Rotorua and Taupo regions. The area between Rotorua, Taupo and Napier encompasses the lush wilderness National Parks, Te Urewera and Kaimanawa. These account for some of the best fishing in the central North Island. We cater for the novice as well as the experienced angler. Anything you can think of, we can organise for you, from one day experiences to multi-day adventures including camp outs on the wilderness rivers and streams. For time out with the family and those not interested in walking up a river take a charter onboard Elusive, an 8 metre catamaran for fishing and cruising on Lake Tarawera.

We have the latest equipment for you to use and strive to make your fishing dreams come true!

Our Services:

• Fly fishing the districts extensive lake, stream and river network
• Boat fishing on LakeTarawera, jigging, fly fishing and trolling. 
• Professional Tuition both boat and fly fishing techniques
• Helicopter or fixed wing fly-in adventures to remote wilderness river and stream destinations
• EPIRB carried on all backcountry trips and your guide has first aid training

Options:

Just to list a few of our many options These are a guide and vary depending on the time of year and other factors so please enquire.

Cruise and Fish:

This new option started 2009/2010 season was a great sucess with some awesome fishing with great conditioned fish. Come cruising and fishing on Lake Tarawera aboard our catamaran 'Elusive'. Fly fishing, jigging and trolling for trophy rainbow trout on spectacular and scenic Lake Tarawera. When you have had enough, cook your catch in the sand at hot water beach while relaxing in the warm waters of this area and if you have released your catch then the warm waters will sooth and satisfy the soul. Allow at least 3 hours. For more pictures click here for gallery page We can pickup from your favourite jetty and 'Elusive' is based at Solitaire Lodge - luxury accommodation. Solitaire is nestled on an exclusive and privately-owned peninsula on the shores of Lake Tarawera. Elusive was built in Rotorua by Orca Engineering, builders of quality alloy boats.

Fly fishing Drive in / fly in

Option 1:

Half day local streams and Lakes within about 20 minutes of Rotorua City. For those with time limitations this will give an tasty introduction to what fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout in New Zealand is like. Start time is 8am till 1pm or 2pm till 7pm. 

Option 2:

Full day drive in option. Explore the many rivers for rainbow and brown trout that are within an hrs drive from Rotorua City. Suits 2 to 3 anglers, depending on experience. Includes lunches, light refreshments and your equipment if needed.

Option 3:

Full day drive / helicopter. This is where the action starts. Access the wilderness backcountry headwater fisheries and see what New Zealand fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout is all about. Beginners to advanced. Suits up to 2 anglers includes all equipment, lunches and light refreshments.

Option 4:

Fly out from Rotorua and helicopter stays with you. This means if the fishing is slow or the trout are just not there in the numbers you would like, you have the option to move. This saves about an hour of driving and more time on the river. Bonus is the sightseeing on the way to and from the river. Costs (2 anglers) vary depending on the river fished. Includes a suptious lunch, licences, all gear and light refreshments.

Multi day and helicopter adventure options are to numerous to list and price here and are best customed to you own particular wants and desires. Let us put together a package with accommodation and fishing for you. Please contact us .

There are always many factors that can influence your success on any given day so I suggest a stay of at least 3 days and if the weather should disrupt your plans and from Rotorua there is never a shortage of places and sights to take your mind off home and work.

Fly Fishing Equipment:

This is a very rough check list that you can bring. Hamill Guiding will outfit you if you want to travel light.

General:

The weather in New Zealand can be changeable so bring clothing for both warm and cool conditions; all clothing should be dull or neutral coloured. 

Make sure you bring:

·         Wet weather gear.

·         Polaroid sunglasses.

·         Hat with a wide brim or cap.

·         Sunscreen lotion.

·         Insect repellent.

·         Optional, wading sticks.

Flies: This is a guide only, as Hamill Guiding will supply the fly to match the hatch.

Dries: Adams Parachute 12- 18, CDC Emerger 14 – 16, Dad's Favourite 12 – 16, Black Gnat 12 – 16, Blow Fly 12 – 14, Cicada / Hoppers 8 – 10, Humpy's Selection 10 – 14, Kakahi Queen 12 – 14, Royal Wolf 8 – 16, Stimulators yellow, green and orange.

Nymphs: Stoneflies 10 – 12, Hare and Copper 10 – 16, Hare Ear 10 – 16, Pheasant Tail   10 – 16.  

Bead head Nymphs: Hare and Copper 10 – 16, Pheasant Tail 10 - 16 

Streamers: Wooly Bugger Black, Green and Brown 8 - 10, Parsons Glory 6 - 10, Grey Ghost 6-10, Hamill Killer red and yellow body 6 - 10.

Fly Lines:

A dull neutral coloured floating fly line. Olive, grey, white or clear.  The alternative is fishing with ultra long leaders and we all love these!!! Nothing is perfect as ALL lines cast shadows and since our waters are generally gin clear anything that disguises your line to the trout is an advantage.

Leaders and Tippets:

Fluorocarbon or Nylon fishing line; Is up to you. Longer leaders are recommended in heavier tests, 10 - 12 feet in 7 - 10lb test to which you add your tippet material so the total length can be 15 to 18ft. Tippet in the 4 - 8lbs test covers most situations. Again in clear waters, long leaders means that any advantage you can get can make the difference.

Fly Rods:

A 5 or 6 weight fly rod is recommended as a general fly rod for fishing our local conditions. 7 or 8 weight for the lakes and larger rivers.

Fly Reels:

Bring reels with a good drag system and plenty of backing, at least 50 yards. We find large abor reels are best for this with room for enough backing and also ensure 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....

Wading boots / Waders:

Wading boots and lightweight breathable wader combination are preferred for the early season and cooler day's. As of the 1st October 2008 Fish and Game have banned felt soles, I hope they have plans to control jet boaters, kayakers, bird life and animals with the spread of Didymo, a little to late as most of the damage has been done since 2005. Rubber or studded rubber is now the only alternative on the market today. Simms have some great products to satisfy most anglers.

‘Kiwi style’ wet wading during the summer months is the most comfortable way of going fishing, wearing a pair of shorts, neoprene wading socks with wading boots and long thermal underwear or lightweight long pants to protect legs from scratches, sun and insects.