Rainbow and brown trout are the main freshwater species fished in New Zealand, along with salmon in some areas. But it's mainly the big browns and rainbows that anglers come to seek. In general, catches average 3-5 pounds but trophy fish over 10 pounds are caught each year. New Zealand is a wild trout fishery and a catch and release approach is promoted to conserve resources. Methods of fishing and styles can vary from district to district.
Trout fishing has a distinctly different character on the two islands.
In the Rotorua-Taupo region of North Island, the main quarry is rainbow trout, which are usually taken from the lakes with wet flies or spinners. Trolling is also popular and productive. On South Island, where brown trout predominate, there is outstanding dry-fly fishing. It's best in the Nelson region and in the Southern Lakes district, at the top and bottom ends of South Island, respectively. Trout season lasts from October through April in most areas, though Lakes Taupo and Rotorua are open all year.