Tongariro River

Tekapo Region, Central South Island

Nestled in the alpine splendor of New Zealand’s South Island, the Tekapo Region redefines wilderness fly fishing with its crystalline rivers and untamed beauty. This high-country sanctuary invites anglers to engage in an almost meditative pursuit—where sight fishing transforms into an intimate dance with wild trout in their liquid-glass domain.

The region’s geological magic creates waters of exceptional clarity, filtered through ancient glacial valleys and volcanic rock. These living aquariums reveal every detail of their submerged world, where trophy-sized Brown and Rainbow Trout patrol oxygen-rich currents with effortless precision.

What sets Tekapo apart is the rare privilege of watching the entire angling drama unfold—from spotting wary fish in their feeding lanes to witnessing the heart-stopping moment of a dry fly take. The rivers here don’t just hold trout; they showcase the full ballet of wild fish behavior, from territorial displays to cunning refusal rises.

Tekapo Region, Central South Island

Beyond the catch, this landscape offers a masterclass in ecological harmony. Each cast becomes a conversation with an untouched watershed, where snowmelt rivers whisper secrets of the Southern Alps and every hooked fish tells a story written in current seams and deep pools.

Featured Species:

  • Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) – Masters of camouflage in golden-hued waters
  • Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) – Acrobatic challengers in the fast currents

This is fishing as high art—where visibility exceeds 10 meters and every presentation demands technical perfection against some of the world’s most discerning freshwater gamefish.

Otra river

The Otra River: Norway’s Hidden Gem for Anglers

Flowing through Southern Norway, the 245-kilometer Otra River is the country’s eighth-longest waterway. It traces Route 9 before emptying into the sea near Kristiansand, the region’s vibrant capital.

The Otra’s diverse landscape shifts from rushing rapids to tranquil lakes, offering a dynamic fishing experience. Its lower 16 kilometers are a hotspot for migratory Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and wild brown trout, with over 6,500 kg of fish—94% wild salmon—caught in 2014 alone.

Beyond Vennesla, where migratory fish are halted by artificial barriers, the river transforms into a network of interconnected lakes and streams. Here, anglers find abundant wild brown trout—small in size but plentiful, ensuring nearly guaranteed catches.

A Vision for Sustainable Fishing
In June 2023, the Otra Fishing Association partnered with Fishby to introduce a "smart fishing license," granting access to 180 kilometers of the upper Otra system in Setesdalen Valley. This digital pass excludes migratory species but opens doors to pristine waters from Hartevatn to Kilefjorden.

While wild brown trout dominate, elusive American brook trout and the rare Bleka salmon—a dwarf species unique to Byglandsfjorden—add intrigue. South of Fennefossen, perch thrive, while minnows populate the higher reaches.

Rules & Regulations

  • Licenses: Digital (Fishby.no) or physical (local vendors).
  • Youth under 16 fish free.
  • Fees: Day (75 NOK), Week (200 NOK), Season (500 NOK).
  • Gear: Hand equipment permitted; AFTMA 3-6 lines recommended.
  • Otra river

  • Ethics: Bury entrails, leash dogs, avoid livestock.
  • Strict ban on live bait—violations reported to authorities.
  • Safety: Watch for sudden water rises near dams.

Two Rare Treasures

  1. Marble Trout: A striking hybrid of brown and brook trout, found in Evje.
  2. Bleka: A landlocked dwarf salmon, surviving against odds after habitat loss and acid rain nearly eradicated it. Conservation efforts aim to restore this cultural and ecological icon.

Target Species

  • Atlantic Salmon
  • Brown Trout
  • Sea Trout

The Otra isn’t just a river—it’s a story of resilience, adventure, and Norway’s untamed beauty.

Southern Norwegian Archipelago

The Norwegian Riviera: A Fly Angler’s Coastal Paradise

Norway’s southern archipelago, often dubbed the Norwegian Riviera, boasts world-class saltwater fly fishing amid breathtaking landscapes. With its pristine waters, abundant wild fish populations, and uncrowded shores, this stunning coastline offers an idyllic escape for anglers seeking both challenge and serenity.

Year-Round Fishing Adventures

The crystal-clear waters of this region provide exceptional sport fishing regardless of the season. Whether wading from shore, drifting in a belly boat, or exploring by kayak or boat, anglers can always find sheltered spots among the islands, fjords, and protected bays—even when winds pick up.

Sea-Run Brown Trout: Scandinavia’s Prized Catch

A highlight for coastal fly fishers, the sea-run brown trout is a fierce, acrobatic fighter with striking beauty. Emerging from winter dormancy by late March, these trout feed aggressively through summer—primarily at dawn, dusk, or under cloud cover. In autumn, they hunt voraciously in shallow waters (top 2 meters) near shorelines, making stealth more crucial than casting distance. A well-presented shrimp or baitfish imitation over sandy or mottled "leopard" bottoms often tempts strikes—though convincing them to commit is another story!

Summer’s Powerhouses: Sea Bass & More

As temperatures rise, hard-fighting sea bass, mackerel, and relentless garfish dominate the action. Bass, though elusive, deliver explosive strikes and thrilling battles once located. Mackerel and garfish, by contrast, swarm the coast in vast numbers, offering non-stop excitement. While fly choice matters less for these species, bass show a clear preference for baitfish patterns.

Pollack: The Underrated Speed Demon

Often overlooked, pollack are aggressive, abundant, and lightning-fast on the take. Early summer finds them in deeper zones, requiring fast-sinking lines and weighted flies. As waters warm, they move shallower, turning every retrieve into a potential adrenaline rush.

Atlantic Cod: The Cold-Water Giant

A cold-water specialist, cod patrol shallow zones in winter before retreating to deeper havens as spring progresses. Far from picky, they’ll inhale any fly resembling prey—though their fight is more of a stubborn tug-of-war than a sprint. Don’t underestimate the thrill of wrestling one on a fly rod!

Other Notable Catches

While the spotlight shines on the species above, the region’s waters also hold:

  • Atlantic Halibut
  • Haddock
  • Brook Trout

Why Norway’s Archipelago?
Unspoiled nature, diverse fisheries, and solitude make this coastline a fly-fishing gem. Whether targeting cunning trout, explosive bass, or brute-force cod, every cast here comes with a backdrop of raw, untamed beauty.

Southern Norwegian Archipelago

(Photo captions remain unchanged for visual impact.)

Oostvoornse Meer

Oostvoornse Meer
Netherlands 馃嚦馃嚤
Discover the Hidden Gem for Trophy Trout

Oostvoornse Meer

Nestled in the Netherlands, Oostvoornse Meer (OVM) is a unique brackish lake offering thrilling fly fishing opportunities for brown trout, rainbow trout, turbot, and other species.

This underrated destination surprises anglers with its potential for landing impressive brown and rainbow trout—right in the heart of the Netherlands.

Target Species
While the waters may hold additional surprises, these are the standout catches currently documented:

  • Brown Trout
  • European Flounder
  • Rainbow Trout

A rare blend of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems makes OVM a must-visit for adventurous fly fishers.