Otago Drift Boat Fishing

Drift boat guides can fish waters that are inaccessible by anglers on foot. We mostly fish the bigger Hydro Rivers.

Most of the fishing is a mixture of fishing from the boat or walking/ wading the many runs and riffles. We have access to the headwaters of Lake Dunstan and the Upper Clutha River, the Waitaki River and the Waiau River in Southland. These three rivers alone give us hundreds of kilometres of remote water best accessed by a drift boat and we rarely see other anglers.

Drift Boat Fly fishing offers dry fly, nymph and streamer fishing. Streamer fishing is an underestimated style of fly fishing in New Zealand and is a highly productive way to catch trout. Whether casting small streamers to sighted fish or swinging a large streamer from a drift boat anchored above a likely-looking drop-off can have the fisherman's rod bent reel screaming putting a big smile on their face.

Jack Scott and Jeff Forsee @ Aotearoa Anglers

NZPFGA members Jack Scott and Jeff Forsee operate Aotearoa Anglers, based in Wanaka, and offer a wide range of NZ fishing options including drift fishing from two purpose-built NRS Slipstream rafts. While drift boats or rafts might be commonplace in North America there are relatively few here in NZ and Jack and Jeff are proud to be some of the select operators offering this unique New Zealand fishing experience.

You will actively fish from the raft as your guide skilfully navigates downstream, hitting the most likely spots along the way. Anglers will use a variety of techniques, from dry flies and nymphs to streamers, based on the season and water conditions. Streamer fishing is a common and effective technique and there is nothing more exciting than seeing a brown or rainbow trout chase down your fly in the gin-clear water!

Drift boat fishing offers a fantastic way to enjoy New Zealand's waters and epic scenery, accommodating anglers of all levels and physical abilities, ensuring no one misses out on this magical experience. Fishing from a raft is a comfortable, enjoyable, and fun way to fish during any time of the year - including winter which offers great angling opportunities for migratory brown and rainbow trout.

Both Jack and Jeff are accredited New Zealand Raft Association guides, with current swift water rescue certifications and high-level outdoor first aid training. They are also proudly certified by AdventureMark, the highest safety accreditation for adventure activities in New Zealand.

For more information on drift fishing with Aotearoa Anglers or to book, contact us via the link below, or reach Jeff at +64 22 095 4700 and Jack at +64 21 775 210 via phone or WhatsApp.

Contact Jack Scott and Jeff Forsee @ Aotearoa Anglers

Roger Tompkins

Our powered Stealth Craft 16-54 Pro-Power Drifter Sled is unique to New Zealand. Built in the USA by Stealth Craft Boats in Baldwin, Michigan. Powered by a 70-40 Mercury outboard jet-unit so you can fish in safety and comfort.

At sixteen feet long and seven feet wide and with two stand-up casting braces, it’s a roomy and comfortable casting platform. The centre rowing seat allows our guides to control the boat as we drift downstream. Three padded seats make for a comfortable & dry day when traveling to and from the fishing, there is a dry locker to keep our clients' gear safe and dry.

The jet unit enables travel both up and down-stream, fishing some glides a second time to catch that elusive trout. The Shallow draught of our Pro Drifter Sled enables us to motor or row across water only a few inches deep

There are seven rod holders and we have the rods set-up for all conditions: nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing. We carry a combination of Ovis, Sage, Loomis & Primal rods and Hatch, Lampson, Orvis, and Abel reels.

Clients are welcome to bring their own gear, 5/6wgt rods are the go.

The boat and skippers are Maritime New Zealand certified. Our guides are members of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guide Association (NZPFGA)

Drift Boat Fly Fishing New Zealand has consents to fish The Upper Clutha  River in Otago, The Waitaki River and its catchment in South Canterbury, and the Waiau River in Southland.

For more  information, please visit our website by clicking the link below or call/WhatsApp Roger the Fish on +64 21 436 870

Contact Roger Tompkins