Guided Trout Fishing by Canoe in the Eastern Bay of Plenty

If you are looking for a trout fishing guide in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, you have come to the right place.

We offer something very different from the regular trout fishing guiding experience where you walk all day long and maybe see a few fish. Instead, I paddle you down the Rangitaiki, Whakatane or the Waimana river in a Canadian canoe fishing all the way! I have 20+ years fishing experience on our local rivers and 45+ years fly fishing and professional guiding around the world (and yes, I'm only just into my 50s and grew up with a rod in my hand!). Holy crap, I am 55 now!

We cover lots of spots and while we are travelling you can cast flies or spinners until your heart is content. In between we stop at plenty of well known areas to get out and fish from the shore or target them from the canoe. I know my rivers like the back of my hands. I also love to target still water areas such as lake edges and river deltas where river meets lake. The vast majority of the areas I fish are not accessible by foot so you are fishing in areas that are rarely fished.

The fishing is usually action packed. If you are a beginner, I will teach you everything you need to know; how to cast, where to cast, what to look for and what to use. If you've got experience, there will still be a lot for you to learn and my canoeing expertise will put you exactly where you want to be.

Two of you fishing? We have two Canadian canoes and a second guide who is exceptionally competent. We also have a raft if you prefer to travel and fish that way.

Please check out our Blog page to get a feel for what we do. 

What You Need for the Day's Fishing

Aside from whatever personal goodies you want to bring, there are a few things you really need for canoeing down one of our local rivers:

• A good hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• An all weather jacket, just in case
• Footwear for wet wading, waders are not required, your feet will get wet!
• Lightweight trousers or leggings so the sandflies can't bite your ankles
• Your own fly rod and/or spinning rod (if you've got one)
• A trout fishing license valid for the day (get your licence from the fish and game website)

What We Provide for You

Apart from a fabulous day out, we provide just about everything you need for your trip:

• Sunblock and insect repellant
• Canoe and paddles
• Pick up and drop off from your Whakatane accommodation
• A basic lunch and water (we don't tend to eat much as we're too busy fishing!)
• Chilly bin with ice for drinks and any fish you wish to keep
• Dry bag for valuables
• Fly rod and spinning rod if you don't have one
• All the fishing gear you need for the day
• Life jacket
• Photos and videos of the day's outing
• Dave, an expert guide with 20+years fishing his rivers

If you have your own gear, bring that along as you will probably be more comfortable using your own.

Where We Guide in the Eastern Bay of Plenty

We guide down several rivers including the Rangitaiki, Whakatane, Waimana and Waioeka. They each have their own unique characteristics and where you want to spend your day is up to you! However, I recommend we have a chat about what you want to achieve on the day so I can let you know which river and areas I think we should target. In general, the Rangitaiki River system produces a lot of fish and that is usually my go to place. 

If your preference is nymphing, let me know and I will put you onto more water than you can handle. In fact I will hurry you up so we can move to the next spot and just fish the best parts.

If you are a dry fly fisherman like me, you will be in your happy place.

If you like still water and lake edge fishing, man can I show you some serious action!

I can also put you onto some of the hardest fish you will ever cast for. If you think you can handle it.

Who Is This Experience For?

This is for you if you can handle travelling by canoe. This is my passion and I want to share it with you. If you think you are pretty good at targeting tight spots on the move, you will never have been so challenged before. If you are a beginner, sure some stuff will be in the too hard basket but I will make it easy for you.

It can be a bit strenuous being in and out of a canoe all day but I can make it as challenging or easy as you want. The rocks are slippery so solid footwear is required. If you use a wading stick, definitely bring it along. If you are coming for multiple days, I strongly recommend a rest day every second day. You will need it and so will I. I put all of my energy into a day on the water and I do not hold back on my enthusiasm.

Is it dangerous? Nah but we paddle through some challenging water that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. A swim is not out of the question but I have not lost anyone yet. I am an expert swimmer and I used to be a lifeguard in my younger days so you are pretty safe with me. Remember, gear is replaceable.