Testimonial

I have been guided by Shane of Dragonfly River Guides numerous times over the past few years. Each time I present to Shane a new challenge such as taking a Brown Trout on the Dry in a back country river, or taking a large Steel Head from the Taupo winter Fishery. Each time Shane has met and exceeded my expectations well and truly. His all round knowledge of fly fishing techniques and “tricks up his sleeve” make him a very worthwhile guide to have by your side, especially when things are tough! His knowledge of the rivers is astounding and our days were spent in solitude away from other fisherman. I fully recommend Shane to everyone needing a top guide.

Craig Ashdown

Communication Manager for John Holland

Welcome to my guiding page, thank you for taking the time to look at the options available to you over the winter and summer months. Please feel free to look through the rest of my web site, I hope you enjoy it.

A quick blurb about myself : My name is Shane French, I have been fly fishing now for well over 35 years and have been a full time guide for the past 5 years. Trout fishing has given me great pleasure and many fabulous memories over the years. I would now like to share this acquired knowledge with you, to provide an exciting day out, you will never forget.

The Taupo winter fishery is unique throughout the world. It is a self sufficient fishery that never needs stocking. This is due to the fact the trout are Canadian Steele head, that were introduced to Taupo in the early 1900’s. Being of the Steele head gene they run the rivers in winter to spawn. There are well over thirty different streams and rivers entering Lake Taupo giving them the perfect environment to reproduce naturally. I consider that  the Winter fishery starts to kick off from April onwards, peaking in August. In this time frame you can expect to catch rainbow trout up to 10 pounds with the average weight being just under four. I fish all the major Taupo tributaries and many of the smaller ones most guides overlook. I personally hate crowds and so you will never have to compete for water with other anglers.  I am passionate about my Taupo fishery!

The summer fishery throughout New Zealand kicks off in October and goes through until the end of June. New Zealand is a land of fresh water streams and Rivers, most of them containing trout. I have spent years exploring the Taupo region near and far and can bring to you some of the best fishing available. I only use light rods in Summer and this alone exploits the power of these back country trout. Having a beautiful rainbow leaping clear of the water set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in new Zealand is as good for the soul as it gets.

For the adventurous I would like to offer you quad biking. This trip takes you deep into one of our National forests and can only be described as outrageous fun, accompanied by some of the best rainbow and brown trout fishing in New Zealand. I use Taupo’s number one quad biking company to get you in and out safely. Whats more there is no walking back down to the bikes at the end of the day. They will have been brought up to the exit spot for your ride back out. This trip is so remote, most of the water is only fished by myself. Trout average 5 pounds in here with many in the seven to eight pound mark. The scenery is as spectacular as the strength of these wild trout.

Brown Trout enthusiasts. I am getting more and more fisherman who want to take a brown trout. It seems these predators are on the tick list of many anglers. I have the means and skills to get you onto these great fish. I have rivers that are predominately Brown trout water, at my dissposal and can get you onto these awesome looking fish quite easily. If you want to take these off your tick list give me a call.

Trout on the Dry Fly. For some this is the only way to catch trout. Light rods, light end tackle and the thrill of watching your quarry glide up and scoff down your fly. I have spent years mastering this skill even making short videos that can be viewed on UTube. For me summer is all about taking trout on the dry fly and because of this I have searched out the best water available to do this. I have the skill and the water to make your day the most rewarding of your fishing life. Sight fishing, working out tactics and then casting to these feeding trout is all part of the game.

Groups: I have been taking out large groups or family groups for years now. I have a number of guides willing to lend a hand if the group is too large, but in general I can do it myself, making sure your day is safe and rewarding and cutting down on costs for you.

Multi Day options: Due to the fact I have so much water available to me, I can offer you more than one day on different rivers. Most of the time we can stay right on the river banks in comfortable accommodation, or you can stay in one of the Taupo motels I use and be picked up and dropped off each day. This package allows you to see the best of New Zealand fishing. I can tailor this to your needs.

Half day trips are 4-5 hours ON the water. Snacks and liquids supplied.

Full day trips are 8 hours ON the water. Full Lunch and Liquid supplied.

Licenses are an Extra cost.

Please contact me for further details and prices Tailored to your needs.

Regards

Shane French