Troutlands
Guided fly fishing in the South Island of New Zealand rivers with
Canterbury fly fishing guide, Martin Langlands
Welcome. Troutlands is a supreme fly fishing experience located in Canterbury in New Zealand's South Island, and is run by Martin Langlands, a very experienced Canterbury New Zealand fly fishing guide who has accumulated over 2600 fly fishing guide days to date.
About Martin Langlands
Canterbury NZ Fly Fishing Guide
Martin Langlands has been a full time fly fishing guide since 1991 and is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guide Association (NZPFGA). Martin has an intimate knowledge of a wide spectrum of the South Island’s finest rivers. A man of many talents Martin also has produced some unique, informative New Zealand fly fishing DVD’s and also is well known for his exquisite trout fly designs.
Fly Fishing Trip Options
Fly Fishing Packages
Troutlands offers numerous wonderful trout fly experiences in a wide variety of areas and waters. All trips include the following; transport, lunch, gear can be supplied, trout flies, leaders, tippets, we will make sure you are fully covered! Multi Day Packages are our most popular option. These trips vary from 2-12 days in length with 5-6 days being the most common. On collection from Christchurch, (or meeting at another location) we drive to an appropriate fishing base chosen strategically to suit the weather, water conditions and your preferences.
Fly Fishing Locations
The Scenic South Island
Based out of Christchurch, the scenic South Island of New Zealand has stunning scenery with diverse river available. This is an area that offers plenty of options for all weather conditions and clients needs.
Canterbury, North Canterbury, Central South Island, North Otago, and the West Coast are the main areas guided.
NZ Fly Fishing Blog - Latest Posts
Beetle Mania !
We have for the past 3 weeks had the most amazing days, blue skies and high temperatures have brought on lush hatches of terrestrial insects the main species being beetles. Three types we have been seeing lots of are Green Beetles that live on NZ’s fabled Manuka plant (well known the world over for its honey).…
Read Blog Post in FullDiffering Views
This is has been so diverse in so many ways, in particular, the range of anglers I have guided in last week weeks from Malaysia, Norway Sweden, Japan, Australia and let’s not forget my growing list of New Zealand clients. Throughout November and December, we have travelled widely and for the most part, had fantastic…
Read Blog Post in FullSeason of farewell
I feel remarkably humbled that Yukari Watanabe wanted some of her ashes placed in one of her favourite Canterbury Streams, and so today Yama did that and am not afraid to say I had tears in my eyes. Yukari first started with me in about 2003 and came over from Japan most years until…
Read Blog Post in FullHeli Backcountry Fishing
Heli backcountry fishing. It’s not easy but again it gets results. It’s all about the “A GAME ‘ bring it with you – aim for it – work towards it and remember to look at the biodiversity of trout food from a small sample. Posted by Troutlands on Thursday, 26 October 2017 Posted by Troutlands on Thursday,…
Read Blog Post in FullThe new 2017-18 season starts
Well the new season is well underway having guided 8 days already with a total of 42 trout up to 9 pounds all clients very happy and we are only half way through October, this, however, is only numerics and speaks little of the experiences that make our days so engaging, adventuresome, educational and inspirational…
Read Blog Post in FullHigher Flows, Scouting and New Streamer Patterns
As early spring is here and the days warming up I have been out and about fishing, scouting, exploring and testing out a few new streams patterns in a few rivers that are open all year round. This past winter we have experienced higher rainfalls and snowfalls than previous years so it’s fantastic to see…
Read Blog Post in FullNew Zealand Mayflies
As I fished this week it was heartening to see a very lush mayfly hatch about midday it’s not widely known but here in South Island we often get some of the best mayfly hatches during the early and late season. We have 3-4 common types of mayfly the most majestic being the Coloburiscus humeralis,…
Read Blog Post in FullIntroduction of Brown Trout to New Zealand
It is hard to believe that this year is 150 years since Brown trout were first introduced to New Zealand and how well they have done. The first live trout ova arrived at Lyttelton on 23rd September 1867 and there the story that I have a lot of passion for begins in a hatchery based…
Read Blog Post in FullFantastic winter lake fishing in New Zealand’s High Country
Some fantastic winter lake fishing kept us in the swing of things during July and August, even just driving up to these high country lakes was an experience by its self the dynamic snow covered mountain ranges and vast valleys. Dressing warm was key and we found that Simms G3 and Freestone waders worked very…
Read Blog Post in FullFishing with barbless hooks
I am excited to announce that I will be offering clients the option of fishing with barbless hooks in the upcoming season and I am busy tying many patterns on them. These hooks are very high quality being super sharp and strong wire but most importantly make releasing trout much easier with way less damage.…
Read Blog Post in FullFishing Testimonials

"Dear Martin , how can we say ‘Thank You’ for the outstanding time in NZ?
Why is this scenery not on the list of the wonders of the world? At least it has been celebrated in Lord of the Rings and in that way immortalized. We take so many things for granted that we sometimes forget to document it for prosperity .
I know that you are aware that the week away for us was so relaxing and stress free. You made the experience so special and are the champion of fish spotting! Robyn /Allen Jarvis NSW Australia

New Zealand is a trout fishing Island that can make any fly-fisherman crave. However, as a newcomer I was aware of the difficulties and differences that New Zealand had in comparison to Australia. By hiring an experienced and excellent guide I knew that my enjoyment and catch rate would be achievable. Martin is an excellent guide who knows and understands his trade.
Martin has helped to fine tune my skills to adapt to New Zealand conditions. His patient approach lead to very enjoyable trips that will never be forgotten. As fly-fisherman we all know that each water has it's special demands. With Martins intimate knowledge of food source, favorite trout lies and strategies my New Zealand adventure has just begun. The experience will definitely bring me back begging for more
Thank-you Martin for the pleasure of your companionship as a guide and a teacher. David Simon Vic Australia

“Martin, Chris and I can not express our gratitude for your friendship and excellent professional guide service. We had an EXCELLENT time in Oxford and getting to know you. Our experience there is the highlight of our New Zealand experience. (Am I gushing enough?). Seriously, it was all and more than we hoped for and watching you hook up with Moby Trout was really exciting. Next time let me net him! We truly hope you can come to Colorado and fish with us. You and your wife are welcome in our home as friends, not as a guide. We look forward to getting the pictures and seeing you again on our next trip.”
“When Bob Pelzl and I filmed South Island Sampler in 1986, we had the help of a young man named Martin Langlands. Martin is now very much a well-known guide on the South Island, with a good reputation for finding big fish. Great fishing with a very solid guide and great person.” Gary Borger 2014
