Flyfishing Guides

We all use guides for different reasons. To learn the basics, correctly, if you’re stagnating at the intermediate level, fishing unfamiliar water, or you simply don’t have the time to prospect.

Whatever your reason, we have put together a team of undoubtedly the best fly fishing guides in Australia and New Zealand. These Hurley’s Fly Fishing endorsed guides are 100% committed to allowing you to achieve all that you can.

Hurley’s Fly Fishing accredited guides are the genuine experts, selflessly passing on knowledge and tips learnt over 10, 20, and 30 years of guiding, ensuring you improve, becoming the fly fisher you aim to be.

Select a guide below for more information:

Brendan Shields - Southland, NZ Fly Guide

Born and raised in Southland New Zealand and based in Gore next to the famous Mataura River, Brendan specializes in sight fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout.  Brendan has many years of experience in the pursuit of trout with dry fly and nymphs which he has developed at his vice. He also has an in-depth knowledge of many Southern backcountry rivers and low land streams, many well known for their prolific hatches and healthy population of trout. Guided trips are tailor-made for your fitness level and angling experience guaranteeing a memorable fly fishing adventure. 

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Gavin Hurley - New Zealand Fly Fishing Guide

My fishing started literally from just a few years of age in my home town of Hamilton and I was hooked, but it wasn’t until the fly fishing bug got a complete hold of me that the scene was set for this inevitable business in fly fishing…

I started helping new fly fishers around 30 years ago get into this great sport, more just out of enthusiasm, until it all fell into place over the next few years to come to where we are now… Hurley’s New Zealand Fly Fishing Adventures…

For the past 25 years, I have been guiding hundreds of clients on what I believe are the most pristine rivers and lakes in the world, sight fishing, to the wildest strain of brown trout found anywhere. I honestly know it’s not like a real job; it is an exceptional job, and something I live for every single day.

I am a sight fishing fanatic… I cannot help it… My ideal guiding day is walking up a crystal clear river and spotting a brown, choosing the right fly and watching you lay that cast and that fish to take… Whether that is the first fish of the day or the last, the fact that you also saw it, got that take, and more importantly, you see it all unfold, regardless of the outcome… that to me is what fly fishing is all about…

I believe fly fishing is not about numbers or size, it’s about learning, improving, seeing new places and finding targets, making every opportunity count and being in that moment.

That’s my promise to you, on every day I guide you…

New Zealand’s Southland really is the best in the world and I really look forward to sharing it with you.

Gavin Hurley
Founder, Hurley’s Fly Fishing

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Shawna - Southland, New Zealand Fly Fishing Guide

Shawna has been a guidess for over a decade and has tales of piscatorial adventures from all over the globe. She has a love of the outdoors and fly fishing, especially sight fishing to Southland browns with dry flies. 

One of only a handful of female guides in New Zealand, Shawna is a patient instructor for people wishing to learn the essentials of fly fishing. She’s particularly fond of showing families, couples and beginner to intermediate anglers her favorite fishing spots around Southland. Shawna is enamored by nature, so she focusses on enjoying the whole experience; a day on the river with Shawna highlights more than just catching fish!

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Dean Whaanga - New Zealand Fly Fishing Guide

Dean Whaanga is an internationally recognised Fishing Guide and Fly Fishing Champion of the Otago/Southland/Fiordland regions.He has fished a wide variety of waters throughout the South Island.With over 30 years guiding experience Dean brings an intimate knowledge of the Fairlie, Mackenzie, Southand, Otago and Fiordland waterways to your trip.He guarantees fishing , even when the weather is unkind. Whether you are a beginner or a expert, Dean offers you the opportunity to experience a fishing trip of a lifetime

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Lloyd Smith - New Zealand Fly Fishing Guide

Lloyd is a passionate fishing guide based in Gore, being a local with 40 years fishing experience he has extensive knowledge of the many Rivers and Streams of the Lower South Island.

If you want to “Match the Hatch” on the Mataura or find that special Back Country or Lowland gem he will tailor a fishing experience personally to your requirements whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned expert.

Lloyd is a patient guide with a great sense of humour, so let him share his knowledge with you.  

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Mike Dennis - New Zealand Fly Fishing Guide

Mike lives and breathes Southland New Zealand… a local guide and keen angler, he is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about fly fishing throughout Southland.

A keen fly fisherman and fly tier and has been guiding in the Southland and Otago areas of New Zealand for nearly 30 years.

Also a member of the NZPFGA. Mike enjoys taking people out on the local rivers, lakes, and streams, sharing his knowledge of the fisheries and areas and providing tuition to help you catch one of New Zealand’s famous wily trout.

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