New Zealand Trout Flies

Black Phantom
A typical NZ night fly made from Pukeko feathers. These are water resistant so the fly does not get waterlogged and produces a pulsating action as it is retrieved.

Hook: 2-10 long shank
Tail: a clump of black squirrel tail fibres
Body: black chenille
Ribbing: silver tinsel
Wing: dark blue Pukeko breast feathers
Hackle: yellow hen
Head: black thread



Dragonfly Nymph
A killer fly on lakes like Otamangakau that have large populations of dragon flies. Should be fished on a slow retrieve or using the 'sink and draw' technique - see 101 Troutfishing tips.
Hook: 8-10 long shank
Body: olive green Swannundaze
Thorax: olive green Swannundaze
Wingcase: brown turkey, over both body and thorax, then lacquered
Legs: end whisks of turkey wingcase
Head: black thread

Foam Cicada
An alternative to the conventional deer hair cicada that uses the high floating foam body shape as a trigger for the trout.

Hook: size 8 – 12, 1X long shank
Underbody: green floss or thread
Body: green closed-cell foam
Legs: clump of deer hair

Parsons Glory
Perhaps the most famous of the unique NZ flies. Great for trolling and harling as well as any general lake fishing. Works well in rivers too.

Hook: 2-10 (size 2 for harling)
Body: pale yellow wool
Rib: gold oval tinsel
Wing: honey grizzle hackles
Hackle: same as wing
Whisks: red or orange fibres

Pearler Whitebait

A fly developed to imitate the inanga or whitebait that run up New Zealand rivers to spawn and that are a favourite trout food.

Hook: 2-10 long shank
Thread: silver
Tail: white or cream cock whisks
Body: woven pearl Mylar tube
Wing: artificial Polar Bear Hair
Overwing: pearl Flashabou strips

Prince Nymph

Originally a American pattern but used now for many years in NZ for general river fishing. Also works well as a beadhead variation. Good 'sinker' fly for a two nymph rig due to its slim profile making it quick sinking.

Hook: size 8 – 14, 2 XL
Underbody: wrapping of lead wire
Tail: two brown goose biots
Body: peacock herl
Ribbing: gold wire
Wing: white goose biots
Hackle: soft brown hen hackle, tied in as a beard

Scotch Poacher

Another classic night fly tied with Pukeko feathers. Said to imitate koura or freshwater crayfish that night-feeding trout love.

Hook: size 2 – 8 long shank
Tail: black squirrel
Body: orange chenille with gold ribbing
Wing: dark blue pukeko breast feathers
Hackle: orange or yellow whisks