Adult Beginner Fishing Classes - Otago

When Imogen Clifford signed up for an adult beginner fishing class in Dunedin, she didn’t expect to catch the biggest trout she’d ever seen — or to discover a whole new way to connect with the outdoors.

The psychology researcher from the UK was living in New Zealand for two and a half years with her boyfriend, Rhys, an avid angler.

Pictured: Imogen Clifford caught this rainbow trout at Southern Reservoir in Dunedin during the adult beginner fishing class. Photo: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game

“He wasn’t the best teacher,” she laughs. “And he was away, so I thought I may as well do a fishing course.”

What she gained was confidence, skills, and a lasting appreciation for freshwater fishing in New Zealand.

“I actually think the basic stuff, like tying lines and choosing lures for different lighting, was super helpful. I took lots of notes and still have them. It built my confidence so much.”

After the course, Imogen was ready to fish on her own — and did.

“We’d go out to a river and go in different directions, and I felt really confident. I caught a huge trout on the Waitaki River. It was awesome.”

She encourages anyone thinking about giving fishing a go to take the plunge.

Left: "The biggest trout I've seen!" ... Imogen with a nice rainbow trout she caught spin-fishing in the Waitaki River. 

“Fishing is so much more than catching a fish. It’s mindful, rewarding, and it makes you see nature differently. You’re really in touch with your surroundings.”

Now back in the UK and studying clinical psychology, Imogen misses the freedom and accessibility of fishing in New Zealand.

“In the UK, it’s a lot harder — much of it’s private. We miss it.”

To help more people get started like Imogen, Otago Fish & Game is offering free adult beginner fishing classes this spring in Dunedin and Cromwell.

We’re helping adults gain the confidence and skills they need to enjoy the outdoors and go fishing. It’s about making fishing approachable, especially for adults who didn’t grow up doing it.

Participants learn to identify fish species, tie knots, choose gear, understand regulations, and find good fishing spots. Each course includes an evening session and a weekend trip to a local fishing location.

Classes run in Dunedin from September 1–4, 6.30pm–8.30pm, and in Cromwell on September 5, followed by field trips on September 6. Spaces are limited. The beginner courses are for adults aged 18 and above. It starts with confident adults and ends with tamariki who grow up loving the water and the outdoors.

As Imogen discovered, fishing doesn’t just feel good — it’s proven to be good for you. NZIER research commissioned by Fish & Game New Zealand confirms angling supports mental wellbeing, self-reflection, and connection with nature, friends, and whānau. Fish & Game licence holders contribute $66 million-$81 million to New Zealand’s GDP and support as many as 1168 jobs across the country.

 

Want to learn how to fish for trout, salmon and perch?

Sign up for a free evening theory class on freshwater fishing, followed by a field trip to try your hand at fishing.

Otago Fish & Game is running adult beginner spin-fishing classes before the 2025/2026 fishing season. Learn about freshwater sports fish, rods, lures, knots, where to fish, licences, regulations and more.

Please select here to view poster.

Participants will attend one evening theory class and a practical fishing session.

++UPDATE: ALL CLASSES ARE NOW FULL++

Dunedin Beginner Adult Fishing Classes

Theory classes: 6.30pm - 8pm

• September 1 ++SORRY, FULL++
• September 2 ++SORRY, FULL++
• September 3 ++SORRY, FULL++
• September 4 (women only) +SORRY, FULL++

Otago Fish & Game office, corner of Hanover and Harrow streets, Dunedin

Practical session: 1pm-2pm
September 6
Southern Reservoir
Contact: sdixon@fishandgame.org.nz

Cromwell Beginner Adult Fishing Class

Theory: 6:30pm ++SORRY, FULL++
September 5  - Please select here to enrol
Cromwell Presbyterian Church, Elspeth Street.

Practical session: 8am-10am
Saturday September 6
Location to be advised, Cromwell
Contact: mcourt@fishandgame.org.nz

• Maximum of 12 people per evening theory class. 
• Adult classes for ages 18 and above, giving you the skills to teach our tamariki.
• Fishing gear provided or bring your own.