River Festival Returns for Third Year

The On the Fly Mataura River Festival is returning for its third year on Sunday 19 March, celebrating Gore’s world-famous river with a day full of fly-fishing, delicious food, free children’s activities, and live entertainment.

The event has been granted a group licence for the day, which allows any beginner to try fishing trout without having to worry about the paperwork.

Three group lessons will be held, hosted by Chris Dore and Mike Weddell, covering the basics to euro-nymphing, line retrieve and shooting line.

The Southland Fly Fishing Club will also be on site to teach people how to tie their own flies.

Gore District Council Events Coordinator Jessica Swan said “we’re so excited to finally be able to deliver this great community event, after it was cancelled in 2022 due to COVID. It’s the perfect event to relax after a busy start to the year and to enjoy the last of these beautiful summer days.

“This year we moved the venue to Walnut Grove, which is just a bit further up the river along Woolwich Street in East Gore. It’s the ideal spot for the event, as it has plenty of room for people to spread out, enjoy some shade underneath the trees and of course – easy fishing access.”

Miss Swan said she was thrilled to have the support of local fly fishing guides “our local guides are the experts on the Mataura River – they know all the secret spots, the best times to catch and have decades of experience. I am incredibly grateful for their knowledge and guidance on this event, as well as having them there on the day to teach anyone who wants to have a go.”

Celebrity chef Brett McGregor will return to demonstrate new, easy recipes anyone can do with their catch at home – including one for the children to get their hands stuck into.

Masterchef fans will even get to see him attempt a Gore themed mystery box, with locally sourced ingredients.

Kids will love the variety of free entertainment, with face painting, bouncy castles, bumper balls and a magic show from Jimmy Marvel. There will be live music on stage, as well as various giveaways during the day.

“We’ve received some incredible support from fly-fishing businesses with sponsored prizes to giveaway, including Manic Tackle, Kiwi Fly Fishing and Category 3 Fly Company. It’s worth coming to get your hands on these alone” Miss Swan said.

Catch the On the Fly Mataura River Festival Sunday 19 March, from 11:00am – 3:30pm at Walnut Grove. Free entry and all are welcome.