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GENERAL INFORMATION & TRIP PREPARATION
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fly fishing at its best
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 A Central Otago river
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 A Southland spring creek brownie.
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NEW ZEALAND - THE ANGLER"S ELDORADO
Without a doubt, New Zealand is a mecca for trout anglers. Our clear water streams, rivers and lakes are stunning, the air clean and unpolluted, the scenery is varied and breathtaking, and our brown trout and rainbow trout are colourful, hard fighting and large by world standards.
Good gear, patient angler and the right fly.
Gordon Wistrom of California with a beautifully marked browniePREPARE YOURSELF
In particular, brown trout are a worthy opponent of even the most skillful angler. Spotting a large brown trout, observing its feeding habits, choosing the right fly, carefully getting into casting range, casting the fly accurately and delicately into the trout's feeding zone, and timing the strike after the take are what helps make fly fishing so exhilarating. My job is to give you this opportunity as many times as I can during our time together.
You can make my job a lot easier and improve your chances of a big trout considerably if you have a good basic understanding of fly casting. You will not be expected to cast great distances, on the contrary, it is far better to mae a good job of casting a short distance than a bad job of casting a long distance.
A big high country brown goes backI WILL HELP YOU!
I tutor at fly fishing courses and teach fly casting. My guiding business involves catering for everyone, from beginners to specialists. If I can help you, I will! My advice is to get a copy of Mel Kreiger's excellent instruction video "The Essence of Fly Casting." A little study and casting practice may be all that is needed to make the difference between success and failure.
CLIENT/GUIDE RATIO
TROUT FISHING SERVICES works on a ratio of one guide to no more than two anglers for fly fishing trips. If the party has more clients, you would not receive the attention you need and deserve. I am happy to arrange the services of an extra guide for larger parties. Non fishing partners are welcome to tag along.
Rest assured, I am dedicated to giving my clients the very best of service and attention.
FISHING GEAR
I can supply you with quality fishing gear, or if you wish, feel free to bring your own.
A fly fishing outfit in the AFTMA 5 or 6 weight rating is ideal. The rod hould have a length of around 9 feet. The reel should comfortably hold the fly line as well as around 75 yards of backing. For the sake of your guide's sanity leave your fluoro orange lines at home and bring with you a neutral coloured grey, green or brown floating fly line, preferably a weight forward.
WADERS
Tim Taylor of London, UK, commented: "Fantastic day's fishing in difficult conditions. Top guide - would highly recommend."During the season, I tend to "wet wade" (shorts and wading boots), however I acknowlege that many clients prefer to wear light weight breathable waders. I can supply these and felt soled wading boots, but there is a small additional fee for this service. You may prefer to bring your own. Because of the distances we tend to walk each day, neoprene waders are not the preferred choice.
FLIES AND TIPPET MATERIAL
I will have a plentiful supply of flies and tippet material. There is no extra charge for the use or loss of these. If you prefer to bring your own, please do so, your home tied pattern may indeed turn out to be the "secret weapon!" I too am open for education!
Popular dry flies for this area are Adams, Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, various Humpy patterns and Caddis, in sizes 12 to 16. Stream nymphs include Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Hare & Copper, and small Beadheads in sizes 12 to 16. The most popular stillwater nymphs are damselfly and dragonfly nymph imitations, midge pupa (in green and brown), and small Beadheads. Throw in a couple of Woolly Buggers too, just in case.
Tight lines in a Central Otago riverLIST OF WHAT TO BRING:
- Fly rod, reel, line and spare spool (optional - I can supply)
- Flies and tippet material (optional - I can supply)
- Fishing vest with floatant, clippers, etc. (optional - I can supply)
- Lightweight waders and wading shoes (optional - I can supply these for a small fee)
- Appropriate clothing (layered)
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket
- Polariod glasses (preferably amber tint)
- Sunscreen and bug repellant
- Day pack
- Camera and plenty of film
- Wide brimmed hat
NOTE: Lunches and drinks are supplied, fishing licences can be issued by your guide.
CLOTHING
Clients are advised to wear clothes of a neutral colour - grey, green, brown or best of all, camo, to avoid spooking our wary brown trout. A light windproof jacket, light raincoat, and wide brimmed hat are essential. New Zealand weather can be unpredictable. We tend to wear "layered" clothing and peel off or add on as the weather allows.
NOW, A PERSONAL NOTE
The brownie was at the head of the pool taking nymphs washed out of the riffleIt helps a lot if you have a reasonable level of fitness. Although I can supply fishing locations to suit all levels of fitness, it is important that you don't bite off more than you can chew. Please advise me of any concerns you may have regarding your fitness, health, and especially allergies to bee stings, and gluten intolerance.
INSURANCE
New Zealand is a safe destination, however I advise you to invest in a comprehensive travel insurance before departing your home. If you should require medical treatment in New Zealand, it is important you understand that these services are not free.
You are covered by our Accident Compensation Scheme for personal injury by accident. Benefits include medical and hospital expenses, but do not include loss of earnings outside New Zealand. My advice is to mae sure that your travel insurance policy also covers accidents.
Trout Fishing Services practises catch and release in all rivers - no exceptions!NASTIES
There are no snakes, scorpions or dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, however you need to be aware of the following:
Sandflies. These small black biting insects are common in the higher rainfall locations that we fish, particularly before bad weather and during the evenings. They can be a nuisance but are easily controlled with an appropriate bug repellent - preferably one that doesn't melt fly lines.
Weather. Just be aware that the weather in New Zealand is unpredictable and can change rapidly, particularly in the high country. Four seasons in one day is remotely possible. The sun can be fierce in the high country and serious burns can happen in as little as 15 minutes sun exposure. Commonsense, sunblock, and a wide brimmed hat will help protect you.
Drinking water. In recent years, a parasitic protozoan called Giardia has become more prevalent in our waters. It's no big deal, you probably have this beastie in your water back home. My advice is not to drink water from natural waterways and if you fall in, try not to swallow! I'll be carrying plenty of bottled drinking water in my pack.
ACCOMMODATION & RENTAL VEHICLES
I am happy to arrange these for you at no extra charge.
PLEASE NOTE: Adverse weather conditions may dictate a change in venue. If this occurs, I will ensure that alternative quality fishing locations are chosen. I reserve the right to cancel a trip due to circumstances beyond my control.
Time for a brew.
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TROUT FISHING SERVICES
PO Box 32 Cromwell NEW ZEALAND Phone/fax 03 445 1745 International phone/fax 64 3 445 1745 Mobile 64 274 344 258 email: dick@troutfishingservices.com |
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The first trout guiding service to achieve Qualmark's "Endorsed Visitor Activity" status. Click for further information |
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