Locums for a Small World Blog

Now casting: Locum anglers, part II

Posted by Saralynn White

New Zealand is the best place in the world to enjoy the wildest offerings of outdoor sports amid dramatic landscapes and seascapes - and fly fishing is no exception. In fact, you'll find the ultimate trout fishing experience in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

man holding fish 123rfNew Zealand has more unspoiled trout streams per area than any other country on earth. European brown and North American rainbow trout were introduced in the late 19th century, and trout now occupy virtually all of New Zealand’s waters. In fact, the North Island is also known as “rainbow trout island” and the South Island is called “brown trout island.” For this installment, we’ll focus on southern spots.

This past season proved to be a 'Year of the Mouse,” which, simply put, means the Beech trees had a bumper flowering season, causing an abundance of seeds for the mice population grandpa fishing 123rfalong the rivers, which get eaten by passing trout, leading to large mouse-eating trout. Guides say more large trout were caught this past season than in the previous 15 years. One angler reports, “We landed a total of 72 fish, averaging 5 3/4 to one hefty 14 pounder.” History suggests there will be some residual carryover of the big fish for the upcoming season, so start planning your locum adventure now.

New Zealand fly fishing guides sight-fish exclusively, and are the best in the world at spotting trout in broken water. You don’t have to hire a guide, but it’s definitely worth it here. For many of us, some New Zealand stalking and spotting trout techniques are new territory, so you'll want to fish do a little research about the technique and then take to the waters at one of the many recommended spots, including:

Nokomai Valley, New ZealandThe Mataura River is one of the South Island’s most famous trout streams and runs approximately 12 miles through the historic, family-run Nokomai Station sheep ranch. The lodge reaches 27 trout streams by car (and helicopter). For the non-fishers, or days between fishing, you’ll also find horseback riding, day trips to Milford Sound, flight-seeing, mountain biking and hiking.

Willow%20Grub resized 600The Taieri River is a meandering peat-colored river with excellent dry-fly and nymph fishing to large browns. The fishing is drive-to and easy walk-in with average six to eight browns per day.

Grasmere Station on the Waimakariri River is where the incredible high-mountain scenes from the Lord of the Rings movies were shot - about 1.5 hour’s drive from the city of Christchurch. Surrounded by the imposing mountains of Craigieburn and Arthur’s Pass national parks, this is the birthplace of rivers and trout-fishing. It’s also sight-fishing at its best: you stalk and sight fish while hiking along rough terrain and into steep valleys where fish feed freely.

Orange Rabbit FlyLake Rotoroa Lodge, on the Gowan River (about 1.5 hour’s drive south of Nelson), has defined the best of the South Island trout fishing and accommodations. Its guides, led by Scott Murray, are among New Zealand’s best. Its rivers, virtually all gin-clear, include drainages of the Buller River and even the Karamea River.

The serene deep waters of Lake Te Anau make up the largest lake on the South Island. On the eastern edge, you’ll find the town of Te Anau - the 'gateway to the fiords’ - set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Luxmore and the Murchison mountains. If you look at a map of Te Anau, you’ll see it’s surrounded by numerous rivers all within an hour’s drive.  A few to consider for your fishing trip include the outstanding Oreti, Mararoa, and Waiau rivers. You’ll also find one of New Zealand’s best guides, Dean Bell.
 
As many of us head into autumn, New Zealanders await spring - and tall fish tales from you. Plan your locum adventure with fly fishing in mind and you're guaranteed to bring back some real whoppers. In the meantime, check out this award-winning video filmed by a couple of New Zealand Fly fishermen and see what you're missing.


\\What

Topics: Fly Fishing, Te Anau, Mataura River, Taieri River, Waimakariri River, Lake Rotoroa Lodge, Gowan River, Lake Te Anau, New Zealand