What to expect

Fishing License:  You are required to have a license from fish and game New Zealand.  Day licenses can be purchased here…  Fish & Game New Zealand (fishandgame.org.nz)

The long walk:  While I can accommodate shorter distances, the typical day involves 6 to 10 km of walking up and back.  Sometimes this will be over flat and easy ground.  However, some of the best fishing is found in rugged, wild environments.  Therefore, we may be scrambling over boulders and bashing through the jungle.

Sight Fishing:  South Island rivers hold some amazing trout, but given that…  We have lower numbers than many other fisheries around the world.  We rarely walk up to a run and blind cast it all day.  Instead, we focus our efforts on spotting fish.  This requires stealth and patience.

Some of the smartest trout in the world:  The South Island brown trout have sent many anglers home humbled.  They are very intelligent creatures, and we need to step up our hunting skills to make the most out of it. 

1.      Don’t wear bright colors.   Most colors are fine, but fish tend to spook on bright or white clothing.

2.     Practice casting with long leaders.  I typically use a 15 to 20-foot leader.  I’d highly recommend practicing with this setup before you get here.  These trout don’t give us many chances before they spook.  

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