Thread: New Zealand Beta

Has anyone done any trout fishing on the south island of New Zealand? I willl be there from October 14 to October 26 this year and wanted to take a fly rod or two. I know this will basically be during runoff, so I was wondering about some alpine lakes maybe? We will have a self contained RV and plan on doing some hiking. If anyone has a guide or shop recommendation, that would also be helpful. We land in Christchurch, and then are driving to Queenstown. Most of the trip will be spent around Queenstown and the surrounding mountains and Milford Sound. Planning on hitting up Mt. Cook on the way from Christchurch for a night and some day hiking...and hopefully some fishing.

Any experience with the laws there for a US Citizen? Suggestions for a fly box? Just normal Colorado type stuff and a streamers? They are mostly browns down there, right? I have heard the water is freaking really clear, so probably stick mostly to flouro and light tippets...If I take a 4, 5, and 6wt and I covered for me the wife? Lastly, will I be fine just skipping the waders and staying dry? Not like I get in the water that much in the high alpine lakes in CO.

Thank you,

Nathan

Here's the regulations:
http://fishing.fishandgame.org.nz/fr...ng-regulations

I used the older version of this guidebook:
http://www.amazon.com/South-Island-T...2209762&sr=1-7
Water was just clearing up mid-November. Based on the wader restrictions, I'd leave them at home.

My experience (non-lakes) was that it wasn't like NA trout fishing at all. Gin clear water and somewhat decent fishing pressure anymore means its stalking of fish. Drab clothing, a good hat, and good polarized glasses were more important than the other bits. Flies? Who the fuck knows. There's a whole bunch of indigenous NZ patterns; other patterns might work too.

Originally Posted by Hugh Conway

My experience (non-lakes) was that it wasn't like NA trout fishing at all. Gin clear water and somewhat decent fishing pressure anymore means its stalking of fish. Drab clothing, a good hat, and good polarized glasses were more important than the other bits.

This is good advice, that guide book is a good resource as well. Going to NZ and only fishing lakes would be like going to Japan and only skiing groomers. Despite the run off look for spring creeks or canals, they do some fish farming in canals and wild fish will pick off bits of food and can get pretty big in a hurry, they should stay pretty fishable during run off. It's all about stalking and challenging casting, wind can really frustrate things. Like Hugh said the water is clear and fish get pressured but they will take big terrestrials. Oh and take a buff, long pants, and shirt as the no see-ums can eat you alive.

I was down there fishing for a couple of months. Later in the season, granted, but I can still give you some info. PM sent.

Posted these in a thread a little while back...

Originally Posted by akokskis

Pops hooked into a big boy.


Yea! He looks so awestruck, haha


And myself fighting another brownie.


Not a bad fish, if I don't say so myself.


Another big boy putting a good bend into the 5wt.


I guess NZ has some ok-sized fish...

Spent about 6 months down there doing "study" abroad back in.... early 08 (feb onwards), wasn't super into fishing during that point of my life (a real shame, I reckon), but I did go out with my father when he came down to visit.
I'll see if I can dig up some of the beta from way back when over the next few days.

Thanks guys and thank you for the PM Joe...some really great info.

are you in CO? I spent a month in the South island with backpack and flyrod a few years ago...fantastic!.....if you want to talk or in Denver could discuss over a brew sometime...I will be in Wisconsin next week, but back in CO July 31....Yo, Chet 720-271-5887 ctroe3@qwest.net