Fly Fishing New Zealand Style

Southern Rivers Fly Fishing Guides , Wanaka

Season – October to April

Greetings from Wanaka, South Island New Zealand. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting this truly amazing part of New Zealand here’s just a little taste through the eyes of a fly fishing enthusiast.

Wanaka township is situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka at the base of the Southern Alps east of the divide. This mountainous region is a constant reminder to all who venture through it that this is the domain of Mother Nature, a greater power, or just the unknown. From its bright white snow capped mountain tops to the dark craggy unforgiving bluffs, from the bush-clad gullies down to the smooth valley floors the stark contrasts and beauty of this region are enough to distract any passionate fly fisher away from their constant pursuit. If it were not for the crystal clear streams, rivers and lakes tempting us with the best sight fishing in the world one would be content in laying down their rod, sitting back and absorbing the intensely powerful energy the mountains breath down into the valley floor.

Shaped over thousands of years these rivers and lakes have evolved into the ideal pristine habitat for breeding trout and the growth of these wild fish. Rivers run incredibly clear and it is for this reason that fly fishing to large sighted Brown and Rainbow Trout is in abundance here.

This water clarity does not give the fly fisherman the definitive advantage against the trout, as trout have a finely tuned sense of sight. Adding to this the wild trout of our region have a well-evolved ability to recognise the harmless four legged mammals over a dangerous two-legged mammal and in a lot of cases will spot a person before we spot them.

Certainly for me the most exhilarating moment when fly fishing is watching a large trout rising from the depths to inspect the tasty morsel you have offered it. Contemplating as it ascends whether what it sees is what it wants to eat. You hold your line firmly, your breathing stops, the whites of your eyes grow and you wait as if time slows to a trickle. The trout opens its huge mouth, as you take half a breath. Then with its mind made up it closes down firmly on your fly, you wait your compulsory one and half seconds then BOOM there’s an almighty splash as you strip the line up off the water setting the hook. WOOOHOOO! You scream as the trout rockets away from you. Its now that you can catch up on the lack of oxygen and take a couple of quick breaths before settling into the next stage of the battle.

As a fly fishing guide the ultimate feeling is when the guide and client team work in harmonic unison to spot a good fish, present the perfect fly and net the fish. As witness to the perfect catch I get to experience internal exhilaration and anticipation as well as seeing the physical expressions my client subconsciously exhibits during and after that crucial moment described in the previous paragraph. After all emotions are purged by a client there’s one that is last and best of all “pure elation” as the trout is released to where it came from and the reflecting can begin.

Guiding fly fishing enthusiasts of all abilities in this mountainous paradise is such a privilege. Meeting great people and building life long friendships whilst hosting and facilitating their experiences in this part of the world just can’t be beat. Many of our clients and good friends visit here every year choosing this region because of it diversity and reputable wild trout waters. Undoubtedly challenging yet incredibly rewarding these rivers and lakes boste the best dry fly and sight fly fishing in the world.

With the help of a professional guide when fly fishing unfamiliar waters you will learn and develop invaluable skill and patience that will help when out smarting wild trout. I believe that you only stop learning in life when you die and this applies equally to fly fishing. Expert guidance is highly recommended when fly fishing in NZ and vast local knowledge will take you a long way toward your dream fly fishing experience.

Without fail Wanaka’s natural beauty blows me away in so many ways everyday. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like for a visitor seeing it for the first time.

If you haven’t had a taste of it I recommend you try it.

Jacob Berry – Southern Rivers Fly Fishing – Wanaka, New Zealand