Being situated in the southern lakes region of the south island we are surrounded by large high country lake catchments which provide you with an endless amount of fishing opportunities. From crystal clear bush clad mountain streams to lowland rivers flowing to the East and West coast of the South Island.

Rivers/waters flowing from the lakes are open on the 1st October and generally hold brown trout. The rivers flowing into the lakes open on the 1st November and mainly hold rainbow trout.

Early season fishing is with nymphs as the trout regain condition from their winter spawning. Fantastic fishing can be encountered along with a few big boys that have hung around in the headwaters that we explore.

December onwards sees us chucking more and more dry fly's as temperatures increase and the trout start to look more and more towards the surface to feed. Beetles, blowflies in 12's and 14's are now being used with the trout smashing the fly's. This "early season dry fly fishing" I call it can be awe inspiring, rising every fish encountered especially up the mountain valleys.

January and February - fish are becoming more spooky. Warm temperatures of 20 degrees to the mid 30's, with rivers dropping. Wonderful sight fishing conditions to be had. Larger terrestrial dry fly's, cicadas, hoppers are used. Gin clear waters, large flies with some big fish make for an epic days fishing. Other days can be very challenging. New Zealand fly fishing at its best.

Heading into March and April there can be some awesome mayfly hatches on the waters in the region, with the water temperatures dropping and the heat of summer on the way out. This combined with the fact the trout need to gain as much condition as possible before the rigors of spawning and the cold winter ahead. You have the ingredients for some superb fly fishing on dry fly's, emergers and nymphs.

Every month of the fishing calendar offers something different to the fly fisherman, just like the forever changing weather patterns experienced in New Zealand. I try to concentrate on the quality of the fishing experience so please don't expect to catch lots and lots of fish as you will be disappointed.