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FLY
FISHING NEW ZEALAND - THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS
The Real Story on Trout Fishing New Zealand
by Tony Orman is listed under “Suggested Reading” in
our comprehensive Fly Fishing Adventures New Zealand
pre-trip information. Mr. Orman offers an
effective, accurate, and concise description of fly
fishing in New Zealand and obtaining his book is a
solid idea for assistance in preparing for a New
Zealand trip. Following are key excerpts from the
book and additional comments based on our personal
experiences.
WHY FISH NEW ZEALAND?
More than a few travel writers have said New Zealand
has a piece of every other country: the fjords of
Norway, the Alps of Switzerland, the Pastoral
tranquility of the English countryside, the beaches
of Hawaii, the thermal areas of Iceland, the wine
producing areas of France, the gold rush country
reminiscent of California, a volcano like Japan’s
Fujiama, and so many more miniature cameos of other
places.
New Zealand is small, about Japan’s size, slightly
larger than the United Kingdom, and three quarters
the size of California.
But here’s another bonus. Japan may have over 120
million people, the UK over 60 million and
California over 40 million, but New Zealand has a
mere 4 million. It is uncrowded and with space and
solitude. That is the way it is on most
lakes, steams, and rivers.
THE TRUTH ABOUT NEW ZEALAND’S TROUT FISHING!
Noted American humorist Ed Zern once wrote,
“Fisherman are born honest, but they soon get over
it.” Thus are trout fishing myths born. A look at a
few New Zealand myths might restore some truth.
MYTH NUMBER ONE: NZ’S TROUT ARE EASY TO CATCH
New Zealand’s trout are totally wild trout and are
therefore very wary. Casting and presentation are
of extreme importance. So are perseverance,
patience, and the ability to observe, analyze and
deliver!
The observations by guides of visiting anglers is
that the casting ability and presentation standards
cover a wide range from superb casters to those who
flail the water on both the back and forward
casts.
The brutal reality for some New Zealand trout,
particularly large browns in wilderness areas where
they are heavily fished, is that you may only get
one cast. Not always, but there is a 50-50 chance.
Often if you “goof” the first cast, the fish will
“stiffen” and sulk and not feed and soon after will
probably slide away into deeper water.
MYTH NUMBER TWO: YOU WILL CATCH A “DOUBLE FIGURE”
TROUT
New Zealand’s trout fishing rivers hold varying
numbers of trout. Some may hold many fish averaging
a kilogram (2.25 lbs), others may have few trout,
but a greater chance of a big fish of 3 or 4 kilos
(7 or 9 lbs or larger).
In some rivers there may be a trout every 10 or 20
metres (yards) in the better stretches, in other
rivers you may have to walk a kilometer (0.6 mile)
or more between trout but they are probably hefty.
There is often the possibility, not a probability,
of double figure trout, but in any case, you could
catch the biggest trout of your life in New Zealand.
MYTH NUMBER THREE: TAUPO’S THE PLACE TO GO FOR
TROUT
The American sportsman and novelist Zane Grey,
through his enthralling book “The Anglers Eldorado”
publicized New Zealand. However he fished for trout
only at Taupo and hence it was that region that
commanded the majority of publicity until recent
decades when other fishing spots such as in the
South Island have been discovered.
If you like space and solitude in your fishing, Lake
Taupo may not be for you. Particularly, in winter
and spring, on many rivers, you are likely to have
the company of several anglers and especially on the
well known pools of the Tongariro River.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
This emphasizes the importance of seeking and
getting accurate advice before planning your fishing
holiday. Local knowledge both of the total New
Zealand and the individual regions and indeed rivers
and streams is exceptionally important. An
important aspect is to appreciate your holiday is
naturally limited to a specific number of days. By
planning and making use of the available resources
such as sound pre-tour advice, then you are ensuring
greater odds for your trip to be successful. A
guide with local knowledge, is vital to getting the
most from your New Zealand trout fishing vacation.
NOW TO SOME TRUTHS
NZ can give you probably your best chance in the
world of catching a big, trophy sized trout – this
being a relative term and not necessarily a double
figure (over 10 pound) trout.
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Can give you a memorable experience of sublime
solitude
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Often can put you into beautiful scenic
surroundings
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Lets you fish unbelievably crystal clear,
ultra-clean streams where you will see the trout
before casting.
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Can let you enjoy the company of friendly New
Zealanders and enjoy a tempo that will remind
you of how sweet life was decades ago.
COMMENTS FROM MUELRATH ON THE “FLY FISHING
ADVENTURES APPROACH” TO NZ PLANNING
Generally, we specialize in the “quality” rather
than “quantity” aspect of trout fishing in New
Zealand – i.e., stalking lunkers on streams and
rivers without footprints on the streams edge.
Usually, we avoid the “famous rivers” because, even
in New Zealand, the famous rivers have deep
footpaths worn near their banks. However, our
primary objective is to create an itinerary that
meets the objectives of the traveler and if those
objectives include some of the “famous rivers” and
waters with greater numbers of smaller fish, then
they are included.
We do enjoy the aspect that some of our favorite
streams and rivers don’t even warrant a mention in
most of the many books about “where to fly fish in
New Zealand.” We believe that having the right
guide (or fishing from the “right lodge”) is the key
to getting to the right waters.
In some areas, helicopters are an asset (albeit,
often an expensive option) in finding the best
waters. However, in other places, copters are not
used to uncover some of New Zealand’s finest water –
it’s the guide and his local knowledge that is key
in these locales. Generally, an itinerary will
include suggestions for both approaches.
Overall, itinerary planning for New Zealand is a
personalized process because of the many options,
budgetary considerations, and different approaches.
A couples itinerary will have different elements
than a “hard core” fishing itinerary – unless the
couple are both “hard core” fly fishers (i.e.,
addicts).
Accommodations range from farm stays and campouts to
“world class” fly fishing lodges and luxury country
inns. Many of the finest places we’ve ever stayed
in all our world-wide travels have been rural or
country New Zealand inns or lodges – there is an
amazing array of these properties.
Ideally, if geography allows, part of the planning
process includes getting together for our slide tour
of New Zealand where an understanding of the many
options can be visually observed.
TRIP REPORT
Fly Fishing Adventures
888-347-4896
flyfish@napanet.net
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