BASECAMP
With transfers to and from our river basecamp by 4WD vehicle, helicopter or jetboat, we can maximize your multi-day backcountry fishing expedition deep in New Zealand’s South Island.
We have multiple fishing options on both sides of the island to avoid inclement weather with a choice of locations agreed between us and a final decision made by the weather gods.
DATES
The New Zealand fly fishing season generally opens on 1 October and closes in April or May with variations for specific river systems. Regulations dictating open season and fishing methods apply to each waterway and we can advise on specific regulations for the rivers specified in our itineraries. We prefer to operate these special trips from early November to mid-December to maximize your chance of success. Late January through to end of April dates are also available, particularly for the most remote locations we travel to.
GROUP SIZE
We prefer to make bookings for groups limited to two or three anglers accompanied by one or two professional guides and a host to assist with provisions, meal preparations and onsite assistance. The optimal group size for fishing wilderness New Zealand rivers is 1-2 anglers to one guide.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After decades of fishing the remote high-country and wilderness rivers of New Zealand’s South Island, we’re confident that our recommended professional guides can put you onto some very impressive trophy sized Brown Trout.
Through our years of scouting, we have been able to find a few un-pressured wilderness streams and their tributaries, locating consistent numbers of large Browns that remain accessible despite the heavy pressure further downstream or in lowland fisheries.
We suggest a minimum of three full days of fishing, staying at a wilderness lodge or in a public cabin, or even riverside tents are an option if you prefer to maximize access. We’ll supply all food, beverages, equipment and your guide and host.
Whilst the number of large fish seen is often directly related to the distance walked, you should expect to have multiple opportunities to fish for very large brown trout in the range of 8-12lb+ over the trip duration, plus frequent daily casts for fish in the 5-8lb range. The streams are no longer typical of New Zealand backcountry water — they are the outliers and the trout are not of the more modest backcountry size you’ll find in many New Zealand streams now.
Trout of this size are very cunning, wary and therefore hard to catch. You’ll need to bring your ‘A-game’, be confident in casting upstream into wind, and have luck on your side. These trip is for advanced and expert anglers.
THE DETAIL
We’ll give you some information on what to bring, how to prepare and some casting ‘work-ons’ once you’ve booked with us so you can be confident that you are fully prepared for this ‘trip of a lifetime’ expedition into New Zealand South Island backcountry.
All dietary and allergy requirements are addressed upon booking, plus we provide a full expedition gear list, fishing tackle list and can provide any items you may not have brought with you into New Zealand.
We hold an extensive inventory of quality modern camping equipment and supply all the necessary camping and hut gear to keep you comfortable during our expedition.
Prices are per angler and reduce for third angler. Please enquire for available dates and pricing. We will work with you to fine-tune the trip program to suit your objectives.
BASECAMP
With transfers to and from our river basecamp by 4WD vehicle, helicopter or jetboat, we can maximize your multi-day backcountry fishing expedition deep in New Zealand’s South Island.
We have multiple fishing options on both sides of the island to avoid inclement weather with a choice of locations agreed between us and a final decision made by the weather gods.
DATES
The New Zealand fly fishing season generally opens on 1 October and closes in April or May with variations for specific river systems. Regulations dictating open season and fishing methods apply to each waterway and we can advise on specific regulations for the rivers specified in our itineraries. We prefer to operate these special trips from early November to mid-December to maximize your chance of success. Late January through to end of April dates are also available, particularly for the most remote locations we travel to.
GROUP SIZE
We prefer to make bookings for groups limited to two or three anglers accompanied by one or two professional guides and a host to assist with provisions, meal preparations and onsite assistance. The optimal group size for fishing wilderness New Zealand rivers is 1-2 anglers to one guide.
WHAT TO EXPECT
After decades of fishing the remote high-country and wilderness rivers of New Zealand’s South Island, we’re confident that our recommended professional guides can put you onto some very impressive trophy sized Brown Trout.
Through our years of scouting, we have been able to find a few un-pressured wilderness streams and their tributaries, locating consistent numbers of large Browns that remain accessible despite the heavy pressure further downstream or in lowland fisheries.
We suggest a minimum of three full days of fishing, staying at a wilderness lodge or in a public cabin, or even riverside tents are an option if you prefer to maximize access. We’ll supply all food, beverages, equipment and your guide and host.
Whilst the number of large fish seen is often directly related to the distance walked, you should expect to have multiple opportunities to fish for very large brown trout in the range of 8-12lb+ over the trip duration, plus frequent daily casts for fish in the 5-8lb range. The streams are no longer typical of New Zealand backcountry water — they are the outliers and the trout are not of the more modest backcountry size you’ll find in many New Zealand streams now.
Trout of this size are very cunning, wary and therefore hard to catch. You’ll need to bring your ‘A-game’, be confident in casting upstream into wind, and have luck on your side. These trip is for advanced and expert anglers.
THE DETAIL
We’ll give you some information on what to bring, how to prepare and some casting ‘work-ons’ once you’ve booked with us so you can be confident that you are fully prepared for this ‘trip of a lifetime’ expedition into New Zealand South Island backcountry.
All dietary and allergy requirements are addressed upon booking, plus we provide a full expedition gear list, fishing tackle list and can provide any items you may not have brought with you into New Zealand.
We hold an extensive inventory of quality modern camping equipment and supply all the necessary camping and hut gear to keep you comfortable during our expedition.
Prices are per angler and reduce for third angler. Please enquire for available dates and pricing. We will work with you to fine-tune the trip program to suit your objectives.
