A preview to Fly Fishing NZ with John Roberts

A preview to Fly Fishing NZ with John Roberts

So, you have seen all the videos of anglers landing big trout from pristine NZ rivers and you have saved up enough money for a week’s trip to get in on the action and catch a fish of a lifetime. Easy right?!

Here are a few pointers that I have learned with over 30 trips concentrating on the Canterbury region of the South Island that may help you out.

When to go-

I like to visit early in the season as the fish are less pressured and also late in the season when trout begin to get ready for spawning. The downside to these times is that the weather is more variable with a greater possibility of rain, wind and river flooding. Summertime dry fly action is hard to beat but can be hampered by low flows and really spooky fish.

Transport-

I usually hire a 4WD and stay in motels or campgrounds but have done the camper van thing as well. I tend to be flexible in where I stay as the weather may trash where you planned to fish and you may need to change locations at short notice.

Right next to Christchurch airport is a big supermarket with camper parking space to get supplies for your trip. Remember, on Sundays and public holidays a lot of food retailers are closed so be prepared to frequent service stations if you get your timing wrong (as happened to me after arriving on a Good Friday.)

Rods, Reels and Rigs-

Now let’s check your weaponry. You will need a 5 or 6wt fast action rod that can cast a chain of weighted flies into the wind, preferably with pinpoint accuracy. Some of these fish will not move for a fly and will want the fly delivered right over their nose. A fly reel with a good drag system loaded with a weight forward floating line in a subdued colour is preferred.

My current setup is a 6wt Scott Centric and a 6wt TFO Blue Ribbon. My 5wt is a G. Loomis GLX. I have Lamson Guru reels loaded with Airflo Superflo Universal taper floating lines in olive. I am going to try the SA magnitude Smooth Infinity Clear Head Float line this coming season. Try and keep your lines in camo colours. I mostly use 12ft 3x tapered fluorocarbon leaders. For tippet material my go to is Maxima in 5-6lb and Trouthunter to fool the more discerning fish.

Technique-

I prefer upstream nymphing to sighted fish or blind casting in likely holding runs, either casting from behind or at a 45-degree angle from the bank. These fish scent easily so downstream fishing is rarely effective.

In faster waters I use a three-fly rig. An indicator in such a size so you can see it and be big enough to keep afloat, doped lightly with floatant. Apply floatant at the start of each day and it should last the whole day. It works best if your indicator isn’t wet. A tungsten weighted fly usually sizes 12 or 14 is next in line at a distance depending on the water speed and depth. Then a smaller less weighted point fly sizes 14 and 16 tied to the hook bend and extending 40cm or so from your heavily weighted fly. Be prepared to downsize your rig in slower or shallower waters or if the fish are spooky.

When the hatch is on, dry flies on long leaders and a gentle presentation works best. Mayfly and caddis patterns exclusively populate my dry fly box.

What gear to wear-

Get on the water early. We are generally on the water on or before dawn. Unless it’s snowing, I will wet wade. Some days we may walk 25km and wearing waders is way too fatiguing for me. I use Simms rubber soled wading boots (felt soles not allowed in NZ) and neoprene booties. Make sure your boots are well worn in or be prepared for foot and toe damage after a day walking the river stones. Then 1 or 2 pairs of polypropylene long johns in a subdued colour. Multiple top layers, topped with a hoody, neck warmer and beanie over a cap or just a wide brimmed hat. If my torso and head are warm, I don’t really feel the cold water on my legs. I use a fly vest just to keep everything handy especially when changing flies in thigh deep water. I have a Simms backpack packed with a raincoat, water, food and enough space for discarded clothing as the day warms up. A good pair of polarized spotting sunglasses are imperative. I really like the Smith Optics Guide’s Choice Chromapop glasses with the low light yellow lenses which seem to still work well on sunny high country days.

Good Tips-

In Canterbury the prevailing wind is the Nor Wester and can be soul destroying. Smacking you in the face as it hurtles relentlessly down the river valleys. On these days try and find a wind shadow or fish a stream that runs in the same direction as the wind, at least it will be behind you.

These big fish can be frustrating, and you need to “crack the code” on how to target and land a trout of a lifetime.

I cannot stress enough that having some time at least at the start of your trip with a local guide can really make a huge difference to your success and make your angling experience so much better. They are worth every cent! Listen to them and be willing to learn. These guides are great anglers in their own right and unbelievable fish spotters. You will leave a better, more confident angler and be more successful back on your home waters.

Most of all be flexible as to where you fish. Not all days are suited to high country angling. Great fish can be found sight-fishing lakes or in smaller slow moving low country streams. Enjoy your time on the water and remember when things aren’t going your way, just take a moment and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you and revel in the fact that work seems a million miles away.

Tight lines