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The Fly Fishing From Queenstown
Southland is home to more rivers and streams than any other province in New Zealand. Blessed with an abundance of productive spring creeks, freestone rivers, rain fed streams and lakes of many sizes, the Southland angler never has to travel far to experience a diverse range of waters, and these are the basis for some of the worlds finest trout fishing.
It is the trout these waters hold, both rainbow, and predominantly brown, which gives the Southland region its reputation as New Zealand’s premier fly-fishing destination. The skilful sight fishing and 'match the hatch' techniquesrequired to catch these fish draw much international interest each season, and many anglers visit in search of the ultimate fly-fishing experience. While many of our rivers do not support the sheer numbers of fish found in many American waters, the opportunity to spot and stalk individual trout more than compensates for quantity.
Many of these fish are large – a 6-pound (24-inch) trout will fail to raise the eyebrows of an initiated local – although many would put the average size of the trout that we encounter at around 3 pound (18inches). With the wide variety of waters available throughout the wider Queenstown area, both backcountry and local there are more than enough angler days to fish each day of the season without covering the same productive beat twice!
Be Prepared
Large trout in pristine water are not easy. Their size and age suggests a natural instinct for danger and these fish have been around long enough to know how a fly should behave. Presentation is everything, and the gin clear water ensures that if we can see the trout, the trout can see us.
Many come to NZ unprepared for our style of fishing. “This is a whole new ball game” is a common statement.
Whilst I can provide top quality fly-casting tuition as an FFF Certified Instructor this works best if the groundwork is already there. Whilst I cater to beginners through to the more advanced angler, practising before the ‘big game’ is always a wise choice.
Work on both your overhead and roll casting technique. Efficient fly-casting accuracy at various distances from 20 through to 50’ will help you secure your trophy, and do not forget to practise casting off the opposite shoulder to assist in those often windy conditions. Reduce those false casts – a 50 foot cast requires but a couple at the most, for balance and distance calculations
Whilst distances exceeding 40’ are not often required it will help to have a longer cast in your repertoire. You will find that 40’ presentation will become a walk in the park if you can confidently throw 60’, and the ability to attain a deeper rod load will assist in windy conditions.