Well mate, the land of the long white cloud lived up to it's reputation as a premier trout fishery during a two week stint in March / April 2009.

I am no expert at casting with the long wand.  However I have perseverance on my side and a party of three mates that are accomplished anglers in their own right, to guide and answer my numerous, somewhat obscured questions relating to New Zealand's South Island brown and rainbow fishery.  I must pay homage to my fellow anglers as they eagerly answered all my questions with some degree of truth mixed up with their own unique theories and recommendations and life experiences.

I had visions of carrying a monkey on my back for at least the first few days of the trip, however on day one, that had dissipated with the netting of my first New Zealand trout.  At 4.5 lb, the beautifully marked brown was taken on a Blue Blowie. Although I had made several casts to this particular fish holding tight in against cover, a change of tactics and a longer drift resulted in a solid hook-up.

Over the two-week period, minor adjustments to technique and an open mind resulted in a consistent procession of fish with a personal best 7.5 lb brown from the Dobson River (the biggest fish of the trip).

I had cast initially to the rear fish holding just out of the current when a smaller fish shot up from the depths and took the blue blowfly.  To say that I was a little annoyed at this smaller fish taking the fly was an understatement, however once hooked the fight was dictated by the fish alone and I was in pursuit for the best part of 200m. 

At 7.5lbs and in reasonable condition, thoughts of picking off his bigger brethren were at the forefront of my mind.  I arrived back at the pool to find several fish holding in prominent lies and regularly taking insects from the surface.  I again cast to the rear fish and without hesitation the blowie was taken.  I felt the weight of the fish, the hook set and she was on for young and old.  I was taken down the rapids, down deep, under a ledge, further downstream as then finally managing to partially beach the fish.  My nerves were shot to pieces and as I tried to dictate the fish's demise, the big buck made a last ditch effort for freedom, rolled over onto the tippet and as they say, the rest is history.  At approximately 9lb + I was left wet and exhausted but grateful for the experience.

 

I have enclosed a few photos of fish averaging between 4.5lb and a little over 6lb from various river systems around Twizel.  I am not too unhappy about not getting a brag shot with my 7.5lb brown as bigger fish beckoned.  A shot of the fish in the net for weight verification was all that was needed as proof of my capture.

 

I hope these few photos will suffice.

All this could not be possible without mentioning the durability and consistent quality of the flies that were purchased from your www.fliesonline.co.nz web site. Although I had purchased flies from numerous suppliers both in Australia and NZ, your flies were my first choice when a fish of a lifetime presents itself.  You don't get a second chance with quality fish.

I hope to be back over in a few months time, all going to plan, and need to replenish my stocks of just about everything.  Thank you for your prompt; personable service and look forward to speaking with you soon.

 

Jason Baker

Brisbane, Australia