Ronan's Report

I think the reason I can immerse myself so completely in NZ trout fishing is in it’s diversity. The diversity lies in the location, the method used to catch the trout and the trout itself. Within an hour or so of my base in Cromwell I can be in the arid, rocky moonscape of Poolburn or Manorburn dams, the lush rain-forested rivers of Glenorchy, the meandering waters through the green fields of the Maniototo, any number of gorges from the easy going to the gut busting, the Mataura and it’s many tributaries, any one of the Southern Lakes; a little more drive time and I’m on the Coast, East or West. Gin clear water, river mouths, surf, lakes; some of which are tannin and some clear, some big some small. These examples just scratch the surface.

In any one of these locations an angler can put a multitude of methods and techniques into action. A single size 18 dry on the Mataura to a 3″ streamer at the Haast River mouth for example. You could also swing a 3″ streamer on the Mataura of course… and this means that every location could potentially work with any method so the list of “method” and “type of water” combinations is vast. It pays to think outside the box a little. Much of the early fishing in NZ was with wet-flies fished down and across. It still works! Though I rarely use it. If I could only sight fish I’d probably get a little bored of it, Just the same if blind nymphing was the only option. Variety of methods versus water keeps it interesting!

Here in Central, the only option of species to catch is brown and rainbow trout (and a few perch) but with the number of ways to catch them it’s like having numerous species. Most importantly for me though, it’s the individuality of the trout themselves. Each one is different to the next, especially with browns. Their own differences, sometimes subtle sometimes complete, is definitely a major part of why I simply don’t and won’t get sick of this. Fishing for really beautiful fish is now an addiction just like big fish hunting.  Have a look at the photo’s below, Every fish in it is a genetically identical yet completely different. I’m so thankful for this diversity among trout. If they were all the same I don’t think I’d be half as keen as I am.

Some good stuff planned this weekend!

Tight lines..

Ronan..

I do love a good gorge!

A gental Otago breeze...

A large green stonefly. Breandan, can you ID this? It has a red body under those wings..

The terracota red fins and golden flanks make this a fish to remember..

We recently had our club trip to Manorburn. Terrible fishing but great fun and lots of Koura (fresh water cray). No photos unfortunately. Here is Fraser, Abi, Hattie and Iza..

The beautiful Green Beetle..

Upper Manorburn Dam. It should be firing right now with cicada munching trout!!

Fishing with Jeff, Rimu vanity, dovetail, Jan 2015 138_1024x768

Waterboatmen.. in their thousands!

We slid down on our arses a fair way..

A few 16s for a mission to Southland which never happened..

Fishing with Jeff, Rimu vanity, dovetail, Jan 2015 188_1024x768

Let battle commence!

The Karearea, NZ's only endemic falcon. Jeff and I were greeted by 2, one on either side of a gate, on the way to the river..

Fishing with Jeff, Rimu vanity, dovetail, Jan 2015 202_edited-1_939x768

Fishing with Jeff, Rimu vanity, dovetail, Jan 2015 199_edited-1_981x768

A precarious gap in a dodgy gorge.. A fella needs to take care.

Jeff prepares to cover a trout... which didn't eat.

Lichen growing on a tree..

A great, long fish.. not far off 9lbs.

Breandan? I think it's a native..

Fallen trees make great pathways!

Gota have a fire..

Some venison from that deer I shot recently.. Campfire cooking at its best! This served with beans..

That orange thing is an ear tag. Dead cows can be pretty common in some NZ rivers.

Flies for coloured water..

Solo mission.. More rain to come and snow on the ground..

..but my flies were working!

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It pissed down all day and I loved it!

And another, the best of 3 before I had to flee the rising river..

A great fish! Happy to have waders on this freezing summers day with the river rising fast!

Barbi keeps her eye on Jeff as he heats the beans... but she only has eyes for me of course.

A nice fish for Jeff.. The only one from that day..

The climb was worth it for Jeff.. In an anglers lifetime, he's not likely to catch many trout as truly stunning as this.