A Personal Experience
What To Expect:
Your day begins with collection from your accommodation in Te Anau, or at an agreed meeting point.
The river is selected according to the weather, water conditions, your experience and what you would like from the day. Sometimes the right choice is nearby. At other times, we travel further to find the best opportunity.
Once on the river, we move at a natural pace. We walk and wade upstream, search for trout and take time to understand each situation before making a cast.
There is no fixed formula. We might focus on foundational skills, refine subtle presentation techniques or quietly stalk a difficult fish through clear water.
Lunch is enjoyed beside the river before we continue fishing through the afternoon.
At the end of the day, Matt will return you to your accommodation with photographs, stories and whatever the fishing brought a better understanding of the water.
What To Bring:
We will provide all the necessary fishing equipment on the day (rod/reel/flies ect.) If you wish to bring your own, we prefer using #5 or #6 weight rods with floating lines.
Waders/boots are optional as we usually wet-wade throughout the season. Boots are provided.
Trip Types
SINGLE DAY
HELI-FISHING
SINGLE DAY
The most complete introduction to fly fishing in Fiordland and Southland.
A full day gives us time to select the right river, travel without rushing and work carefully through the opportunities we find. Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Beginners wanting proper tuition
- Experienced anglers with limited time
- Couples or friends wanting a private experience
MULTI-DAY
HELI-FISHING
SINGLE DAY
The rivers of southern New Zealand vary significantly in size, character and difficulty.
A multi-day trip gives us the freedom to explore that variety and adjust to changing conditions. It also creates a natural progression, with each day building on the skills and experience of the one before it. Best for
- Travelling anglers seeking a deeper experience
- Anglers wanting to develop their skills & experience variety
- Visitors making fishing a central part of their New Zealand journey
HELI-FISHING
HELI-FISHING
HELI-FISHING
A helicopter provides access to remote country that cannot be reached during an ordinary drive-out day.
The flight, landing and sense of isolation make this as much an experience of place as a fishing trip. Once on the river, the same considered approach applies: observation, patience and careful fishing for wild trout.
Heli-fishing is dependent on weather, aircraft availability and suitability for the guests involved.
The Art Of Fly Fishing
Good guiding should give you more than instructions for the next cast.
Throughout the day, Matt explains how he interprets the river: where a trout may be holding, what it is feeding on, how light affects visibility and why one approach may succeed where another will not.
Depending on your experience, tuition may include:
- Reading water and identifying likely holding areas
- Spotting trout in clear water
- Casting and line control
- Selecting flies and understanding feeding behaviour
- Approaching fish without disturbing them
- Managing drag and improving presentation
- Hooking, playing and safely releasing wild trout
The aim is for you to become more capable and observant not dependent on someone continually telling you where to cast.
Developing anglers
Learn the art of Fly Fishing including reading water, presentation, line management, fish fighting and adapting your approach.
The emphasis is on practical skills you can take to rivers anywhere in the world.
Experienced anglers
For experienced anglers, the day can focus on technical sight fishing, challenging presentations and understanding the behaviour of New Zealand’s wild trout.
Non-fishing companions
Partners and family members are welcome by arrangement. The pace and structure of the day can often be adjusted to make the experience rewarding for everyone.