New Zealand, regarded as an anglers Eldorado trout & Salmon fishing is a way of life for most kiwis, having been spoilt with the introduction of Californian Rainbow trout, the wily German Brown trout & Chinook - King Salmon. As New Zealand gets recognised globally for the fresh green image with crystal clear mountain streams, it stirs in the mind of many anglers world wide to visit this small mountainous land in the South Pacific.

The South Island of New Zealand has an ever changing landscape with an abundance of waterways forming small spring creeks, freestone streams, snow fed rivers to lakes & tarns, all of which have the potential to produce trophy fish. Season Oct 1st - April 30th. Winter extensions in certain areas provide year round trout fishing opportunities. Salmon fishing with the use of our Jet boats, late Jan - April 30th, fly, spin casting & lake trolling.

Fly-fishing is sight fishing, using dry flies & nymphs casting upstream to your sighted fish, with the lakes also using streamers to sighted cruising fish.

The South Island rivers, creeks & streams have a self-sustaining wild fishery, there are not big numbers of trout but the trout can average 3 - 5 pounds with often-larger heavier fish being landed. Our tout are truly wild, meaning as soon as they detect human presence they are off the bite. Be prepared to walk as we cover the water to get onto the fish. The scenery is breath taking, not to forget how clear & visible the water & fish are, sight fishing & stalking!

Four Seasons Safaris New Zealand practices & promotes catch & release anglers wishing to keep a fish should inform the guide before setting out for the day's fishing.

New Zealand Four Seasons Safaris supplies any necessary equipment. As anglers we get very particular about our equipment. If you choose to bring your own, following is some guidelines.

Fly fishing Fly rods the norm is 6 - 8 weight, may seem like an overkill, you ll appreciate the extra power when casting into our, sometimes, strong afternoon winds & when you hook into the big one in fast water. If you prefer to bring your lightweight 3 - 5 weight rods, do bring these.

Fly reel, as long as it runs free & has at least 50yds of backing plus fly line.

Fly lines, Avoid bringing bright & light colour lines. Most fishing is with a weight forward floating line in a dark earthy colour, difficult for the fish to see, more chance of angler s success.

Tapered cast, 9 - 16 foot ranging from 4 - 10 pound tip. Tippet, fluoro carbon sizing from 3 - 8 pound test.

Flies bring your favourites even ones you or your friends have tied up. Some favourable patterns, Royal Wulff #8-16, Parachute & Irresistible Adams #8-16, Dunn imitations #10-14, Humpy, yellow, green & black #10-16, Caddis, black & elk hair #10-18. Nymphs, hare & copper #10-16, pheasant tail #10-16, bead heads variety of size & colour, stonefly green, brown & black

#4-10. New Zealand patterns your guide will have, you may purchase some before you set out.

Polaroid glasses are a must, preferably in amber colour.

Clothing, Camouflage is best, brown/green & or neutral earthy colours khaki, beige, brimmed hat, sun block as the heat & burn time can be intense.

New Zealand can experience four seasons in a day, bring a windproof/waterproof jacket, stocking foot waders with felt sole boots & hiking boots, shorts & earthy polyprop longjohns.

New Zealand fishing can be challenging, with perseverance & patience your skill will be put to the test. The rewards are simply worth coming down under for - "Tight Lines"