Wild Trophy Brown Trout Fishery

In the freshwater fisheries around the world the Wild Trophy Brown Trout fishery of the South Island is famous. This is where the big and touchy monsters are found -- in pristine environments surrounded by spectacularly beautiful scenery.

The Lodge first obtained its reputation around the turn of the last century, a little more than 20 years after the first browns were released. New Zealand angling writers based themselves here, with the first guides to New Zealand trout fishing naming our Lodge is one of only two top destinations.

It is still more fact than myth. Excellent trout are caught here. The average size varies from stream to river but is in the 3.5 to 5lb range. There are wonderful learning fisheries with a high volume of small (3 to 5lbs) trout, beautiful spring creeks, demanding clear water stalking, and the next trout you find could be a trophy. Light rods, floating lines, short casts, dry fly and nymph are the tools of choice. Great sport!

Fly fishing at its best.

The spin cast fisher will also find excellent sport. Here the fishery varies with different species, and provides the opportunity for exciting days for the novice fishing for a day as part of a holiday, and for the expert.

September through December there are sea run browns following the whitebait. Fabulous big fit fighting fish. After Christmas kahawai are caught in the estuaries, and then in late February through April there are Pacific salmon runs. All this, as well as bubble and nymph, or spinning for our brown trout.

Guiding is available we can teach and coach as well. We concentrate on ensuring the skills of our guides match any in the world.

There is an enormous variety of water. Many quite stunning spring creeks, 23 small to medium-size rivers and 11 lakes -- all within an hour's drive of the Lodge. The traditional walking up river can be as easy or as demanding as you like. We float and boat, and helicopter fishing is available.

With the forest-clad, and sometimes snow-capped, Southern Alps always within sight, beautifully clear water, trophy brown trout, glorious spring creeks filled with green beds of watercress, uncrowded mountain streams and mirror lakes . . . this is one of those very few world renowned fisheries where the surroundings match the quality of the fishing. The photographs we take are stunning.

Trout fishing is available year round with all water open October through April. The spawning water is closed May through September. The traditional trout fishing question is "when is the best time to come?" There are many answers but . . .

most trout are caught when the water is colder -- up to Christmas and April the best trout are caught late season prior to spawning -- end of March through April terrestrial surface activity is best in summer -- December through March when the trout are "looking up," mayfly best spring and autumn traditional trade offs apply -- the water is cooler when the weather is cooler, the water is warmer when the sun is hot on your back and the fishing conditions are most pleasant. The fishing is just as good in mid-summer but the trout are less likely to respond instinctively to the fly. Warmer water makes them look more carefully. The spring creeks are best after Christmas. Freestone streams are best early and late summer. Trout tend to be found in different places at different times . . .

And then the amount of rain affects the equation. There is no empirical answer to the best time -- just the broad generalisations above.

New Zealand has an island climate and it can rain anytime. The basic rule is that when it rains the areas that have the least amount of silt in run-off (the most unspoilt habitat, the most original forest), have the advantage of clearing most quickly. We are seldom, if ever, not able to fish. The Lodge guides are committed to, and practice, a "catch and release" ethos.

The seclusion of the Lodge is a major part of its attraction. While access is easy, the Lodge is in one of the most remote settings for New Zealand accommodation. The final stage of the magnificent drive leading to the Lodge is shingle road, flanked by pristine podocarp forest, with some trees dating back 600-1000 years. The nearest permanent house is six kilometres away.
 
National Parks and other protected lands surround the Lodge that is situated near small lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams and the ocean. As well as providing a unique environmental experience, the area is renown for trophy brown trout fishing.

Extensive renovation of the Lodge remained loyal to the architecture and style of the 1930s, while incorporating the comfort of modern conveniences.    

Guests are invited to treat the Lodge as their own home. Timetables do not apply and arrangements are made to suit individual expectations. Although there are general patterns of time, the daily programme is one that guests set for themselves.
 
The Lodge cuisine is considered amongst the finest in the South Island. Local produce, particularly freshly caught fish from the seaport of Greymouth, is a feature of the superb cuisine provided by the Lodge's chef.

October through to late November -- sea run browns most plentiful
June through to mid-November -- best mayfly hatches
Mid/late December -- smelt on edges of lakes
January and February -- cicadas prolific -- caddis dry fly
January through mid-March -- best time for terrestrials
December through to early February -- kahawai in estuaries at river mouths
Mid February to April -- Pacific salmon runs
Mid April -- mayfly become more frequent and early runs of well-conditioned browns

Book Now - "What the guide charges, is what you will pay and nothing extra. No middleman fees ~ book direct or contact the guide today!"
John Openshaw ~ President, WadersOn.com

Costs include transport, lunch and use of equipment.
Costs do not include fishing licence.
Rates may vary with seasonal packages - please enquire.

Rates include canapes, three course dinner, bed and continental or cooked breakfast. Refreshments are available throughout the day to suit the needs of the guests.

The only additional charges are for guided activities, alcoholic beverages and Government Goods and Services Tax (12.5%).

The Lodge has high and low season accommodation tariffs. The high season is from 1 November through to 30 April and the low season is from 1 May through to 31 October. High Season Rates shown.

A 25% deposit to secure reservation (may be by credit card guarantee) is non-refundable in the event of cancellation within 30 days of arrival. Full payment is non-refundable for cancellation within seven days. This is the standard policy of the NZ Lodge Association.