A Journey Back to New Zealand’s South Island

Last month, I made the long journey from Ennis back to the South Island of New Zealand—a place that has captivated me for nearly 40 years. From the moment I first learned about trout fishing in New Zealand, I was hooked. I knew I had to experience it for myself.

My first trip was in 1990, and it became a pivotal chapter in my fly fishing journey and education. To say it was humbling would be an understatement. Fishing in New Zealand isn’t easy—but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Both the North and South Islands offer incredible variety, but so far, I’ve only explored the South Island. Honestly, I could spend a lifetime fishing there and still barely scratch the surface. The island is home to a vast range of streams, rivers, and hundreds of lakes, each with its own unique character.

For me, nothing compares to hunting and sight fishing the crystal-clear streams and rivers of the South Island. It’s technical, rewarding, and truly fly fishing at its finest. Success often requires long leaders (15–20 feet), light tippets (4–6X), and precise presentations to fool the massive trout that call these waters home—often ranging from 4 to 10 pounds! It’s without a doubt the highest-quality trout fishing experience I’ve ever had.

If you’re a passionate trout angler, New Zealand belongs on your bucket list. The challenge, the beauty, and the thrill of spotting and stalking big, wild trout in such pristine waters is an experience like no other.

Here are some photos from my recent trip—I even brought my drone along to capture some stunning aerial shots.

Lake Pukaki from the air on the flight from Auckland to Queenstown. Glentanner Stream and Tasman River flowing in from Mount Cook.

 

My old friend Pete with a nice Tekapo River brown taken on a Cicada dry fly.

 

Tekapo River brown sight casted on a #16 Parachute Adams

 

Tekapo River 

 

High and dry country of the Nevis River. Home to some truly giant fish that eluded us that day. We will return for another crack next year!

 

Fly change on the Pomohaka River. There is a giant brown tucked up right behind that fallen willow. Impossible drift, but Pete gave it a good effort. Pomohaka is a "designated" river with some great fish that requires a special day use permit.

 

Pomohaka River

 

A couple nice cruising browns on the Mataura near Garston. The Mataura is a beautiful Southland river that offers tons of angler access through the NZ beat system.

 

One of the South Island's finest guides, Ronan Creane, showing off a chunky Mataura River brown sight casted with a #16 Mayfly pattern on a rainy morning.

 

Mataura River near Garston

 

Casting to some big browns on the Mataura.

 

Aparima River brown taken on a #16 Willow Grub.

 

#16 Willow Grub. Trout in the willow lined rivers of the South Island eat a lot of these things. Fished dry or in the film for sighted rising fish. Very fun.

Another grubber from the Arawia River on a very windy day.

 

My good buddy Will with a total stud from the Waikaia River.

 

Oreti River tank on a Cicada day!

 

Heaven on Earth - Oreti River, South Island - New Zealand

 

Had an amazing day on the Oreti with legendary South Island guide Chris Dore.

Will with a beautiful Eglington River rainbow, in a stunning fjorldand setting.

 

Another specimen from the Waikaia.

Legend Ronan Creane showing us how it's done with this 7lb. beauty on his own Cicada pattern.

 

THE MAN! Chris Dore in his element hunting unicorns on the Mararoa.

My South Island quiver consists of a 590 Sage R8 Core and 690 Sage X with RIO Gold XP lines. All you need.

 

Ahuriri River near Omarama. 

 

5lb. brown trout - Ahuriri River

 

Tiny Southland stream holding 5lb browns!!

Fly Fishing is certainly a significant part of the culture in New Zealand. 

 

If you see this rig, you'll know you're in the right spot!!

 

Oreti River sight fishing is a good as it gets for trophy browns.

Summertime in the South Island means Cicadas. This one took a #10 on a 16ft. 4X leader.

 

In the end, every great trip is all about the people you share it with.  I would follow these guys anywhere! On this afternoon it was to the Mossburn Railway Hotel. Great spot!