Recently I have been exploring some different ways to catch New Zealand trout. I had some saltwater flies sitting around that I use for offerings to kawhai and decided on a recent foray to a couple of local rivers to try using them.
New Zealand Fly Fishing Expeditions Saltwater Fly
I was using a switch rod with a skagit head with about 11ft of fast sinking leader and then my very bright green and white kawhai fly. It wasn’t long until I had a hit which gave me some hope. A short while later I felt a good solid tug and I tugged back – yehaa fish on. A few more fish have succumbed to this set up so I figure yes you can catch New Zealand trout on saltwater flies.
New Zealand Fly Fishing Expeditions Brown trout caught on saltwater fly
At the end of the day if you put an offering in front of a hungry trout that is fished appropriately chances are it will have a crack at eating it. There are a few variables with water colour, light conditions, moon phase etc but really if the trout is eating and you present to it correctly yehaa fish on!
What do you think? Leave a comment.
If you like this article and want to read more be sure to subscribe.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated everything you did to make my fishing trip unforgettable. That trophy brown was totally unbelievable! Frankly, I’m surprised we were able to land him. That was one of the longest fights I’ve ever had with a fish. Fighting that trout and the river current was a whole new experience for me. Your advice and help were invaluable. I will definitely call you the next time I get to New Zealand. And I really enjoyed your website article and photo. Thanks again for putting me in position to catch the fish of a lifetime. And it was almost a few fish of a lifetime. All in all…brilliant!!!
Hi Simon, Your Kawhai is modeled after a clouser which was created based on the success of a jig. All successful flies for most fish. The action created by the weight is most enticing. Try tying a tan over white with a little flash and it will resemble a minnow. Very productive.
Hi Dave – thanks for the tip on the different pattern – I will tie one up soon and give it a fling
I am looking for a GPS and due to budget constraints i can’t see myself paying the price required in the shops around Westhaven. I have found this site http://www.gpschartplotter.co.nz and wondered if any of the members have had experience with these sorts of units. I have spoken to a yachty who uses this sytem and gives it the thumbs up but wondered if it would be suitable for fishing.
Thoughts comments and what GPS unit do you guys use?? (I need to be able to see it as eyes are not that good and small screens not suitable!!) LOL
Cheers