Fly Fishing with Chris Dore

Well summer is not here, or not as we know it. As I write, I am fresh off the river where we managed to hit clean water, and hook a few great fish, but most streams are running the colour of a good, strong espresso. Today I am sitting in front of the fire, catching up on wedding plans, stocking up the fly box and planning the days ahead.

Front after front has hit the South island following Xmas yet despite this, keeping our heads down and putting in the yards is resulting in some FANTASTIC trout ( check out the seasons client pics here  )

Its all about having the right gear, maintaining a positive mindset, and keeping the energy and motivation levels up when on the river. Quality thermals and rainwear make the day more enjoyable, and dark chocolate and nibbles throughout the day maintains the energy levels and keeps you in the zone for when fish are located.

With the Mataura and other waters of the south up and down like a yoyo, mayfly numbers have taken a battering. However, the more resilient caddis populations are keeping trout well fed, and one cannot go past a tungstan green caddis pattern on our freestone streams, or maybe a horn nymph on the lowland waters.

The terrestrials are as of yet a no show, but it will only take a couple of scorchers to get the cicada out and about in the high country I feel. The willow leaves are blistered and the grubs are awaiting emergence in the south, so exciting dry fly opportunities are never far away.

Our beech lines waters are producing some cracking fish as a result of the mouse explosion in December. 4 and 5 lb fish have ballooned up to 6 or 7lb in many places, and all those 7 and 8lbers around our 'lesser talked about' waters are now pushing trophy status. Check out the news report here .

This is not just a short term effect, and these fish will retain this condition right through to the winter, so I am predicitng some huge fish coming to the net late summer and into the autumn.

For now though, its a case of keeping the chin up, following the clean water, battling the conditions and celebrating the successes accordingly. Fly fishing New Zealand is always magical - no two days are the same and if you put in the yards, you have the opportunity to catch the fish of the lifetime.

So practise your casting, prepare for the wind ( check out Chris' excellent peice on dealing with the wind here ) dress appropriatly and get out there! The best of the season is yet to come!

Chris

For Southland river levels and rainfall visit http://www.es.govt.nz/river-rainfall/

For upcoming weather situations visit http://www.metservice.co.nz/rural/southland