The new season is almost upon us, with only 4 weeks until most of the rivers open back up. It's been a fairly slow winter, with the local fishing being hit or miss a lot of the time. Some of the migratory rainbows were coming in through patches, but not a lot of the big lake run fish were around. The estuary fishing was decent, but the water temps hampered the trout activity apart from the very middle of the day. Just when it was coming right we all went into Covid lock down again. Anyway, the restrictions are easing up and the forecasts are looking good, so if you get a chance the estuaries would be a fantastic bet to get out and stretch the legs before October 1st rolls around - I know I will be. I've made the most of the downtime, filing my fly boxes flat out, and I've nearly got it nailed. I tie 90 % of what I use, so it can be a big job when the boxes are low! I have said this before, but I use a low number of patterns, instead opting for a full selection of sizes and weights. It's tying “trout ammo” as Bob Wyatt would say!
I'm also taking bookings for guided days! It ‘s strange times with ongoing Covid issues to work around, but feel free to email me to discuss a plan of attack, and we will make it happen. Any booked trips that can’t go ahead due to border or regional restrictions can of course be rescheduled or fully refunded, so you can book worry free. I have new & existing kiwi clients booked for the season, and would love to meet and share a few days with more New Zealander’s. You will most probably have the place to yourselves again this season - why not book a guided trip to show you some new techniques, refine your existing skill set, or just have an exciting fishy day, in our backyard. Contact me through my website, or email thomas.j.mcauliffe@gmail.com any time. Included below are a couple of pictures of some highlights from the past season. Not just fish, but more importantly moments, people, and places. Hopefully some inspiration for your own adventures this coming season.
Cheers, Tom.
