Introduction
Spring Creeks
Wilderness River
Jetboat
Cata Raft Fishing
Helicopter
Equipment
Tackle
Trophies
Season
Guided Waterfowling
Rates
Packages
Booking Form
Map
Products
Gallery

INTRODUCTION

Based in Hokitika on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island and operating from Karamea to Haast in the centre of some of the worlds best Brown Trout waters, and also gateway to New Zealand's only World Heritage Park. With consents to operate in the park and other Department of Conservation areas, we are able to offer a unique fly-fishing experience. We specialise in Spring Creeks and Back Country Wilderness rivers. Fishing is with Dry Fly & Nymph to a population of 100% Brown Trout of up to trophy size. The areas we fish are remote, and some of the most untouched Brown Trout rivers the country has to offer. We like to keep it this way with a total catch & release policy. (We do have some waters that can sustain a fish taken for the table) The area we fish covers approx. 6,500 square miles with over 250 Rivers, Lakes & Spring Creeks and a population of only 10,000 people. Access is by 4-Wheel Drive, Jetboat or Helicopter, and with gin clear waters and footprints a rare sight, your fishing experience will stay with you long after you leave. We pride ourselves on professionalism and results and with over 25 years local fishing knowledge (there are still some waters we have not fished!) we offer an experience not available in traditional trout fishing distinctions. So for a chance to fish New Zealand's last frontier join us for an unforgettable Wilderness Fly Fishing Experience.

SPRING CREEKS
One of our specialities is Spring Creeks and we have access to over 25 in our area. These creeks have very little fishing pressure, and sight fishing with small Dry Flys & Nymphs in these gin clear streams is an experience that has to be done to be appreciated. Fish avg. 3.5 lbs. With some of our favourite creeks having a average of 5lbs and fish up to 7.5 lbs.

WILDERNESS RIVER FISHING

Being at the gateway to New Zealand's only World Heritage Park gives us access to some of the most remote wilderness Brown Trout fishing available, combining sight fishing with Nymph and Dry Fly, in crystal clear rivers. For Brown Trout of up to trophy size and magnificent scenery, this fishing experience leaves you feeling privileged just to be in this pristine environment. Fish avg. 4 lbs with fish over 7lbs not uncommon.

JETBOAT FISHING

South of our base are some of the bigger river valleys (and fish) and with sometimes a considerable distance between pools & tributary streams, the jetboat allows you to fish from pool to pool using the boat as transport only. This way a considerable amount of the best water can be fished in a shorter time than walking (also a lot easier on the legs). Our boat is certified to carry passengers, and has a local driver to negotiate the river, and also allows for the guide to give you his undivided attention avg. fish 5lbs fish 8lbs & over.

LAKES AND LAGOONS

We have access to a number of excellent lakes and lagoons, nestled in beautiful native bush surrounding. Sheltered and with little wind they have a good population of big Brown Trout. Sight fishing from a drift boat over weed beds and along the lake margins for cruising Brown Trout, Dry Fly & Nymph is the most common method of fishing Watching a large Brown Trout cruising towards your fly makes for a rapid increase in the heart rate. Some excellent evening rise dry fly fishing, and early morning midge fishing can also be had.

Our lagoons ( some of which are 6-7 miles long) produce a good number of medium size brownies (avg. 3lbs). Fishing is from drift boat with midge & smelt imitations. Good morning and evening rise fishing can also be had; these lagoons are little known, in fact I am yet to see another fisherman on them!! Offers something different from wilderness river fishing.

CATA rAFT fISHING


After a couple of seasons fishing with my 16ft cataraft imported from the US we can now offer some excellent lake fishing to sighted cruising brown trout the method is to creep quietly along out from the lake edge enough to spot the fish but not spook them once sighted a quick cast (no bushes etc behind you ) this is an exciting way to fish especially when the dry fly activity heats up after Christmas, we normally spot between 10 or so fish on a poor day a good day 30 fish to spot and cast to is not uncommon  I have a 15 hp motor that powers the raft along nicely so we can move if the wind gets up so we always have a lee shore to fish most of my regular clients never showed much interest in fishing lakes but I have converted a few with the sight fishing method as it really is a totally different lake fish ing experience to casting blind along weed banks etc which less face it dos not really cut the mustard in my book another advantage is of course a great option if the rivers are out from flooding etc I also offer drift fishing some of the bigger rivers from the raft which most customers are familiar with some great fishing can be had early season  and after Christmas when the dry fly activity heats up.I can take two passengers on the raft so if you have a non fishing partner it is a great day for them just sitting back drifting along enjoying the scenary fish from 3-7lbs are the norm for this type of fishing.

CAMP OUT EXPERIENCE

For a traditional Kiwi campout experience we offer a true wilderness campout package staying in traditional musterers huts in the NZ wilderness. With camp oven cooked meals, open fires and total tranquillity, this is the ultimate way to relax from the hustle and bustle we know today. Fishing is in Spring Creeks and Wilderness Freestone Rivers within easy walking distance of the huts. Access is by 4WD or Helicopter. For more info see
Packages
Rates

HELI-FISHING

Picked up at your accommodation, and flown directly to isolated wilderness rivers, is a fantastic way to access these remote fisheries. If on limited time or limited leg miles, the flight over remote river valleys and lakes to the foothills of the Southern Alps is a breathtaking experience in itself. The fishing is second to none. Fish avg. 5lbs with fish over 8lbs.

EQUIPMENT
Wading: Gortex waders, or shorts and thermal leggings/longjohns
Clothing: Shirts light green, brown or fawn in colour (Camouflage in these colours is fine) Jackets same colours, lightweight windproof Millair or Gortex is fine underclothes Thermal Polypropleyne or Micro fleece.
Footwear: Good quality stout lightweight tramping boots, felt soled wading boots and hat in the above colours. Good quality Polaroid glasses in either amber or copper lenses, is a must.
Weather: Weather in the backcountry can change very quickly so the need for wind proof clothing and thermals in the summer can still be necessary especially early and late in the season. Average air temperature in our area during the fishing season is 18-20deg Celsius (35-45 deg Fahrenheit).

TACKLE
Rods are generally in the aftma #5-#7 weight, in lengths from 8-9 foot. Dull coloured lines in either olive or buckskin are best. Flies are in the hook sizes 10-18, and predominantly dries & nymphs etc. Also a few hoppers in yellow, green and brown for later in the season (Febuary onwards).

TROPHIES
We can arrange to have your trophy photographed, and released. Then an exact replica can be produced, by either fibreglass mounted mould of the fish in exact size and condition, and painted in the correct colours from your photograph, or hand painted in watercolours on canvas, and framed. So you can still have a beautiful replica of your trophy to hang in your office or den, to remind you of your day, without affecting our delicate wilderness fishery.

SEASON
Season starts September 1st through until April 30th. Wilderness Back Country Rivers are open November 1st to April 30th (Best months November to Mid April). Season licenses are NZ$65 and can be arranged by us.

PACKAGES

Guide Only Package
Includes:
Approx. 10hrs guiding,
1-2 persons
Click here to view Rates

Accommodation/Meals/Fishing Package
Includes:
Full days guiding,
Accommodation at Shallow Rush
Evening meal (NZ Cuisine), cooked breakfast & basket lunch.
1-2 persons
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Camp out package 1 (4WD in/out 3 days 2 nights)
4WD in to our backcountry huts and indulge in some Wilderness Wild Brown Trout Fly Fishing.
Includes:
Camp oven cooked meals,
3 full days guided sight fishing
2 nights accommodation NZ style
Open fire
Good yarns
Total relaxation
Big Brown Trout
Click here to view Rates

Campout Package 2 (Fly in Fly out 2days)
1 night Helicopter in to one of our backcountry huts and sample some excellent isolated Wilderness Fishing.
Includes:
Camp oven cooked meals,
2 full days guided sight fishing
1 nights accommodation NZ style
Open fire
Good yarns
Total relaxation
Big Brown Trout
Click here to view Rates

West Coast Wilderness Package
Let us treat you to a Wilderness Fly Fishing smorgasbord covering the very best waters in our area. (5 days, this is allowing 1 day for travel)
Includes:
1-Day Helifishing (wilderness river)
1-Day Spring Creek fishing
1-Day Jetboat fishing
1-Day freelance (pick your favourite day and do it again on another river)
Airport transfers
All accommodation (lodge style) & meals
All transport
1-2 persons
Click here to view Rates

Alternatively
Let us tailor a fly fishing package to suit your preferred type of fishing and time frame.

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YOUR GUIDE:
Gavin Pegley has over 20 years local fishing knowledge and is a 3rd generation West Coaster. He has fished most of the South Islands major rivers and has been involved in the hunting & fishing wholesale/retail industry for several years. Duties have included compiling and writing test reports on fishing and hunting products and also in-the-field fly fishing video productions, He is also a keen fly tier and waterfowl hunter.

Gavin Pegley, among the best guides I have ever seen and fished with in my life! Very funny guy with eyes like a falcon. He can spot and sight any fish up to 100 yards around him, without any problem!

Dr Alex Ivanovic international fly fishing travler and member Ross reels pro tea.

Member of:
New Zealand
Professional
Fishing
Guides
Assoc.