New Zealand’s Blue Duck or Whio, is an endangered treasure who relies on our rivers as its home.
Author: riversmithsnz
We are a family enthusiastic about New Zealand Rivers. As we learn, we will share our knowledge around fly fishing, recipes for trout, salmon and other fresh-water species, and highlight some of the incredible history of our beautiful waterways.
Fishing for Trout – the Strike!
Good strike technique helps make the most of sometimes limited opportunities. We share a few top tips that work (most of the time) for us.
Hatching a Legacy
Everything has a genesis, and so it was with trout in New Zealand. Today’s world-renowned fishery was created by keen Riversmiths not long after European colonisation, and hatcheries played a huge part in building stocks, as they still do.
What makes a Riversmith?
“Smith” has always been synonymous with craft – from blacksmiths to goldsmiths. Our craft is to understand and enjoy New Zealand’s fresh water history and ecosystems, and become closer to something really special.
Blackberry & Mint Relish
Just a small spoonful or two of this adds a splash of colour and taste to any game dish. It is also good paired with pan-fried trout.
Tongariro Trout with Wild Blackberries & Mint
Catching a trout on the Tongariro as a young chef and finding wild blackberries and mint on the riverbank encouraged me to enter a Taupō trout-cooking competition with this dish.
Filleting Trout or Salmon
A step-by-step guide to filleting and pin-boning trout or salmon (and other fish).
Lighten up your winter fishing
Fishing the Tongariro doesn’t need to be all about hiffing big heavy flies into heavy water.
HOW TO: Repair Waders
Sooner or later you’ll need to repair a hole, big or small, in your waders. Here is my recent experience on breathable waders.
Riversmiths NZ 