You never forget catching your first fish, then the first on a fly, then the first on a fly that you tied. The list goes on – different water, fishing methods, company. Walking alongside Aotearoa’s beautiful rivers is often reward in itself, but it is the thrill of the hunt that gets us there.
But wait, there’s more! The adventure continues beyond the river banks. Rowing onto a lake to fish deep, drifting through an estuary – head-down looking for flounder. Watching a surfacing eel, whitebait, salmon, birdlife… New Zealand’s fresh water is wonderful for those prepared to walk, watch, and cast.
This section is for Riversmiths who search for the bounty hidden in New Zealand’s fresh water.
Adding a new welded loop for $2.50
Adding a new welded loop to a fly line is effective and cheap. And easy, did I mention easy?
A bike, and breaking some basic rules of fishing
Combining a bike ride up the Remutaka Incline trail and fishing the Pakuratahi River included some poor fishing choices…
An Upcycled, DIY Fly Tying Station
Can a 1950’s kitchen drawer become a fly tying station? Yes it can!
Summer is Cicada Season
Flyfishing during cicada season can be a lot of fun, and a reason to learn a little more about these fascinating creatures that are the sound of summer in New Zealand.
A Good Boat – Fishing Down the Clutha
Boating, fishing and cooking with good friends are part and parcel of an annual pilgrimage to Central Otago, while marveling at the history in plain sight on the banks of the Clutha River.
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.
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 