New Zealand has long been regarded as one of the world’s best trout fisheries. Every year anglers from all parts of the world travel to New Zealand to fish its crystal clear, snow fed rivers streams and lakes which are inhabited by magnificent rainbow and brown trout. Rivers South Safaris has access to some of New Zealand’s finest trout water. Anglers will enjoy the diversity of nymph, to dry fly fishing with 95% of our fishing being spot and stalk. There is nothing more exciting than casting a dry fly upstream and waiting in anticipation for a feeding trout to take your fly on a perfect drift, you then say to yourself God Save the Queen(wait two seconds) and lift, setting the hook and then the fight begins!
In New Zealand there are three main types of trout we target - Rainbow, Brown and Sea Run Browns. The Rainbows are found in the majority of rivers we fish, predominately in the high country water. These fish are acrobatic, hard fighting and very exciting to catch. They can be caught either with a dry fly or nymph, depending on weather and water conditions. Browns can be found in the same rivers as Rainbows, however we have several rivers close to the lodge where only Brown trout inhabit. Generally the Browns prove to be much smarter and at times more illusive. Sea run trout are caught more in our larger rivers where they follow the Smelt and Whitebait runs upstream from the sea. These fish are generally caught by stripping a Smelt or Whitebait patterned fly back through the deeper water. Presentation is not a factor in catching these predators as when they are in a feeding frenzy they will attack the first thing that passes them.
The majority of our fishing water is within one and half hours from Serenity Park Lodge, with transport being a comfortable 4WD. Heli fishing can be arranged for those wishing to fish New Zealand’s more remote rivers. Rivers South Safaris believes in quality fishing, therefore we only take a maximum of two anglers per guide. Although we specalise in fly fishing we also offer Spin fishing and Trolling from our boat. Rivers South Safaris can supply clients a good variety of high quality Fly and Spin fishing equipment for those not wishing to bring their own.
New Zealand’s fishing season opens on the first of October for the central South Island lower country. High country fishing season opens on the first Saturday in November. They both close on the 30th April.
In New Zealand there are three main types of trout we target - Rainbow, Brown and Sea Run Browns. The Rainbows are found in the majority of rivers we fish, predominately in the high country water. These fish are acrobatic, hard fighting and very exciting to catch. They can be caught either with a dry fly or nymph, depending on weather and water conditions. Browns can be found in the same rivers as Rainbows, however we have several rivers close to the lodge where only Brown trout inhabit. Generally the Browns prove to be much smarter and at times more illusive. Sea run trout are caught more in our larger rivers where they follow the Smelt and Whitebait runs upstream from the sea. These fish are generally caught by stripping a Smelt or Whitebait patterned fly back through the deeper water. Presentation is not a factor in catching these predators as when they are in a feeding frenzy they will attack the first thing that passes them.
The majority of our fishing water is within one and half hours from Serenity Park Lodge, with transport being a comfortable 4WD. Heli fishing can be arranged for those wishing to fish New Zealand’s more remote rivers. Rivers South Safaris believes in quality fishing, therefore we only take a maximum of two anglers per guide. Although we specalise in fly fishing we also offer Spin fishing and Trolling from our boat. Rivers South Safaris can supply clients a good variety of high quality Fly and Spin fishing equipment for those not wishing to bring their own.
New Zealand’s fishing season opens on the first of October for the central South Island lower country. High country fishing season opens on the first Saturday in November. They both close on the 30th April.