Still-water Stalking Adventure
Highlights
Packages
At South Island Adventure Fly-fishing we have designed our Still-water Stalking package for those anglers who want to add another extremely exciting visual dimension to their kiwi fly fishing adventure, or simply for those whose main objective is to catch large numbers of fish. Here the “sight fishing” occurs in the still-water environment of shallow lake margins accessed via a “stand-up” dinghy.
GET ON THE WATER
This package utilises a 3.5 metre “stand-up” inflatable dinghy that allows access to remote and less fished sections of water providing a unique experience amongst spectacular scenic surroundings.
Although outstanding shore based trout fishing can be found in Canterbury and Westland lakes having a boat to access less pressured areas or locations where better trout habitat is often present, is a great advantage to the fly angler. A boat can often allow more sheltered water to be accessed, and be positioned in such a way as to best spot an area of lake bottom.
If you are a river/stream purist, don’t be distracted by the thought of fishing a lake; all the fishing we do is visual. In some ways the dinghy can provide a more exciting and strategic vehicle for the chase as you paddle around shallow lake margins sneaking up on cruising 2-6lb browns as they swim among submerged native forest.
-Chris Bell
While your guide maneuvers the dinghy around shallow lake margins you will see cruising 2-6lb (1-2.7kg) browns as they swim among submerged native forest. Vegetated cover can be used to conceal the dinghy while ambushing the fish, which often cruise in water so shallow that their backs and dorsal and caudal (tail) fins break the water’s surface. In our experience we have found that using this method it is usual to land between 5 and 25 trout in a day’s fishing. On better days we have had takes from upward of 30 trout, with some taking the fly within 2 metres of the boat.
We take safety seriously when out on the water. Your guide holds a New Zealand Coastguard Boat Masters Certificate and all safety precautions are taken while using the boat. Lifejackets, a cell phone, and an Emergency Locater Beacon (E.P.I.R.B.)/P.L.B., are always carried.
PACKAGE PRICING
Full Day
- $1,445 (2 Angler)
- 3rd angler shore only, +$55
- $20 (1 Spectator)
2 Day Trip
- $2,850 (2 Angler)
- 3rd angler shore only, +$110
- Spectator N/A
3 Day Trip
- $4,220 (2 Angler)
- 3rd angler shore only, +$155
- Spectator N/A
4 Day Trip
- $5,595 (2 Angler)
- 3rd angler shore only, +$195
- Spectator N/A
LOGISTICAL BITS
A Personal Locator Beacon (P.L.B.) is always carried by the guide when traveling to remote locations.
CHOICES
In some locations it is possible to spend part of a day fishing a river/stream and the rest of the day stalking cruising trout in the dinghy. Duration/extent of dinghy utilization can be varied based on your preferred fishing method throughout the day(s).
Multi-day trips have the following accommodation types available
WEST COAST FISHING DESTINATION
Much of the same scenery seen on the world famous “Trans-Alpine Train” journey can be seen on our journey from Canterbury to the West Coast.
EAST COAST FISHING DESTINATION
This route may take us past the famous town of Hanmer Springs where the natural thermal therapeutic hot pools are located. It can easily be arranged to have a meal and a relaxing swim in the pools on the way home if desired by the client.
Abundant native bird wildlife can be encountered if fishing a Western location. A highlight would have to be a likely encounter with the cheeky and highly intelligent Kea, New Zealand’s largest and very beautiful flying parrot. Other favorite birds to also encounter would be the native Bush Robin or the Fantail which are usually quite inquisitive of anglers, and will venture very close and sometimes land on your fly rod. A rare glimpse of the New Zealand Falcon may be possible in eastern regions but generally abundant sheep, cattle, deer and dairy farms are the norm to be seen.
Add a Little Something Kiwi to your Experience
As some of the areas we fish are located near to many uniquely New Zealand ‘non-trout’ related activities, detours can be added to the trip to enhance the kiwi experience. Just send us an email or give us a call and we can help you start the planning of your kiwi fishing adventure with us.
With a focus on safety, and client satisfaction we strive to impress with our service and kiwi style hospitality; from first contact, to angling to final drop off… and repeat!
On booking your trip if your guide thinks there may be a better option based on time of day, year, weather or any other factor you will have the option of altering your choice either at the time of booking, or in some cases even on the day if you so choose. For example if you are very interested in ecology and local scenery the trip duration and time of year may mean that the West Coast or High Country lakes will provide you with a more “kiwi nature” focused experience.
Just tell us what you want from the trip and we can tweak a standard package or when desired make it totally custom.