A Pre-Season Glimpse of Fly Fishing In New Zealand
Cedar Lodge, New Zealand By: Brian O’Keefe | October 11, 2022
Fly Fishing in New Zealand is just around the corner, so we’re here to prep you with an angling report and season teaser with Brian O’Keefe, Eleven’s Angling Product Manager, in collaboration with Cedar Lodge’s amazing Lodge Manager Scott Little, affectionately known as “Scottie,” Eleven’s favorite Kiwi.
Pressure and Precipitation
Cedar Lodge is coming out of a 2-year hiatus of nearly zero pressure, which bodes well for a really good angling season. To make things even more exciting, Scott Little reports that the watersheds surrounding Cedar Lodge received above-average precipitation of both snow and rain (+40%) this year. Needless to say, Scott and the rest of Cedar Lodge’s guide team are anxious to get guests in the helicopter to go exercise some of the big rainbows and browns in New Zealand’s backcountry, and see what this long-awaited season has to offer.
Why Cedar Lodge?
Cedar Lodge’s 30+ year reputation precedes it. Located on the eastern edge of Mt Aspiring National Park’s main divide, the heli-fishing operation here is simply out of this world. This strategic location allows us to fly west or east, giving us the ultimate flexibility if weather presents challenges in either direction. We have access to 16 different fisheries, offering a wide range of diversity to meet just about any angler’s fishing appetite. Lovers of sight fishing, welcome to the best there is. With some of the most iconic sight fishing on the South Island, in the heart of the trophy trout capital of the world, it’s game on. And for those who prefer other pursuits, Cedar Lodge is just around the corner from all sorts of adventurous activities, plus incredible wineries for those craving a taste of New Zealand. With an intimate ambiance that only welcomes eight guests at a time, the experience is personalized, the waters rested, and the memories unforgettable.
Brian’s Recollection of Fly Fishing in New Zealand in the 70’s
Way back in 1973, I was fresh out of high school, and I had saved money to go fly fishing in New Zealand. A quick trip before college turned into an unbelievably cool, 11-month trout fishing and skiing adventure of a lifetime. I basically fished the North and South Island every day of the trout season, then skied every day of the ski season near Cedar Lodge in Queenstown. Fishing today is just as good as it was 50 years ago. I used a fiberglass rod and horrible leader and tippet material, but I had decent flies from my Montana road trips. It was all I needed!
Count on Your Guide To Get You on Fish
Anyone who’s visited Cedar Lodge knows how special it is, and most have their fly fishing techniques dialed in for this season. Some articles, websites, and videos make the fishing sound ridiculously difficult. It’s true that in some places the trout are wary and will spook from too much exposure, bad casts, and noise. However, with a guide who knows the ins and outs of the area, just about anyone can have an incredible experience fly fishing in New Zealand.
A Little 101 to Catch the Big One
The guide will probably spot a nice fish first. Then, you both make a slow stalk into the casting position. The angler may go into position while the guide stays back to watch the trout. You will be instructed to strip out all the line you need, and without too many false casts, just make a smooth 30 to 45-foot cast. There will be some coaching along the way, but really, there isn’t a lot to it. Just aim for a quiet, mid-length cast to an area upstream of the fish. Breathe, relax, and make a gentle cast. I know, sometimes your knees shake a little, but staying calm and smooth is the name of the game. Make sure you let your last backcast straighten out—it can be easy to rush the last cast.
Landing the Fish of a Lifetime
When that 4-lb brown slides up in the clear blue water, and you see that big jaw take your dry fly, you can say to yourself: In this moment, I am the luckiest person in the world. Tack on the spectacular helicopter rides every day, fantastic chef-prepared meals, a great lodge setting, extra special Kiwi hospitality and stories from our own Scott Little, and you have a trip that is hard to beat.
The long-awaited season starts this coming November, so get in touch as soon as you can to experience the renowned angling at Cedar Lodge!
By: Brian O’Keefe
Angling Product Manager