June 30, 2025
As the 2024/25 fishing season comes to a close, we’re reflecting on one of the busiest and most successful years in the history of Owen River Lodge. With over 700 fishing days logged, an exceptional number of trophy browns landed, and guests from around the world immersing themselves in the warmth of Kiwi hospitality, this season set a new benchmark for fly fishing in New Zealand.
The season kicked off in October with elevated river levels from spring rain, but that didn’t slow the action. Guests enjoyed consistent nymph fishing, with mayflies and stoneflies bringing plenty of fish to the net early on. Some remarkably large brown trout—up to 6 pounds—were caught and released in just the first few weeks.
As the water levels dropped and the rivers settled, sight fishing with dry flies took off, especially in November and December. Our tenured guide team delivered high-success days, averaging four netted fish per guide day, with plenty of 5–6 pound browns feeding in crystal-clear water.
By mid-January, the summer heat set in and river levels reached seasonal lows—ideal conditions for those looking to explore New Zealand’s legendary wilderness fisheries. While Owen River Lodge offers drive-out access to 30+ rivers within 90 minutes, we also ran 40+ heli fishing trips into Kahurangi National Park in December and January alone.
This year’s heli highlight? The season’s first 10-pound brown came from the fabled “Valley of Long Faces”—a technical, high-stakes fishery where 7-pound browns are the norm and 18–24 foot leaders are a must. It’s a destination that rewards patience, precision, and a bit of nerve—perfect for seasoned anglers seeking their next challenge.
Late March brought timely rain, refreshing the systems and keeping fish on the move right through the end of the season. That set the stage for our annual Women’s Retreat, which delivered some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Twelve women spent the week fly fishing the Nelson and West Coast region, with multiple double hookups and brown trout up to 8 pounds landed. It was, without question, our most successful Women’s Week to date.
This past season at Owen River Lodge has been one for the books. From heli-accessed trophy hunts to relaxed riverside days near the lodge, the memories made on and off the water are why so many of our guests return year after year.
As we look to the upcoming 2025/26 season, our calendars are already filling with both returning guests and first-time visitors. If you’ve ever dreamed of fly fishing for trophy brown trout in New Zealand’s South Island, there’s no better place—or time—to experience it than with us.
— David Pike, Owen River Lodge Manager
2024-12-12
The Drift: Issue No. 2 by Eleven Angling
Collected stories from angling adventures of the year that embrace those qualities, whether a how-to on fishing Chilean Patagonia's unique river-lake system, a biography on a Kiwi diehard chef-angler, or a backstage glimpse with the RnD team that dialed our newest Ski to Sea Experience.
2024-09-25
Fly Fishing for Trout at Owen River Lodge in New Zealand
New Zealand's expansive wilderness, remote waters, and impressive numbers of large wild trout are among the reasons anglers travel great distances to fish this country's rivers and lakes.
2023-06-13
Heli-fishing in New Zealand at Cedar Lodge
Welcome to the South Island's premier fly fishing lodge, Cedar Lodge, Eleven's newest property. Tucked in the shadow of the remote peaks of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Cedar Lodge is a fly fishing and adventure lodge like no other. Known for massive brown and rainbow trout and pristine, gin clear water, Cedar Lodge offers the ultimate opportunity to target trophy trout
2025-07-14
Chef Profile: Gordon C. Sutherland - Chef & Angler - Cedar Lodge, New Zealand
Meet Chef Gordon Sutherland of Eleven’s Cedar Lodge in New Zealand—a globe-trotting chef and avid angler whose 50-year culinary journey spans 9 countries and 16 islands. Discover his passion for fly fishing, remote living, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.
2025-07-08
Exploring the Wilds of Patagonia at Rio Palena Lodge
Step into summer at Eleven Rio Palena Lodge, where remote Patagonia becomes your playground. From whitewater rafting the legendary Futaleufú River and fly fishing crystal-clear streams, to hiking through temperate rainforest, kayaking beneath snow-capped peaks, and soaking in riverside hot tubs, we curate every detail.
2025-06-30
Flóki Studios - Sounds from the Far North
Flóki Studios offers artists a world-class recording experience shaped by Iceland’s dramatic landscape and raw creative energy—where the natural world and sonic exploration meet just south of the Arctic Circle.
2025-06-30
Owen River Lodge 2024–25 Season Recap
Read about Owen River Lodge’s most successful fly fishing season ever—700+ days, trophy browns, heli trips to remote rivers, and record-setting Women’s Week. Reserve your 2025/26 dates now.
2025-06-17
Summer at Eleven Revelstoke Lodge
Welcome to summer in Revelstoke. From high-alpine hikes and mountain bike trails to whitewater rapids and fly fishing in glacier-fed rivers, summer at Eleven Revelstoke Lodge delivers. Step out the door and into big, backcountry adventures tailored just for you—then wind down with craft cocktails, chef-made meals, and stories shared fireside.
2025-06-17
Q&A with Diego & Trini
Discover the story of Diego and Trini, the couple behind Eleven’s Rio Palena Lodge in Chilean Patagonia. From fly fishing and heli-skiing to deep-rooted local culture, learn how their passion for adventure and hospitality defines the guest experience.
2025-06-10
Gold Medal Waters: Fishing the Taylor River and Beyond
Discover Gold Medal fly fishing on Colorado’s Taylor River and beyond. From trophy trout to secluded streams, explore top waters with expert guides and unmatched Rocky Mountain scenery.
2025-06-09
Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Iceland | 2025 Hölkná Cabins Season Preview
Experience trophy Atlantic salmon fishing at Hölkná Cabins, Iceland’s premier two-rod river. Learn about our conservation-focused fishery and limited 2025 availability.
2025-06-03
Colorado - Taylor River Lodge Angling Kit
Avoid the hassle of packing bulky fly fishing gear. Eleven provides high-quality angling kits at every lodge—just share your sizing details and your gear will be ready upon arrival, no extra luggage required.
2025-05-27
Fly Fishing the Gunnison Valley | Colorado Seasonal Guide for Anglers
Discover fly fishing in Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado—early spring nymphing, peak summer dry fly hatches, and fall salmon runs. Plan your trip with expert local guides.
2025-05-27
Myth Busting with Kiwi Guides
Planning a fly fishing trip to New Zealand? Discover the truths behind common myths with expert insights from guides at Eleven’s South Island lodges—helping you prepare for a more rewarding, reality-based adventure.
2025-05-20
Eleven Experience | Adventures at the Edge of the World
From heli-skiing under the Arctic alpenglow to fireside chats over hand-crafted Colorado mules, we’ve always upped the ante on what a trip can amount to. Each day is carefully planned to make your stay unforgettable.