20 Feb 2015
I flew from Canberra to Christchuch. I met my new travelling companion, Dan, in Melbourne. We picked up the hire car, got the gear and did the late night drive to Dunedin where we stayed the night.
The next day we started off on the Mataura. A river of international acclaim.
23 February
Even an old boy can see that.
You know that if you are looking at scenic photos like this one that the fishing wasn't exactly first rate. But we did manage a couple.
Remote fishing at its best... centre of Gore.
25 Feb
Took the Water Striders to a new lake for some fun. It was a nice still day. Fishing could have been better though.
At least my my Jetboil worked a treat and my freshly brewed coffee was yum!
26 Feb
Another beautiful day for trout fishing, or sun-baking.
Picked up the first one within 5 minutes of rowing across the lake. Good start to the day.
Here's one I picked up on my Taransky bamboo rod, I had set it up after getting out and walking around a likely looking point for a few minutes. In fact picked up 3 here.
Nice place to be a fish
Here I had set up the camera to take a picture and by the time it went off I had dropped the fish!
Dan was over the other side of the lake so hence using the timer.
I had spent some time on Google Earth looking for likely spots. Found a couple and thought I would check them out. Dan and I bush bashed to this one. Luckily right where we hit the creek I saw a fish feeding right below us. Dan let me have first crack at it since I had done the internet research.
First cast on line it took a cicada. Nice fish. I am not intentionally trying to give the universal sign for 'peace' in this photo.. it just happened. Chalk up another one for the bamboo.
Dan having a fish in the creek we found. We didn't see any other fish. A nice photo I think!
28 Feb
We went for a fish on the Waiau today and picked up a couple.
Nothing like using unobtrusive flies to get the job done!
Dan with a couple of nice rainbows. First one taken from fast water.
This fish was actively feeding in some slow water, Dan made a very good long range first cast and put the fly in the perfect spot. You can see the result.
Nice hills
1 March
Overnight we caught up with Chuck (again - he loves catching up with me each year.. he says it makes his year! Ha ha). If you know Chuck you might question the accuracy of that statement, but then again its my blog, so I will say what I want. :-)
Silver.
Dan with a beautiful brown.
Fishing a back eddy/side channel. Result below.
Love this photo!
3 March
I cant remember where I caught this fish.. or why its in black and white... but anyway.
4 March
We took a trip up to one of the big lakes and did some bush bashing. But for not much joy this trip
5 March
Another day of beautiful weather floating with the boys.
I walked out and around while the guys were trying to pick one up that was cruising the willows. Managed to hook this one (and snap a photo). You should practice this maneuver when you are out practising your casting. Its a good one to have in the bag :-)
Looking somewhat serious here aren't I!
A rare action shot of me netting my own fish. Lovely looking water - no doubt about it.
The result
Dan with a beauty
And the last glory shot of the trip! Another one for the 6'6" Taransky bamboo. I love this rod.
Until next trip!
