Initially, the winter seemed like it would just go on forever. It's nothing new - I'm sure, for example, that's just how those pioneering the American frontier felt as well. In just a few short weeks the off season/ winter season/ call it what you will winds up here and the rivers open once again. As usual, I've been sorting gear, tying flies, and booking in clients and generally been quietly chipping away at things. Speaking of this, its great to be busy on the guiding front again after the pandemic years and I am really looking forward to the new season. It will be great to catch up with returning clients, and make new angling friends. I've still got a few spots for trips available most months, but I would really encourage you to shoot me an email soon if you are looking for a lower South Island guide this season! Its looking like there won’t be enough calendar days to go around.
All this just around the corner. Put yourself in the picture this summer!!
We have had a fair amount of high water over the winter, with some notable flood events. I’m anxious as always to check on the state of the rivers and the fish and see how they have fared. I will strap on the boots and do some pre season scouting very shortly. Speaking of high water, I have also fished through a bit of it too! One such day a couple of weeks back I fished Lake Dunstan in the complete murk. I knew a good population of the browns would already be back in the lake after spawning, so with sight fishing not an option I hedged my bets and fished the bugger through gutters, seams, weed beds, and drop offs that I knew were hot spots. After a couple of hours I had 4 trout to the net, and a fair few more encounters. Right now on a clearing lake and a load of hungry trout the fishing is likely to be firing! I do however have another lake on my radar as well as an estuary which my spies tell me have a decent population of trout moving about in it. Watch this space..
On a side note, I have drastically reduced my time on social media over the past 6 months. I'm not going to bang on about it, but its been enlightening not feeding the machine. I would say however, please do send me a message or pick up the phone the old school way if you would like a chat! I do intend to keep the blog alive and well throughout to season for regular updates and general fishyness.
Right, some buzzers to tie up then off fishing!!
Cheers, Tom
