Dawn till Dusk Opening trip!

Before we say anything about the trip we need to say THANK YOU to our friend and personal bush mechanic DEVAN KIRKER! Cheers for all the hard work and your company! GOOD TIMES!

DAY BY DAY story of our OPENING TRIP followed by PHOTOGRAPHY! Happy season everyone!

DAY 1

Sunny with no wind and definitely some good fish in the river. A quick recon the day before revealed that there were more fish than the previous year. With the Hut to ourselves and no other fisherman around, we knew we were pretty lucky. After two quick re-rigs the first fish was hooked and lost but it was a good sign as it was feeding like crazy. Walking amongst the high tussock mountains following the meandering river, we were hopeful, but we never expected to see that many fish, let alone catch them. Just a perfect start of the season.

Score Board : Chris: 6, Jakub: 5              Walked: 20km

DAY 2

Expecting the weather to change we headed out of the mountains to fish a big rolling river, but we should not have worried too much because it ended up being a warm and still day in the foothills. Even-though the fish were hard to spot, a well placed fly brought rainbows and browns to the net. A spinner fall later in day saw fish rising and some dry fly action was an unexpected delight.

Score Board : Chris: 4, Jakub: 2        Walked: 10km

DAY 3

Watching the morning Fiordland clouds quickly move on over breakfast, we knew we had no time to waste so we hurried down to the river. There is never any guaranties but when we saw there were no other fisherman around....I gave Chris a HIGH FIVE and we legged it through beautiful Fiordland beech forest to an amazing and challenging river. I fished this river a few times and thought I knew a thing or two about catching these big spooky trout, but by the end of a long 11 hr session, I had only landed one, whilst Chris bagged 3. My confidence was taking a bit of battering not helped by Chris pointing out he had caught twice as many fish as me by the end of day 3!!!!...By consolation, all my fish thus far had been caught on the first cast.

Score Board : Chris: 3, Jakub: 1        Walked: 16km

DAY 4

Topping up on gas in town and picking up a key to  a locked gate was the plan of the morning. Always the optimist, I was expecting a good day one this lovely river, but I can only describe today's fishing as sensational! Big fat browns all in superb condition. After landing 4 fish I felt in the zone and clawed back the lead Chris had on me, but with two fish from a beautiful run, he was back in a game. The next couple hours we both landed a few more fish and just felt good for each other. Being at the hut with the fire going, whiskey in hand, two thoughts came to mind, we can`t wait until tomorrow and damn this whiskey tastes fine.

Score Board : Chris: 4, Jakub: 5              Walked: 12km

DAY 5

Waking up deep in the backcountry we did not have to worry about a thing. Hot beans on toast and cup of coffee got us going but really it was the prospect of another fantastic day that saw us make a beeline to the river. We only visit this little stream once a year early in the season and every time we are surprised  to find the a fish in a same place and this year was no exception. Catching them though always proves a challenge. We usually spot about 6 fish the whole day, but it`s not really just about the fishing. It`s a beautiful place, gin clear river, awesome hut in the middle of nowhere, the fishing just makes it the perfect destination.

Score Board : Chris: 2, Jakub: 3       Walked: 17km

DAY 6

It`s 5 am. and Chris is already running around as he is in charge of getting us to the river which I have never fished before. We knew it`s a popular place so we wanted to be there by sun up. Getting to our destination it looked like it was going to be a hard day with cloud cover and low light, but within an 1/2 hour the sun broke through the clouds and we started to spot the big browns that this river is well known for. What followed Chris and myself may have dreamt of,  but rarely experienced in reality...the fishing was red hot. Catching 1 or two fish in this river is considered a good day, but we somehow managed to pull out 9. All prime condition browns averaging 7 pounds.

Score Board : Chris: 3, Jakub: 6     Walked: 12km

DAY 7

An hour walk saw us in the backcountry and fishing amongst the tussock fringed with beech forest and mountains towering in every direction. It was another sunny day with no wind and plenty of big browns!!! Just when we though the fishing could not get any better today proved us thankfully wrong. We've fished 100's of days, had 100's of epic adventures, but this day on the river rates as my all time most memorable day. Just prefect, I won't try to describe it!!! With sore feet, sore knees but clear minds we head home a day early, completely satisfied. 

Score Board : Chris: 6, Jakub: 8        Walked: 24km

 TOTAL SCORE BOARD : Chris: 28, Jakub: 30    TOTAL FISH: 58  Walked: 101km Driven: 835km

TIGHT LINES!

GONE FISHING WITH CHRISTOPHER HRYCYK

As we wanted to do something different, here is a little interview followed by photography with my fishing buddy Christopher Hrycyk.

What`s your favourite piece of outdoor kit?

My Scott Radian and Lamson Speedster. Love them!!!

What`s your most expensive piece of kit?

Probably as above...I'm not that much into expensive gear but my 6 weight rod and reel was money well spent

What does the fly fishing mean to you?

It means being out with my flyfishing buddies doing something that I love in stunning places. It's my chillax place...

What`s your favourite place to escape into outdoors?

Somewhere quiet. That could be backcountry, frontcountry, stream, lake, estuary or beach...as long as there is fish and no-one else around!!!

What is your top fly fishing tip?

I think people tend to take flyfishing too seriously, so i'd say "don't take flyfishing too seriously". It's important to remember what got us into it in the beginning. For me it's hanging with mates, spending time in great places, the journey, the destination and of course catching fish!!!

Do you prefer day trips or overnight trips?

I love "fishing trips", always have, always will, the excitement of planning a trip, going to a new destination and discovering another hidden gem is what I love. Overnighters allow you more time to get to know a place and not rush things. You get a sense of being on holiday and everyone loves being on holiday...but to be honest I can't choose because it's all fishing in the end...

If not fishing on your own who would you most like to go for a fish with?

I've got some great fishing buddies and a few brothers that I love to fish with.

 

 

 

What do you pack for overnight backcountry trip? 

The Scott Radian and Lamson, spare rod, the essential tackle etc,  a spare set of dry clothes, raincoat, down jacket, sleeping bag, tent (if not staying in a hut), torch,  first aid kit, good food, coffee, gas stove and gas, my billy, 3L of water, whiskey, tobacco, toothbrush and toothpaste and earplugs for my mates...because I snore!!!

What do you call backcountry?

In essence I think it's a place you have to hike in to...however thereare a lot of places serviced by rough roads in stunning locations that I'dalso class as backcountry. What makes or breaks it for me is the solitude...if anglers gave each other a wide birth we'd all be better for it. 

Describe the most scary moment you`ve had when being backcountry?

Sleeping next to Jakub Kanok

What is your highest number of days fly fishing in the row?

19? Spring 2014/15?

What`s your favourite after-trip tipple?

Whiskey, beer...or a can of Mother for the drive back...

What is your top outdoor tip?

You should be carrying more water than whiskey in your backpack

Where would you most like to be right now? 

South Coast NSW chasing Luderick

Two fly fishing adventures you`d put on your bucket list?

Aitutaki, Hervey bay

Highlight of the 2015/2016 season?

Opening Week...Good company, so many rivers, awesome huts, great fishing and the promise of an awesome Summer!!!

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Last weeks plan was a bit more unusual then it would normally be. My friend Jason decided to move back to Queenstown from Auckland, which brought the idea of me flying up and sharing the drive. I guess we just wanted to call it a road trip! We had three days to chew through this 1685 km long drive which includes the ferry between two islands. We of course wanted to fly fish and enjoy any other outdoor activity. We found ourself looking back on this trip feeling very fortunate for the experience! Given that photos say more then I can, here is a photo recap of our trip!

UP WHERE WE BELONG

We were lucky enough to be able to get away over the weekend for a three day fly in trip to a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river to round off a pretty good season so far. With a team of Chris from Manic Tackle project, Jakub from DTD Adventures, Sam from Moreporks and Tim ...it was set to be a pretty chilled out affair in the hills covering some ground with packs on once dropped in by Helisika and the Hughes 500. 

The Kaimanawas encompasses a massive expanse of native forest, shrublands and tussock grasslands, extending from Tongariro National Park in the west to the Kaweka Ranges in the east. Altitudes vary from 560 metres in the north, to the highest point Makorako at 1727 metres in the centre of the park. Kaimanawa Forest Park  was gazetted in 1969 and is managed by the Department of Conservation.

CICADAS IN THE JURASSIC

The south west coast bares the brunt of all the weather systems that hit New Zealand, with massive rainfall exceeding 5 meters per year. This is a recipe for deep, lush rainforest and rivers that cascade down steep valleys, frequently flooding to terrifying levels. If you manage to get hit a rare break in the weather, it's time to pack your stuff and get there. This was the case for us as we decided last minute to make the long slog up the west coast, we quickly packed and left at dawn. Unfortunately being in such a haste means things get missed, with Jakub leaving his remote control drone on the roof of his car as we took off in the morning darkness, never to be seen again.

TE WAHIPOUNAMU - THE PLACE OF GREENSTONE

Fiordland,, the fly fishing destination that`s on every anglers wish list. It is as brutal as it is beautiful with huge canyons, fast, deep waters and swarms of sandfly that pester you all day long! The river valleys that have been carved through the magnificent peaks are home to big crystal blue waters, big boulders and fast runs. Spotting can be a challenge in even the best of conditions with huge volumes of water disguising the chrome camouflage of good conditioned fish. 

 After many hours of driving we set up camp for the night, cracked a few beers and laid off early so we could ensure a prompt start in the morning. We travelled 3 rivers over the 2 days and came across some good sized rainbows, a few browns all willing to rise to huge terrestrial flies. The fishing was tough, but the landscape alone entices you to continue to hike up river and explore what is around the next bend. The final day saw us getting liberal with our methods in the afternoon as we made our way to the mouth of the river where fresh meets salt and can provide some surprises. As seals cruised just meters out in the bay we stripped streamers, not sure what we would find but ended coming across over 25 Spotty`s. As we made our way back to civilisation the heavens opened and waterfalls became cascading down the mountains, only to join the waters that had provided us with much joy and admiration. This is a special place and one that all should experience in a lifetime.

HIGH COUNTRY FLY FISHING

Once again We decided to go for another trip! Matt has been fishing pretty much everyday day since the last time we saw each other, I haven't had a chance to escape this busy period at work for three long weeks. The weather looked promising for an over night trip to camp riverside and clear the mind!

After a couple of hours in a truck we arrived to a strong gale, we were forced to take shelter in a deep gorge. After getting battered and bruised we decided to face the elements, we were rewarded with several decent Browns willing to rise.

Day 2 saw the wind die and the sun come out for what was to be an epic day of rising Browns in gin clear water. In the 28 degree heat we both landed several healthy fish averaging 5-6lb all on dry/nymph droppers. For a section of river we had never fished before we were pleasantly surprised, the long hike in hot weather was well rewarded. Another special water chartered and one we will surely come back to visit by the end of the season, but for now it`s onto the next adventure!

NOT QUITE DONE YET!

Despite the previous couple of weeks rainy weather and rivers being totally flooded in Otago, we decided to head out and take advantage of the last weak of the season. We lined our days off and went for a 3 day road trip in search of fishable water. To our surprise not only did we find this but also were blessed with sunny skies, no wind and enough fish to keep us satisfied. We thought this was the last trip of the season but we might be able to fit one more in! 

DAY WITH MY MATE

Let me introduce you to Marek, the chap who loves fly fishing more then anything else! It`s my pleasure to have him over from Canada for a whole month! 

His need for adventure and desire to find the “Catch of his life” led him to New Zealand, Slovenia, Cuba, Mexico, and many other European countries but his dream of taming Steelhead always brings him back to BC, a place with wealth of beauty and of nature but most of all, fish!!! In 2014 he completed a Czech nymphing Masterclass course so he could better share his passion for fishing with others and help them tame the catch of their lives! So if you ever end up going that way don`t hesitate to hit him up! He is one of the Pemberton Fish Finder guides in BC, Canada.

Here is a little photo recap from trip #1 -Great weather, stunning fish and no one else around!

HOME WATERS

Generally throughout the season we would try to find a new adventure or go for a multi day trip into the backcountry, but for the very last day of the season we decided to take it easy and fish waters not far from home. The weather man predicted few showers and cold southerlies but we were welcomed to the river with pleasant weather with absolutely no wind the whole day through. Long story short, the decision to fish streamers paid off with quite a few fish being fooled and as usual we were just happy to be out there! The regular season is over and the winter is knocking on our doors, but that does not mean that we won`t be out again soon.