World Class Fly Fishing In Canterbury, New Zealand

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 96
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Fly fishing is not a cheap sport ? high end fishermen (and women) will pay to travel the world in search of a trophy fish ? and having caught it, release it to fight another day. For these trophy fishermen, Canterbury provides fishing adventures like nowhere else in the world. Based around the South Island capital of Christchurch, Canterbury offers boundless mountain lakes, rivers and spring streams all within a few hours of an international airport and any amount of comfortable accommodation.

Visiting fisherman are generally surprised by a few differences that exist in Canterbury fishing. Firstly, the average size of the fish is generally larger than elsewhere in the world. As a result, reasonably heavy gear is required. In addition, the prevailing nor-wester''s make casting a challenge and require good technique and a decent quality rod. Finally, most fishing is done by sight, casting to a specific fish, rather than just casting and hoping!

For fisherman visiting from the other side of the world, a few extra dollars spent on an experienced local guide is generally money well spent. A guide will take you to proven ...
... spots and help make sure you have the right rig ? he can also help you with some instruction on the best way to deal with challenging local conditions. One of New Zealand''s best known fly fishing guides is Chappie Chapman, who charges approx USD500 per day.

If you would like to stay close to the fishing action, why not check out The Loft at Aldabrook offering accommodation opening directly onto a world class fishing stream. Hosted by experienced guide Dean Harrison, you can be assured of a successful fishing adventure.

For those who are happy to explore on their own, a multitude of options await. Two of the more famous Canterbury fishing rivers are located near each other, not too far from the little towns of Cheviot and Culverden (around 2 hours drive north of Christchurch). Both these rivers offer the chance of catching good sized brown trout and salmon - with some trophy sized fish available. While you are in the neighborhood you might also considering travelling on to the thermal springs of nearby Hanmer Springs or whale watching at Kaikoura, a little further to the North.

Lake fisherman might like to consider Lake Coleridge, an easy drive west of Christchurch. This is a popular lake with fisherman which means that as the season progresses, the fish will be a little spooked and wary of all but the best fly presentation. As well as rainbow and brown trout, the lake also holds a stock of land locked chinook salmon. The rugged mountain scenery might inspire you to stay longer ? accommodation is on offer, including a farm-stay on the 62,000 acre Glenthorne station, for a real taste of New Zealand high country living.

Canterbury offers great fly fishing challenges ? and remember your fishing license. Bonny Kominek wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide flights to New Zealand and other desinations.