New Zealand must be on the list of dream destinations for any trout angler. Mat Mchugh takes us there with some stunning photography.
New Zealand is no big secret. It has been written about countless times. The superlatives are endless, the photos of big fish endless, in my opinion it is without doubt the best place in the world to fly fish for wild brown trout. That's not to say it is easy or all the trout are of gigantuous proportions because it's not and they aren't but it is special to me for reasons that strike at my core: the remoteness, the people and the challenge. Here is a collection of my favourite images of my times in New Zealand.
This is what I love about New Zealand. Remote, wide open valleys, the spring creeks and rivlets that are the beginnings of many a famous river. These are countless. Some hold trout, others don't but there is only one way to find out.
Tussock, tussock everywhere. I love tussock grass as it generally means I am somewhere special. It also means hours spent cursing the stuff on a long hike into river or lake.
Wide open high country is perhaps my favourite. In the high country sun is paramount. With low banks and no trees you are wasting your time without the sun. But when the sun is out, Heaven on a stick.
It's all about the sight fishing. This sums up NZ for me. Gin clear water, stealthy approach. Finding the fish is the BIG challenge in New Zealand. This image probably makes it look all too easy. I mean how could anyone not see those, but in general spotting fish in New Zealand is difficult but this skill is essential for success.
Once you have found them it is all about presentation. Mid summer with a big dry fly is what it's all about.
Watching a fish rise from the depths. The ultra slow rise, will he..... won't he..... The anticipation is almost too much to bear and results in most anglers being too early on the strike.
When it all comes together the result is explosive. The angler had spent an hour stalking this fish on a shallow lake edge that was picking off bugs trapped in the surface film. Eventually the right shot came along and this was the frantic first few moments of hookup.
There is a heron within. Hunting instincts come to the fore. Careful approach is essential when dealing with wild brown trout in crystal clear water.
The chase downstream. Light tippets and big fish mean you can't just hold on. When they decide to go you go with them.
The result. NZ brown trout are invariably beautifully marked, in keeping with their surroundings.
While NZ brown trout are the primary quarry, rainbow trout inhabit many of the same mountainous streams and behave in an equally challenging manner.
Mat Mchugh is a passionate fly angler, photographer and operates Fly Odyssey offering fly fishing adventures around the world.