GENERAL:
Weather — Queenstown is in a low rainfall area (40-50 inches per year). However, we do experience periods of prolonged rain from time to time.
Fishing season — October through April, with the warmer months being January through March. Expect temperatures around 18-25° Celsius (64-77° Fahrenheit). April is a little cooler with generally calm sunny days.
TACKLE:
Fly rods — For the waters in this area, we recommend 8½ or 9 feet coupled with 5/6 weight floating fly lines. Double tapered or weight forward.
Reels — Bring along your favourite, as long as it can accommodate a minimum of 75 yards of backing.
Leaders and tippet — Long leaders are the normal; 12, 14 and sometimes 16 feet tapering to 4x or 5x with matching tippet spools in 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x.
DRY FLIES AND NYMPHS:
Bring along a selection of your favourites. We find the following to be effective:
Drys:
Nymphs:
CLOTHING:
Waders — During the warmer months of December through March, a lightweight pair will be adequate. However, we prefer and find it more comfortable to wear wading shoes and a lightweight nylon pant or shorts over polypropylene or capilene underwear bottoms. Other clothing — To be dull coloured, including your wide-brimmed hat or cap. This will further increase your catch rate.
Polarized sun glasses — To enable you to see the fish in our crystal-clear rivers and streams. They remove the glare from the water surface.
Rainwear — In the form of a top quality, hooded rain jacket.
Small back pack — For items such as snacks, sun screen etc.
CHECKLIST — WHAT TO BRING:
- Fly rods
- Fly reels
- Spare spools
- Leaders
- Selection of dry flies and nymphs
- Floatant
- Tippet
- Clippers
- Fishing vest
- Lightweight waders or wading shoes
- Polypropylene bottoms
- Shorts or nylon pants
- Rain jacket
- Sweater (warm)
- Hat or cap
- Polarized sun glasses
- Sun screen
- Day pack
- Camera
- All your best jokes
