Fly fishing for New Zealand's trout often requires skills and and techniques unfamiliar to many trout fishermen. It is sight fishing at its best. Anglers who have fished the flats of Ascension Bay, Belize, and the Bahamas will more quickly adapt. Because most New Zealand trout are taken while quietly stalking heron-like along the river's edge, visually searching water as clear as crystal for any tell-tale hint of a trout. As in the Caribbean, anglers rely heavily on the well trained eyes and experience of their professional guide. The top New Zealand guides know the very best waters and the stretches which hold fish best. They also have the 4 wheel drive equipment required, and know the wilderness trails to get there. They have incredible eyes, disciplined from years of spotting fish. Once the trout is spotted, they understand the approach necessary to gain the best position for the cast, changing flies quickly, if need be to best match the hatch.
Accuracy in casting is essential. Anglers should tone up their skills prior to coming to New Zealand. The best method is to take 4 plates out on the lawn and place them so that the angler is 40 feet away from each plate, one placed up wind, another down, and the other two on either side cross wind. Practice casting so that your fly lands in the plate each cast. You will soon begin compensating for the wind, element rifle shooters call "windage".
In New Zealand you will carefully stalk, mostly from the bank, though sometimes while wading, the guide searching. They trout may show as a head on a light rock, perhaps a movement or flash, maybe a shadow out of place or a color variation or the dark line of a tail. Spotting takes a practiced eye. Polaroid sun glasses are an absolute must for every angler.
The advantage of clear water makes this spotting possible, but it is also a major handicap. Get rid of light colored vests and red shirts and white hats. Don't dare show up with a fluorescent yellow or orange fly line. Light and bright should be replaced with dull and unobtrusive. Wear a wide brimmed green or brown hat and vest, and use only dull colored brown, green or gray lines.
Careful wadeing is another key to success. By moving in behind or slightly to the side of the spotted trout, then taking care not to make unnecessary noise or movement, it is possible to get within forty feet of most of them. Trout which at first seem unapproachable , are actually suckers for a good first presentation if the fly is dropped on the first cast ahead and in current line with the fish. That's why the aforementioned practice is essential.
Fly fishermen soon become addicted to New Zealand style trout stalking, and fall quickly under the spell of this beautiful land. Upon returning home they can only count the days until they return. It is indeed a most exhilarating and challenging sport.