UppaCreek Ltd.

March has been a slightly more difficult month as per usual. With the combination of angler pressure throughout the season, and the still low and extremely clear water levels the trout are as wary as they get.

We are using 18′ leaders with @ size 18 nymphs some with gold bead some without. One cast is usually all you get to the fish that are sight fished with the occasional lucky 2nd or 3rd cast that is successful.

Two sets of clients that could both fish reasonably well, were bought back down to earth with a thump with one lot landing probably 6 fish in 6 days and the other two only landing 2 fish in 6 days, although they were presented with a few more shots than that, but due to the spooky fish and the need to throw extremely long leaders they found it tough. (as did the guide).

The raft fishing trip was definitely the highlight of the month with a couple of keen and enthusiastic American boys, who although landed no fish in the 3 days with only 3 or 4 fish actually eating the fly out of @ 40 spotted, had a lot of fun rafting the sometimes grade 2 and 3 rapids and camping out true NZ style cooking and eating on the open fire.

So good luck to everyone for the month of April and lets hope that the fish start to mellow and still take flies even though they will have other things on their mind!

Aaron (crikey) Ford