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Randall Kaufmann releases a typical brown from Lake Otamangakau. For best survival, fish should be landed quickly, handled gently and kept in the water at all times. Do not bring them into the boat or onto shore.Randall Kaufmann releases a typical brown from Lake Otamangakau. For best survival, fish should be landed quickly, handled gently and kept in the water at all times. Do not bring them into the boat or onto shore. Fish cruising the shoreline can provide explosive action. They can be stalked on foot or from a boat but a careful stalk and presentation is usually required for success.Fish cruising the shoreline can provide explosive action. They can be stalked on foot or from a boat but a careful stalk and presentation is usually required for success. This is a typical brown trout from Lake Otamangakau on New Zealand’s North Island. This brown ate a size 8 olive Foamulator, most likely thinking it was a cicada.This is a typical brown trout from Lake Otamangakau on New Zealand’s North Island. This brown ate a size 8 olive Foamulator, most likely thinking it was a cicada. This well conditioned brown hooked exploded upon an olive Foamlator mid-day. Look for fish cruising weed beds and flooded shorelines.This well conditioned brown hooked exploded upon an olive Foamlator mid-day. Look for fish cruising weed beds and flooded shorelines. Mary Kaufmann searching for feeders on Lake Otamangakau on New Zealand’s North Island. Located about an hours drive from Taupo and 20 minutes from Turangi, Lake Otamangakau is back dropped by Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano that last erupted in 1996. Mary is fishing from a Water Strider boat, easy to transport and available to US anglers from Dave Inks at www.waterstrider.com .Mary Kaufmann searching for feeders on Lake Otamangakau on New Zealand’s North Island. Located about an hours drive from Taupo and 20 minutes from Turangi, Lake Otamangakau is back dropped by Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano that last erupted in 1996. Mary is fishing from a Water Strider boat, easy to transport and available to US anglers from Dave Inks at www.waterstrider.com . Red damsels are common throughout New Zealand. Anglers should have a few in their fly box.Red damsels are common throughout New Zealand. Anglers should have a few in their fly box. Blue damsels are less common than red. Newly hatched damsels are often drab olive in color, hence some “cripple” style adults should be on hand.Blue damsels are less common than red. Newly hatched damsels are often drab olive in color, hence some “cripple” style adults should be on hand. Lakes usually offer seclusion, a peaceful setting and oversize trout. Sometimes there is a fantastic “rise” at dark. If not, the sunsets are worth the wait.Lakes usually offer seclusion, a peaceful setting and oversize trout. Sometimes there is a fantastic “rise” at dark. If not, the sunsets are worth the wait. Mary Kaufmann at Lake Otamangakau tight to a rainbow that was cruising the flooded shoreline in search of damsel nymphs. When hooked fish run for the weeds and sometimes leader breaking pressure must be exerted to keep them in open areas.Mary Kaufmann at Lake Otamangakau tight to a rainbow that was cruising the flooded shoreline in search of damsel nymphs. When hooked fish run for the weeds and sometimes leader breaking pressure must be exerted to keep them in open areas. A beautiful, but typical rainbow from Lake Otamangakau located near Turangi, New Zealand. Note the beautiful spots on the head area and the fine condition. This rainbow was fooled with a Marabou Damsel nymph.A beautiful, but typical rainbow from Lake Otamangakau located near Turangi, New Zealand. Note the beautiful spots on the head area and the fine condition. This rainbow was fooled with a Marabou Damsel nymph. New Zealand’s Southern Alps form a formidable barrier along nearly the entire length of the South Island. From these peaks flow countless rivers, many of which offer fishing for wild brown trout that see few anglers. Pictured here is Lake Tekapo looking west to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 12,345 feet.New Zealand’s Southern Alps form a formidable barrier along nearly the entire length of the South Island. From these peaks flow countless rivers, many of which offer fishing for wild brown trout that see few anglers. Pictured here is Lake Tekapo looking west to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 12,345 feet. Looking west across both Albert Town and the town of Lake Wanaka toward the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island. This is near Mt Aspiring National Park. Notice the Clutha River exiting Lake Wanaka.Looking west across both Albert Town and the town of Lake Wanaka toward the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island. This is near Mt Aspiring National Park. Notice the Clutha River exiting Lake Wanaka. Jets boats are a popular means of access and thrills in New Zealand. We use jet boats to reach distant reaches of rivers, and set up camp along a productive stretch of water. We seldom see other anglers and the scenery is gorgeous.Jets boats are a popular means of access and thrills in New Zealand. We use jet boats to reach distant reaches of rivers, and set up camp along a productive stretch of water. We seldom see other anglers and the scenery is gorgeous. Mary at our riverside camp in Mt Aspiring National Park.Mary at our riverside camp in Mt Aspiring National Park. Randall Kaufmann spotted this rainbow sipping cicada adjacent to a steep bank in a long pool in Mt Aspiring National PARK. A Clark’s Cicada pulled the fish topside the first cast. Usually, the first cast is the best opportunity to hook such feeders. If you don’t do it right the first time chances of a second chance often decrease by 90%!Randall Kaufmann spotted this rainbow sipping cicada adjacent to a steep bank in a long pool in Mt Aspiring National PARK. A Clark’s Cicada pulled the fish topside the first cast. Usually, the first cast is the best opportunity to hook such feeders. If you don’t do it right the first time chances of a second chance often decrease by 90%! A colorful rainbow with an olive Foamluator in it’s mouth. Note the beautiful colors of the rocks in the stream, Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.A colorful rainbow with an olive Foamluator in it’s mouth. Note the beautiful colors of the rocks in the stream, Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand. Helicopters offer access to some of the world’s most beautiful trout waters in New Zealand.Helicopters offer access to some of the world’s most beautiful trout waters in New Zealand. Looking for a place to land and a campsite in the temperate rainforest of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.Looking for a place to land and a campsite in the temperate rainforest of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Mary Kaufmann fast to a rainbow at our “camp pool.” This rainbow was fooled with a size 8 orange rubber leg Stimulator along the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.Mary Kaufmann fast to a rainbow at our “camp pool.” This rainbow was fooled with a size 8 orange rubber leg Stimulator along the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Brown trout out number Rainbows in most New Zealand South Island streams. This pretty rainbow couldn’t resist the orange Stimulator hanging from its mouth.Brown trout out number Rainbows in most New Zealand South Island streams. This pretty rainbow couldn’t resist the orange Stimulator hanging from its mouth. Another pretty rainbow, this one with a golden Foamlutor in its mouth. Bright sunlight highlights the beautiful colors in the river rocks, but this does not happen too often along the west coast.Another pretty rainbow, this one with a golden Foamlutor in its mouth. Bright sunlight highlights the beautiful colors in the river rocks, but this does not happen too often along the west coast. Cicada husk…you can see why fish focus on these!Cicada husk…you can see why fish focus on these! Mary Kaufmann has this arm-long brown at her feet, then…Mary Kaufmann has this arm-long brown at her feet, then… It is within her grasp, but…It is within her grasp, but… With a sudden flip of it’s tail, it bolds away with the fly! Fortunately it was barbless and we have more.With a sudden flip of it’s tail, it bolds away with the fly! Fortunately it was barbless and we have more. Hunting steelhead-size brown trout in magical surroundings far from the road and other anglers. There isn’t a foot print in the canyon. Has anyone ever been here? South Island, New Zealand.Hunting steelhead-size brown trout in magical surroundings far from the road and other anglers. There isn’t a foot print in the canyon. Has anyone ever been here? South Island, New Zealand. Randall has this brown within arms reach too, butRandall has this brown within arms reach too, but With a sudden surge it zooms away, butWith a sudden surge it zooms away, but It is soon within grasp, and…It is soon within grasp, and… Carefully held by the tail…Carefully held by the tail… The brown poses for a quick photo. We always fish barbless hooks so fish are easy to hook and release.The brown poses for a quick photo. We always fish barbless hooks so fish are easy to hook and release. A rustic “deer camp” in the backcountry. Note the head nets. Sand flies (lots of them) often swarm about and can drive you berserk. Don’t venture into the New Zealand backcountry without repellent and a head net! We also wear gloves.A rustic “deer camp” in the backcountry. Note the head nets. Sand flies (lots of them) often swarm about and can drive you berserk. Don’t venture into the New Zealand backcountry without repellent and a head net! We also wear gloves. A typical pool flowing thru the temperate rain forest on New Zealand’s South Island as seen from the air. We sometimes we “fly the river” to get a feel for the pools and safe crossings. Anglers usually need to cross back country rivers often. Extreme caution is required.A typical pool flowing thru the temperate rain forest on New Zealand’s South Island as seen from the air. We sometimes we “fly the river” to get a feel for the pools and safe crossings. Anglers usually need to cross back country rivers often. Extreme caution is required. You can easily spot fish in these conditions but fish can and do easily spot you. They are very wary and the most subtle infraction puts them down, often for a day or more. Make the first cast count. You learn a lot quickly or you do not hook any fish.You can easily spot fish in these conditions but fish can and do easily spot you. They are very wary and the most subtle infraction puts them down, often for a day or more. Make the first cast count. You learn a lot quickly or you do not hook any fish. A stunning pool on a perfect morning!A stunning pool on a perfect morning! A voracious brown was sitting at the top end off a brush pile and appeared out of nowhere on a “blind cast”. It gobbled the Stimulator and bolted for the brush pile…A voracious brown was sitting at the top end off a brush pile and appeared out of nowhere on a “blind cast”. It gobbled the Stimulator and bolted for the brush pile… Randall pulls it away, then…Randall pulls it away, then… It bolts downstream and is in open territory.It bolts downstream and is in open territory. A perfectly conditioned, beautiful New Zealand brown trout about to head back to the safety of the brush pile.A perfectly conditioned, beautiful New Zealand brown trout about to head back to the safety of the brush pile. Note the beautiful color of the water and lush vegetation Waters in and around Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks receive 200 to over 300 inches of rain a year and may only be fishable for a few weeks (or days!) each year. Note the beautiful color of the water and lush vegetation Waters in and around Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Parks receive 200 to over 300 inches of rain a year and may only be fishable for a few weeks (or days!) each year. Off you go!Off you go! Bob brings a brilliant brown trout to the net in the tropical colored waters of New Zealand’s South Island near Fiordland National Park.Bob brings a brilliant brown trout to the net in the tropical colored waters of New Zealand’s South Island near Fiordland National Park. Brown trout don’t get much prettier than this!Brown trout don’t get much prettier than this! Backcountry rivers can be rugged and fish are often scattered and few and far between. It is usually best to fish as a team whereby one person spots and directs the fishing (and does the photography.) Don’t expect to hook large numbers of fish but expect every one to be memorable.Backcountry rivers can be rugged and fish are often scattered and few and far between. It is usually best to fish as a team whereby one person spots and directs the fishing (and does the photography.) Don’t expect to hook large numbers of fish but expect every one to be memorable. Another net-shy brown!Another net-shy brown! Notice the size of the river compared to the exposed gravel. Waters in the Southern Alps often run full from frequent storms. Many canyons are reminiscent of a green Yosemite, with steep walls rising over 3,000-feet. Waterfalls are seldom out of sight.Notice the size of the river compared to the exposed gravel. Waters in the Southern Alps often run full from frequent storms. Many canyons are reminiscent of a green Yosemite, with steep walls rising over 3,000-feet. Waterfalls are seldom out of sight. Pictured is an average brown trout from New Zealand’s Southern Alps. We like to fish big Stimulators and watch fish poke their nose into the air and close their mouth upon them. This usually happens in slow motion, so anglers must wait a couple of seconds to tighten up the line.Pictured is an average brown trout from New Zealand’s Southern Alps. We like to fish big Stimulators and watch fish poke their nose into the air and close their mouth upon them. This usually happens in slow motion, so anglers must wait a couple of seconds to tighten up the line. Fish populations are usually small and they are found in the prime locations (food and shelter.) Anglers soon learn to move past the marginal water...but it all looks so good!Fish populations are usually small and they are found in the prime locations (food and shelter.) Anglers soon learn to move past the marginal water...but it all looks so good! Whew, one of these per day is more than worth the price of admission, especially when you spot, stalk and hook them on big dry flies!Whew, one of these per day is more than worth the price of admission, especially when you spot, stalk and hook them on big dry flies! New Zealand rivers often have beautiful runs along the forest edge that are almost always in deep shade. When you do not have a spotter on the opposite bank and cannot see any targets, fish the water quickly, if you can keep your eyes off the beautiful surroundings!New Zealand rivers often have beautiful runs along the forest edge that are almost always in deep shade. When you do not have a spotter on the opposite bank and cannot see any targets, fish the water quickly, if you can keep your eyes off the beautiful surroundings! When rivers are low and clear you can see a quarter in 15 feet of water. If a fish is out and about you can easily see it. Of course, they perceive your footfalls and any shadow or surface disturbance, so approach cautiously.When rivers are low and clear you can see a quarter in 15 feet of water. If a fish is out and about you can easily see it. Of course, they perceive your footfalls and any shadow or surface disturbance, so approach cautiously. Huge pools like this can hold several fish. Randall spooked two before he got into position to cast to a third feeder. Note the waterfall in the background.Huge pools like this can hold several fish. Randall spooked two before he got into position to cast to a third feeder. Note the waterfall in the background. The third fish inhaled a Clark’s Cicada on the first cast at the very head of the pool. New Zealand brown trout may not too selective, but they can be very spooky. This water immediately in front of Randall is over fifteen feet deep!The third fish inhaled a Clark’s Cicada on the first cast at the very head of the pool. New Zealand brown trout may not too selective, but they can be very spooky. This water immediately in front of Randall is over fifteen feet deep! A net is a big advantage. Note how far Randall has positioned the rod above and behind his shoulder. Fourteen foot and longer leaders are the norm.A net is a big advantage. Note how far Randall has positioned the rod above and behind his shoulder. Fourteen foot and longer leaders are the norm. He is in the net!He is in the net! Always keep fish in the water.Always keep fish in the water. Mary takes a last look at this stunning pool before moving onto the next one.Mary takes a last look at this stunning pool before moving onto the next one. The next pool held one fish and it was feeding at the surface a short cast from shore. One look at the Stimulator and we had another beautiful brown trout. Because the water is transparent in color, depth is deceiving. This water where the fish is swimming is 10-12 feet deep!The next pool held one fish and it was feeding at the surface a short cast from shore. One look at the Stimulator and we had another beautiful brown trout. Because the water is transparent in color, depth is deceiving. This water where the fish is swimming is 10-12 feet deep! It took two of us to hook, land and photograph this brown trout!It took two of us to hook, land and photograph this brown trout! An outrageously beautiful brown trout.An outrageously beautiful brown trout. Another pool, another hook up.Another pool, another hook up. Back you go!Back you go! Mary with the net at ready.Mary with the net at ready. Safely in the net, lets remove the fly, take a quick photo and savor the surroundings!Safely in the net, lets remove the fly, take a quick photo and savor the surroundings! New Zealand brown trout in the waters we fish on the South Island commonly run 4 to 6, maybe 7 pounds or so. Each is a rare treasure.New Zealand brown trout in the waters we fish on the South Island commonly run 4 to 6, maybe 7 pounds or so. Each is a rare treasure. When handled gently and kept in the water fish seldom struggle.When handled gently and kept in the water fish seldom struggle. Rivers are often best crossed at the tail-out. Walk upstream and look for fish. If none are spotted, make a few casts in the choice spots at the head of the run. Sometimes an explosive take jolts you back from contemplating the idyllic setting…and you usually miss it! No worries, mate…lets check-out the next one!Rivers are often best crossed at the tail-out. Walk upstream and look for fish. If none are spotted, make a few casts in the choice spots at the head of the run. Sometimes an explosive take jolts you back from contemplating the idyllic setting…and you usually miss it! No worries, mate…lets check-out the next one! Another beautiful brown trout hangout. We carry lunch, camera, rain and assorted gear for the days fishing in a backpack. Don’t forget the sunscreen, repellent, head net, gloves and head-lamp in case the fishing distracts you from the sunset.Another beautiful brown trout hangout. We carry lunch, camera, rain and assorted gear for the days fishing in a backpack. Don’t forget the sunscreen, repellent, head net, gloves and head-lamp in case the fishing distracts you from the sunset. Thanks for the wonderful day, the awesome scenery and a safe return to camp. We look forward to the southern cross in a starry sky and to the peaceful night sounds of New Zealand’s fabulous backcountry.Thanks for the wonderful day, the awesome scenery and a safe return to camp. We look forward to the southern cross in a starry sky and to the peaceful night sounds of New Zealand’s fabulous backcountry.


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