Incredible scenery and large fish…that is Queenstown. Set in the high country of the South Island, Queenstown sits in the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Surrounded by the Mountains of Coronet Peak, The Cardrona Ranges, The Remarkables and Walter Peak the scenery is simply stunning. But for the Fly fisher the best thing about this spectacular landscape is what lies within the many rivers and lakes of the region. Trout! And many of them… big and wily! And whilst you are indulging your passion the area has a multitude of activities for the non fishing partner.
With over 19 rivers and lakes in the surrounding countryside the variety of fishing experiences is unparalleled. From stalking Brown trout along back country streams to casting into the shallows of picturesque lakes for large Rainbow’s to catching the evening rise to the back drop of a magical sunset.
The season runs from October to May approximately and the type of fishing varies during that period. Nymphing is popular in the early season during the snow melt. The water is colder and runs faster but the fish are hungry and less likely to spook in this early season. As the weather and water warms up during December to February more attention turns to dry fly fishing. The sun sets are later providing great opportunities in the evening rise. March and April provide great opportunity for landing some great trout as there are fewer anglers about.
Accommodation
Staying at Millbrook Resort your guide will pick you up each fishing day. This property features an 18 hole championship golf course and a world class spa facility. It sits on the edge of the historic township of Arrowtown with its multitude of arts and crafts shops and picturesque river scenery. A short drive up the road is the resort town of Queenstown which has a plethora of dining, shopping, nightlife and other holiday activities. Surrounding this all is the incredible mountain scenery that Queenstown is known for.
There is a choice of Accommodation depending on your circumstances. The Village Inn which is built to simulate an old English village complete with village greens and babbling brook has a range of en-suited studio rooms.
The Village suites overlook the golf course and spectacular mountain scenery. They have king size beds and separate lounge and/or dining kitchen areas. There are one, two and three bedroom suites making it ideal for groups.
The resort has four bars and restaurants ranging from intimate dining to relaxing bistro style. All have the warmth, ambience and commanding views that have become this resort’s signature.
Guides and boats
Our guides are chosen as they are Queenstown residents who have many, many years of guiding experience between them. Be it 4WDing into the back country wilderness and stalking browns in remote mountain streams, chasing Rainbows and Salmon in the local lakes or dry fly fishing in the lower rivers and barns, they will put you on the fish.
They are very passionate about their craft and will likely become good friends.
Equipment
Bring along your favorite gear which should include 9ft 6-8 weight rods with 6 weight floating weight forward lines and 75 meters of backing. Long leaders between 12 and 16 feet with tapered tippets. Flies should include Royal Wolf, Adams, Humpy reds and greens dry flies and, Cicada’s, Pheasant tail and Gold ribbed hares nymphs seem to go well in this area. Waders are used early and late in the season with wet wading in nylon shorts and polypropylene unders in the warmer months from December to March. Hats, light rainwear, polarized sunglasses and a back pack is always advisable. Don’t forget the camera!!
Other activities
Well, where do we start? This is Queenstown after all! This holiday is designed to cater for both the avid fly fisher and the non fishing partner.
- Golf
- Health spa’s
- Shopping
- Dining out
- History
- 4WD tours
- Rafting and jet boats
- Walking and tramping
- Soak up the incredible scenery
Just to name a few!
Getting there
Transfers from Queenstown airport to the resort can be arranged. The guides will pick up and drop off the fishers each day. Scheduled transfers run from the resort to Queenstown and Arrowtown throughout the day. Qantas flies between Sydney and Queenstown every Saturday