NZ FLY FISHING JUST GOT BETTER, The best fishing flies in the world, NZ trout flies, Stu's Fly Shop

It has been a wee while since I had a chance to update the blog. So I am sorry about that to anyone who has been waiting for the normal blog updates. I am alive and well and a passionate about my work as ever. Thought I better let you know that my work load with my Facebook, Stu's newsletters and new super cool web site has kept me flat out when in the office after guiding. I really appreciate your interest or business. So sign up to my NEW newsletter for all the free stuff. Like my NEW Facebook page and have a look at my NEW website please. You can upload your fish photos of the big or small ones you have caught on one of my designs as I have a new grip and grin gallery on the new site. As well you can submit reviews of flies which you have caught fish with - to interact with other keen fishermen and women.

My last client of the 2014 season, very happy with this nice brown.

A new creation starts to become alive in the vise.

The coolest, cutest fishing shop in the world!

My adopted chicken from a second hand shop in Livingston, Montana.

The coolest trout sticker you can gets your hands on - so best you get on the new web site and check them out or put in a large order and get a free one or two?

NZ FLY FISHING, NEW ZEALAND FISHING FLIES, CICADAS, LARGE RAINBOW & BROWN TROUT, AWESOME CLIENT FEEDBACK

Stu,
I was recently in Athol, specifically to visit your shop and buy some flies. What a little ripper of a shop! Anyway I used your Blowfly on a little stream up near Twizel a week or so later to great effect. I managed 22 rainbows one day, all on the same fly! Its a bit tattered now but she’s still good for a few more yet (see below). Your flies are not only “Superior” their bloody durable!
Cheers…….AC
P.S Your Cicada pattern is starting to come into its own now…The Browns are chewen’ em’ down up Reefton way!!!

22 fish later… the poor thing looks knackered !

Blowy eater.

Easy to see.

Cicada muncher.

and another……………….Why don’t ya’ stock the Reefton shop?

Gidday Stu,

Hay just an quick email to say thanks again I just recently brought some flies and bits from you and would like to share the love.

Mate, I just used your Deadly Cicada, fluro post size 6 with a size 14 Hot Rod H & C trailer and here's the results.

They work a treat in Wellington's back country waters

Will be back for more fly's keep living the dream mate thanks again and tight lines.  

Cheers,

Jason McMahon 

YOU CAN HELP SECURE THE FUTURE OF STU'S FLY SHOP AND IT DOES NOT COST A PENNY

Thank you all for your great photos & feedback, please keep them all coming - it's awesome to receive photos & feedback.

Please take a few minutes to share your experience online and write a review on Tripadvisor if you have visited the world famous wee fishing shop or have used any of my services throughout the past years (fly tying, guiding, casting lessons, NZ Fly Fishing School, etc.)

All your reviews will help the shop survive into the future. Please click here to write a wee review or a big one :)

Cheers, 
Stu

New Zealand Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing Journal, American Angler magazine, Willow Grubs, Deadly Spent Spinners, Deadly Ants, Guided Fly Fishing NZ

Taken last year by pro-sports photographer Jay Beyer in the USA as I released a large carp. He must have sold it to this magazine for their back cover - good on him, great work.

Another Banana eating trout gets fooled and takes flight.

NEW MAGAZINE

Being a complete geek, I can't resist a good magazine. One that I found this year in the USA was the Fly Fishing Journal - a quality magazine with some great photography and even better - well written articles. It has a much different approach than other magazines and not at all scared to step over the line. It was so good I just bought a subscription for myself. Only four issues a year and I am waiting on the next one! So if you are a geek like me, I can only recommend getting your paws on this magazine.

One of 6 fish taken on the Banana today.

The NZ Indian Sumer 

Has arrived at last and looks like it will go through to April. Although it has been very warm with no wind, the odd day it has changed and temp has dropped and I have been well wrapped up when out guiding. When this happens, the fishing just drops off very quickly and the guiding becomes a challenge even more so. Though the fishing bounces back the following day when the heat returns and the fish and insects return to the surface.

Two good friends from Germany I was guiding having fun in the  Indian summer we are having.

1080 POISON

Is used all over clean green NZ - to kill all mammals. Every land mammal we have has been introduced and need to be controlled. They do it with poison and spend millions each year doing plane and helicopter drops of it in the mountains, forests and valleys.

This year there is a move to drop even more to try  and help stop a huge mouse and rat plague forecast for next year. Even if more 1080 drops are made there will no doubt be trout eating mice and getting very fat next year. So get your mouse flies ready.

Just back after 5 days backcountry campout and road trip with some clients, I managed to  bend a few bits on the Landcruiser when 4x4 driving to a remote river.

Rather than have to fix the bits, I decided that if I go on these rough 4x4 tracks again, all the bits need to come off. So out come the tools and off come the bumper, guards and foot rails. Bring on the backcountry - now it is a real 4x4 work vehicle.

Some advanced tuition for my client from Australia who was a hero at an accident. The next day he and a friend  on the way to fish the Mataura River were first at a crash scene where a tourist van went off a bridge. They rescued most of the people and tried in vain to rescue the trapped driver who was trapped in the van under the water but sadly he died.

They were a little shook up after the experience and had to retreat to the local cafe to calm down but still managed to carry on and do some fishing later in the day. It goes to show it is always good to know your first aid and if your are on country roads do not speed as the police reckon this was the cause of the fateful accident. 

Jim my client casts to a large brown trout high on the surface focused only on eating willow grubs. The fish is just in the shade of the willow, you will see.

The water is so clear  and light tippet is need most of the time to fool wary fish. Paul fights his first Mataura brown.

In January the rain came down most days sometimes very heavy and hard. The NZ Fly Fishing Schools still went ahead, sometimes with clients under the verandah snuggled up under blankets with hot drinks while I did some demonstrating.

You can easily tell who has joined the grub club when you see the wee Banana Fly in their hat

Another very happy member of the Grub club

A not so happy member of the Grub Club :) Normally the larger fish  stay deeper but this one was on grubs high in the surface.

Some new funky caps

Here is something different to watch to amuse you. This guy has some amazing skills.

Some cool caps for the girls and boys. CLICK HERE

A VERY LARGE

NZ brown caught on one of the news range of KILLER bait fish flies. Which come in  some wicked colors all UV and glow in the dark. Check them out here

BOOKINGS  

Basically since November I have been booked out each day with tuition and guiding and it's been all go but so much fun. I still have some dates available in March April and May - so if you are thinking of some guided fly fishing, casting lessons or NZ Fly FishingSchool, just give me a call or send an email and I will do my best to fit you in. 

APRIL 

Is a great time for mayfly hatches in Southland which is something to remember if you like small dry fly fishing.

NEXT NOVEMBER 2014 

Is nearly booked out already so if you are thinking of next season get in quick so that you are not disappointed. 

Pin stripe Flexfit caps for the gents - you can easily wear these with a suit

The coolest fly shop t-shirts and hoodies in the WORLD! In the best colors. CLICK  HERE

THE BEST fly and indicator floatant you will use. Also now in the Superior range is SHEEP DIP & FAIRY DUST CLICK HERE To find out more about these new products. 

Thank you all for supporting the wee shop that actually cares about fly fishing and you.
Cheers,
Stu, Ela & Milo.

Fiordland Fly Fishing, NZ Guided Fly Fishing Trips, NZ Fly Fishing School, New Superior Fishing Flies, King Of Fly NZ rods

KING FLY NZ- THE KIWI FLY ROD SET

Hello,
I hope you have all been having fun out there.
Yes - it has been a while, though the Facebook page is updated daily (thanx to Ela) and the monthly newsletter has been sent out on time. The usually updated blog has been delayed due to heaps of work and some new web site work.
So I thought I best get up early and try to make you smile.

The leaves are full of the little homes of the willow grubs

THE RIVER AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

The season has been so far pretty awesome and some great days out my clients have been having. Although the weather so far through January looks like being the worst we have ever had. Every other day the sun pops out and its warm, that is short lived and the rain has fallen nearly every day.
Rivers have been clear for a day then high and dirty the next. 
The good thing though I have managed to find clear water and feeding fish for my clients. Despite the conditions, I am longing for clear water and rising fish though.
Reading the front page of the local paper yesterday, the weather gurus are saying that it may rain on and off every day for the next 10 days and then summer will kick in big time. So expect to wait until Feb March for a short hot summer and terrestrial dry fly action on mass.

Helicopters and Fly Fishing & very happy clients

THE WEE SHOP

The shop as usual has just picked up in January with plenty old faces returning with stories of the one that got away and new places discovered and kept secret.
For me I love to hear all these stories and especially when it's other species of fish that have been getting chased in some far corner of the earth.

One of the most passionate ladies have ever guided gets stuck into another large trout

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

In 2013 I booked our South Island trip. I knew I wanted to do some trout fishing and as a Wellingtonian I was really looking forward to something different from what I have done in the last several years.

Ela met me at the shop first. The shop is like your best dream. If you can imagine a little building sitting beside the highway at Athol. This is the first time that the old saying - A kid in a candy store - was a reality. Awesome!

Stu said hello and we hit the river. We found fish feeding on the surface and also gathering in what seemed like a fish farm to me. The most wild trout I have ever seen in at one time. We used one of Stu’s banana flies. A little yellow willow grub. BANG!

This happened three times for me. Two landed and released, one pinging off after a a lively leap from the beautiful green of the river.

Stu was easy to get on with and shared a truckload of information that he has built up over a long time. I was the SPONGE that day. Loved hearing about the insect life cycle and how it works for the trout. Stu was ever the good guy fixing the special birds nest I managed to create with one cast and removing the fly from my jacket at one stage. He tied new flies on for me faster than my dog can chase a ball.

We had wets on one fish, dry flies the next. Then back and all the time Stu expanded on WHY.
Stu’s sense of humour was great too. It’s not often I met someone that can handle and enjoy my sort of humour.

All up - this would be the BEST guided trip I have ever done.

THINGS THAT FALL INTO THE WATER

The leaves of the willow trees are full of the homes of willow grubs and they will soon fall like rain drops. Buried in the wet tussock grass waiting on the warmth of the sun with folded wings are millions of cicadas. So we are not the only ones waiting on the heat of the sun - bring on summer!

King Fly NZ rod, reel, line, bag & tube set

KING OF FLY NZ - THE KIWI FLY ROD & REEL SET

The response to quality and the value of these sets has caught me out and we ran out of stock of them at the end of December. Luckily another shipment arrived and they are back in stock.
So if you or a friend are looking for a great fly fishing set up for a good price - check them out.
They come with a spare tip section as well and we have spare other sections if you every need your one fixed after crushing it in the car door or something.

This could be you in the backcountry of NZ

WHAT ROD TO BRING TO NZ?

If you are going to bring one to the South Island or buy one it would be best to look at a 9ft 6wgt, then your next rod a 5 wgt, then a 4 wgt.
The 6wgt rod will have enough guts in it for casting the larger size flies, heavy mayfly bombs and help you cast into the wind.
5wgt rods are great for medium sized flies, lighter nymphs and less wind.
4wgt rods are so much fun to use here especially with the short casts we do in summer with willow grub flies and very small nymphs on clear calm days. 

NEW SUPERIOR FLY DESIGNS

Gradually they are appearing and it always makes me smile when sometimes after years of tweeking in my studio the final result is released.

One of the new fly designs that are catching fish everywhere.
The UV Nut Job 

FREE NEW SUPERIOR FLY CATALOGUE & POSTER

You will now be pleased to know that providing you placing an order or ask us we can send you or your club a pretty cool neat Superior flies catalogue that you can leave in the car, office or pin to the wall.

THANX

Thank you all for sending your photos through and comments on my Superior flies and services. It is very much appreciated, please keep them coming as it helps miserable man like me smile :)

Mother and daughter having fun and learning at NZ Fly Fishing School

NZ FLY FISHING SCHOOL

More and more work has been going on with this side of the business and everybody that has been attending the days have been more than happy. Many returning clients and bookings for future dates.
More specialized equipment has been sourced to develop the NZ Fly Fishing School and make them even more enjoyable.

CASTING LESSONS 

Helping people enjoy the sport even more and becoming more efficient with their equipment makes me go to bed at night with a smile on my face. 

Nice colors

GUIDED FLY FISHING

A few dates are left for this season and already next November is nearly full. So book early if you are thinking of coming.

More nice colors

Fiordland Fly Fishing NZ Backcountry Package

Have you ever wanted to go exploring backcountry rivers? The rivers in beech forests of Fiordland might just be what you are looking for - gin clear water and trout can see your fly from meters away!
We can camp out or use backcountry huts.

Yes, there are rivers like this

A range of packages are available and can be tailored around your timeframe and needs.
Water taxis, planes and helicopters for transport can all be arranged. Contact Stu or Ela today

A huge trout gets released by another happy client

Cheers,
Stu 

Fly Designs, NZ Rainbow Trout Rivers, NZ Fly Tying, NZ Fly Fishing, NZ Fly Fishing School, Fly Casting Lessons

After walking up a few rivers when they were clear checking out the rainbow population,  I managed to get this good shot.

RAINBOW RIVERS

It is nearly the 1st of November when all the rivers that flow into lakes open. This is the time when there is plenty of rainbow trout around - providing the rivers run clear after all the rain. Some good fun sport should be had.
A wee size 16 Deadly Bloodworm under a dry fly or an indicator usually gets their attention and mouth open. After doing my usual checks on a few rivers they are looking pretty much as they always do at this time of year and with plenty of pre-spawning rainbow in them.

A BIT OF CRAP WEATHER

Yes, in the past few weeks we have had all types of weather thrown at us, but it is only weather I suppose and there is nothing we can do about it. It is kind of good us humans are not controlling it, just like fishing we can't force the fish to open its mouth and be fooled.

Yes, this was taken just after lunch last week.

A BIT OF GOOD WEATHER

This was also taken last week

BACK AT THE VISE - WITH A VISION 

When I can get a chance, I am on the vise working away perfecting some designs.
I just finished one design that originally started in Tasmania (Australia) some 17 years ago. Things like this make myself and my customers realize the time and work that go into my designs.

THE FACT - BUY THE FLIES YOU CAN TRUST

Nearly every other company just copies every fly design from computers and gets them made and sent out - sometimes with a different name and a new tail. They do not care. I do care about my customers and what they are tying on, the design and the hook.
I want my customers to catch fish, have a durable fly for basically the same price as a poor quality fly on a cheap brand hook sold in most shops through NZ, Australia and the rest of the world. And I want my customers to come back and buy with confidence.
Now that  I have gone wholesale with my designs, you can now ask at your local fishing shop for Superior flies and trust it. At last you as the customer have NOW the choice - never trust what people tell you about flies they are selling, look for the Superior fly brand (black and gold label) and fish with confidence.

This week I received another new materials order for my own personal use. Oh what fun I will be having. 


THE NEW BATTLE SHIP

Here it is the new access boat all kitted out and ready to go. Not only will I be using this myself, it will be available for renting out. Just drop me a email if you wish to rent it for yourself or if you are a guide with your clients. We also have mountain bikes, waders, rods, reels etc. for rental as well.

All kitted out for the new season for my multi-day road trips with my clients

Fly casting lesson in the sun (lucky weather day) - it is such a good feeling helping others perfect their casting and fishing. Check out my NZ Fly Fishing Schools


JUST ONE CLIENT FEEDBACK

Please keep the photos and feedback coming it is all very much appreciated.

"I have driven 6 hours from Christchurch on Friday night to fish a Southland stream which runs through my mates farm. Up at 6 am Saturday morning I walked upstream from the road bridge. I spotted 14 fish and cast to at least 8 of them with flat out refusals every time. At 1 o'clock I needed some inspiration (read retail therapy) so packed the gear into the car and headed for Athol and Stu's Fly Shop. 

When I arrived, Ela was surprised to hear I was having difficulty hooking up. But when I told her what flies I was using she explained that it might be too early in the year to be fishing them (they worked for me at the end of last season but its now spring time....Duuuhhh me!). Ela took me through half a dozen different patterns which Stu and the other customers had been reporting success on. I purchased a couple of each and headed back to the river.

Fishing the same river with the same leader same everything... the only difference being the fly on the end... I cast to 7 fish, hooked 4 landed three one of which was on a dry (Stu's grey Parachute Mayfly size 14, others on Stu's grey Deadly Nymph size 14)... A fish on a dry in the second week of October!..Magic!

Actually not magic just some really good help some really good fly patterns and some of the Stu's and Ela's inspiration that I get every time I go into the shop! Thanks again Ela.

I have attached the photo's as promised on Saturday. Sorry about the quality, I was on my own so had noone to take pictures... 

Thanks again Ela I will definitely be spreading the good word.

A very happy Irishman,

Graeme Reid"

Have a great season everybody and keep supporting the little shop with more passion than a man in bed with two Swedish models.

Cheers,
Stu ,Ela & Milo (aka FANG)