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)

Mataura River Fly Fishing, NZ Fishing Flies, Mayflies on the Mataura, Superhero range of Flies, Fly fishing NZ Guiding packages

Michael Scheele - the NZ artist - has been busy with his great art work again. This year, three of my Deadly Fly Designs have been featured on the fly fishing NZ calendar which is awesome.. Above is my smelt bait fish fly the Barred White Deadly minnow  - click here to see

Hello,

DEATH IN THE VALLEY BY STARVING FISHERMEN !

The season has started here and early in the morning when I am at the vise, I hear and see many fisher folks cars sneaking about the back roads heading to the Mataura River that is just behind my shop and house.
These are mainly the bait fishing guys, just out for a feed and mainly of an older school of though when it comes to catch and release.
If only I could make them understand the big fish they love to kill and boast about are the gene pool for future large fish, without them the size may decrease. Guys just eat the smaller ones.

THE BRAVE IN CHRISTCHURCH CITY

So thats my wee complaint which is nothing compared to my recent visit to Christchurch - my first visit in years. The guys up there have had it tough and are still smiling despite the town being wrecked by each quakes, you guys are much braver than I will ever be.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT FROM A UNIQUE LITTLE FLY COMPANY      -     WHO CARES ABOUT YOU 

5 years from the first prototype - The Superhero range is being released, fishing will never be the same!
Click here to buy the first release - The Superhero Nymph

THE COMMANDO UV NYMPH - a real cracker of a wee design
Click here to get your hands on some of these

THE FIRST DAY OF GUIDING OF THE NEW SEASON

A nice fat brown shows its powerful tail!

The fist day of guiding for the season was fun for me and my client Mike.
Mike had one day booked with me and had some tuition from a friend. Though had only been out fly fishing 2 times in over ten years. So today he told me was as much about trying to catch a trout, but mainly for some good on the water tuition.
It was not looking too good when we started the forecast was for 130klm hour winds and some heavy rain.
There was fishermen in most of the access spots along all the rivers. After a 40 min drive, we managed top find a spot without a car parked and set off.
It was not long before we found a pool with every fish out feeding and it was like that pretty much all day.
So it was an awesome day for learning and more.
9 fish were fooled by Mike into taking the Superior Fly! From Mikes comments at the end of the day his friend Craig (a very keen fly fisherman) "Better watch out!" Pretty sure Mike will be joining him on all his fishing trips from now on and I really hope so.

Mike was happy after a day of action , another happy client  about to step into the fascinating world of fly fishing .

LEARNING NEW SKILLS

I have now spent weeks behind the lens learning, getting things ready for the new launch

MAY FLIES ON THE MATAURA RIVER - OCTOBER

The weather has been hot and cold and mayflies are hatching most afternoons and if you are lucky enough to find a trout in some shallow water or close to a bank at this time there is a high chance you may be able to take off your nymph offering and think about a small dry fly?
A local keen fisherman the other day managed two nice browns doing just this.

This little fellows mum and dad found a great way to  transport him using a Stu's Fly Shop bag. Looking at his face I do not think he feels too safe!




 STU'S FLY SHOP IS NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON

Check out my new guiding packages  and come fishing with the best - the legend Stu Tripney :)

 Thank you all for your support as it is all very much appreciated especially any orders, keep the great comments and photos coming in and please share the videos  and blog with others.
Cheers
Stu & Ela

RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL, SPONSOR STU'S SUPERIOR FLIES, GREAT FLY FISHING FILMS, SUPERIOR FLIES DISPLAY

 Stu's Superior Saltwater Durable Flies 

 SORE BACK - A TIP

Hello,
The jaws of my fly tying vise are nearly worn out again and the innovation and creation process is taking its toll mainly on my back.
So here is a tip if like me, you spend a long time at the vice or laptop: get the best seat you can and a Tempur back support, which will help you sit more upright - if you are a slouch like me.

 STU'S SEPTEMBER GUIDING AND CASTING LESSONS

The guiding and NZ Fly Fishing Schools days have already started for me and with the mild weather plenty fun has been had and improved casting skills.
It has been interesting stalking the edges of the local lake and sight casting Deadly Minnows in front of cruising trout. Some of them have come from over 15ft in the clear water to intercept the fly.
Dates are filling fast for the season so if you are interested in polishing up your skills or just a fun day on the water drop me a line.

Stu's Deadly Blood Worm

ON TOUR WITH THE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL

For the first time in the 8 years since the Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival has toured, I have at last managed with the help of Ela to be able to tour with it on the North Island and maybe some of the Southland dates. It would also have been great to tour with it in Australia, but the pennies will not stretch that far - bugger! Maybe next year.

The short fly fishing films that will be shown are: "Only The River Knows",  "Jungle Fish", "Blackwater Devil's Gold" and the big first time showing of Nick's new film Leviathan - which is also the featured film. Going along to any of the shows is a great way to support the film makers, sponsors and in general fly fishing as a whole.

PROUD SPONSOR & SUPPORTER

As a proud sponsor  of the Rise Festival I am allowed to display my flies at the shows.
So it is all go here getting ready to set up my little table with a display of my fly designs for all to see and also to hopefully meet many old and new friends. I will be sending Ela back in Athol some photos of the shows and feedback which she will post here and on the Stu's Fly Shop Facebook page.

Stu's top selling Hi - Viz Caddis

 A FEW WORDS FROM THE RISE FLY FISHING FILM FOUNDER - NICK REYGAERT

Welcome to the Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival. It is hard for me to believe that we are in our eighth consecutive year. What started life as an obscure concept has developed into one of the premier events on the fly fishing calendar.
As a pastime, fly fishing encourages isolation. Lets face it, if there were two hundred fly fishers on your local stream, you would hardly be rushing down to meet them! The festival gives us a rare opportunity to meet en masse in a social setting, exchange ideas and maybe even trade a few secret spots. To date as many as three fly fishing clubs have had their genesis after members met a Rise.

Watch the trailer

AUCKLAND - RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL - REPORT

Before knowing what was going on, I was off the plane and into the smallest cheapest rental car Ela could find (not really my choice). It is like driving a mouse on wheels after my Landcruiser.

Found my bed in the dorm of  the city backpackers with a good strong whiff of curry in the room. 

Paid for the city parking that was more than the accommodation for the night and realized I was not in Athol any more.

Found the cinema and set up my table next to the Rise Festival Stall, whilst eating a big burger called - the Bastard.

The ultimate burger?

People came streaming in to the cinema and it was great to have a quick chat with old and new customers.

There was the captain of the NZ fly fishing team, TV celebrity fishermen from the NZ TV shows and plenty keen others. It was nearly a full house.

Thank you Auckland, it was a great night!

During the film I sat down the front and it brought a great big smile to my face hearing all the gasps of disbelief and laughs of everybody as they enjoyed film after film on the big screen.

After the showing of Nicks feature film - LEVIATHAN, I could here a constant murmur in the room - that was a great movie! 

The thoughts of those attending must have been: "That's it, I am going fishing and I'm pumped".

TAUPO - RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL - REPORT

The sign said $15 bucks for the night in the car park in Auckland a bit on the steep side - though I was near to the backpackers and cinema.
Inserting my car parking ticket into the machine 5 times and it still said $60, it was not long before it was pointed out the small print on the bottom of the sign! Smart buggers!
A little bit lighter in the wallet and now even more keen to leave the big smoke the super small rental car was now on it's way to Taupo.
Taupo is another wee cool town and with a fishy feel to it and fish images all around. 
The cinema was in the center and another great location, tables were scrounged from the ever helpful staff and the Superior Flies display table was organized and also the RISE ticket & DVD sales table.

Thank you Taupo!

There was also some other great special sponsors here, as all the profits from tonight's films would be going to help Dave and his awesome gang of young recruits who are committed river-keepers of the area. It's so good to meet river warriors and the folks that do their best to assist them.

It was nearly a full house and everyone loved the films. Many I asked said the films and the quality of the films were the best they had ever seen. 

The RISE table

There were famous guides here and lodge owners and people who did not even fish - it was another great night of fish porn.

One of the talking points of tonight's films was the first part of LEVIATHAN and just where was that location and stream? Double figure monster trout exploding in a shallow water connected to 20lb tippet!!! No finesse in this stream!

Talking to fishy Steve - a guide up here - I realized that these guides up here are full time. That's all they do, they guide all year. 

It's worth if you are ever up this way to spend at least one day out on the water with one these full time guides, even if you think you know it all.

Stu's Superior Flies table

PALMERSTON NORTH - RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL - REPORT

The Palmerston North RISE show was another success - all that attended were happy that they did. A full bag of FREE prizes was given away, everybody was amazed about the quality of the films shown. 

Thank you, Palmerston North!

Stu's Superior Flies selection

Tonight the festival arrives in Wellington - the capital of New Zealand. Hope to see you all there and remember to drag (bring) your friends along :)
See you all at the Stu's Superior Flies table.
Cheers, 
Stu

WHY WE FLY FISH , CRAB FLY, DAMSEL NYMPHS, RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL

Hello,  The New Zealand fishing season is not far away and due to the mild weather more people seem to be about and hanging over bridges. Looking for that magical shape of a trout, that they are going to catch this year!
But before the season kicks in, The RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival is about to tour and be coming to a location near you in New Zealand or Australia. 
Stu's Fly Shop & Superior Flies is again proud to be sponsoring the festival - why - because we love it!
It is a great night out, not only to see the latest fishing films about to be released, but a great social event and an excuse to eat ice cream and popcorn.

Since being back it has been so busy gearing up for the new season, marketing, web stuff, photos, fly designs and building work. Seems most days I am working 16 hrs and the season is still along way off.

SWING THESE - STU'S  CADDIS PUPAE ACROSS & DOWN, LIFTING AND DROPPING THE  TIP OF THE ROD

"This fly shine's in the water which makes it irresistible to fish. Made from durable synthetic materials with a hot wire chartreuse body for some weight, covered with a synthetic tan transparent bubble body"

FLY SHOP CAP, BUFF & T-SHIRT - COMBO

TRY FISHING THESE SMALL BUT HEAVY DAMSEL FLY NYMPHS DOWN  DEEP - AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THE FISH ARE MOVING SLOW THROUGH THE WEED BEDS.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS:

G’day Stu & Ela,

I received my fly selection in the post today and a big thank you. I have never seen such quality and balance in fly patterns. How you can tie such small lies is beyond comprehension and your innovative use of synthetic materials is the best I have ever purchased or seen anywhere.

 Rest assured you will be receiving quite a few orders from me and when I get the chance I will show my fellow Trout fly fishers the selection I received.

May your eyes stay sharp and your mind in tune.

Kind regards

David Coombes 

ORIGINALLY DESIGNED FOR SALTWATER SPECIES, THIS DEADLY CRAB DESIGN IS PROVING POPULAR FOR CARP AND   IN THE PAST YEAR - FOR NZ SEA TROUT ON THE WEST COAST OF NEW ZEALAND.

IT MAY BE A MILD WINTER BUT A COLD LATE ONE MAY APPEAR SO  OUT WITH THE CHAINSAW.

  ALSO CURRENTLY DEMOLISHING THE OLD GARAGE AND LARGE SHED BESIDE THE CASTING AREA, HOPEFULLY EVENTUALLY TO BUILD ANOTHER ONE YEAR WHICH IS NOT A TOWN FIRE HAZARD.

Cheers

Stu & Ela