On the Water

Sight fishing to a large rainbow trout is one of the most exciting forms of fly fishing. In a country with an abundant natural resource of gin clear rivers and streams, there are ample opportunities to get off the beaten track and present small flies to big trout.

New Zealand, more than any other country in the world, offers the challenge to; spot, stalk and sight fish to big, wild, browns and rainbows in crystal clear water.

When fly fishing for trout in New Zealand, local knowledge is everything, Dream Streams have the experience and the knowledge to find you those big fish - after that it is all up to you!

Although Dream Streams is based at Roanoke Lodge, and much of our fishing conducted from the lodge, our aim is to provide total flexibility for our guests; so we can easily change our plans at a day's notice. To do this we often stay in alternative accommodation away from Roanoke for a few nights to allow our guests to really sample a cross section of the rivers and streams of the North Island. Presently our anglers fish approximately 35 rivers and streams, and 4 lakes in the course of a season! Accommodation while away fishing varies from farm stays, private accommodation, small lodges, bush huts and comfortable wilderness camps. While Ross and Mark's cooking is not in the same league as Christine's, we can guarantee hearty home cooked meals in our home stays and hunting lodges, and great outdoor meals cooked over an open fire in our bush camps.

Dream Stream Safaris are limited to one or two anglers per guide; the duration being entirely up to you. We will design itineraries incorporating helicopter fishing if required and will share our knowledge of New Zealand to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime and where you can experience the peaceful tranquillity of gin clear streams in unspoiled virgin forest areas. We fish new water every day.

This is quality fishing rather than quantity where trophy browns and rainbows up to 10lbs and larger are a very real possibility.

Flying to remote fishing areas by helicopter is a popular option. Helicopter fly-outs to headwaters in the mountains are readily available and are a unique experience, allowing you to fish areas that see few other fishermen. Visiting anglers should budget for such a memorable treat; these remote rivers are simply superb; incredible scenery and the classic spotting and stalking experience. Of course the opportunity of fooling a 'Double Digit' fish is always a possibility.

We use Hughes 500 and Jet Ranger machines, flown by very experienced mountain pilots with thousands of hours flying time. Helicopter fishing is only available during the summer season (Nov-Apr). Most of our angling clients opt for at least one helicopter trip during their stay and it is always the highlight of the trip.

Flies
Most popular English or US dry fly patterns work well in New Zealand. In Sizes 10-16, Humpy, green, black & yellow, Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Stimulator, Parachute Adams.
Nymphs need to be well weighted, hairy and preferably dark in colour. Pheasant Tail 10-18, Stoneflies 10-14, Half Back 10-16, assorted beadheads 10-16.
Streamers (for winter fishing), in sizes 4-10. Woolly bugger, olive and brown, Rabbit, Parson's Glory and Hamills Killer.

Flies are supplied with compliments, but we're more than happy to try out any 'prototype' flies you have!

Clothing
Dull coloured clothing essential, with same coloured wide brimmed hat or baseball cap.
Good quality weatherproof rain jacket(Goretex or similar), and fleece.
Good quality amber or brown polaroid sunglasses are a must for spotting fish.
We always carry sun block and insect repellant.

Do bring your camera if you want your friends to believe your fishing stories and don't bring your landing net as it will be too small for our trout!

Mid Summer (January & February)
Expect temperatures of 18-31c, (65-90f). The most popular time for visiting anglers - settled, hot weather usually with little wind. Cicada hatches in late January and February makes for spectacular fishing. Fishing can be challenging with careful stalking and presentation required