You will enjoy spectacular mountain views on your 4WD safari into the Back Country, as we fish for the famous South Island Brown Trout in gin-clear spring creeks, freestone streams, magnificent lakes and snow fed rivers in the shadow of the mighty Southern Alps.

Experience the thrill as you sight fish and stalk the big South island Brown Trout, a true test at your skill to present the perfect dry fly, nymph or streamer to the wily fish. World renowned for their huge size, these lively, well-conditioned resident browns run about 3-4 lbs (2kgs) on average but it is far from uncommon for clients to land fish well into the double figures.

Brown Trout were first introduced from Tasmania into New Zealand waters in 1867. They are the predominant trout species and are widely distributed throughout the South Island.

Sea-run browns tend to be silvery in colour. River-fish are a yellowish-green with dark brown and reddish spots, while lake-fish have a creamish-yellow body and speckled appearance. However, fish colours
Can differ markedly from stream to stream and even within the same stretch of water depending on the environment. Given the ability to adopt camouflaging colours, anglers generally walk past more of the wily browns than they see.

Most streams and rivers in the South Island are not artificially stocked with trout. These are all wild fish, and in the Back Country waters, there are not high numbers of browns. However, because there is limited competition for the available food, Brown Trout often grow to incredible sizes. They can be very spooky, and as many inhabit crystal clear spring feed waters, stealth when stalking the fish and presenting your fly is paramount.

Distinguishing features include

• Square or slightly forked tail.
• Blue halo around spots, especially on gill covers.
• Mouth not black inside.
• Relatively short and deep anal fin.
• Tail not densely spotted.