Craig Smith of Hatch Fly Fishing will take you fly fishing for trout in the many picturesque rivers, streams and lakes of the Wanaka , Hawea and South Westland regions, including in and around Mount Aspiring National Park. M18753 holds a New Zealand Department of Conservation concession to operate in the Wanaka backcountry. This concession is only held by a handful of South Island fishing guides due to the very strict safety and environmental conditions required.

Craig is also a NZPGFA registered guide. The number of clients returning year after year (sometimes for 2 separate weeks!) speaks volumes about the Hatch Fly Fishing operation. Most clients tend to come for a week, and fish 5 days, which gives us a wee bit of flexibility with the weather. Many do day trips and are town based, while some opt to spend a night or two out in the wilderness (in total comfort!) to really “get away from it all”.

Craig's favorite areas hold wild brown and rainbow trout (there is no fish stocking in this area) in clear cold water. Trout are sight fished wherever possible, with dry fly preferred depending on the season. Access is by 4WD, boat or helicopter (extra charges apply for helicopter and some boat access trips).

All equipment can be provided if necessary, including Gore Tex waders, boots and quality rods etc. as well as camping gear required for overnight backcountry trips. This works well if you don't want to lug bags of fishing gear through airports and have to cope with the hassle of quarantine cleaning into NZ and back to your home country. Accommodation can be organised along with airport transfers at no extra charge. Day trips, camp outs and wilderness fishing are all on offer.

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