Summer Back Country Fishing (November to April) Shamus safely introduces you to the magical world of backcountry fly fishing. You'll fish among majestic volcanic and rural landscapes on premier New Zealand fly fishing rivers and streams. Backcountry adventures provide challenging and satisfying stalking and sight fishing for wild trout in pristine clear water among stunning scenery. Back Country Notes We release all backcountry fish (your photos give lifetime memories) Tuition is recommended before heli-fishing for spooky headwater trout Bring heaps of enthusiasm and moderate fitness (we supply the adrenaline)

Back Country - Large River 1: A trophy fishery. A large crystal clear river running through a high mountain gorge and rural farmland. Sight or blind dry fly or nymph fishing. Hot windy summers provide fast dry fly action. Long walks with wading and river crossings. Moderate casts to rainbow trout and brown trout 3-5 lbs average (some 8 lbs). Juvenile trout are fun for first-timers. Headwater helicopter fishing available for experienced anglers.

Back Country - Large River 2 The ultimate challenge. A big, swift, crystal-clear mountain river surrounded by native bush. Large boulders provide cover for very fit, wild, 3-6lb rainbows and browns. Wading and river crossings. Medium to long casts using dry fly or nymph. Warning! These rainbows are hard to land and 'long distance releases' leave you shaking.

Back Country - Large River 3 Another large mountain river flowing sedately through rural landscapes. Full of juvenile rainbows and browns of 1½ to 3 lbs. Dry fly and nymph fishing. Middle reaches require walking with wading. Headwaters flow through pristine native forest and anglers fish all day to birdsong. Headwaters require wading and river crossings but experienced anglers enjoy wonderful scenery and fishing.

Back Country - Medium River 1 Shamus's favourite river and a New Zealand delight for anglers, photographers and birdwatchers. Running through a rocky gorge this small-medium size river is a real gem. Short casts make it popular with beginners learning to fly fish (perfect for non-fishing partners). In hot summers the surrounding native bush provides windfall insects for numerous feeding trout. Dry fly or blind nymph fishing catches 1-3 ½ lbs rainbow and brown trout (some 7-9 lbs surprises).

Backcountry Small Streams
These small streams provide great fishing in their own right or an ideal days 'wind-down' after multi-day large river adventures.

Back Country - Small Stream 1 A small stream angler's delight. Sight dry fly fishing on a stream chock-full of large browns. Trees surround this tiny mountain stream, making normal fly casting challenging. Experienced anglers who persevere catch free-rising 2-4 lbs browns (some 6 lbs surprises). Slow currents make these wily browns super selective feeders. Little wading. Shamus teaches you the 'dap' and 'bow & arrow' cast. Clients liken this adventure to "fishing in an aquarium infested with large trout". Back Country - Small Stream 2 Another challenging small stream, but with crystal-clear water. Delightful little 'treasures' (1-3 lbs browns/rainbows) are super selective feeders but will take a well-presented dry fly. Little wading, sight fishing, and tight casting among bankside trees. Another 'dap' and 'bow & arrow' cast stream.

Local - Tongariro River Daytime nymph fishing the mighty Tongariro for resident 'pocket rocket' rainbows (1-2 ½ lbs). Larger 'recovering' trout (3 lbs) are present early summer before they drop back to Lake Taupo. Mid January the big browns (6-12 lbs) migrate and, although hard to catch, these trophies are sometimes hooked when targeting rainbows. A frantic evening rise most evenings. Great fishing on an uncrowded river. Local - Lake Taupo Quintessential Lake Taupo fishing. Daytime anglers fish at stream mouths or lakeshores with tiny smelt (baitfish) flies for fast feeding rainbows. Fishing mostly relaxing and social, but can be fast and furious. Fishing a streamer under a dark moon could hook you a mean-old cannibal brown trout (up to 12 lbs). Local - Alpine Lake Hot summers can provide unparalleled cicada dry fly fishing for trophy 3-12 lbs rainbows and browns. Damsel fly hatches imitated with nymphs. This is typical trophy fly fishing and requires lots of patience. Shoreline wading with medium casts.