The region of New Zealand's South Island fished by Owen River Lodge is home to some of best brown trout fishing in the world. In the middle of the Muchison/Nelson lakes region, anglers will experience an award winning lodge and a proven fishing program that is truly unmatched in destination angling travel.
With a guide roster harboring decades of experience, quick access to nearly 30 brown trout fisheries, and the ability to tap a helicopter, this award-winning operation is for the serious angler on a mission. And after you’ve spent a productive day wading, stalking, and sight casting to big browns, you’ll come home to a beautiful dinner sourced from the lodges own private gardens, and enjoy a soak in the riverside hot tub.
This New Zealand fly fishing trip and the Owen River Lodge offer some of the world's best sight casting for large wild trout in gin clear rivers. Angler's searching for quality over quantity will appreciate a rich fly fishing experience amidst a spectacular backdrop. Fly fishing these backcountry rivers typically requires long casts to spooky trout. When fly fishing these legendary New Zealand fly fishing waters, catch rates are often lower than on many of the famous Montana Rivers but the average size is very high and nearly every trout is caught by thrilling sight-fishing tactics and in tandem with some of the best fly fishing guides in New Zealand.
If you want variety, the nearby adventure hub of Murchison offers hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, wineries and more. To extend your trip, head to Owen River Lodge's sister location Cedar Lodge for a heli-fueled experience near Mt. Aspiring National Park.
Rates
Fishing
Accommodations
Rates
Contact Us for rates. Minimum 4 night stay.
Included: Double occupancy accommodations, meals, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, guide service, all flies and leaders, use of loaner rods if needed
Excluded: Gratuities, transfer to the lodge (airport transfers can be arranged at added cost), options heli-angling outings (weather permitting)
Fishing
The streams and lakes of the South Island of New Zealand are famous for their large brown and rainbow trout. Between the Nelson/Marlborough, West Coast, and North Canterbury regions, Owen River Lodge has access to 29 classic freestone rivers within a 90-minute drive. The lodge also has heli-angling concessions at Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park. Guests can have the option of helicopter fly outs (weather permitting) into backcountry fisheries. South Island waters produce some very large wild trout and guests can expect consistent shots at 3-6 pound fish and an outside chance of a rare 10 pounder. Overall numbers of trout are lower than many US rivers and spot and stalk tactics are the preferred method of fishing.
The lodge's fly fishing guides are highly experienced and adept at spotting large trout in gin clear waters. New Zealand trout are spooky and reasonably long casts between 25-45 feet are often needed while casting a long leader. These trout do not see a lot of pressure and will readily eat basic dry fly and nymph patterns as long as they are presented correctly. The guides will often plan the geometry of your cast to ensure the first cast has a high chance of delivering the correct presentation.
New Zealand fishing is about quality vs. quantity. We recommend that Owen River Lodge guests have at least moderate experience casting a fly rod to fully enjoy a trip to the South Island. Although there are a large number of different fisheries to visit with miles upon miles of lightly fished remote waters, most fisheries require a careful approach and proper presentation. Quite simply New Zealand is the best location in the world for sight casting to large wild trout in clear waters.
Accommodations
Lodge
Three cottages, each with two well-appointed rooms and a veranda, offer stunning views and Southern latitude Kiwi hospitality. A shared dining area, outdoor hot tub, and garden lounges invite you to kick back and soak it all in.
Dining
Known for their sustainable approach, the chefs at Owen River Lodge make their dishes from organic ingredients harvested primarily from their onsite gardens. Lunch is typically riverside and dinner is a four-course family style feast with local wine and beer.