Blanket Bay is close to several of New Zealand’s iconic trout fishing rivers with the Greenstone and Caples minutes away by helicopter. Good fishing is also available nearby in local rivers and streams, along the lake edge or around the river mouths that flow into Lake Wakatipu. Trout have been caught at the mouth of Stoney Creek that runs alongside the Lodge.
The Season
November 1st to May 31st. Best time of the season Nov to mid Dec and March to April. Busiest time Jan – Feb. Rivers further afield open at the beginning of October.
Rivers
A number of rivers are within driving distance of Blanket Bay. Most rivers can be accessed by helicopter, the cost of which depends on the distance flown. It is best NOT to pre book a helicopter as the weather and choice of river determines the feasibility and cost of the flying. The decision to fly can be made the preceding evening. The rivers are mostly small to medium free stone rivers, holding brown and rainbow trout. Early and late season offer the best opportunity to catch one of our larger trout.
Guides
Two anglers maximum per guide. Daily guide fee approximately: NZ$850.00, which includes fishing equipment. To pre-book a guide, the minimum charge out will be a full days guiding fee. Additional Charges: back country fishing license, lunch and any helicopter time.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations are essential for flyfishing. Cancellations inside seven days of fishing date will incur a fee of 50% of the daily fishing rate. Cancellations inside 48hrs of fishing date will incur the full rate of day or days booked.
Anglers
As you will be sight fishing, it is often necessary to walk long distances over varying terrain, a reasonable standard of fitness is required. To further enhance your experience, you should be able to cast at least 30ft accurately and into a moderate wind. In other words, you do need to be reasonably experienced to be successful. Guides provide all necessary tackle. For those wishing to bring their own, the following is most suitable:
Tackle: Fly rods 5/6 weight with matching weight forward floating lines, dark colors are preferable.
Leaders & Tippet: 12 / 14 foot leaders tapering to 4x; tippet material 3,4,5,6 x
Dry Flies & Nymphs: Royal wolf, Humpy’s green and yellow, Adams, Pheasant tail, Hares ear to name but a few.
Clothing: Avoid bright colors especially white. Sand fly repellant is a ‘must’. Repellant is available to buy from the Lodge, if required.
Heli-fish New Zealand’s most remote rivers
Take a helicopter from the lawns of Blanket Bay to the most remote rivers of New Zealand’s South Island and experience some of the world’s best fly-fishing.
There are waters with Brown trout only and some with sea run trout (Steelhead). Within 15 minutes of the Lodge by helicopter there are many miles of wilderness rivers and streams, inaccessible to vehicles, and only accessed by foot with great difficulty. Helicopter access makes the most of these virtually untouched waters.
We will recommend a great fishing plan, arranging helicopter as well as all gear and tackle if required. Our guides possess ‘insider’ knowledge and can take you to stretches of water possibly not fished this season by any other angler, where you can stalk wild Rainbow and Brown trout.
If you are even more adventurous then we can arrange an exciting full day heli-fishing experience on up to three different rivers. A trip to Fiordland combines sensational scenery with unsurpassed fishing. Alternatively visit the West Coast where rivers flowing into the sea can produce sea run Browns at selected times of the year.
The helicopter pilots are very experienced and have extensive knowledge of the diverse Fiordland, Southland and Otago landscapes. They are all familiar with unique weather patterns in these regions, a very important aspect when flying in this mountainous terrain.
Our concierge team are here to help with selecting your activities and organising your itinerary. If you are interested in finding out more about these experiences before your stay at Blanket Bay please contact us today.
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