Photos and text: Ollie Bassett

The New Zealand backcountry has become famous within the fly fishing community for sight fishing for large trout in crystal clear water.

While effective when conditions are suitable, the commonly used methods of dry fly and dry dropper fishing are not well suited to all situations in New Zealand backcountry rivers. Often areas with fast deep water and complex currents (such as pools and deeper runs) are home to the larger and more clever trout. Large trout holding in these water types are often uncatchable for many anglers due to the difficulty of getting a natural drift with more classic fly fishing methods.

Euro nymphing is a highly effective method of fly fishing originating from competitions that is best suited to fishing in fast and deep water. The technique was initially limited to short range fishing. However, more recent developments in rod technologies and increasing trends of fishing with longer thinner leaders (Spanish style) now allow for Euro nymphing at much greater distances than in the past. The use of thin level leaders and longer more powerful Euro nymphing rods presents a new and highly effective tool for fishing New Zealand backcountry rivers. When combined with a stealthy approach, Euro nymphing offers a new way to target large trout holding in difficult pools and fast currents where traditional methods often struggle.

Result of a stealthy approach and long leader setup.

Approach

After locating a fish, I first consider the distance I can approach it from, its behavior and the speed/current type its holding in before planning how to catch it. My preferred approach to backcountry fly fishing here in New Zealand revolves around carrying two rods (where local regulations allow).

Generally, I prefer to Euro nymph in fast or deeper water where I can get closer to fish. In more flat water where I need to stay further away I prefer to use a dry fly or dry dropper on a floating line and long leader. This combined approach allows me to effectively fish both fast complex water and the slower areas in New Zealand backcountry rivers.

Ollie's homewaters.

Equipment:

For Euro nymphing in New Zealand backcountry rivers I use an 11’ 4wt Vision Nymphmaniac and a level euro nymphing leader between 0.18 – 0.25 mm in diameter. I change the leader size depending on the situation and the tippet size I’m using (usually between 0.14 – 0.18 mm). This rod is ideal for Euro nymphing at distance while still having enough backbone to control big trout over 70 cm long. I also use this rod for dry dropper fishing in complex currents (where I can keep the Euro nymphing leader off the water for a drag free drift) and for streamer nymphing. Being a 5-piece rod it fits well on my hiking pack without getting caught up in branches while walking through the forest (which can be a problem with rods in longer tubes).

An important consideration when targeting big NZ trout is hook strength. Many hooks designed for Euro nymphing patterns are constructed with a fairly thin wire. I often tie a small box of classic nymph patterns (such as pheasant tails, hares ears and stoneflies) on heavier wire hooks for backcountry fishing. Having these stronger hooks provides extra security when landing large fish on thicker tippet, especially in fast water. I also tend to use dull copper or black tungsten beads in several weights (nymphs of 2.3 mm tungsten to around 1 gram) when backcountry fishing in clear rivers rather than the shinier colours commonly used for Euro nymphing.

For dry fly, dry dropper and sight nymphing I use a 9’7 5wt Vision XO III with a 5wt floating line and long leader of between 15 – 20 ft in length. I prefer a slightly longer rod (9’7’) for this sort of fishing as I feel it allows for greater control of the long leaders I use compared to shorter traditional length rods (9’). This second rod is particularly useful for targeting fish feeding near the surface and in slow flat water where it is necessary to stay well back from the fish due to the risk of them spooking if you get to close. This approach is also very useful in windy conditions which can negatively impact Euro nymphing tactics.

Choosing the right methods for each section of the river.