New Zealand – Owen River Lodge

Download the Owen River Lodge review - The Flyfisher July 2007

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"Angler’s Eldorado" – Zane Grey

New Zealand has developed a reputation for having some, if not the best, sighted fishing for trout in the world. Rivers that run "Gin clear" are the norm, so much so that appearances can be truly deceptive. What at first glance might appear to be a 5lb Trout resting in 12 inches of water can suddenly become the magical 10lb fish in 3 ft of water. Combined with a lodge of 5 star comfort and activities to suit non-fishers it is a fantastic couples destination.

The Area & Rivers

Owen River Lodge is located near Murchison, in the Nelson Lakes area at the top end of South Island. While mountains and forests abound, the area enjoys a remarkably mild climate. The lodge has access to both the Nelson / Marlborough and West Coast fisheries providing a huge scope in terms of the water that can be covered. This unique location places the Owen River lodge right in the middle of probably the best Brown Trout fishery in the world.

 <<< Click here to find out where the Owen River Lodge is.

The Fishing

The region is renowned as a Brown Trout fishery, with the average Trout size ranging from 3-6lb, (there’s nothing average about that!). Many anglers have fulfilled the coveted accolade of landing a truly wild 10lb Brown Trout whilst staying at the Owen River Lodge. The rivers accessible from the lodge are too numerous to name, however almost all are within an hour’s drive and these allow some excellent fishing within close proximity of the lodge. Both the Owen River and the Fyfe River provide fantastic fly fishing and are right on the lodge's doorstep!

Heli-Fishing Trips

If you really want to unlock some of the very best fishing in New Zealand day outings by helicopter can be arranged. This allows unparalleled access to the wildest and most remote of streams, some of which may never have been fished by another angler all season.

Guides & Equipment

The lodge has been fortunate to secure the services of some of New Zealand’s most experienced, knowledgeable and friendly fly-fishing guides. Although one can use the lodge simply as a base to conduct your own fishing trips, the services of a guide are key to unlocking the potential of the rivers and maximising your fishing trip. In addition the lodge has a comprehensive range of top-quality fishing gear to borrow free of charge, including waders and jackets as well as rods and reels.

Owen River Lodge

Owen River Lodge is a boutique contemporary styled, 5 star rated fishing lodge. It is situated on 16 acres of gardens and farmland, with almost one kilometre of river frontage to the Owen River, ideal for that quiet after-dinner cast during the evening rise. The views from the lodge and guest cottages are breathtaking, with sensational views of the river, valley and Mount Owen in the distance.

Guests are accommodated in six purpose-built guest cottages assuring complete privacy, each with a spacious veranda and stunning views onto the river and beyond. Two lounge areas in the main lodge are available for guests to relax in and those who are after a more personal wind down there is also a massage/therapy room and an outdoor Jacuzzi/spa.

The food at Owen River Lodge is in keeping with the extremely high standards of the lodge. The secret to this great cuisine is the use of only the very freshest ingredients. Herbs and vegetables come from the lodge garden whilst seafood is sourced locally from the thriving fishing industry at Nelson. Meals are a mixture of trademark NZ dishes such as roast lamb alongside a mix of Asian and European themes.

Best Times to Go

The season starts on 1st October and typically the rivers will be high from snowmelt dropping as the month’s progress. The fish will be well rested, as they will not have seen an angler for five months. Dec-February is the prime season with surface insect life at it’s peak and 80% of fish caught will be on a dry fly. The big, bad and bold fish may take a little extra encouragement and a tungsten-beaded nymph fished under a dry can often be the recipe for success. March & April sees the start of more changeable conditions with a good chance of Mayfly activity on some waters. Dry fly, terrestrial and nymphs are all used depending on the conditions.

• Early season: 1 Oct-30 Nov
• Peak season: 1 Dec-30 March
• Late season: 1-30 April

Getting There

International travellers should fly into Christchurch, Auckland or Wellington and from there take connections to Nelson. A transfer service can be arranged for guests, which takes approx 90 minutes and costs NZ $295 each way. (Not per passenger).

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to New Zealand, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 347 284 6333
info@wherewisemenfish.co.uk

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.