Jan 2008 is almost over!

Well....I first must offer my apologies for tardiness but my excuse is that I have been fishing of course.
Since my last report in I have had several large fish take the fly but unfortunately I have not yet landed the magical double, although I certainly have been connected a couple of times! The fishing in the South of the South Island has been nothing short of spectacular. Dry conditions and hot weather have meant fishing for everyone and the dryfly action has been red hot for the last 6 weeks. The willow grubbers (small willow worm and perhaps our best "selective trout" fishing) are in full swing and the Mataura mayfly hatches are nicely predictable and large bags can be had.
I have had several decent walks into the back country and the cicadas are chirping with big fish ready to take protein from the top. Guides at this time of the year are generally busy but by booking early, disappointment can be avoided or take a hosted trip and enjoy some of the local hospitality.
I had the pleasure of fishing with P-A and his wife from Sweden a couple of weeks ago and what anglers! It was great to swap some tales from the other side of the globe and learn about the grayling and chec nymphng techniques. We caught some lovely fish together. It was noticeable that their ability to cast accurately and with a little wind about correlated to plenty of fish taking the fly.
I will post again soon but its off to catch shark on the fly this weekend and then over to the West Coast to chase Kahawai and Searunner browns.