February 2005

Charlie Ray and I returned to stay with Bill and Jan Clayton in late February, 2005. In nine days with the insight and planning of Bill we managed to explore new regions and fish 7 different rivers, some twice. Bill's local knowledge and contacts allowed us to fish some otherwise difficult to access waters that were truly magnificent. Once again, our stay at the Homestead was filled with delicious farm fresh home cooked meals, comfortable accommodations, and stimulating conversation. The quality of rivers, numbers of fish we rose, lost, and landed was beyond expectation.

Canterbury Region

 Upon arrival at the airport Bill immediately took us to explore a new region, Canterbury, where we fished the Boyle River, Hope River and Jacob's River. Our trip could not have started better. We landed in Christchurch at 7:00am and both had bent rods by 11:00am. Bill arranged a 2 night stay in an A-frame cabin set on the Boyle River at the base of the towering mountains. The highlight of the Canterbury region was Jacob's River. Although it is a difficult and challenging access, the scenic valley with its meandering gin clear greek is well worth the effort. This creek is sight cast at its best with fish aggressively rising to large dry flies. Of numerous hook ups we managed to land four beautiful browns from 6.25 to 8.5lbs. The day was complete with mustering cattle on the hike out after sharing a couple of cold ones with the local station hands.

Rough River

 In spite of a massive flood five days prior to our arrival at the Homestead, the Rough River lived up to its reputation of being one of the most challenging free stone rivers of the South Island. Over two days we landed numerous fish and six that were in the 4lb to 5.75lb range. Pound for pound it is hard to imagine stronger fish that will easily take you into backing and be across the river in a blink of the eye. Once again Charlie managed to hook the biggest fish on the Rough in a long deep pool that required me to take my annual Rough River swim to his side of the river to ensure it was properly documented with a photo.

Upper Grey

 The Upper Grey is situated in a mountain valley about an hour drive from the Homestead. Bill arranged access through Dave O'Donnell, who had the Stars and Stripes flying for our arrival. Dave set us to fishing not far from his ranch house on a river that is big, fast moving, and loaded with quality fish. We landed 23 fish from 2.5lbs to 6.25lbs and every one of them ripping out line, often jumping 2-3 feet out of the water. The only thing more aggressive than the fish rising to fluffy Royal Wullf's and Stimulators where the giant bumble bees after Charlie's purple Orvis shirt. The day ended with a very enjoyable wine and a yarn with Bill and O'Donnells.

8.5 lbs, Jacob's River	7.5 lbs, Jacob's River
4.75 lbs, Rough River	5.75 lbs, Rough River
4.75 lbs, Upper Grey	6.25 lbs, Upper Grey