Alistair Mcburnie Feb 2011

Fish caught on Blue Grey River Feb 2011

Peter Baenzinger Nov/dec 2010

February 2010

Max Caruso and John Tatge Fishing Trip - Feb 2010

"Dear Bill and Jan , Thankyou for your wonderful hospitality and lovely accommodation. We had a great time with some great fish caught. Your knowledge and advice proved invaluable . I look forward to returning soon . Thankyou again for a memorable week. Regards Max Caruso

Hello Jan and Bill, Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you again for a great stay at the Homestead! Max and I really enjoyed the homestead, your wonderful hospitality, and all the great fishing just a short distance from your property. The Homestead is definitely on my list of places to recommend and come back too. Thanks again for a great week. Sincerely John Tatge

March 2009

Bruce Sterten with his fish - caught in the Upper Grey River

"To have the man who has written seven books on stalking brown trout in New Zealand as your first-ever fishing guide on your first-ever trip to this fly fishing mecca was quite an exciting surprise. Our farmstay hosts, Bill and Jan Clayton, had arranged this and proudly offered my husband and me a copy of Graeme’s latest book. I am sorry, but I could hardly wait to meet Graeme, thank him for his book and also point out to him that it had NO women fly fishers pictured in it. Graeme Marshall is a gentle, intense perfectionist who at 59 has spent a lifetime guiding New Zealand’s pristine and challenging waters. He would be our guide on the Grey River located in New Zealand’s buggy west side. At our introductory meeting, after a glass of wine, I offered my observation about his book. Well, he acknowledged the lack of any women, but suggested that the responsibility was partly due his photographer. No matter. I now had a challenge - to catch a BIG fish and get into Graeme Marshall’s next book. I guess, in fishing, your motives should be more pure because the fishing goddess was not shining on me; and she told me so right away. Casting to sighted fish is just the way they do it in New Zealand; and Graeme is a master. It didn’t take long before he spotted one. Pointing it out, he said, “Go for it, Beth!” I did and on the FIRST cast of the day, I was on – for a few seconds anyway. I swear, I never catch a fish on the first cast – who does, I’d like to know! Well, certainly, there would be other opportunities. And yes, after trekking for a good bit longer, a blur of brown in the rippling water spelled big fish to Graeme and just another blur of brown in the water to me. I held my breath and cast hopefully in the direction he wanted. I was a bit short and prepared to pull my line back when Graeme cried out, “he’s going for it!” Where? Where? I thought, and then bam! I caught the MONSTER and it took off like a bullet, powering directly away from me with the wake of a submarine. Then, horrifyingly, my line caught on the butt of my rod and SNAP! GONE! It happened in an instant; I was stunned. I swear, it must have been a 7 or 8 pounder - may be 10 pounder! Graeme had to take a moment to recover. So did I. Two misses, two glorious fish gone, two chances to be immortalized in his book – kaput. I wish I could end this story happily but this was just the humiliating way it went for me that day. So, don’t look for me in Graeme Marshall’s next book on catching big browns in New Zealand. I’ll pass that prize onto another. As for Bruce, he had a magical day – landing two or three big browns. He was all smiles and sympathy. Bruce and I fished ourselves a couple of more days, exploring the Wanaka region and later the beautiful Lake Ohau and its feeder rivers. We fought the wind, sand flies and some blown out rivers. We puzzled our way around blue glacial “flour” and just delighted in the scenery. It is a privilege to be on these gorgeous rivers and to possibly land the biggest brown trout of your life, and it is important to be on top of all your fishing skills. I eventually landed a beautiful brown but remember so well the ones that got away!" Beth and Bruce Sterten

March 2009

"Bill and Janet Clayton provided unsurpassed hospitality and fine cuisine during our two night stay at "The Homestead on the Rough". The Homestead's centralized location provides easy fly fishing access to multiple rivers and lakes within a 2 hr drive. Bill's helicopter landing site is just out the backdoor of our lodging facility, and it provided us access to the Upper Rough River in 5 minutes flight time. Hiking in would have taken 5 days. Air West Helicopters was our helicopter operator providing the door to door service in a state of the art Hughes 500 with an impeccable safety record. When I need a place to stay that is clean, comfortable, and centrally located on the Northwest Coast of the South Island, Bill Clayton's homestead is my first choice." Eric Carlson Airline Captain Gig Harbor, WA USA
"Our stay at the Homestead of Bill and Janet Clayton remains a highlight of our three week fly fishing visit to South Island. The modern and separate guest facility easily handled our party of three fishermen in comfort. We and our gear were picked up by helicopter just outside the door for the flight to the upper Rough River. After 2 days we were returned to the Homestead. Most convenient. Clayton farm raised lamb was easily the most tender and sumptuous I have ever eaten. It was carefully prepared and cooked to perfection. Wonderful New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines complemented the meals and lively conversations. Gracious hospitality of the Clayton's made memories to last a lifetime..... First rate. " Tom Cundith Pleasant Hill Northern California

February 2007 

Andy Jacobi	Chuckie Lorimer
After years of listening to my brother, Chuckie Lorimer, rave about the fishing and hospitality in New Zealand I finally got to make the trip. My boyfriend, Andy Jacobi, Chuckie and I had an amazing trip in February 2007. We started off the trip on the Hope/Kiwi River. Although we didn't catch it, I saw the biggest brown trout I've ever seen. The Jacob's valley was absolutely beautiful and the fish were very active. Andy landed a beautiful brown trout. We then took advantage of the farm's location to helicopter into the upper Rough river. Fifteen minutes after the helicopter dropped us off I caught the biggest brown trout of my life. It wasn't easy to land it in the world famous Rough River though. We fished a different river everyday and finished the days with "wine and a yarn". Jan and Bill provide a unique experience: world class fishing, wonderful accommodations, excellent meals and darn good company. My New Zealand experience was addictive. I will be back

Jim Lyon Party 2006

As a first time visitor to the South Island of New Zealand I heard the stories about the awsome dry fly fishing for giant brown trout and I hoped what I would find would be even close to what I had been told. As I sat down in our camp on a bluff overlooking the junction of two great rivers at the end of my first day of fishing I realized the reality far exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the the knowledge and dedication of our hosts Bill and Jan Clayton my experience in New Zealand was one that I will never forget. I can't wait until next year!.

Dillon Kennedy

Dillon Kennedy	Charlie Ray
Jim Lyon	Chucky Lonner
Base Camp	Helicopter at Homestead

January 2002

We found our stay at The Homestead, an idyllic farm right on the banks of the Rough River, to be everything we had hoped and more. The proprietors, Bill and Jan Clayton, were gracious and accommodating hosts and really went out of their way to make us feel at home. The farm-fresh meals were healthy and delicious and kept us in fine shape for the challenging fishing of the Westland Region. Bill's local knowledge of the surrounding rivers and where and when they had been fished was truly vital to our success. He arranged river access through private lands that we couldn't have had on our own and set us up with guides Russell and John that were top-notch. Bill was even able to schedule helicopter service right from The Homestead.

Our week at The Homestead was magical. We stalked, sight-cost, caught and released many trophy Brown trout from such renowned Westland rivers as the Rough, the Inangahua, the Ohikinui, the Hauperi, the Big and Little Grey, Larry's Creek and the Waitahu. The dry fly action was incredible! My most memorable day was with Jim. We literally walked out our back door at The Homestead, stepped into the helicopter and flew to the upper Rough for a full day of the absolute best, most challenging dry fly fishing imaginable! We broke a rod on a fish that morning and then took turns sighting and casting and landing some of the most beautiful trout we'd ever seen. I'll never forget it!

Another member of our group, Chuckie, managed to fish and catch fish on the Rough River all the way from the Big Grey to the upper canyon. We have many happy memories from The Homestead and we've already made a promise to each other - we WILL return to challenge those glorious trout once again!

Catches of the Day
Jim Lyon 26" inches - 5.7 lbs Brown Trout from the Upper Rough River	Todd Gillenwater 25" inches - 5.5 lbs Brown Trout from the Upper Rough River
Chuckie Lormer 23" inches - 3.5 lbs Brown Trout from the Lower Rough River	Charlie Ray 27" inches - 7.0 lbs Brown Trout from the Inanagahua River

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

January 2005

My family recently had a spectacular New Year staying at the Clayton's Homestead. The Rough River was fishing strong, having had no pressure due to the seasonably cold Xmas. I was very humbled by those Rough Browns; luckily there were some easier rivers nearby. What a great place for family holiday -- the mix of activities for all ages/tastes made it very hard to leave. We'll be back. All the best, Todd Friends Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

February 2002

Lara Ekwall (CA., USA) 5lbs Brown Trout, Rough River

Michael Ekwall (CA., USA) 5 lbs Brown Trout, Rough River

April 2002

Dear Bill and Jan,

Just a short thank you for a wonderful stay at your place. Great fishing with Silvio (a few pictures enclosed) and really fabulous food & accommodation! Plus the red wine wasn't bad too!!

Thanks & best wishes, Terry McBroom

Terry McBroom (Thailand) with a Rough River "tiddler

Terry McBroom (Thailand) 7 lbs Brown Trout Rough River

December 1999

Comments by Jim Edwards from Colorado, USA, who stayed at The Homestead in December 1999 and caught this 22" Brown Trout in the Rough River.
We had a wonderful stay despite the cloudy, rainy weather. Even though we didn't catch a lot of fish, Gary and I certainly enjoyed the challenge of hooking a 'Rough River Brown.'

Thanks for all your hospitality and the wonderful home-cooked meals.

Stay in touch -- I will be back.

Jim Edwards

P.S. The 22 inch Rough River Brown Trout fought like a much larger fish. He was fooled into taking a #16 Elk Hair Caddis dry fly around 5pm."

November 1999

Comments by Trevor Burt from Australia, who stayed at The Homestead and caught this 5.5 lbs Brown Trout in the Rough River on a size 12 hare and Copper Nymph.
After several visits to the Rough river over the last few years I rate it as one of the best fly fishing rivers in New Zealand. It's a big river that doesn't give up its fish easily, but the trout are in superb condition. They rise freely to well-presented dry flies in the spring and summer months, and if I was allowed only one fly in my box, it would surely be the Royal Wulff.

Access is relatively easy with some great fishing close to The Homestead, and the upper reaches -- best accessed by helicopter -- are true wilderness fishing. If the Rough fails you, there are plenty of other rivers and streams close by that hold good stocks of trout. The Homestead is a relaxed place to use as a base, and Bill and Jan are great hosts."

Trevor Burt