Eleven Cedar Lodge is a superb spot in one of New Zealand’s most epic angling destinations. Sitting in five acres of grounds on the banks of South Island’s Makarora River, it offers remote and backcountry heli-fishing for wily brown and rainbow trout. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect during every part of the fishing season:
Early Season – Big takes, low pressure, fresh legs
The early season between 10th November and 21st December brings agressive eats on dries and nymphs, with heli-access to rivers few have touched since last autumn. The trout are hungry, the pressure is minimal, and high water begins pushing fish into small tributaries.
Mid Season – Peak summer; cue the dry flies
Dry fly aficionados, book your flights. Between 4th January and 14th March you’ll find clear rivers, consistent hatches, and steady weather make for dialed-in conditions. Cicadas, beetles, and mayflies bring big trout to the surface across the South Island’s heli-accessed waters.
Late Season – Solitude and smarter fish
Cooler temperatures, fewer anglers, and the trouts’ late-season smarts call for precision. Seasoned anglers heading this way between March 15th and 31st will find that long leaders and quiet approaches invite selective eats on terrestrials and small nymphs, often resulting in the largest fish of the season. Autumn colours are just the bonus.
Wanaka, a beautiful resort town just 50 minutes down the road, will keep any non-anglers happy with golf, mountain biking, wine tasting, and shopping throughout the season.
If you would like more information on fly fishing in New Zealand and at Eleven Cedar Lodge in particular, please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.