653 | Fly Fishing New Zealand with Ronan Creane - Sight Fishing, Brown Trout, Ireland

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/653

Presented By: Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Angler's Coffee, Visit Helena, MT

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

In this episode, Ronan Creane, a renowned fly fishing guide with deep ties to Ireland, is here to talk all about fly fishing New Zealand. Ronan specializes in sight fishing for brown trout and has been a passionate fly angler for decades, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

If you've ever dreamt of casting your line in the pristine waters of New Zealand, this episode is a must-listen. Ronan takes us on an in-depth journey through the best fishing spots, the ideal times to visit, and expert tips on sight fishing for those elusive big browns. You'll also learn why a trip to New Zealand might be more attainable than you think, and how to make the most of your adventure without suffering from jet lag.

Episode Chapters with Ronan Creane on Fly Fishing New Zealand

2:04 - Ronan shares his background, explaining he grew up in Ireland and moved to New Zealand at age 24. His earliest fishing memories involve catching tiny trout in a stream near his house using a jam jar and a net. Fly fishing runs in his family, with his father and grandfather being skilled fly fishermen. Although introduced to it gradually, he received his first fly rod at age 12 from his grandfather.

8:21 - He worked as a guide on two iconic salmon and sea trout fisheries in Ireland, starting at age 18. He continued guiding during visits home while exploring fly fishing globally. He highlights the decline of sea trout fishing in Ireland, which began in the late 1980s to early 1990s, coinciding with the rise of salmon farming.

12:28 - We start to dig into fly fishing in New Zealand, specifically in the small town of Alexandra on the South Island. Ronan describes his work as a guide, focusing mainly on brown trout, although rainbow trout are also present in the rivers and lakes he fishes. He emphasizes that his fishing is mostly river-based, but he also enjoys lake fishing due to his background.

The average fish he targets weighs around three to four pounds. He aims for larger fish, typically five to six pounds, and mentions that he and his clients have caught around 20 double-figure fish.

15:11 - We talk about some sight fishing techniques, particularly in rivers. Ronan explains that the ideal scenario is finding a fish "on station," meaning it's feeding in one spot, which gives the angler time to plan their approach. He contrasts this with a fish that is cruising, which requires a different, more dynamic strategy. The key to success in New Zealand, according to Ronan, is making the first cast accurately. Multiple attempts can alert the fish, making it harder to catch.

18:30 - Ronan explains his preference for using a dry fly as an indicator since fish can take a dry fly at any time of the year. However, he notes that if a fish is swinging, it’s more likely to take a nymph. He also describes the importance of watching the dry fly for any movement indicating a strike, but he also stresses the value of directly observing the fish’s mouth if visible to catch subtle takes that the dry fly might not indicate.

20:39 - We talk about the fishing opportunities in New Zealand, particularly in the South Island. Ronan elaborates on various regions such as Mackenzie District (known for lakes and rivers), the West Coast (wild and remote), Southland (with numerous rivers), and Otago (where Ronan is based, offering a variety of fishing experiences). He mentions the availability of brown trout and sea trout, noting that sea trout, which migrate to the ocean and return, can grow significantly larger, sometimes up to 15 pounds.

23:00 - Ronan has been part of Sexyloops since around 2003, not long after its establishment in 1998. Their collaboration began when Ronan met Paul during the filming of an early fishing movie, leading to friendship and numerous fishing trips together, especially to New Zealand.

24:40 - I ask about the allure of New Zealand as a fishing destination. He highlights the country's exceptional freedom for anglers, where a single license allows fishing in various public waters. He emphasized the "queen chain" concept, which grants public access to 22 yards of either bank of a river, provided the access point is public.

28:04 - As a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (NZPFGA), Ronan mentions that there are about 140 guides spread across both islands of New Zealand, which he believes is sufficient to meet the demand.

29:07 - Our conversation shifts to his blog, which he has been writing for about 15 years as part of Sexyloops. The blog includes approximately 350 entries, focusing on his observations of fishing rather than instructional content.

30:21 - We talk about Ronan's involvement in a TV series called "Pure Fly NZ", produced by Nick Reygaert. Ronan and his friend Jeff Forsee participated in one episode, showcasing unique fly fishing experiences in New Zealand, which deviated from the typical fishing scenes in the country.

31:25 - For those planning a fishing trip to New Zealand, Ronan explains that the fishing season runs from October to the end of May, with each month offering unique opportunities. While January and February are popular, they can be challenging due to heat and increased angling pressure. Ronan suggests considering earlier months like October to December, which are cooler and less crowded.

33:53 - We go into the fishing trips available on Ronan's website. He recommends staying as long as possible, ideally a month, and emphasizes the value of starting the trip with a guide for a few days to get a good foundation.

For those planning a trip specifically to catch big brown trout, he clarifies that the definition of "big" varies among anglers, typically considered to be around 5-7 pounds. While these sizes are common, catching a double-figure fish is unrealistic due to the rarity of such large trout. He notes that targeting the biggest fish can sometimes detract from the enjoyment of the fishing itself, turning it more into a hunt.

37:53 - Ronan explains his approach to organizing a seven-day fishing trip, which is popular among his regular clients. For the first three days, they fish locally, exploring medium-sized rivers, small streams, and lakes, including sight fishing on lakes. The remaining four days involve traveling to different locations based on the best fishing conditions at the time, allowing flexibility to adapt to weather and other variables.

40:46 - He mentions that the best mayfly hatches occur in the cooler months, particularly April and October. However, during the summer months of January to February, terrestrial fishing becomes ideal, with cicadas, hoppers, and beetles providing excellent opportunities for dry fly fishing.

43:00 - Ronan shares a story about the time he and Paul Arden of Sexyloops were in the midst of putting together a TV show with the Discovery Channel.

48:40 - If given a chance to travel elsewhere, Ronan would like to visit Paul in Malaysia for fly fishing. He shares his experiences of fishing there, emphasizing that it's a challenging but rewarding activity suited for seasoned fly fishers who appreciate the sport beyond catching large numbers of fish.

52:15 - Ronan gives some valuable tips on sight fishing for brown trout. He suggests that anglers should practice accurate short-range casting before the trip, as fishing usually occurs within 40 feet. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, especially when encountering large trout, which can cause nervousness. He also advises anglers to trust their practiced skills and to focus on casting ahead of the fish rather than directly at it.

53:12 - Ronan mentions he primarily uses a 6wt rod, specifically the Hot Torpedo, which is designed for New Zealand fishing. For fly lines, he's not particular about brands as long as the line is correctly weighted to match the rod.

56:49 - Ronan recounts a memorable story where his grandfather won a sea trout competition with a large salmon in Ireland. We also talk about his efforts to pass the sport to his kids.

1:00:12 - He also shares a memory about his father visiting and their fishing tradition. His father has visited about ten times, and during each visit, they used to fish every day for 30 days straight.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/653