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Fly Fishing Shop, Gear Talk, Shop Specials

End Of Summer Fly Fishing Sale

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Its that time of the year again! We only have couple weeks left of the river season and we need to make some room for the winter stock.

All 2015 Patagonia waders have been reduced!

Patagonia Skeena River 2015 model was $519.95 now $419.95

Patagonia Rio Gallegos Zip Front 2015 model was $779 now $625

Patagonia Rio Gallegos Chest 2015 model was $649.95 now $519.95

Patagonia Womens Spring Creek Chest 2015 model  was $549.95 now $439.95

(There are limited sizes and numbers of the Patagonia waders and boots available, So you better be quick!!)

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RIO Fly lines are all now 20% off

 

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Loop Rods and Reels now all 15% off

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Scott Fly Rods now all 20% off (yes this includes the Radian!!)

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Lamson Waterworks Reels now all 10% off

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All Columbia and Simms Fishing Shirts and Pants now 20% off

 

The rivers and lakes are fishing very well right now. The temperature has fallen and the Brown Trout are moving!! Come on down to Jindabyne and enjoy the tail end of the river fishing season. Plenty of other bargains available in store!!

 

Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Shop, What's Happening

Autumn Fishing Report

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The summer that kept on giving has finally rolled into Autumn and the Brown trout spawning run is just about to kick off!!!

The weekend saw our first substantial rainfall for the Autumn season and a few Browns have already started to move into the river system although a bit more rain should really start to move things along nicely.

The Summer dry-fly fishing this year has been quite exceptional and there’s still some surface action to be had. The upper section of the Thredbo river still has some fantastic top water activity with mayflies, caddis, and the odd grasshopper still fluttering about. Using a smaller stimulator or wulff patterns are sure to be successful on the surface. Covering your bases with a small Hare & Copper, Hares ear, or Pheasant tail nymph trailing your dries can see plenty of “hook ups”. The higher alpine streams and creeks  have also been fishing very well, and if you like fishing those tighter waters you could be rewarded with some very good fish.

With the onset of cooler days and hopefully some rain and snow thrown into the mix, we will start focussing our attention below the surface. Nymphing with some heavier flies and perhaps a trailing “glo-bug” to entice some of those larger trophy fish will be our go to rig. I like using a heavier tungsten beaded fly as my dropper with an unweighted nymph or egg pattern tied off about 30cm – 60cm trailing behind. The heavier fly gets down reasonably fast and allows for amore natural drift of the bottom fly. My favourite rig is a size 10 -14 tungsten Hare & Copper with an Manic soft egg pattern tied around 45cm off the bend of the nymph, with a dead drift this set up has been a proven winner and deadly effective. Getting your flies down to the fish is very important, so don’t forget to vary your weight to make sure that your flies are getting to the fish, a soft weight or split-shot above the first fly will enable the flies to hit the bottom. Maintaining a dead drift is also very important when fishing below the surface, so line control and management is so important when targeting those harder to catch fish.

Lake Jindabyne and Eucembene have both been struggling to fish well in the later part of the summer months with both lakes being very “hit or miss” during the day and only limited action in the evenings. The autumn like weather has managed to cool the water temperatures a bit and some fish have been seen patrolling the edges. An unweighted streamer cast into the path of a feeding trout can be its undoing, just be careful not to spook the fish!!!

With less than 8 weeks left of the river season, now is the time to head down to Jindabyne to get into some great fly fishing before the rivers close!

Don’t forget High Country Outfitters have everything you need to get you into the action both on and off the water. Our winter outerwear and adventure wear are starting to drop in store, so come on in and get yourself some fresh new threads for the winter season!!

Happy fishing folks!

The High Country Crew.

 

 

Fishing Reports, Fly Fishing Shop, What's Happening

February fishing report.

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We are getting into the last breaths of the official summer, but I think there’s still a way to go before this hotter weather is behind us.

The fishing in general has been fantastic on the rivers and streams, with the higher section fishing much better than the lower, warmer elevations. Dry flies are the order of the day with most of the fish looking up. however the larger fish tend to be in the cooler water, in the under cuts and the deeper holes. so getting a nymph under the banks or in the deeper water can be worth a try. The flies to use are Stimulator and hopper patterns, Caddis, Wulffs and beetles. Just about anything presented well will get you in the ball park! Remember that your drift has to be good, making sure that you are mending your casts and concentrating on line management. A little bit of drag on the flies will be your undoing on the slower water! The most productive times for fishing the rivers is during the early mornings and evenings, however you can still get fish during the middle of the day (don’t forget the sunscreen!!) but it can be quite warm.

The lakes are a bit “hit or miss” at the moment with the water temps in excess of 24 degrees so it would pay to get some wet flies down to some depth with a sink/intermediate line as the fish will be more than likely be seeking some cooler water. when the fish are down deep they are mostly chasing yabbies, so a bigger yabby pattern would be a good choice of fly. The evenings right through the night will see some bigger fish move into the shallows in search of a meal. Night time fishing on the lake can be very exciting with larger trout taking the fly with great gusto, so you better hold on!!

Over the next month or so we should see a drop in the temperature and the water start to cool so some early spawning brown trout will start to make their annual pilgrimage up the streams and rivers to start the spawning cycle. This time of the year can be a fantastic opportunity to get into some trophy trout!!

Happy fishing!

The Crew at High Country Outfitters

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Fishy Photos.

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Fishing Reports, What's Happening

New Year fishing Report

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Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2016.

The new year is upon us and summer is in full swing. The sun is shining and the fish are taking flies of the surface, what more could you want?

The rivers are fishing very well with most anglers reporting of large numbers of both rainbows and browns being caught and released, most fish are around the 1lb to 2lb mark with the occasional larger fish getting into the mix. A well presented Emerger or smaller Wulff pattern should do the trick quite nicely. The higher sections of the rivers are fishing quite well, although with the milder weather that we have be experiencing the water temps have remained low and comfortable for the fish right throughout the river systems. Mornings and afternoons along with the cloudy days are perfect for fishing the river during the warmer summer months.

The Grasshoppers have just started to make an appearance and should make their way onto the water very shortly (those windier days should be great along the edges of the rivers and lakes) So be sure to have a few Hopper patterns and some stimulators in your fly box for those times. Hopper fishing can be very exciting, plonking a large fly onto the surface with a big splash is the key when “Hopper fishing” forget those delicate presentations!!

The lakes are still fishing quite well as the warmer weather has usually been followed by a cooler change and some good cooling rain keeping the water at a comfortable temperature for the fish. So you can still find some active fish feeding right throughout the daylight hours. Prospecting with a wet fly around the edges during these times can be a great way of picking up some fish whilst waiting for a hatch to come on. As the daylight draws to a close and the sun is starting to set, keep an eye out for insect activity, as the fish should start eating from the surface around dusk. The “rise” at these times can last from anywhere from 10 minutes, and can sometimes go right through the night. Matching the hatch during these times can be quite interesting as there could be anything from beetles to dragonflies getting around. Flies to use on the lake are Wooly buggers, Killer Patterns and muddlers for wets, and Larger Wulffs and Terrestrial Patterns for dries.

 

If you’re in the market for a new fly rod or even just want to try something different, don’t forget about our demo range that is available in store. We have Scott, Loop, Airflo, TFO, and Redington as well as other great rods available. We also have the newest fly lines available to test from Rio,  Airflo, and Scientific Anglers as well.  You really should try the Single hand spey line from Rio its just amazing, just call in to the shop and we’ll hook you up.

We just received a new shipment of fly rods from Redington of their new Hydrogen series of rods, These rods have been selling out as soon as we get them and priced at $429.95 with a lifetime replacement warranty they are fantastic value for money and a dream to fish with. Also back in store is the ever popular Airflo Nemisis fly rods priced at $249.95. If you don’t have a back-up rod, at this price you really should get one (you will be blown away by the performance and price!!!) Along with the all the premium brands such as Sage, Scott, Loop, and many others we have everything you could possibly want.

Also, don’t forget about the Thredbo Fly Fishing Expo on the 12th to 14th of February. It’s a free event with lots of fly fishing goodness!!

Happy Fishing Folks.

The High Country Crew

 

Fishing Reports, New Zealand, Uncategorized, What's Happening

New Zealand fishing report.

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November in Southland had it all, very windy days, great water levels , rain in the head waters and some snow!

All Spring has been windy so for most it was very testing conditions, I cannot stress enough that you must practice when it is windy, practice into the wind, side on to the wind and learn to cast over your other shoulder.

These conditions are pretty much the norm in New Zealand as well as Australia, but if you are paying for an adventure you have to handle the conditions, I know going to the pub is a good alternative but the fishing can be great and very rewarding in the most trying conditions.

Early November had some good Hatches, some southerlies after big nor’

westers usually bring the Mayflies on so it is important to stick out the wind and wait for a change.

The rest of the month was windy, so we were always looking for areas out of the wind, sometimes 2 to 3 different spots in a day but we always found fish out feeding.

Beetles were about late in the month and the Blow Fly pattern brought fish up.

There was a good fresh late in the month that was welcome but made it tough to find clear water for a few days.

Conditions are great at the moment and there are a few early Willow Grubbers about!

 

November can be tough but the fish are in great condition and the fishing very rewarding.

The next couple of months should be great!!! Bring on summer.

Murray.

FFFCCI

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Uncategorized, What's Happening

Fly Fishing Expo 2016

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Its that time of the year again folks!! The Annual Thredbo Fly Fishing Expo is back again for its fourth year. High Country Outfitters will be at the show with a great selection of the best gear around.Fly Fishing Schedule 2016-page-0

Some of Australia’s most accomplished fly casters and fishers will be on hand giving casting demonstration and offering advice.

This year we see Brian Henderson  (IFFF MCI, FFF THCI) Coming to the expo. Brian is one of Australia’s most accomplished fly casting instructors holding both Federation of Fly Fishers Master Casting Instructor and Two Handed Casting Instructor qualifications. Brian will be showing a range of casting in both two-handed and single hand techniques.

George Forster (IFFF MCI) will also be on hand to show his casting and teaching skills. George was at the expo last year and really knows his stuff and is always happy to share his knowledge and skills.

As always this event is free and a must for any fly fisher or anyone that would like to find out more about the art of fly fishing. we hope to see you all there.

Ant.

Flies and Fly Tying, Fly Fishing Shop, Gear Talk

Fly of the month.

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DSC_0714This months fly is the Elk Hair Caddis.

Probably one of the most popular caddis patterns ever tied and used. Created in 1957 by Al Troth from Pennsylvania, USA. The Elk Hair Caddis is relatively easy to tie and should be in every fly anglers fly box. Although tied as a Caddis imitation it can be used in a suitable colour and size to present at just about any fish that is taking dry flies of the surface. A high riding fly that floats very well and is easy to see. One of the deadliest flies in my fly collection, I would never be caught out on the water without at least 2 in my box.

Hook – TMC 100

Wing – Bleached or natural Elk hair

Body – fine dubbing in suitable colour (green, grey, brown etc.)

Ribbing – very fine copper wire

Hackle – Light brown

This can be tied from size 10 to 18. My preferred sizes for our local waters are 12 – 16.

Happy Tying, and have a great New Year!!!!

The High Country Crew.

 

Fishing Reports, What's Happening

Snowy Mountains Fishing Report.

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Hi There folks! Well haven’t we had a mixed bag of condition over the past month!! From Blistering hot days right through to sleet and freezing temperatures up on the higher slopes. But that hasn’t seem to have to had too much negative affect on the fishing.
Both lakes and rivers are fishing very well and there has been a hive of insect activity with Beetles, Mayflies, Caddis, Damsels and Dragonflies just to name a few. If your venturing out to the lake keep a close eye on the edges, especially around the weed beds as the fish are still  patrolling around in close. During the sunnier days the Damsel flies have been out in numbers, and the fish have been feeding rigorously on both the nymphs and adult Damsels (although most of the activity is below the surface). The afternoon and evenings have seen a lot of beetle activity with the fish feeding on them right through to dark. Daytime fishing during the overcast days has been a “little hit or miss” as some days there have been some great Mayfly hatches and other days not much activity at all? Prospecting the water with a Wooly Bugger or other streamer pattern during these times should produce some results, Just remember to work the water efficiently and keep moving if you’re not getting any results.

If you’re heading out on one of the many rivers and streams in the area, there is plenty of dry fly action to be had. Mayflies, Caddisflies, and Beetles are the order of the day. Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, smaller Stimulators, and Beetle patterns like Red Tags, Humpies, and Great Lakes Beetles should do the trick. On full sun days, Fishing the earlier and later parts of the day are going to be more productive, and working the edges of the banks with your fly will get better results.

The fishing right now is fantastic! So come on down to the Snowy Mountains for a visit and get into the action!!!

If you’re looking for that last minute gift idea we have plenty of goodies to fill those Santa stockings!!mms_20151214_161202  We also have a great range of Demo Rods and lines that you can try before you buy from TFO, Loop, Airflo, Rio, and Scientific Anglers just to name a few. As well as one of the biggest freshwater fly selections anywhere in Australia!!!

Happy holidays and Happy fishing,

The High Country Outfitters Crew.

Fly Fishing Shop, Gear Talk, What's Happening

TFO Impact.

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Its been a while in the making but the new addition to the Temple Fork Outfitters range of fly rods is sure to make an IMPACT!! Not since the introduction of the BVK has a mid price-point rod looked or felt so good. Although priced a little higher than the BVK @$429 this little beauty has everything that you want out of a premium fly rod without the price tag!! A little softer in feel than the BVK but a lot faster in the recovery, the IMPACT has both feel and power. Available in #4 thru to #10 weight  . Their action, in conjunction with a unique combination of the latest materials, merges the attributes of all your favorite rods in such a way that there’s no trace of any of the familiar limitations you’ve had to put up with.  IMPACT rods are designed to exceed every angler’s expectations with a level of excellence that will set new industry standards.  That’s making an Impact.

Get in and make an IMPACT on your fly fishing!!!