A last throw for the 2025/26 season, this time on the tools myself. What a way to wrap up what has been a refreshing and reinvigorating season of fishing and guiding the Deep South. Now onto the next one! #flyfishingnz #fiordland
With another fishing season slowly winding down, it’s a good time to reflect on being back on the water guiding for the first full season in a while. It was a much needed hiatus that allowed me to reset life, build a business, move town and start a family.
Living in a place (Te Anau) that provides better access to some of the world’s best water and scenery has made a huge difference. Less time on the road, more time on the water and more variety to choose from. It’s brought that spark back.
Heading into winter it’s time for a bit of rest, travel, business building and preparing for the season ahead. I’m looking forward to expanding my offering and helping more people get out there in 2026/27.
Until then, see you on the next one. Matt.
Forever in awe of the place we call home, especially when exploring its deepest secrets. The grandeur cannot be put in to words, or captured by camera. Fiordland is a place that only truly exists when you see it with your own eyes. #fiordland #flyfishingnz
New Season, Big News
The new fly-fishing season is upon us. It’s been a big year so far for me: moving to a new town, into our own place and having our first baby.
After 10 years in Wanaka, i have finally moved to Te Anau. Small and quiet but equally grand, it was the place I was always meant to be. Not to mention some of my favorite rivers are now minutes away, not hours.
Now that Fiordland/Southland is my new home I have been inspired to dust off the rod and boots to jump back into part-time guiding this season. It’s a great opportunity to spend time on my favorite waters once again and get out of the office for some fresh air doing what I do best!
So if you’re keen to reconnect this season feel free to reach out. My availability will be sporadic and limited so the sooner the better!
Here’s a few highlights from my past year, I look forward to sharing more of the journey with you this season!
Another winter has passed and from the beauties of home to the wilds of Japan it’s been a memorable one. But there is nothing like spring as the trees blossom and the land comes alive again. It’s always important to remember how the cold makes you appreciate the warmth (and vice versa). So in ode to the season that has been, here are a few of my highlights. The next is going to be a season full of adventures and taking time to get out amongst it, making more memories to be reflected on in 6 months time. See you then…
Closing out 2023 with a few highlights. It’s been a packed year with plenty of work, travel, events and everything in between. It’s been a year of ups and downs. But overall one to look back on knowing I made the most of it. Now here’s to the next one.
12 years since we first met as young hooligans in Banff, Canada. Nick finally made it to NZ and we headed out to show him some of our amazing country. Throw in his first brown trout and it was a perfect trip to close out the summer.
Started off 2023 at a different pace, taking time away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the backcountry in a new truck, something I have been working towards for a while. Next up is a 3 week road trip to the North Island to get it decked out for adventure, enjoy some events and also do some business along the way. See you out there!
It was great to get out fishing last week with a ex-client from years ago, now turned mate. It was a change of pace not having to guide and instead just spend time on the water fishing together. We explored some new spots and also some old favorites. The weather played ball and we squeezed in a few heli days. The days were short, the chat was long and we even were even visited by some Kea. Not a bad way to close out the year.
It’s been a pretty crazy summer down here in the south this year. Endless hot, sunny days without a cloud in the sky. Decided to take young Fletcher out for a fish on a day that hit 33 degrees! It also fired up the fishing with cicadas getting gobbled by almost anything and everything. Fletcher even got christened with a well placed size #10 hook in the leg after deciding to sit in a unfortunate spot! After a quick bit of riverbank surgery and he was back into it nailing another fish on the dry. Gotta try make the most of these days while the remain.
Smashed out an epic trip this week on a spot I’d been scoping for years but never quite managed to make happen. A day of savage cicada eats was shouldered by a brutal ascent/decent and endless swamp and bush bashing. It was as tough as it was spectacular but definitely one that will not be forgotten. Fishing makes us do some crazy stuff!
