With the East coast fishing a bust the wife and I decided to venture across the South Island to a different area,the Wild West Coast.A Kiwi friend told us that we would be in a very different environment basically a rain forest loaded with streams and lakes Unfortunately the rain was there also as well as more gale force winds.
The drive across was stopped by a flood on the Waiau River.The normally braided stream was a long quarter mile of mud and debris which made for a nerve wracking crossing on a one lane bridge. Fortunately we were able to spend a nice afternoon and night in Hanger Springs.The thermal springs provided a good "soak" despite the continuing cold rain.
With the flood receding enough to get on the road it was a scenic drive through Lewis Pass.During the drive we crossed the Hope River which got clearer as we drove along it. I figured I was due some good luck at last as I swung off the paved road into a spot on the river. High,but clear enough to be able to pick out pockets that looked trouty. A couple of fruitless hours of cast,mend, change flies,repeat yielded not a sign of interest and no strikes. Put the gear back in the truck and continued on to Reef-ton a town know as the center of the trophy trout fishing on the South Island.
A stop in the local fishing tackle shop/hardware store was not encouraging.More rain and winds were in the forecast.The proprietor did show me several pictures of trophy fish and commented that a 1 or 2 kilo fish were the norm.A 3 or 4 kilo fish was a nice one and the 5 kilos and bigger were indeed trophy fish. The larger trout were known to love mice and a 13 lb-er with 8 mice in it was proof that they grow big in this part of the island.
The weather didn't improve as we drove on into Greymouth nor did the stream conditions.

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Hang in there Art. I want to see a picture of your smiling face with a big fat NZ brown trout!

Fish streamers along the bank

Have a Monteith's yet?

...if it has alcohol in it, you can be sure he's had at least one!

edit:OK, had to look it up (after having to type in my birth date my suspicions were verified) out of curiosity.

...found this, too funny.

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Tried streamers,wet flies nymphs etc.
Monteiths,they have pubs that are brand of beer endorsed.Ate in a couple Monteiths Pubs. Tons of food and great draft beer.
Tom,the ciders are kind new over there. Yes,all fresh stuff,they still raise some hops in NZ. Moved the breweryfrom Greymouth to Timaru.Visited the Greymouth plant? going to make it an experimental brewery.

Sheesh 12,000 milew and no fish!