Dec, 2013: When anglers think of prime fishing in New Zealand, sight casting to large browns in crystal-clear waters on the South Island comes to mind. We were excited to visit Owen River Lodge near Murchison…and this program “fits the bill.” First of all, the lodge is ideally located in the heart of prime New Zealand Trout country. Secondly, all of our clients who have been there thoroughly enjoy this lodge, and it is one of Barry and Cathy Beck’s favorite properties in the world.  Thirdly, other staff members from Frontiers have had great visits and it continues to be one of our very top choices in New Zealand for our clients who are trout enthusiasts.

The owner and operator, Felix Borenstein, fished extensively throughout New Zealand and chose this location for his lodge which comfortably accommodates 12 guests in 6 spacious suites. The lodge just celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and it continues to receive international accolades. There are a multitude of rivers in close driving proximity to Owen River Lodge; and while helicopter fly-outs are available to the back-country, they are not necessary to reach great fishing. Most guests do not fly. In terms of location, value and quality, Owen River Lodge is tough to beat in New Zealand…or anywhere else in the world.

Complementing the fishing are very comfortable facilities with world-class cuisine, a very attentive staff, hot tub, massage room and a complete tackle shop with the latest Sage fly rods and Simms waders in every size imaginable so it is not necessary to bring all of your gear. Felix goes out of his way to make sure that the guests have everything they need for a truly remarkable stay. He also has a very refreshing personality and wit that makes him the consummate host.

The Guide Team has some of the most veteran staff in the county, and the rivers are abundant. Despite inclement weather, the guides put all the clients with us on fish every day and we had a thoroughly enjoyable fishing experience. Even with the weather front, we had trout taking dries and nymphs… I wish that we were more “on our game.” We missed a few and had a couple get away! Nonetheless, we had two solid days of fishing with tough weather and we managed to put a few in the net but with lots of other action. Based on our ambitious itinerary, we only had two days of fishing here, which is always risky. We always suggest that our clients stay at least 3-4 days in each fishing location to maximize angling opportunities and to buffer against Mother Nature.

The lodge is accessed through Nelson and there are numerous nonfishing options in the region if some guests do not want to fish all day every day.

We highly suggest that our clients consider joining Barry and Cathy Beck who are hosting a trip to Owen River Lodge in February, 2014. They are great hosts for Frontiers and will help you discover what trout fishing in New Zealand is all about, which is sight casting to monster fish in the most scenic surroundings.

Call Frontiers at 724-935-1577 to book your next fishing trip to New Zealand.

By: Mike Jr. and Kristene Fitzgerald

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As son of the Frontiers founders, Mike Fitzgerald, Jr. was brought up in the outdoor travel business. He has handled a number of sporting programs for Frontiers through the years. Today as President, Mike works closely with the Senior Management Team and the department heads and is quite involved with the Southern Hemisphere freshwater programs. Mike loves to travel with his fly rods, shotguns and cameras. He is passionate about trout, salmon and conservation. He sits on the boards of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.

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