Bring two reels with a weight forward floating line on each reel. Do not bring brightly colored fly lines, they spook fish while you are waving the line back and forth in the air. The RIO Gold trout lines seem made for New Zealand trout waters. The Gold line loads quickly and smoothly, even on short casts, with relatively long leaders and two flies, a great advantage. Reels do not need a drag but a smooth reel is necessary, as the leader tippets are small and the fish are big.
If you want to fish on one of the lakes you would be well advised to bring a third reel with a sinking line. RIO’s new InTouch Deep Series is ideal, and with the ultra-low stretch core, these lines really help anglers catch more fish
Bring at least a dozen RIO Powerflex Tapered Leaders, 12 feet in length and tapered to 5X. Bring two spools of RIO Powerflex Tippet: one of 4X and one of 5X. Most of the time you won’t use your own leaders or tippets, but have a few with you in case your guide is up a tree spotting for you, and you have to tie a new one on, or if you decide to go it alone and give the lock-jawed ten pounder a few more shots while your partner and guide go on to the next pool.
Bring your favorite lightweight breathable waders and wading boots that fit correctly. You will not do much deep (waist high) wading, but we do walk our butts off at times with multiple stream crossings and a good staff is a necessity. Most of the time I prefer wading wet but mornings can be cool, and lightweight waders are good for that, or if the day stays cool and cloudy.
Camp and lodge wear is informal; shorts, Levis, tee shirts etc. will do. No coats and ties are needed because no one dresses up. For fishing bring a dark colored, lightweight, long-sleeved fishing shirt with good front pockets for your small box of flies, a few leaders and tippet, and extra pair of glasses. A handkerchief, any medications and some bug spray should also accompany you. Fishing vests are optional, but some anglers like them, take yours if you like it.
In addition, bring a lightweight pull-over fleece “sweater” for mornings when it might be cool for a couple of hours, a rain jacket, hat with a brim, and polarized glasses so you have a chance of seeing what the guide sees. I prefer rain jackets a bit longer than the typical “shorties,” because the shorties tend to concentrate cold water around your kidneys and you get cold even in mild temperatures. No matter the style, always use good quality breathable fabric as you do perspire when walking even if it is cool and rainy.
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