The Weekly Five - 11
Tasmania opens next weekend.
Welcome to The Weekly Five (11th edition). No dire salmon stories this week, just optimism for the Southern Hemisphere season ahead.
Word on the (Kiwi) street is that there are no new Designated Waters to be added for the coming season. Still to be confirmed but if correct, all existing DW river systems will remain as is. Non-resident anglers, many from Australia, who planned to fish the famed Mataura River and tributaries will be relieved.
Tasmania opens for fly fishing next Saturday, August 3 with designated rainbow waters opening on September 28. Download the 2024-25 Tasmanian Inland Fishing Code.
Fibreglass aficionados will be salivating over Epic’s new Blackout Series Limited Edition collectible fly rods in 476, 580 and legendary 686.
Way down on the island of Tierra Del Fuego, there’s some virgin water opening up next summer to seasoned expedition anglers looking for large sea-run Browns. If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia, I strongly suggest holding off on your Lodge bookings until this new destination is unveiled. More to come; this is a big one.
And if you’re new to the world of steelhead fishing – perhaps not sure if they are more trout or salmon – refer to this handy fact sheet on Alaskan Steelhead from the Boardwalk Lodge. If you do want to chase big chromes, consider Rick Matney from Chrome Chasers!
Patagonia’s calling. Argentina has a lifetime of fly fishing only a flight or two away. Southflyfisher has been working through a long list of DIY rivers and is heading to Argentina in December 2024 to explore, fish, write, film and interview guides and lodge owners. Anywhere you want me to report back on?
Recently Published
This is a celebration of a new fishing abode and Saul Loya, lobster fisherman turned lodge owner at Punta Herrero.
A lighthearted collection of Chalkstream tales from old England.
If you’re new here, read 10 back issues of The Weekly Five.
Anyway, who is South Flyfisher?
Coming Next
Gear Review: Tonic Sunglasses
A guide to fly fishing Tasmania in 2024
I’m on the Socials
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Southflyfisher has a Facebook page. Have a look.
Coming to New Zealand to chase big browns? Drop me a message and I’ll help you find some likely spots.
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Image © 2024 South Flyfisher with a South Island Brown.
If flying into Punta Arenas (pop. 123,000), three hotels to consider before you take the morning ferry ride to Porvenir are the Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Hotel Jose Nogueira (among the oldest buildings in Patagonia, built 1905), or the Tierra Del Fuego Hotel in the middle of town.