Back to Blog

Matt Tooley

We had an unbelievable time. Todd is a master of his craft. He put us on the fish straight away, and managed to score the biggest brown trout's to date! Scenery was second to none. To add to the experience, Todd is just a top bloke. Couldn't recommend more highly. We will be back....

Don Titterington

I had been wanting to visit and fish in New Zealand for a long time and my wife and I were finally able to make it to the South Island In January of 2023.  I was put in touch with Todd through a "friend of a friend" connection at my local fly shop.  I had told Todd roughly what I wanted out of our three days together before I got there and also at the beginning of the first day and he put together three very memorable days for me on three very different streams in the ge...

Lyron McMurtrey

My experience with Todd was as close to an anglers dream as it gets. The scenery the South Island offers makes for such a wonderful place to fish and with Todd’s extensive knowledge of the backcountry, allowed for us to access pristine waters that held healthy trout without seeing another angler. We managed to hook up with some excellent fish after I was humbled by long-leader casting into wind. His knowledge of the entomology in the area allowed for fast fly changes to mix up presentations to...

James Centenera

Todd is a terrific NZ fly fishing guide, and I'd highly recommend him. His expertise and experience is expectedly impressive, but his style as a guide makes him an absolute pleasure to fish with. He's patient, supportive, and encouraging, enabling you to fish at your best and really enjoy the whole experience....

Rob Simmons

“Fishing for trout in Otago with Todd exceeded my expectations in every way. Todd guided me in fishing and backpacking a gorgeous river valley for three days. I simply don’t know what was better, the thrill of stalking and catching gorgeous rainbow and brown trout, soaking in the spectacular scenery or seeing my casting improve by leaps and bounds under Todd’s very patient tutelage. His love of the country and care for the fish and habitat were obvious from the beginning.”...

Jesse Thomas

An Unforgettable Fly Fishing Experience with Todd AdolphI recently had the privilege of embarking on a fly fishing adventure with Todd Adolph, and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. As an experienced angler, I approached the trip with high hopes. Todd's expertise, along with the breathtaking scenery, created the perfect environment for an unforgettable fishing excursion.First and foremost, the beauty of the surroundings left me in awe. The river we fished on was n...

Fraser Pyke

Todd guided myself and a friend over 3 days in Southland NZ. Not only did Todd take us to some fantastic water and put us in front of some big fish, he also took the time to explain his strategy and help us dual in our technique for the unique NZ conditions.Fishing with Todd was like fishing with a good friend. He genuinely enjoyed celebrating the wins with us and helped us laugh off the losses. I will definitely fish with Todd again when I'm next in NZ....

David Loewensteiner

We had a great day out with Todd. As the weather forecast developed, he kept us informed as to where we might head. On the day, we had some great conversations to learn about one another and got acquainted with the region and fishery and the approaches we'd probably use. On the water, Todd was really patient as we got up to speed with the super high-quality rods and he handed them to us and before long, we were onto fish. Todd kept our energy up with a nice lunch for the afternoon. More nic...

Kris Williams & Jocelyn Brenton

I've been reflecting on our day fishing together and wanted to write you to say thanks for spending the day with us. We both learned so much from you; for me, the importance of line management! and for Joce, a cast starting free of too many bad habits : ) I have not seen Joce smile like she did after catching her first fish in a long time.Beyond your fly fishing expertise, you are an amazing teacher and we're so lucky to learn from you in an incredible place. I'm inspired by your ability to conn...

James Eivers - NZ

Todd is a fantastic fly fisherman and his ability to read the river and spot fish was incredible! He also helped us two beginners refine our technique and sharpen our skills to a point where I'm now confident to go out on my own. Beautiful country side as well, just fantastic all around. Would highly recommend!...

John Mahaffie - NZ

Thanks Todd , what a great day fishing with you. I was amazed how you made a novice like myself feel like a ‘pro’ with your patient encouragement and obvious expertise.Your ability to constantly spot the  fish and put me into position made all the difference.  You’ve inspired me to dust off my old rod and get out there again!Thanks once again . Look forward to next time!********...

Paul O'Sullivan

I recently returned from a fishing trip with Todd Adolph.  I found the experience to be engaging, informative and enjoyable.I was encouraged when my skills were improving, but most importantly, my shortfallings were pointed out with simple and professional advice.  One of the highlights of my trip was enjoying Todd's typical South Island hospitality and comradeship.  There were some physically challenging moments for someone my age but at all times Todd's priority was my...

Larry Becker

Todd Adolph is an outstanding New Zealand fly fishing guide.  Not only is his skill at spotting fish, selecting the correct fly, and getting a fish to the net is outstanding, but he is also a great casting instructor.  Todd is friendly, willing to go the extra mile to get client to fish the client’s preferred stream, his preferred technique, and his preferred size/number ratio.  He is punctual and ready to go with all the needed equipment.  I will be spending another month ...

Autumn gold

 Autumn time produces some incredible colouration as the Browns look to woo the opposite sex. ...

John Kaplan

"As an experienced fly fisherman, that has hired a number of guides, I can say that Todd ranks with the best of them.  He knows the local streams well and knows how to catch beautiful New Zealand trout!  He is professional and personable.  I only wish that I had had more than one day to spend with him.  Hopefully, I will be able to fly fish for trout on New Zealand’s South Island again, someday.  If I do, Todd will be my guide." ...

Gibbie Bruce

"Sight fishing in New Zealand’s gin clear rivers was completely new to me but Todd made the experience magical. He quickly made me feel at ease with his easy going nature and professionalism. This resulted in a fish of a life time for me but above all Jean and I had great fun. It was the highlight of our visit to New Zealand and very different from the spate rivers of Scotland. Booking the day and transport was made easy by Todd. He made us feel very welcome.and was happy for Jean to come alon...

Anna & Charley Garcia

"My husband and I spent a wonderful day fly fishing on a river and a creek outside of Queenstown. Todd was a great guide, providing lots of information about the area and offering us a variety of fishing experiences in only one day. My husband landed an impressive brown on the river and followed up with an even bigger brown on the creek. Todd put us in position to be successful and he also helped us to improve our fishing technique. We’ll always cherish this special, fun day of fishing on the ...

Alex Spiliotes

 “I had an absolute blast fishing with Todd. His ability to spot fish and put my friend and I in the best possible position to land them kept us in the game for the entirety of our two days on the water. My friend and I both caught our best fish to date thanks to Todd’s knowledge and determination. Get on his calendar while you can!”...

Ryder Bartholomew

"Todd brought me to places I’ve always dreamed of going and put me on my “fish of a lifetime” dozens of times over the week I spent with him. A few hours into the trip, and it felt like I was with a lifelong fishing buddy. I’d highly recommend anybody looking to fish for some world-class trout to give Todd a call. He showed me the trip of a lifetime."...

Checklist for planning your dream trip

The list is provided to assist you in planning your equipment for your time with us. Because our fish are wild and living in gin-clear water, they have advantages in vision that surprise many anglers new to New Zealand. Hence you will find a reference to specific colors NOT to wear. In general, we can walk up to 10 miles (16km) but generally about 3-5miles (5-8km), so your comfort in attire is our main concern. Clothing- Dull earthy coloured Trousers. No bright colours, reds or whites. Khaki, ta...

Areas to target feeding trout on NZ rivers

Areas to target feeding trout on NZ rivers You will find trout in places where food sources are abundant, and the living is easy. Here are some insights, so you have an easier time catching them.  Where trout feedFocus on areas with a structure like a rock where the current is diverting the flow, trout love to sit in the softer water, only swinging out to intercept food. That's how they get so big here. By being lazy, it always comes down to energy expended vs. energy consump...

Stalking approach in New Zealand gin clear waters

You spot a feeding fish in New Zealand gin-clear waters, feeding like crazy swinging side to side and rising to the surface. The excitement, your heartbeat quickens. You rush to get in position to deliver the cast. You've dreamt about this moment. Then all of a sudden, the fish is gone your heart sinks, and you wonder how on earth did the trout know your coming.We have all been there, and it sucks, if it hasn't happened yet, it most likely will. Let's go through a few ways to optimise your ...

The history of acclimatisation

Brown trout were first introduced into NZ (Canterbury) IN 1867. Shipments were originally from the test and two other waters in the UK. They came via Hobart, Tasmania.  Rainbow trout were introduced from the West Coast of the USA in 1883 and are regarded as mostly originating from sea-going migratory steelhead stock. However, in NZ, rainbow trout do not migrate to the sea. They are less widespread than brown trout in NZ, and they are more tolerant of higher temperatures than brown trout. Al...

Shane Bastiaans

“For me this day was a dream come true, the day could not have been any better. I have still got a smile on my face. Thanks very much, Todd for the amazing fishing, your patience, and tutorage. Legendary day mate.”  ...

Wilson Bastiaans

“Thanks so much for the day and teaching me so much about fly fishing. I was stoked that I finally got my first fish on fly and seeing the amazing scenery and taking us to your secret spot have to do it again with you!” ...