On-foot guiding.
This is the most common form of guiding where angler(s) and guide walk a section of a particular river hunting for trout. Generally not much more than 4 kilometres is walked up stream and then back to the vehicle. The distance is determined by the amount of fish or the physical ability of the angler.

Raft.
This option is where the angler(s) are rowed down a section of the Rangitikei River moving from pool to pool again searching for trout. This option removes the issue of walking all day. Jim Rainey does the rafting and is a qualified grade 3 river guide. He has been rafting this river for fifteen years and employs a "safety first" concept. The raft trip is merely a mode of transport from pool to pool rather than a "thrill seeking" day.
Multi-day raft fishing trips are also available, starting high on the river and rafting/fishing your way down. This is a great way to explore the more remote areas, with all camping gear & food supplied.
Although there is naturally an element of risk involved, Jim's experience will ensure that all care is taken, and such risks are minimised.

Helicopter fly outs.
These days, although relatively expensive, enable the angler to get into water not normally frequented by other people. The chances of getting into more undisturbed fish are greatly increased. Jim has private access to some of the best fly fishing water available in the central North Island.

Camping.
This can be done with either the raft or helicopter or on foot. Usually we would go into remote areas for up to 5 days and camping out in tents adds another dimension to the angling experience.

Fishing calendar.
We operate from November to April.

November:
The start of the season generally finds hungry fish for both nymphs and dries. Dobsonfly and Stonefly are common along with caddis and mayfly. Generally nymphing is the best option but there can be some surface activity especially on warmer days.

December:
Green and Brown Beetles are starting to appear and it can be rewarding using an imitation along grassy banks and Manuka bushes. Again nymphs are a good option,covering most species of insects,and blowflies and humpys are actively sort out by fish on the prowl.

January:
Beetles are still going and near the end of the month cicadas start appearing. This is a great imitation to use as the trout can become totally focused on the Cicadas. Water temperature is starting to heat up so for the trout not going to the surface there are some that stay near the bottom and enticing them with heavy nymphs can be rewarding.

February:
Basically Cicadas are the main weapon used and there can be some savage takes. Last year, during a three week period of guiding, I used nothing but cicadas and blowflies!!!

March:
The days are shortening and the cicads have nearly finished and so the nymph box gets a bit more use. I find the trout have become pretty "sick" of imitations and so the use of smaller nymphs and emerging patterns becomes a better method. The use of them on their own or under a dry fly is the best way but as with all months presentation gets very important.

April:
As the trout start "thinking" of their spawning runs they can become single focused on one food source and the challenge is to pick it. Generally they are in good condition and there can be some great action with some heavy fish.