Home The Fishing Stages of the Season Guides & Tuition Equipment & Flies Rivers The Lodge Accommodation Tariff Photos Non Fishing Activities South Island of NZ Contact & Registration Links Lodge News Lodge Reviews Guest Testimonial Brandon – USA February 2013 “Simply The Best” If you are looking for idyllic New Zealand lodging that is geared towards fly fishing but has something to offer anybody, not to mention world class cuisine, you are looking for the Owen River Lodge. We were greeted at our vehicle by lodge owner, Felix Bornstein, who invited us inside for conversation and drinks. I felt like we were visiting the home of an old friend from the very beginning. We were then escorted to our very clean and elegant room and settled in by Felix before returning to the lodge for one of Chef Ryan's gourmet meals, unbelievable. The next day I awoke to a big breakfast, hooking up on big, wild brown trout on a local river with a great guide who was booked for me by Felix, and a delicious packed lunch provided by the lodge. Meanwhile, my wife was being pampered by an onsite masseuse, being shuttled to and from Murchison to a local salon, and being catered to by Felix and staff. Upon my return from an epic day of trout fishing, my wife and I renewed our wedding vows by the Owen River. Felix assisted with locating a celebrant to perform the ceremony, transportation for my wife for the day, booking the masseuse, choosing a site for the ceremony, and he even took photographs of our special event. Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Felix not only feels like an old friend from arrival but is also the ultimate concierge and host. My only regret of my trip to New Zealand is that I only spent a couple days at Owen River Lodge. I stayed at eight different locations while visiting New Zealand and I've stayed at many 5 star accommodations here in the States and none come close to Owen River Lodge. Thank you Felix for your hospitality and all of your hard work. more reviews..
	OWEN RIVER LODGE EQUIPMENT AND FLIES
	Fly fishing on the South island of New Zealand is mostly about fishing to sighted fish. As a result of this, you don’t need to be able to cast the entire fly line, indeed 25 to 35 feet is the average distance we fish. We recommend a 5 or 6 weight rod – the action should suit your casting style. Your rod should be paired with a wide arbour reel that’s equipped with a good drag system – this is vital as it aids you in landing your fish of a lifetime! The fly line should be a dull/dark coloured floating weight forward line, paired with a 12 > 15 foot leader (Yes, that long !). Combine this with 4, 5 & 6 lb tippet – we recommend RIO. Owen River Lodge is an Authorised Sage dealer and as a result has almost the entire Sage line up for our guests to try and use – all included in our tariff. Please use this as a check list of gear to bring. Fly rods 5>6 weight is ideal. If you have both bring them along. That way you can have the 5 weight rigged as a dry fly rod and the 6 weight rigged for Nymphing Fly reels To suit your rod, make sure your reel has a really good drag system and at least 50 meters of backing Leaders Due to the clarity of the rivers we fish; long leaders are essential – 12 or 13 foot 8lb (3x) tapered leaders are ideal Fly Lines Most anglers use a weight forward, floating line. Dull in colour - green being ideal. Tippet 4, 5 and 6 pound fluorocarbon and/or nylon, we use Rio & Umpqua  Fishing vest With floatant, clippers, forceps (The best tool for removing flies from the large trout you are going to catch) Flies Some Kiwi favourites are: Dry – Parachute Adams, Standard Adams, Blow Fly, General Terrestrial and Cicadas Nymphs - Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, and some small tungsten bead heads (size 12>18) If you are using one of our guides, they will be happy to provide suitable flies. New Zealand customs will be very unhappy if you bring fly tying feathers with you. Save yourself the hassle and leave all fly tying equipment at home. Wading Boots To assist the minimisation of the transmission of water based invasive pests, the New Zealand government has now banned the use of felt soled boots. We recommend you bring Rubber soled or Rubber/ carbine spiked fishing boots. Simms distributes 2 models of Vibram (sticky rubber) wading boots which are ideal. Lightweight Waders Gore-Tex type is ideal for early/late season. In the warmer months most Kiwis wade wet. All you need is a pair of lightweight nylon shorts over polypropylene underwear bottoms and your boots. An even better product than polypropylene is Kiwi Merino Wool thermal underwear leggings/bottoms. We never leave home without them! Good quality polarised sun or prescription glasses, woollen socks, wide brimmed hat or baseball cap, windproof pullover/fleece And a good quality hooded rain jacket – a dull colour is best Equipment for Sale The lodge has a good selection of flies, tippet material, leaders, fly lines,  polarised sun glasses, Columbia fishing shirts, pants & wading jackets for sale. As an Authorised sage Dealer, we stock and sell Sage rods & reels. Loan Equipment The lodge has a selection of premium fly fishing equipment for our guests to use free of charge. Simms Guide & Rivershed fishing boots with AquaStealth & Vibram soles w/carbine studded – Size 5 up to size 14! Simms Guide & G3 Stocking foot Gore-Tex waders - sizes from small ladies to extra large king size! Simms Gore-Tex Rain wading jacket Sage 5, 6 & 7 Weight – 4 piece Fly Rods w/ Wide arbour Sage Reels We recommend you call/email us before you arrive, just to make sure we have your size available.
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	Owen River Lodge New Zealand’s finest 5 star rated fly fishing lodge Owen Valley East Road, Murchison Nelson, South Island, New Zealand Tel: +64 3 523 9075 stay@owenriverlodge.co.nz