Where I'm fishing
We go streamside with Michael Gregg, Editor
It kicks off again in New Zealand’s South Island. The summer trout fishing season starts on October 1 in the top of the South Island. I’ll be frothing for some flicking by opening day. Until then I’ve got plenty on the winter list, including more spey casting practice.
In November when the southern rivers open up, I’m heading into one of New Zealand’s finest West Coast backcountry tributaries with a small group of international angling mates. There’s an off-the-beaten-track area with three outstanding tributaries converging. This spot doesn’t see many angling parties each season. So that’s where we headed, or further north and helicopter high into a big backcountry river as Plan B, if the weather disrupts Plan A.
I’ve then got a few US fishing mates passing through before Christmas so, no doubt, we’ll cast a line into some local waters as the snowmelt dissipates.
Steve from Florida proves they’re not all big, but they’re a heck of a lot of fun.
Tierra del Fuego
Then I’m off to Chile in January and down to Las Segadas Lodge (‘the harvests’) for the opening of their new fly fishing lodge in February, and fishing the Rio Grande from the estancia as the sea-run brown trout move through the river. I’m hosting a trip or two here for Isolation Outfitters. There might still be (as at August 2025) a space or two available for you!
I’m hosting a series called The Sea-Run Sessions. We’re visiting the Rio Grande, Rio Blanco, Rio Chico, Rio Menendez, Rio Ona and likely a few others over three week-long, lodge-based, expeditions.
The Rio Menendez/Rio Grande combo with Wuijoor Lodge for Prime Patagonia will be a fun week in the last week of February. There are only a couple of places still available as I write this update (Sept 2025) so get in quick. Their lodge is basically fully booked already for the 2026 sea-trout season!
Wuijoor Lodge will be an epic trip – for sea trout first-timers and veterans alike.
Back to New Zealand - South Westland & Fiordland
Then the focus is back on New Zealand’s South Island again. March in Central Otago is a magical month. I’m going deep south. Fiordland deep. I have a plan I want to enact involving a boat, another smaller boat, two backcountry huts, copious sandfly repellent and large brown trout of course. I’ll need someone to help me if you read this and are keen …
If you’re thinking of heading down to New Zealand any time in 2026, feel free to drop me a line. I’m always happy to share a few thoughts on where/when/how. And what to wear.
Paci from Chile, deep in the South Island on a multiday heli-fish trip last season.
Warmer Waters: Fanning Island & Kiritimati
Come April, I’m hosting a trip to two stunning Pacific atolls, Fanning and Christmas Islands. It’s gnarly and rustic on Fanning, but double-digit bones and giant GTs make it worth sacrificing some of the lodge comforts we enjoy on CXI. Shout out if you would like to join me on that trip - it’s truly bucket list stuff!
Winter New Zealand - Taupo Pilgrimage
Most winters I catch up with mates in Turangi or Taupo, in the Central North Island of New Zealand. It’s as much about red wine and long nights yarning, as it is about the angling. We’ve all been remiss in letting this slide in 2025, so I want to bring it back for ‘26. Last time was an international affair with a fun bunch of comrades from South Africa and Argentina. We fish the Tongariro, Turangi-Taupo and Hinemaiaia rivers. Great fun. Come along – it’s a hoot!
The Hinemaiaia River on the Turangi-Taupo highway is a personal favorite.
Xcalak + Espiritu Santo Bay, Mexico
We’re off to Mexico to host two lodge events - The Costa Maya Slam with Costa de Cocos and Grand Slam Mexico at the Tail Inn Lodge.
Montana, USA
June 2026, I’m heading up to Bozeman/Livingston and those fabled fly fishing havens – Dillon, Ennis, Twin Bridges for a spot of small stream angling for a few weeks and to hang out with some locals. Let me know if you’re there and keen to go for a fish together.
Then it’s back to New Zealand for winter fishing around Central Otago – with a short sojourn to Aitutaki in August, before we kick off New Zealand’s October fishing season all over again.
And that’s the year in advance for your earnest fly fishing editor at Exploration Angling. Keep subscribing to get trip reports.
If there’s anywhere you’re interested in us dropping in to cast a line and report on, or if you would to meet with us during our travels – please drop us a line and we’ll be back in touch pronto. We love fly fishing and talking fly fishing!