Beech forest is widespread throughout New Zealand and is prolific in the country's mountains and wilderness areas. The most productive trout fishing rivers are surrounded by beech trees and this year experts are predicting the heaviest 'beech mast' or seed fall in over a decade. Nourished by the abundance of seeds, rodent populations explode and plagues of mice flood the forest. Competent swimmers and un-afraid of the water, mice enter the domain of the trout offering a plentiful, protein rich food source. The Waiau River is the largest in Southland and is known for the most frenzied evening rises - in 2014 the trout will be even bigger, faster and fatter. Anglers, let the fun begin.


Bulk seeds, bulk rodents

New Zealand’s Beech Forests seed approximately every 5 years, and the magnitude of the event is determined by the weather conditions. A cool summer followed by warm one triggers a bumper seed crop or 'beech mast', and this year our Department of Conservation is bracing themselves for a massive event. The huge seed fall prompts a staggering multiplication of rodents. Each year a female mouse gives birth to roughly 70 offspring, but  with surplus food this number increases dramatically. The effect on birdlife and other native fauna is devastating - when the seeds run out the following spring, millions of rodents must turn to other food sources to survive. But there is a silver lining for trout fisherman.



Mouse-fat trout

With so many millions of mice competing for food and searching for habitat, it is inevitable that they must cross the rivers and streams that weave our forests. Avid opportunists that they are, trout swiftly take advantage of the new high protein food source and put on condition at a staggering rate. It is quite conceivable for a 7 pound trout to become a 9 pounder in a matter of months. For the avid trout fisherman this is the time to seek out New Zealand’s pristine wilderness rivers with the biggest trout populations, healthy beech forest and the best evening rises. For those in the know, Fiordland’s mighty Waiau River is the natural choice.

The Waiau River - an anglers paradise

The clean, fast flowing waters of the Waiau are home to some of the finest, unspoiled trout habitats in the world. The Waiau is also stunningly scenic - a truly remote, wild and natural place that is home to thriving populations of both Rainbows and Browns. The rugged landscape is virtually inaccessible and - as a result - fishing pressure is low and the fish are anything but fussy. A purpose built jet boat saves you the leg work and gets you into the best stretches of water where you can work the islands, beaches and ripples by boat. The mayfly hatches here are epic and the evening rises are simply spectacular. Pumped up on protein and full of mice for 2014, fisherman on the Waiau can expect monster trout and unforgettable action. 

To experience this monumental occasion on the Waiau River first hand, contact Mark Wallace’s Distinctive Fishing Experience. Enjoy kiwi hospitality on a special adventure and gain the competitive edge with expert local knowledge and a custom built jetboat to get you right into the action. The seeds are falling, the mice are coming and the fish are definitely here - so don't miss out this year!