Christchurch, North Canterbury / West Coast, New Zealand Brook trout, Brown trout, Rainbow trout
Freestone rivers, streams, spring creeks, stillwater stalking, Christchurch, Canterbury / West Coast, New Zealand
Me and my buddy Don from the USA spent several days guided by Christ in November 2016. Christ went out of his way to provide us with the true NZ experience and gave us valuable advice on the water as... View more
Me and my buddy Don from the USA spent several days guided by Christ in November 2016. Christ went out of his way to provide us with the true NZ experience and gave us valuable advice on the water as well as to point us in the right directions for the days we fished unguided. We liked his good sense of humor. He did a tremendous guiding job without us even noting it... what more can you say of a good guide.
Not only would I fish with him again anytime but also I recommend him for every type of flyfisherman, beginner or advanced. Thanks Chris mate.
I have been fly fishing for 25 years (and lucky me to live in NZ as well). Being spoiled for choice in NZ and an above average angler, I have not seen the need to hire a guide. Last year this all... View more
I have been fly fishing for 25 years (and lucky me to live in NZ as well). Being spoiled for choice in NZ and an above average angler, I have not seen the need to hire a guide. Last year this all change with some mates coming to NZ from abroad. We are all very picky on who we fish with and had recommendations for Chris, who was someone that would fit our carefree, laid back, enjoy a (ginger) beer, wine or a couple of whisky’s at the end of well-deserved days fishing. We hired Chris for the week and I managed to steal him away from the others for a day for myself. I was so glad I did. I am not sure how a man so close to the ground (Chris is not a tall man) can spot fish so well, I thought I had good eyes for spotting trout, but man did I learn a lot. Chris was also keen to help me refine my cast and gave me few tips that helped me cast with more precision. Chris was a guide who was willing to fish for a day, right through to 9pm with one of the boys when they couldn’t tear themselves away from the river. He was open to our suggestions, but above all, he was willing to give me ideas on where to fish when I wasn’t even fishing with him. He gave me pointers on where to go, what to use and back up plans if this didn’t work out. We all enjoyed the banter that comes with 4 mates fishing together, and Chris fitted into this like an old mate who had been on our trips forever. Not only is Chris an exceptional guide, he has a real passion for the care of the trout as well, a quality you do not often see. By the way, I lost 3 but landed 4 others, 6lb, two 7lb and one just short of 8lb. From an angler who doesn’t normally hire a guide, Chris is someone I will be catching up with again.
NZ is a dream country for the fly fishermen who dream to catch big trout and Chris is the man who can realize it. I have gone fishing with Chris several times in different seasons, but he always has... View more
NZ is a dream country for the fly fishermen who dream to catch big trout and Chris is the man who can realize it. I have gone fishing with Chris several times in different seasons, but he always has brought me great results and made me very happy in spite of my poor skill, poor English and short stay. Chris is always patient, gentle, enthusiastic and a perfect person for me. I’ve enjoyed every time traveling and fishing with him. The reason why I visited CHC in NZ, that’s because Chris is there! I can’t wait next fishing.
The most important decision for the travelling angler whomwishes to make the most of precious time spent fishing in foriegn lands, is the choice of hiring a good guide. Hiring a good guide, one who... View more
The most important decision for the travelling angler whomwishes to make the most of precious time spent fishing in foriegn lands, is the choice of hiring a good guide. Hiring a good guide, one who knows the best locations, the most suitable conditions for the chosen venue and the most productive methods and flympatterns, is a must have for any visiting angler.
When I planned my dream fishing trip to New Zealand's South Island in 2015, and having read so much about the wonderful sight fishing for big wild brown trout, I knew that I needed the services of an experienced guide. With this in mind I sent my request list to a number of different South Island guides. They all replied but one reply in particular stood out from the rest, and this was the reply from Chris Bell. His package was flexible, covered both rivers and lakes, and he suggested several venues which simply appealed to me. He also offered an all in or no frills option. With the no frills package which is less expensive, the client takes their own tackle, waders, clothing, and food and drink. Having covered all the detail I booked 10 days fishing with Chris in Dec 2015.
My first 3 days in a back country location in central southern South Island were idealic. Fishing both rivers and lakes with a stunning backdrop in glorious summer weather, I sight fished for both brown and rainbow trout ranging from 4 to 8lbs. In all honesty I could not have been given a better introduction to what South Island, New Zealand trout fishing has to offer. Those first 3 days were sublime. They answered all my wishes, and yet there was more to come and the following days were equally as rapturous. From the sublety of fishing a west coast spring creek, akin to the chalk streams of southern England, to fishing for large browns in a boisterous back country river culminating with 5 brown trout between 6 and 9.5lbs on my final day. I could not have wished for more. It was the dream come true.
Chris's knowledge of the South Island and its environs, his choice of locations and his fishing finding skills were both a delight to witness and commendable in practice. His ability to look into and see a fish in what appears to be a empty pool is a skill to be admired. Like all the best guides he is patient, has good people skills and explains what is required clearly and does all that is possible to ensure that his client enjoys the day. The greatest compliment an angler can pay to a guide is to repeat the booking. I booked another 10 days with Chris Bell in 2016. A trip which was rqually as enjoyable as the first, and I have now booked another 10 days with him this season. I rate him that highly.
i was planning a short trip to NZ wanted to introduce my 16 year old son (Matt) to fly fishing. I decided that given my lack of patience where fishing was concerned it would be a good option to go... View more
i was planning a short trip to NZ wanted to introduce my 16 year old son (Matt) to fly fishing. I decided that given my lack of patience where fishing was concerned it would be a good option to go with a guide who could teach Matt. After approaching a few guides I decided that Chris was the guide for us, and i'm very happy I made that choice.
Chris was fantastic. He is a natural teacher who guided Matt onto his first fish on the fly (sighted, and on dry fly in windy conditions) with impressive patience and calm.
Our three days went all too quickly - but will always be remembered for the great fishing beautiful scenery and good company. Chris is a generous and skilled guide who has an impressive knowledge and a patient calm manner, we both learned a lot, and I'm looking forward to returning and spending some more time with Chris on the South Island rivers.
I have fished with Chris on 6 occasions and have never been disappointed. I have always had a good number of fish because of his unbelievable ability to spot trout where I only see rocks and weed! On... View more
I have fished with Chris on 6 occasions and have never been disappointed. I have always had a good number of fish because of his unbelievable ability to spot trout where I only see rocks and weed! On my last two outings I have had 8 Browns and Rainbows ranging from 5lb to 9 1/4 lb which is a lifetime best for me. I have been fishing for many years and specifically in NZ for the last 10, and still always learn something new from Chris. I find his attention to detail and willingness to please stands him out from other guides which I have used. I would strongly recommend him for your next fishing trip. Colin Hughes UK
