Spring is normally an unreliable time of the year in regard to weather conditions and river levels. But already this year is feeling different.

Carl McNeil of Wanaka delivers a long cast to a cruiser on the edges of Lake Hawea

For me, for the first time in a few years I'm really looking forward to the summer's fishing ahead. I've already had a few nice days chasing recovering fish along lake edges and with the settled weather I'm pretty sure we're going to be in for a great opening on the rivers.

Spring's a great time for targeting recovering fish along lake margins

With the changes in the worlds economy over the past two years there are not many of us who haven't had a lot to take our minds of our fishing, enough at least to stop us from really enjoying a day on the water. I'm not trying to get into a financial debate here. The underlying comment is really, spring is here and we are in for a great summer ahead. If you're reading this from the northern hemisphere then I suggest you plan yourself a winter holiday downunder and book one of our great guides to give you an experience of a lifetime. This is going to be the year!

Misty spring mornings are hard to beat, stick to dark indicators that show up in the shine

One thing is for sure it's time to air out the waders and make sure your tackle is all in order for another great New Zealand summer.

Even early season fish are happy to look up for a dry fly if it's presented well, so make sure your casting is on the button