Top 5 NZ Small Stream Tactics by Nathan Pollard

1) Long Light Leaders - make sure you have a good tapered leader like Trout Hunter , thatäó»s as long as you can make it but still be able to turn over the fly. It will result in better drifts and more fish!
2) A Range of Flies - just because itäó»s a small stream doesnäó»t mean the fish eat small bugs. I have found many times that the fish are more willing to come over and eat a cicada than a size 18 mayfly. Check out the Manic Fly Collection .
3) Walk Slowly and be Patient! - in a small stream with slow moving water, big fish will do a beat and will circle a pool looking for food. This is how Iäó»ve caught my biggest small stream fish.
4) Good Sunnies with Polarised Lenses - low light (yellow lens) sun glasses are my go to. It makes a huge difference when spotting fish.
5) Use a Long Soft Rod - fish a rod that can handle light tippet. In some streams I can get away with fishing a 10ft rod. I like to fish my 3wt 10ft Primal Zone Euro rod as it handles lighter tippet better. It's not just for Euro nymphing, I also use it with dry flies and dry dropper. If the stream is really over grown, I fish a Primal Zone 2wt 9'3" as it's little bit shorter.

About the author
Nathan Pollard is extremely passionate about fly fishing and the places it takes him. Currently studying full-time at Massey university, he still makes time for competitive fly fishing. He also works part-time with the great team at Manawatu Hunting & Fishing NZ. Follow him on Instagram @flyfishermannate