So it's true...once in a Blue Moon

'Once in a Blue Moon' is a great fly fishing film that other than being wonderfully shot, talks about the phenomenon of trout eating mice!

You can buy the 'Once in a Blue Moon' DVD here

New Zealand's Year of the Mouse!

Regular anglers of the backcountry in New Zealand will know that trout, while sometimes very large, are normally long and well proportioned rather than wide and fat.

This pattern seems to change every few years and apparently over the last couple of summers there have been numerous reports of record size trout being caught throughout the country.

It has been suggested (here and here) that it could be because of an increase in the mice population and the trout’s taste switching accordingly. Let’s look at this a little further because understanding phenomenon such as this will help us to understand the behaviour of these fish.

The likely reason for the increase in mice is probably the favorable climatic conditions, which have caused the Beech trees to produce larger than usual quantities of flowers and seeds. Prior to seeding, Beech trees shed huge amounts of flowers and leaves and this abundance of food on the forest floor and the accompanying insects encourages the mice.

So how do they end up being eaten by fish? It is possible that their drive for new accommodating areas is so strong that they will brave a swim across a river. Or maybe it is just that as there are more mice about, there are simply more of them falling into the rivers.

Do fish take live mice or dead mice? Mice are primarily nocturnal and this coincides with the preferred feeding time of many large trout. Movement is a cue that can often stimulate a stubborn fish and a swimming mouse would be easier to find at night than a dead one.

What about the fish? Why is it that some fish relish mice and others don’t? James and Fox seem to both think that for larger trout, feeding on mice is a learned ability. Trout are known to specialise on one type of prey because as new prey types become available and more abundant, some individuals realise that they have been missing out on a lot of food and change their diet to in turn become skilled at dealing with a new prey.

How many mice can a trout eat? There are reports of up to 23 mice being found inside a brown trout. So one can assume… quite a few. However this follows reports of fish bleeding from the gills and anus. It seems that they can be very greedy and possibly to their detriment.

Does a fish taste differently? Samples suggest not, however I wouldn't recommend broadcasting the reason for the large size of the fish to any dinner guests.

Both images from: James & Fox, 2009. New Zealand Mouse Year. Fish and Game Magazine New Zealand. Accessed here

Why get into fresh water fly fishing?

Fly fishing could lead you to the most treasured places in the world. From the quiet inspiring backdrops far from bus routes and cities to the distant wilderness in the mountains and the local stream to sparkling lakes and rushing vibrant rivers.

With fly fishing comes a greater environmental consciousness and a closer affinity with nature and so it is possible to have a great day fishing despite having caught no fish.

The uncertainty of fly fishing, the mind games between you and the fish and the ‘real’ lessons learnt on the water are all part of its captivating nature.

It does require the setting of a trap and waiting for a fish to fall for the deception. Fly fishing involves a far more pro-active, deliberate and calculated approach.

The emphasis is on finding and fooling a fish and witnessing it overcome its natural suspicious instincts to flare its mouth confidently and clamp it tightly shut over a fly. That is the moment you have finally triumphed.

Entering the male dominated world of fly fishing can be daunting for a beginner and even more so for a female. You have to start somewhere and reading about other women anglers is the perfect start. There are many websites out there that offer advice, support and encouragement to other women and proof (just like this) that you are not alone.

Fly fishing is generally the most difficult form of fishing and takes more skill than any other. Ultimately it is a challenging and demanding pastime that offers variety, travel and camaraderie with mates and a lifetime of enjoyment.

* All photos taken by K Dunstan, November 2009.

Why I’m hooked!

Fresh water fly fishing for me is a relatively new past time and so I am definitely no expert. I am however a quick learner, super keen and a lover of the outdoors. So when my father suggested I accompany him to New Zealand to learn the art of fresh water fly fishing, although apprehensive, I jumped at the chance.

Dad is a bit of an expert in the field and has been fishing for over 30 odd years. He has fished waters in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Alaska and Europe. Plus he has heaps of fishing gear and equipment that I can ‘borrow’!

The tables are turned with Fly Fishing it seems – you become the hunter, the stalker, out actively searching for fish not just sitting back waiting for the fish to swallow your hook.

I didn’t get my first true bout of excitement when I felt a tug on my line, but when I actually saw my first glimpse of a huge cruising 10 pound fish. It was a large shadowy form hanging in the brown shallows of a quiet stretch of water on the Arnold River in New Zealand. My heartbeat doubled and in the heat of the moment with Dave the guide on my left shoulder, breathing steady instructions I summoned the composure to deliver a decisive cast. The fly landed in precisely the wrong place but at the right time.

‘Try again’ were Dave’s encouraging words. Next cast the fly landed in the right place at the wrong time. An hour and a half and many, many casts later, the fish was still quite undisturbed, still swimming around in circles, directly in front of where Dave and I were crouched. Frustrating? Yes! But more so I felt a keen determination to not give up. Riding the waves of anticipation, pleading the verdict in pained silence, heart in mouth, breath held, it was just too exhilarating.

I didn’t get that fish. However, as they say, there were others. Not that day, but in the course of a weeks trip I caught 17.

Despite not catching that fish, it is the one I remember the most and the one that will keep me going back for more. Because one day, with practice and learned patience I will hook and land that ‘elusive’ 10 pound trout.

So what it is about fly fishing that has me hooked? There is no definite one reason. It comes down to my love for the real outdoors, the wilderness, the natural environment, my Dad’s enthusiasm, the ride of anticipation and sheer excitement and lastly the wonderful feeling you get graciously thanking a beautiful four pound brown trout for a magnificent battle as you release it back into the wild. Plus it is a real skill. It's not easy. It’s a challenge and sometimes a battle. But because of this I feel...a better person.

* All photos taken by K Dunstan, November 2009.