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My name is Ronan Creane. I started fly fishing at the age of 12 and have been completely immersed in it since. I have fished all over the South Island, particularly in Otago for over 20 years. As a recreational angler I would fish about 140 days a year. In 2015 I decided it was time to put that experience to good use, so I became a full time fly fishing guide.

I was born in Ireland and lived there until I was 24. I travelled to New Zealand on a one year working holiday visa in 2002 and that was it, I was hooked! I returned every October for the following 9 years for 6 months at a time.. just to fish! I fished much of the globe during those explorative years. In 2011 I made New Zealand my home. 

Lake fishing was a big part of my life in Ireland and I've adapted many Irish tactics to suit New Zealand lakes and rivers. During my early years in NZ I was lucky enough to fish with some of New Zealand’s best anglers. This certainly fast-tracked my learning curve. Almost as long as I’ve been fishing in NZ I have been writing a blog documenting my own observations about fly fishing for Sexyloops. It has become like a diary to me and is now something I must do. It has a great following from all over the world.

In 2005 I was one of the first anglers in New Zealand to receive the Casting Instructor Certificate from the Federation of Fly Fishers. I continue to teach fly casting now, usually while guiding. In 2008 I was the co-host for a Discovery Channel fly fishing TV show called "Fish This", while more recently was a co-host on "Pure Fly New Zealand" which aired for the first time in October 2016. Since then I have been a regular on this increasingly popular tv show. I have over 30 ten minute films on youtube (although they’re over 10 years old now!) and some more recent short films on Vimeo so there's plenty ways to get to know me a bit. I'm a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, or NZPFGA. Fly fishing is my life and I'm dedicated to it.

 

 
 

2024 / 25 PRICING AND INFORMATION

This seasons rates are $975 NZD per day for one, 1150 for 2 or 1300 for 3 anglers. There is a 3.5% PayPal charge for online payments from abroad. Bank transfers also work for payment. No fees on bank transfers from within NZ. Road trips cost an additional $100 per night away from home plus some expenses (see Mission Options). Heli days carry a $100 arrangement fee.

You’re welcome to come with me in my truck at no extra cost. I can pick you up from your accommodation in or near Alexandra. I drive approximately 30 to 90 minutes each way to and from our chosen water (sometimes off-road). The fee includes approximately 8 hours on the water with professional guidance, a healthy homemade lunch, snacks, rods, reels, leaders, flies, associated equipment and qualified casting tuition if needed. I will also take photos each day - these will be sent to your email via We Transfer. At the end of the day you'll be brought back to your accommodation. Please make sure you have a day pack to carry your own kit or one will be provided for you.

Camp-outs - To add a camp-out to any day carries an extra fee of $350 per 1 or $650 per 2 people (road trip fee is included in this rate). This includes quality tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, all camping equipment, dinner, breakfast and my backcountry culinary skills! Each angler is required to carry his or her own tent, sleeping bag, food and mattress for the Backcountry walk-in option. All weight to be divvied out equally. You're welcome to use your own gear, in which case the rate will be reduced by $50 per angler per night. When it comes to alcohol, I usually bring a few beers but if you want anything extra you’re welcome to bring your own.

Backcountry huts - I have access to a number of backcountry huts around the regions I guide. Some are public and some are private. To stay in these huts I charge $300 per night for 1 or $400 per night for 2 (road trip fee is included in this rate). This includes all food and drink, cooking, cleaning and sleeping bags (if needed). Hut fees are additional to my fee and can range from $10 to $300 per night.

You will need a freshwater fishing licence which is not included in the above fee. This can be purchased online at www.fishandgame.org.nz for $37 NZD per day licence. A fulI season non-resident license is $264. I recommend that you purchase your license before the fishing trip. This will save time on the morning of our day on the river or lake. If you'd like full access to Designated Waters you’ll need to purchase a full season license. If we decide to fish a Designated Water on any given day (5 days max per district) this additional license will cost an extra $40 per day. Let me know if this is or is not something you’d be interested in. For more information on the DW license please click here. If you have any questions about which license to buy, please email me!

For most of the season we wet-wade here in NZ. I like to wear polyprops (mens tights!) and a pair of shorts. Others favour quick drying trousers. A tough pair of boots is important, not necessarily specifically designed fishing boots, but remember, they will get wet! Neoprene socks are great for keeping your feet warm when wet wading. I'm happy to supply these at no extra charge. I can supply quality Simms waders and boots for a charge of $50 per angler per day.

To secure your booking I'll need a 30% (approx) non-refundable deposit of $300NZD per day. I will accept the remainder of the payment at the end of the fishing day. I reserve the right to postpone or cancel any trip in the event of dangerous weather or any situation I believe to pose a hazard. A full refund will be given in the event of an extreme weather event (would have to be catastrophic!!) - though I have never cancelled due to weather in my career so far. In terrible weather there are still options to fish, so it’s highly unlikely I’ll cancel. If you cancel due to weather you will have to pay in full. If  you are the hazard (drink, drugs, mis-information etc) there will be no refund given. 

Please don't hesitate to email me with any further questions.