Paul McDonalds’ thoughts on the 2024/25 Season

Poronui head fishing guide, Paul McDonald, shares his thoughts on the 2024/25 season so far.

“As the peak of the summer season passes, It gives me time for reflection on the exceptional 2025 Season to date we have experienced.

Firstly, the Poronui Flyfishing guide team have really come together this season and worked well ensuring quality fishing for all Poronui guests. The boys have put in some long guiding stints and still, the energy, enthusiasm, and passion for guiding shines through.

They are all a great bunch of professional guides that love being out on the rivers sharing the fishery Poronui is fortunate to enjoy and care for; to ensure the best possible fishing for new guests to Poronui and those who have become lifelong friends.

I arrived in November a month after opening day and got straight into the action, we had warm dry weather, and rivers were quite low a little unusual for that time of year, However the fish were in superb condition and have remained that way.

We have an abundance of quality fishing beats to work with and with the warm sunny weather meant good early season dry fly action, particularly good were the Mayfly hatches.

December flew by with more great fishing and weather, good rain events mid-December topped up the rivers nicely and gave the fish relief from warming water temperatures with the cooler flows.

By January the lodge was pumping as always, and we are grateful to have all our repeat guests back to Poronui, good fishing was had by all and rivers were in top nick! Dry dropper rigs were the go-to. Bigger stoneflies and pheasant tail nymphs were extremely successful.

Its currently Mid-February and the guide team are still flying out daily. Warm hot days and cicadas are in full force, rivers are in good shape. More friends return and quality fishing to be had. Happy days!

Overall, I have really enjoyed the Poronui Head Guide position and being a part of the Poronui team. This season to date has been an exceptional season all round, with everyone enjoying the lodge environment along with the continued positive feedback. Thanks to everyone that makes this a world class lodge, the team, guests, and Heli crew keeping us safe in the sky each day.

Already looking forward to seeing you all next season when we can do it all again.

Paul McDonald – Poronui Head guide

Novembers – Fly of the month – “Tricky situation”
Decembers – Fly of the month was a red worm.
Januarys – Fly of the month was a “The Blowie”
Februarys – Fly of the month was a “size 10 PMX”