Biography

"Derek Grzelewski writes like a dazzling impressionist. Trout Bohemia will make you think that fly fishing was just invented, and that every river is waiting to be explored for the first time." Marshall Cutchin, MidCurrent

Over the past 25 years I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s leading magazines, travelling, exploring, writing about my experiences. This has allowed me to visit many unusual places and meet extraordinary people and, in my best moments, even see the magic and grace in the ordinary.

You will find stories from these adventures in my books: TROUT DIARIES, TROUT BOHEMIA, GOING TO EXTREMES, and the upcoming The Smallest Continent, Wild Encounters and the final book in the TROUT TRILOGY.

Following the heartwarming worldwide reception of my trout books (thank you all!) and requests from readers, I am also back to guiding fly fishing anglers around New Zealand's fabulous trout waters. I am a member of New Zealand Professional Guides Association and guide and host a range of fly fishing safaris around New Zealand.

These usually start out of Wanaka, Queenstown, Reefton, Christchurch, Nelson and Turangi. Some of my favourite trout waters are in Fiordland, Southland, Southern Lakes, Mackenzie Country, West Coast and Kahurangi.

Twice a year (summer and winter) I also fish and run guided trips out of Turangi - on the tributaries of Lake Taupo, the Tongarioro, Whakapapa and my all-time favourite Lake Otamangakau. I am also the founder of Wanaka Flyfishing Academy, which is now run by my friends, but where I still make regular appearances, sharing my passion for rivers, trout and fly fishing. To enquire about fly fishing with me please visit my BOOKINGS page.

 You can watch a video clip about fishing with me here:

I'm also an ambassador for LOOP tackle in New Zealand and a member of the LOOP Global pro-team. A sponsored trout athlete? Yep, and loving it! You'll find more about this all on my Fly fishing site fly-fishing-guide.nz and in my Trout BLOG www.TroutDiaries.net

If you are coming to fly fishing in New Zealand independently and need information where and when to go, what to do and what NOT to do, I offer personalised consultations and seasonal itineraries. Even the most experienced and accomplished anglers struggle on their first trip to NZ. Our fishing is just so different and refined.

So, save yourself time and hassles, and use expert advice to get you directly to the best trout in the world!