Guide Talk - Emmanuel Shchukin (Backcountry New Zealand trout guide)

New Zealand Trout Guide:

In this featured guide talk interview, we catch up with Emmanuel Shchukin a seasoned fly-fishing guide originally hailing from Vancouver, Canada, who shares his journey into the world guiding fly fishing. 

Having first picked up a fly rod at the age of 15, his passion for the sport led him from the scenic rivers of the Canadian Rockies to the pristine waters of New Zealand. Now calling NZ home, he guides anglers from around the world through the unique and postcard-perfect landscapes of the region.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of guiding in NZ, to sharing memorable moments he has spent on the riverbanks, while he provides a glimpse into the everyday life of a guide.

we also touch base on things that are beyond his guiding role, as he reflects on his personal fishing experiences, conservation practices, and the future of his fly fishing.

Fly Life: Can you tell us about your background and how you became a fly-fishing guide in New Zealand?  I

Grew up In Vancouver BC Canada and have been fishing my whole life but first picked up a fly rod when I was 15 and really enjoyed the feel of a trout on a fly rod verse traditional spin rod. As life went on eventually moved to Alberta Canada as an adult and fell in love with river fishing in the Rockies and Calgary. As life went on my wife and me always wanted to travel and live overseas. NZ felt like the perfect place to start and adventure. Except now we call it home and have never left since. I obviously started exploring and fishing rivers right away in my region. And slowly gained more knowledge and skill as the years went by. And one of my friends Mike reached out and asked if Guiding is something I’d consider doing. And now I guide and take people out in my region

Fly Life: What makes New Zealand such a unique and sought-after destination for fly fishing enthusiasts?

Because I’m originally from Canada and have chased trout there and other species I understand to a deeper level of why NZ is so special. If I had to summarize the biggest difference. I would say typically you’re fishing in a postcard environment in pristine crystal-clear waters and hunting individual large trout by sight fishing. Not many countries have that same combinations.

Fly Life: What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a fly-fishing guide in New Zealand?

I would say the biggest challenge is having a short amount of time with a client to show and teach them the sight fishing aspects. From casting long leaders 20ft plus sometimes. To fighting big fish on light tippet through rock gardens etc. But the biggest reward is when the client begins to learn from the mistakes and starts to take it all in and land some good fish.

Fly Life: Can you share any memorable experiences or encounters you've had while guiding clients on fly fishing trips in New Zealand?

I remember a cool moment not to long ago. Where one of my clients hooked up to an awesome brownie and this fish took her everywhere and eventually went deep into a rock hole and took the line with her. As she was still hooked up.

I knew this is going to be her new PB for a trout. And I wasn’t sure what could be done as most likely this is a break off as this fish really went for it. I waded to the rock and started inspecting to see if I could somehow get it out.

I evenly put my whole arm and body underwater and started feeling out the area and found the line and was going all by feel. I eventually found the fish and tried to figure out how to get it out.

I somehow was able to get my hand onto the tail and tail the fish and pull it out and stick it into the net. There was loud cheers and high fives as my client thought it was over but all of a sudden, a big trout appeared hahah.

Fly Life: How do you prepare for a day of guiding? Are there any specific techniques or strategies you employ to ensure a successful trip?

The number one way I prepare is I try to talk to the client and see what they are looking for and their fitness levels. As the client ultimately dictates what kind of day they would like and we as guides do our best to try to achieve that. I like to look at weather and river flows throughout the area. And see where is appropriate place would be considering all the variables. As lots of things are up for consideration. Client’s age, fitness levels, skill level, wind, weather.

Fly Life: What are some of the key factors that contribute to a successful fly-fishing experience in New Zealand?

I would say the biggest factor is being able to cast well. Which a lot of fishermen believe they can. But unfortunately, when people come, they are quickly humbled as our leaders are truly long and a bit of a pain to cast and adjustments need to be made. So, the quicker you accept a long leader is your friend, not your enemy the quicker you’ll enjoy yourself

Fly Life:Can you discuss the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices in your work as a fly fishing guide?

I practice Catch and release with my clients. As well as keeping the fish in the water most of the time apart from a quick smile and grin. As the summer comes in, I try to have fish released as quick as possible obviously if the fish is ready to go. And as I fish in different areas if I see rubbish, I try to take it home and show that to my clients. That we want to keep rivers clean for the future.

Fly Life: How do you tailor your guiding approach to accommodate different skill levels and preferences of your clients?

To accommodate different skills levels, I feel for me personally I find it helpful to put myself in their shoes. So, finding out their story and what there fishing background and what set ups they like or what they are used to.

Fly Life: Are there any particular fly-fishing techniques or flies that are especially effective in the rivers and lakes of New Zealand?

I found for me the success rate went up big time when I learned how to catch fish on a nymph with no indicator but still sight fishing. Watching the fish and the timing of your flies going past the fish and anticipating the strike. Learning fish behaviour and knowing what it looks like when they have eaten your fly versus a refusal etc

Fly Life: What advice would you give to someone who is considering a fly-fishing trip to New Zealand for the first time?

I’d say the biggest thing is practicing casting longer leaders accurately with light and heavy flies at home on a lake or river. As it’s always the part that limits the clients to more hookups and more chances. As guides we can find the fish and set you up with the right flies etc but we can’t cast for you.

Fly Life: What initially sparked your passion for fly fishing and how has it evolved over the years?

What initially sparked my interest in fly fishing is realizing that trout in rivers and lakes are eating insects for the most part. And the only real way to match that food source and catch more fish was fly fishing. So that passion and drive only kept getting more and more. The more knowledge I gained the more addicting it became.

Fly Life: Can you share a favorite fishing memory or experience that has had a lasting impact on you?

I would say one of my favourite memories was tramping in with my wife into a remote backcountry river. Where it took 2 days to hike in and out. And we got to fish for 3 days and I was able to follow this river all the way up to it’s headwaters. Which was a cool opportunity to see how high fish get up in these remote rivers. Hiking up and going through and over gorges was special. Where you start to just enjoy the journey and stop fishing and just enjoy seeing trout feed freely and continue on without bothering them.

Fly Life: How do you balance your love for fly fishing with the responsibilities of being a guide?

I feel like for me I need to be able to schedule myself some personal time to fish myself and have it locked in my schedule. No matter what I get to fish myself and have a break.

Fly Life: Are there any specific fishing destinations or species that are still on your bucket list?

I would love to go chase some Dorado in Bolivia or something. But I also would love to target in Taimen in Mongolia as well.

Fly Life: How has being a fly-fishing guide in New Zealand shaped your perspective on the sport and the natural environment?

I realize how lucky I am to call New Zealand home and know my local gems in my area. But at the same time realize that nature is fickle and can change at any given moment. And floods come through and destroy fish numbers in different areas. And your favourite river is now in recovery mode.

Fly Life:What are your future plans or goals as a fly-fishing guide? Are there any new destinations or experiences you hope to explore?

I feel like for me being a guide I keep trying to learn how to better serve my clients. What other foods can I serve for lunch and what other rivers I can explore and see if it’s worth taking clients there. Just a continual growth of knowledge and experience so I can best serve my clients

Fly Life: Are there any specific conservation or environmental initiatives that you would like to be involved in or support in the future?

I think I’d like to help with the different river clean up days a bit more as well as just different track maintenance perhaps and different rivers for clean up of bush and trees.

Fly Life: Do you have any plans to expand your guiding services or offer new experiences to your clients?

I think I would like to be able to offer fit clients the chance to bike to certain spots and hike in a bit to get to certain spots. It’s sometimes to easy to take Heli somewhere. And I understand age and fitness has its reasons. But there is something special about hiking into an area and really getting a sense and taste of the environment your in. And then fishing afterwards it’s quite rewarding.

Fly Life: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?

I think with my social media presence on Instagram. I’ve enjoyed collaborations with Backcountry skins for there neoprene leggings and doing things with them. But more then anything when I think of upcoming projects. I think of all the flies I want to tie on the off season or so do some tweaks too as well as exploring new rivers and regions with good mates,

Fly Life: How do you see the future of fly-fishing evolving, and how do you hope to contribute to its growth and sustainability?

The future of fly fishing evolving is one of those things that are interesting. Of course I like taking people out in NZ for flyfishing. Our fish numbers are limited and can only handle so much pressure. So by Jan/Feb fish can be very hard to catch and are very aware of people fishing to them. In NZ they have already started to put in rules for designated waters to protect the blue ribbon fisheries from over fishing and over guiding. So that will be good for the fishery. But as far as growth and sustainability. I would say it would be good if our rivers can continue staying clean and work with farmers on maintaining clean and sustainable working practices. As well good legislation for how much water can be drawn from the rivers during the critical summer months.

Conclusion:

As we conclude this interview with Emmanuel Shchukin, we extend our gratitude for sharing his guide experiences and life story.

 Emmanuel's journey, from the rivers of Canada to the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, offers a unique insight into the challenges and rewards of guiding, the significance of conservation practices, and his reflections on the sport 

We appreciate Emmanuel's openness and offering valuable advice to those considering a fly-fishing trip to New Zealand. 

Thank you, Emmanuel Shchukin, for taking us on a journey through your world of fly fishing and guiding.