SCOTTIE LITTLE’S BIG ON PERSONALITY

A Q+A on Fishing, Culture, and Lessons with Cedar Lodge’s Manager

As if the accent’s not enough, Scottie Little’s inspiring take on life, fly fishing, and his homeland of New Zealand will have you wondering when your next trip to the South Island is. A native Kiwi, a long-time Cedar Lodge employee, and an all-around good guy— with a variety of hidden talents. Meet Scottie.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT CEDAR LODGE?

I originally started here when I was 19 years old. At that point, I had one year of fly fishing under my belt and very limited experience. I was fortunate enough to be brought in under a proprietor at the time who told me, “You’ll pick it up. You’ll get used to it.” I was actually about to pay for an airline ticket up to Winter Park to go be a ski instructor when I got that call, but you just can’t say no to Cedar Lodge.

HOW HAS THE FISHING CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?

You work for your fish a bit here in New Zealand, so in that sense, it’s really still the same. Of course, the sighted dry fly fishing has always been and always will be one of the world’s pinnacles of trout fishing. And you see beautiful parts of the countryside, no matter what. What’s changed is the helicopter side of things. The access you get with the helicopter is just incredible, and honestly continues to fascinate me.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MYTH ABOUT FISHING IN NEW ZEALAND?

There’s a myth around the world that you have to bring your A-game to fish in New Zealand. The reality is that someone who brings their C-game is going to have a great day here. Just work on your cast a little, and our great guides here will help you out from there. Just get rid of that “buck fever” you get when you see a big fish, work properly with your guide, relax, and take your time.

WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE MOST AT CEDAR LODGE?

How many different types of fisheries we can get into. Tight rivers, small creeks, big braided rivers, the works. A really great variety of different water. We can also cater to individualized fitness levels, so we can personalize how much you have to work for your fish.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE ATMOSPHERE AT CEDAR LODGE?

We’re so fortunate to have a small lodge. 8 people, maximum. The staff, we’re family, we’re friends. We fish together. We’ve known each other for a long time. There’s a lot of connection here. My wife works here, and ya know, we know each other pretty well. We make guests feel welcome and provide that really personalized service. Even when people arrive a bit nervous about fishing in New Zealand, they always walk away with a whole lot of good memories…a whole lot of good friends.

WHAT MAKES FLY FISHING IN NEW ZEALAND SO UNIQUE?

I’d have to say the sighted fly fishing opportunities you get here are just unsurpassed in this world, really. Spotting those fish, getting those casts out there, and watching these big fish make deliberate moves to eat your fly.

The other unique thing around here is the utilization of the helicopter. Fantastic bit of machinery. Get to see a variety of fisheries from here—some out to the east don’t get quite as weather affected as those out to the west, and the helicopter creates the opportunity to get anglers out on the best spots on the right days. A real good deal instead of having to walk in, carry a pack and pitch a tent.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO FLY?

Well the classic around here is a blue bottle; a blow fly imitation. It’s a bit of a go-to in this region. Then cicadas and grasshoppers—parachute hoppers—in January. Right now, green beetles are productive—the fish are keen on those iridescent beetles.

WHAT ROD DO YOU PREFER?

We fish 6-weight rods here, with a weight-forward line. We get some wind here so we want something that we can punch into it…a rod with a little bit of backbone. We throw big flies. Something to attract attention. I’ve been throwing that Epic Nano lately, and it’s definitely perfect for New Zealand conditions.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING?

I’m that classic Kiwi guy that says, “I love all my sports.” There’s so much outdoor opportunity. Golfing, skiing, hunting—they all are a part of my life. I feel very fortunate that I get to work in that environment, and take my hobbies to the next level.

IF YOU HAD ONE DAY TO SHOW SOMEONE THE BEST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

The lodge is right on the Makarora River, just next to Mt. Aspiring National Park. Hard to beat by anyone’s standards. For an excursion, I’d take them to the west coast. It’s a really untouched, beautiful rainforest. There’s dramatic mountains on your right, and ocean on your left.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?

Right here at home. I came to this region for a 2-week holiday 35 years ago now, so it’s really hard to go past my hometown now.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO BESIDES FISH AT CEDAR LODGE?

There’s incredible hiking all around us, just a short drive or helicopter ride away. We’re right close to Wanaka for a day out, which has everything you might want. We’re right on the edge of the National Park, there are wineries 40 minutes away, you can horseback ride, and you can golf.

IF YOU COULD BESTOW ONE ELEMENT OF KIWI CULTURE ON THE ENTIRE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

We’re such a laid-back country, so I’d probably bestow the noproblem attitude we have. We’re a great country to travel around, quite friendly. We call ourselves “#8 wire Kiwis.” We’ll give anything a go. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll patch it up with #8 wire. We’re a go-getter sort of culture.

A beautiful spread of locally inspired dishes at Cedar Lodge