This was by far the most difficult and most rewarding hike to fish experience I have had! The day started off pretty cold once I crawled out of the sleeping bag, but it warmed up well. I decided to start with some solo casting practice in the water to try and build myself up from the previous day's epic defeat. I managed to hook one early, but lost it - these NZ trout don't play games. Then came the hike…it was spectacular to be at the bottom of the canyon then the top and then back down! I was proud of my quads and glutes, just sayin'. Then it happened, a BIG BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW. It felt so SO good. Nothing short of an epic day!