The Scuttlebutt
Pat Murphy, Singapore.
“I had the good fortune to first fish with Jeff in Mongolia back in 2015 and his professionalism and friendliness meant that I fished with him down in New Zealand the following year. Since then I have fished with Jeff as many times as possible each year and the experience has always been exceptional. Jeff will put you on fish even on the toughest of days, he is incredibly adaptable and always has an idea or two regardless of the conditions and these ideas invariably pay off. Jeff’s willingness to share his knowledge of the fish, gear, casting, approach etc. has really helped to bring me up the learning curve in an amazing but sometimes unforgiving fishery. Finally and in many ways most importantly, Jeff is good company and even on my earliest trips it was like fishing with a friend and nowadays that’s just what it is.”
Brian Elton, Australia.
“Jeff Forsee is quite simply the consummate fly fishing guide. While you may think the day starts with the always on time pick up at your accommodation, Jeff has been preparing for your trip well before. Jeff’s hallmark is meticulous consideration of likely weather conditions, water levels and drawing on his vast experience of South Island waters to work out where the fish are before settling on a plan for the day.
Importantly, Jeff communicates his thinking so you learn and understand the factors behind his decisions.
The often changeable South Island weather and the need to dodge the dreaded “w” means that Jeff will adjust the plan during the day to get you onto fish.
The result of this careful preparation is the opportunity to catch trout. Lots of them and big!
I’ve fished with Jeff on multiple days each year for the past 5 years. I’ve never had a blank day!
On the water Jeff has a uncanny ability to see fish. You will learn something new about fly fishing, trout and nature each trip whether you are a beginner or an experienced fly fisher. Jeff works tirelessly for his clients.
Not only is Jeff a brilliant and considerate guide and fly fishing coach he is a fun, all round great guy to spend time with.
I would strongly recommend a multiple day overnight stay trip. He also makes a mean smashed avo on toast as part of his delicious breakfasts!”
Ross Purnell, USA.
“There are great guides, and then there are great guides you’d like to spend a week with. Jeff Forsee is one of the later. He’ll get you into fish of course, but he’s also a coach, mentor, confidant, advisor, team mate and the most gracious host you could hope for on any continent.”
Jason Friedman, Thailand.
“There were mosquitos on the river, the Taimen were rising up like birds: that was my first meeting with Jeff on a remote river in Mongolia 7 years ago. With an encyclopedic knowledge of fishing, a super kind personality and a big ole dose of patience – Jeff taught me how to fish for Taimen. A journey that continues to this day, having caught a shoal of trout and a monster 52 inch Taimen along the way.
I could see that Jeff was a world class guide and hospitality pro – someone who had the expertise and the chops for sharing his passion for fishing with greenhorns like me. As a developer of world-class, experiential hotels I have an eye for spotting such talent.
A few years back I was developing the luxury expedition cruise ship, Kudanil Explorer, specializing in journeys to the most remote regions of Eastern Indonesia in luxury and style. Sensing an opportunity, I invited Jeff to do a fishing survey of this remote region with us. What was clear was that Jeff was no “One Hit Wonder” for freshwater fly fishing – he was equally as brilliant guiding us, in uncharted ocean waters, for incredible saltwater fishing.
I look forward to my continued fishing with Jeff, in whatever waters he will take me – because I know when I am with Jeff he will find the fish – catching them is up to me.”
Photo: Hugo Pes
Andrew George, Australia.
“I have been lucky enough to fish with Jeff on two occasions and both trips were absolutely amazing. Jeff would have to be the hardest working guide I have ever used, from the planning that goes into the trips to the days on the river. Jeff works his backside off to do everything he can to make your trip that trip of a lifetime. Not only is Jeff a great guide and instructor but he is a great guy who is a pleasure to share a trip with. Thanks very much Jeff I can’t wait to get into that backcountry with you again.”
April Vokey, Canada.
"When I think of full-time guides who are doing it right, I think of Jeff Forsee. Jeff is everything a great guide should be: professional, likeable, clever and fishy. Not only has Jeff put me on top of some of the biggest fish my life, he’s also made my days of the water unforgettable. I can’t say enough great things about Jeff or his fishery, and would recommend him every day of the week.”
Photo: Andrew Burr
Travis Maurer, USA.
“I first met Jeff in 2016 chasing taimen in Mongolia. While he wasn’t my guide on the trip, he took time to make sure I was set up, fishing properly and we cultivated a friendship. Since then, we have had a few exciting escapades and have become good buddies along the way. I can attest that Jeff has a thirst for adventure and a passion for the outdoors more than anyone else that I know. His attention to details, planning and knowledge makes him a perfect guide for anyone from a novice to expert. Add in his patience (which I am sure I have tested a few times) and coaching skills and you would be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable person to lead you on the trip of a lifetime. From a short half day trip to an extravagant quest to the far reaches of the planet, Jeff is your man. I know I look forward to many more years and adventures with Jeff, wherever that may lead us.”
Kevin Ford, Australia.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to fish with Jeff in both the North and South Hemispheres several times.
He always somehow manages to put together a successful program, and man we’ve had some memorable times and bagged some great fish!!
I learn so much from him each time we get to fish together.
Any day on the water with Jeff is a good day.”