Quote for the week: For the true angler, fishing produces a deep unspoken joy, born of longing for that which is quiet and peaceful, and fostered by an inbred love of communing with nature. (Quote from Thaddeus Harris (“Uncle Thad”), serious fishing fan, and author of The American Angler’s Book (1864).
Lovely fish from The Judge’s Pool today.
Brian Willson, NZPFGA member, is a professional guide and I Love Fly Fishing close friend and Ambassador, brings us his weekly fly fishing report from Turangi for the Central North Island lakes and rivers. For up to date info, for what flies are working call Brian, 021667867. Euro/Czech, Dry Fly, Trout Spey, Nymph and Wet Fly.
Greetings Fellow Fly Fishers.
Well once again it has been a week that has had its fair share of rain. Earlier in the week the Tongariro had reached about 400 cumecs and today it was at a much better fishable level of 42 cumecs. The sun was out but there was a bitter south-westerly wind that was not only cold but was testing on the casting depending on where you were standing. I went to the “TT” in the late morning but exited the carpark when I saw that there were about 20 vehicles in there. Not normally a problem up here because there is normally always a pool somewhere in this river somewhere that hasn’t been touched. The Tauranga Taupo has been fishing very well hence the number of vehicles.
I decided to go back to the Tongariro River and have a look at The Judge’s Pool. On my way up I was greeted by 2 anglers coming back down and they told me that it was pretty busy up there. I figured as much but proceeded up anyway. When I got to the pool, I saw plenty of fishermen, but they were all resting up, no one was in the water. I talked to them, asked them where they were fishing and said I’ll go right up the top out of your way as they were all sitting near the bottom of the pool.
“No Problem” they said so I started fishing. I was almost immediately into a good Jack followed 10 minutes later by an even better Jack. By this time my fishing comrades were getting fairly close to me. I asked one of them to take a photo of my second fish (as shown) and in return I will let them have a go at my spot because I certainly didn’t want to hog it and I was at that stage the only person hitting fish and I can catch fish any time. Grateful for that they took up my offer and, on my way, down I gave a newbie angler a bit of free advice on how he might improve his catch rate and I retied his rig, so it was a bit more suitable for the Tongariro River.
Two nice fish from The Cattler Rustler’s Pool and one from the Judge’s pool.
I always like to help people out on the river if they seek it so hopefully, he had a bit of luck. The fish in the Tongariro are superb at the moment and August is a great time to fish the rivers in the area. I believe it is the best month but be prepared for a lot of rods on the water. Good weather is forecast for the weekend so there is no excuse not to get out there and do it.
Well, that’s it from me again this week and as usual, tight lines.
For all I Love Fly Fishing gear check it all out out on-line at www.iloveflyfishing.kiwi and order what you need. Feel free to call Barrie, 021-925006 or barrie@iloveflyfishing.kiwi. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Brian – NZPFGA Member,
