“Soon after I embraced the sport of angling I became convinced that I should never be able to enjoy it if I had to rely on the cooperation of the fish.” — Sparse Grey Hackle also known as Alfred W. Miller
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, another week has gone, and Easter is upon us. The last week has seen some pretty good weather with a bit of a fresh earlier in the week which put a nice bit of colour in the water. The Tongariro at present is running at about 24 cumecs and the Whanganui River around 22 cumecs. The “TT” is low and clear at .1. There is still a good rise happening on the Tongariro throughout the day and, as always, fly selection is crucial. Long leaders are also the way to go with a tippet as light as you dare (I use 4X).
There has been a big brown (I have named him Oscar) that I have been unable to catch in the last week or so, but I have hooked him about 4 times, so I’ll keep trying. With Easter comes the full moon which will make night fishing at small stream mouths hard but about a week after the full moon there will be several dark nights in a row to chance your arm and it is probably the best month of the year to catch a big brown at a stream mouth. Swinging streamers is always worth a shot if nothing else is working. Woolly buggers are as good as anything, but I had a bit of luck last week swinging silicon smelt flies.
Small nymphs like pheasant tails and hare and copper are fairly consistent and keeping them small with the clear conditions is the way to go. Generally, the fishing is fairly testing at the moment as is common this time of year, but the patient angler will be rewarded. It is a lovely time to be on the river as there are few anglers about and the temperature is very pleasant.
Unfortunately, fuel is becoming a bit of an issue with what’s going on in the Middle East, so I won’t be heading outback anytime soon. Well, that’s if for another week, have a happy and safe Easter and till next time, 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 Johan, 021-02209719 or johan@iloveflyfishing.kiwi. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Until next time,
Tight lines,
Brian – NZPFGA Member,
