Netting a great fish on the Tongariro River.
Brian Willson NZPFGA member, professional guide and I Love Fly Fishing shop partner, 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 and if you want to call to the shop – 8 Wiremu Street – call Brian on 021667867. Brian fishes Euro/Czech, Dry Fly, Trout Spey, Nymph and Wet Fly.
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Firstly, apologies for no report last week. I have had a fairly nasty flu that seems to be going around at the moment and it has taken a bit to shake off. While I still have it, I am certainly on the mend now and just as well as I have 9 straight days of guiding in front of me starting from tomorrow. The last week has seen typical spring weather with every type of element in force. That is, high winds, rain, brilliant warm sunshine and, at times, cold frosty mornings. This is typical this time of year, but also typical is the excellent fishing that is on offer.
A number of fishers from the I Love Fly Fishing stable came from all areas of the country to fish the Taupo region this week and it would be fair to say even if they did half as good as they told me then they had a pretty successful few days. This has been the general story from everyone that has come into the I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi. All rivers are fishing very well, and I suspect that this will continue for some time yet. All methods are working well so it pays to have a couple of options to try because you may find one method may work better for you, at a certain spot, than another.
I generally give myself the option of 2 fishing 2 methods on any given day, e.g., nymphing or wet lining. I couldn’t get an idea of fishing in the Whakapapa/ Whanganui River areas as for most of the week these rivers have been in flood. The school holidays are nearly over so I suspect the rivers will be less crowded next week. The weather forecast looks much of the same where 4 seasons in one day can be reasonably expected at times.
Remember, all fishermen are born honest, but they soon get over it.
The I Love Fly Fishing Shop has seen a steady number of fishers this week and that is good to see. Favourite flies this week seem to be the pheasant tails and Hare and Copper Types but, personally, I think just about anything will work at the moment. Don’t underestimate the dry fly in the tails of the pools either. There are plenty of fish throughout the river at the moment and a well-presented fly like a parachute adams will get the attention of a hungry trout every time.
As always, all your fly fishing and fly tying needs call and see me at the I Love Fly Fishing Shop in Turangi, 8 Wiremu St, phone 021667867. If there is anything you need, give me a ring and I will open up anytime (within reason of course 
), just call me and I’ll sort you out. 021667867.
