“TT” full of snags. But there’s fish in the foam line.
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, this week has shown little change with no rain and the rivers quite low. Angling pressure is also very low with many vacant spots available on all rivers.
There are some nice fish in all the rivers however succumbing to all fishing methods, but presentation and patience is key. Sometimes you have to think outside the square a bit. For example, sometimes a big dry fly at the front of a dropper will work at the front of a dropper when all else fails and, yes, even at this time of year.
I have shown a selection of night flies that have worked pretty well for me in the last few months. Essentially, they are Marabous with a lumo bead head. I genuinely fish these in tandem with a similar fly (or Woolly Bugger) trailing about 500 mm behind. Whilst the Brownies will take these flies, they are generally taken by Rainbows with the Brownies preferring the non lumo fly at the rear.
The red bit of wool I tie in on top of the hook shank has a twofold purpose.
1/ It makes the lure look wounded and therefore easy prey
2/ It keeps the Marabou tail from wrapping around the gape of the hook, which is helpful, especially at night when you don’t want to be inspecting your fly every cast by torch light.
The mornings are starting to get a bit frostier now and this is helping to push more fish into the rivers. The Hinemaiaia River (one of my favourite winter rivers) is starting to get some horses up it with a fine 7lb fish caught by a novice recently.
This is the final month for some rivers outside the Taupo district such as The Whakapapa. I intend to get over there shortly for a bit of a flick, so I’ll keep you posted.
While I am not selling, I Love Fly Fishing gear from the store in Turangi now, I would recommend you look at the products online and order what you need. Feel free to call Barrie, 021925006. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Well, that’s it from me this week. Keep those lines tight -Brian.
