Nice Jack , Boulder Reach, Tongariro River.
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, we are now well into May and the frosts are starting to arrive. I walked up the “TT” today to have a look as I haven’t been up for a while. The river was very low and clear, but I was mainly going up to see how many fish were in the system. There was one other lone angler up there going by the car I saw in the carpark, but I did not see him up the river. I checked out a lot of the favourite holding spots and the river hasn’t changed much from last year.
The trout I did see were very spooky and the slightest movement sent them scurrying for cover. It was pleasing to see, however, that in certain areas there were high congregations of big trout just waiting to move up on the next rain (which we are expecting towards the end of this week). Today (Wednesday), the river was at a level of 0.2. I like to fish the “TT” when the level is between 0.4-0.6. This will become more of a normal level soon when we get the winter rains and fishing in this river will soon be dynamite.
Always greatly underrated, the “TT” but when it is on, it is as good a river as any on the district and can be a good place to escape the crowds when the winter anglers start arriving. The Tongariro is still fishing the best and the quality of the fish is very good indeed. Starting to get a bit cooler in the evenings now but stream mouth fishing is still very good but will get harder as the moon starts to approach the full stage. If you are super keen of course you can always go out on a wet night which will disguise the moon and there are still some big brownies out there that may take a big lure.
Tauranga Taupo River on a beautiful May Day.
I haven’t fished a lot with Lumo flies at night this year which has possibly cost me a few rainbows, but I have caught several fish (both Brown and Rainbows) on dark Woolly Buggers or similar). It won’t be long before the Cleardrift Egg will be the supreme fly on the rivers for the nymph fisherman so start tying them up and vary the colour (and size) because some days the fish will prefer one type over another.
Well, that’s it from me again this week so, as always, 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,
