Mel from Seattle USA with a fine bow on the nymph from the Tongariro.
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, it has been a very interesting week here with some notable changes. The days are definitely getting a bit cooler as Autumn starts to come into the equation and there are some really nice fish coming into the rivers. I had a good day out yesterday with a couple of Americans ex lawyers who have been fishing together for over 30 years all over the world. We started off nymphing in the morning with reasonable success and then changed to the dry fly when the trout started rising for Lace-Wing moths from late morning on. Both of them had a ball as we seemed to have a pretty good imitation for them to look at and good steady action was the result.
I found a small (size 16) Lace-Wing moth imitation cast on its own (no header fly) was the way to go. The water is so clear at present, less artificial shrapnel on the surface, the better. I have also found a 4X tippet of Camo Stealth (available from I Love Fly Fishing) added to a 2X tapered leader works very well. Tie it on with a Triple Surgeon’s Knot and you won’t have any problems. As this mono is so fine I always tie my dry fly on with an improved clinch knot and as long as you twist your laps evenly (I.e. don’t strangle the line), then you will have no problems of the knot slipping as may happen with a standard clinch knot.
It looks like more settled weather for the rest of the week so the rivers will remain low and clear. There have been some excellent hatches in the evenings. Another type of fishing to look forward to at the moment is small stream mouth fishing especially in the evenings. As the moon disappears the stream mouth fishing hots up and if you are lucky enough to get a bit of rain in the air you can expect to pick up some big brownies especially as the night gets older.
Fish on in the Tongariro. – The Tongariro River, low and clear. – Another fish on in the Tongariro.
If targeting brownies try to eliminate lumo material in your fly (even though you will catch plenty of rainbows this way). I have found that a small lumo bead head will still catch brownies but if I am really targeting them, I will eradicate lumo material all together. Don’t be too scared to use BIG flies, Marabou or Woolly Buggers will do the job.
Well, that’s it from me 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,
