Two anglers trying their luck on the Tongariro River below the Red Hut Pool.
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 into the first week of the school holidays and there have been a number of anglers on the rivers. For those of you that may have overlooked the fact that you need to renew your licence, please do so to save an expensive fine. I say this because I almost forgot to renew mine. At this time of year, it is easy to do. The weather has been fine all week, and the fishing has been tough at times with the clear water and the fact there has been a lot of angler pressure and there has been a lack of rain to get the fish moving. There are fish there though and really good fish at that.
I was doing a bit of homework (as I am guiding tomorrow) and did find some good fish holding in some areas. I was busted 3 times when I hooked up on a long line and had to try and turn my fish before it hit a rapid of about 400 metres in length. Unfortunately, 3 times, the fish decided they liked the rapid and my only option was to hold onto it, but they were too strong. It is one area on the river where I can’t follow the fish and have to hope they will help me out a bit. A couple did, but I will have another go at this spot next week with stronger breaking strain leader, perhaps 5kg, the current and the size of the fish are dictating that this is what is required. One of the fish I was sure was part equine. I say this because I am sure I saw a bit of mane rising above the rapids as it was tearing down stream. 😉
Talking to a few other anglers, some have had similar experiences so it may pay to look at using higher breaking strain in certain areas to avoid disappointment. I have found there is no clear favourite nymph to use at the moment. I have caught them on egg patterns, pheasant tails, hare and copper and the good old bomb. There are still a lot of fish to come up the rivers yet and early next week promises some rain which should get some more fish coming through. I have a busy few day in front of me with some regular clients from Australia coming over next week. Lots to look forward to in the next few days with the All Blacks (Please not so close this time), Wimbledon, The Open and then the Olympics so hopefully there will be enough time left for dedicated fishers to get out there and do it.
This week, while trying at times, has been fantastic weather (once the sun is up) but mighty cold at both ends of the day so dress accordingly. Thermal underwear is the way to go and if you look at the I Love Fly Fishing website you will see a good selection of clothing there that will sort you out. In fact, I Love Fly Fishing online shopping has all your fly fishing needs at very affordable prices. Check it out.
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, www.iloveflyfishing.kiwi and order what you need. Feel free to call Barrie, 021-925006. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Well, that’s it for another week so get out there and do it, you won’t be disappointed. -Brian.
