“The Woolly Bugger is the most versatile fly ever tied. If you don’t have one in your box, you’re not really fly fishing.” — Gary Borger, renowned fly fisherman and author
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, it has been an interesting week. Last Sunday and Monday saw a fair amount of rain and the Tongariro River rose to over 300 cumecs, making fishing impossible, but at the time of writing (Wednesday) the level has dropped to a very acceptable 36 cumecs. The “TT” is at a height of 0.3 and the Whanganui is running at about 18 cumecs.
I went for a flick down to the Tongi this afternoon (Wed), on a fine but mean, cool-wind day. I elected the lower river as, like last week, I figured swinging wet flies would be the order of the day. On my way down the track, I met a pretty dejected-looking fisher coming out, letting me know that nothing was happening and there were no trout about. Now, there is no doubt there are times the fishing can be tough, but when I looked at the blue-green tinge in the water, I wasn’t too concerned. The truth is, the fish are always there, and if you are not getting any hits by your preferred fishing method, you might be surprised in your improved success by merely changing your methodology of catching a fish. Any number of factors come into play here: e.g., nymphing isn’t working, so try wet-lining and vice versa; am I fishing deep enough; am I in the right place; is my leader too short/long; have I got the right fly, etc.? Sometimes the smallest correction on any of the above can bring success; it pays to have more than one tool in the toolbox.
Today I hooked a prime jack in my 3rd cast while swinging a woolly bugger with a short trace on the end of a fast-sinking line. This method was to serve me adequately for the next couple of hours. The fishing wasn’t super hot but steady to a point where I felt every cast was a potential fish catcher. When a fisher is in this mode, he tends to pay closer attention to how he is fishing—i.e., direction of cast, speed of retrieve, and length of cast. Frosty weather is forecast for tomorrow, which is always a good time to hit the water. I always find some inclement weather followed by settled weather with frosts can produce outstanding fishing.
The Hinemaiaia and “TT” are starting to fire quite nicely and will only get better from now on. The forecast for the weekend looks pretty good, and this wild wind should be pretty much out of the way, so it is an excellent time to get a line wet. There is plenty of space still on the rivers, with the trout spread right throughout. A word of warning: after big floods like we have just had, the bottom of the rivers can change (and normally do). What might have been a great place to stand last week may be a no-go this week; i.e., it looks OK, but the bottom may be full of soft silt, and walking on it may see you sink like quicksand. This is especially apparent in the lower Tongariro. A good prod with a wading stick to check the solidness of the bottom is advised.
For all I Love Fly Fishing gear, check it all out online at www.iloveflyfishing.kiwi and order what you need. Feel free to call Johan, 021-02209719 or johan@iloveflyfishing.kiwi. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Until next time,
Tight lines,
Brian – NZPFGA Member,
