Quote for the week: Fishing consists of a series of misadventures interspersed by occasional moments of glory. (A line from Howard Marshall’s revered classic ‘Reflections on a River’ 1967.)
Now safely on board.
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, it has been a very wet week. Last weekend I was over in the Taranaki district until Monday. There are some very good predominately brown trout streams over there. I had my fly rod with me (as it always is wherever I go) but having a flick was a waste of time as all the rivers were in flood. In fact, I was lucky to get back to Turangi as I came back through the Awakino Gorge on Monday and while it was raining, the real heavy stuff started Monday evening and on Tuesday the gorge road as well as several other roads in the region were closed due to slips.
The Tongariro River didn’t get it anywhere near as bad as the Whanganui River with a maximum flow of about 80 cumecs whereas the Whanganui got up to about 160 cumecs. The Tauranga Taupo rose sharply to about 1.6m. At time of writing (Thursday afternoon) the Tongariro has settled down to about 40 cumecs and the “TT” is at .8m which means both rivers are shaping up to be in prime condition for the weekend. I have had reports today of some lovely fish caught from the Tongariro River and as the river drops, the fishing should continue to be good but don’t leave it too long.
The trout tend to have a big feed up after a flood then it may well go quiet for a while. Nymphing is working well with naturals but a well swung woolly bugger or similar will do the job in the tails of the pools. It is going to take a while for the rivers to be fishable in the Whakapapa/ Whanganui areas but worth a look when they do. Just remember if you haven’t already done so, to get your separate fish and game licence for over here.
Nice bows Whanganui River.
The Hinemaiaia River is still fishing OK and is also worth considering especially now with all the native birds out with the Spring temperatures, there is no better river for the sound of bird life than the Hinemaiaia River.
Well, that’s it from me this week so until next time.
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,
