Mel from USA with a good fish, 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,
As I am writing this, I can see that the Auckland area is on flash flood watch due to the several thunderstorms in the area. Down here in Turangi we have had some rain but not a great deal and the rivers have not risen any great deal. The Tongariro is still the pick of the rivers with some beautiful Autumn fish now coming through.
I always think a top Autumn fish will beat a Winter fish as they are in peak condition and just itching for a good scrap. I was down at the lower Tongariro earlier in the week on a beautiful day (before the wet windy weather came in) and I had it all to myself. I could hardly believe it, there were plenty of good fish around, several still rising, and calm conditions making fly fishing very pleasant indeed. I caught some nice fresh fish that fought very well (not quite as much as the 16lber I caught last week in the Twizel Canals but that was an exception to the rule).
Easter is upon us now and with Easter comes more people but there are a lot of empty spaces out there. The browns are still around the stream mouths at night in big numbers and as the moon is waning every night, the likely hood of picking up a big brown in the next week or so are very good but be prepared to fish well into the night. Use big flies, even no 2, like woolly bugger or Marabou with a long shank and you should have some action. Forget about lumo flies if Brownies are what you are after but if you want to hit some of the Rainbows out there by all means, use them.
Whanganui fish in the net. – Tongariro River – Nighttime brown.
Not too far away and the early runs will be entering all the other rivers like the “TT” and Hinemaiaia where we can get very spoiled indeed for action. One of my favourite rivers where I can always find a quiet piece of water, is the “TT” so it won’t be long and I’ll be talking about this, much underrated river.
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,
