“The winter season is a time for the specialist… the rainbows move into the rivers in peak condition, providing some of the most exciting and challenging fishing of the year, often in spectacular solitude.“
— John Kent, North Island Trout Fishing Guide
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, we are into the first weekend of May and enjoying some very settled weather for a change, so I hope it lasts a little bit longer. It was a pleasure to be joined by Barrie Barnes, former owner of I Love Fly Fishing and current chair of Fish and Game, as well as his comrades-in-arms, Lloyd and Mike, who arrived on Thursday for a few days’ fishing on the Tongariro.
I fished with them on the first day and, after a frosty start, a beautiful day followed and the same pattern has continued. Some nice fish were landed, and I had the misfortune of losing a very large rainbow that showed it had no respect for 2X breaking strain and broke me off as he bolted towards the rapids downstream from me. Not a lot I could do, to be fair, but at this time of year you can expect to be busted every now and then as the big fish are in absolutely superb condition. I did catch a strong 6lb jack shortly after who put up a good scrap and with which I had to be patient, but for the most part, he behaved and I could keep the fight at close range.
At present, the Tongariro is flowing at a perfect 30 cumecs and the “TT” is at .2. Special care on the roads is required at the moment as it’s that time of year when black ice starts to come into the equation and it can be very hard to see, so be careful out there. The trip from Turangi to Taumarunui can be especially treacherous and must be treated with respect. Last year I was tailing a delivery truck and he went down one of the grades sideways, and he wasn’t going excessively fast. He managed to straighten up but proceeded at a snail’s pace after that, after allowing me to pass.
o the idea is, get out there while the weather is good. Being on the river at this time of year takes a bit of beating.
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 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,
