“Night fishing is a different game altogether. It is a game of sounds and feels, of things unseen and things imagined. It is a time when the river belongs to the big fish and the men who are crazy enough to chase them.”
— Jim Teeny, Legendary Fly Fisherman and Author
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
The week in Turangi has seen generally settled weather, although the wind getting up at the wrong time can be a bit of a nuisance. The fishing in the region has been quite challenging for the most part, where a bit of patience and perhaps a few extra hours are required to put more fish in the net. The Tongariro Delta continues to fish pretty well with some superb fresh specimens congregating for the next spawning run.
There are a number of browns congregating around the stream mouths at present and, indeed, a number in the streams. The moon phase is good at present, with the new moon due on the 19th of March, so any suitable night from now until around the 24th of March is going to be a good time to target them. Don’t be afraid to go out on a rough night with plenty of moisture in the air; I have had some of my best brown trout successes on nights like this.
It is a good time now to consider using the Cleardrift egg patterns (available from I Love Fly Fishing). They are very successful and will add many fish to the net. The “TT” hasn’t really taken off yet, and evidence of this can be seen by a lack of cars daily in the carpark. But don’t be fooled; this river, I believe, is underrated and when it fires—which won’t be far away—can outfish any river in the Taupo region on its day. It is also a delight to fish.
Well, that’s it from me for another 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 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,
