Nice fish from the 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,
Well, another week has passed and at long last we have had some much-needed rain. All the rivers had sufficient flushes of water which got the fish moving and some excellent fishing has been had. Unfortunately, there has been a trade off with the rain as there has been a large influx of anglers that were not around last week, and they have migrated to all rivers. The “TT”, for example, had few cars in the carpark when the level was 700mm last Wednesday morning. As you can see by the photographs, the water was a dark olive colour in the morning but by shortly after lunch the colour was more a light olive and the level had dropped to 600mm.
This was a day for swinging big streamers and as I fished throughout the fishing improved and indeed became very good in the afternoon. There were some fishers not doing so well but my guess is that they may have been using the wrong technique. There are days when swinging big streamers and getting them down quick will be the way to go. I always go fishing with 2 methods in mind and I will access which method will be best. There is no doubt that this day, wet line was king. Today, Wednesday, I went back to the “TT” and the level of the river was down to 500mm and I found Euro style nymphing to work the best. The fishing once again was best (for me) in the afternoon with the last hour before I began the long walk out being absolute dynamite.
I think I must have got in amongst a school of trout as I was hooking up every 10 minutes or so. There were a lot more anglers on the “TT” today but what I like about this river is that there always seems to be another pool around the corner that is available to fish. I have a soft spot for the “TT” as it was the first river in Taupo to provide me a fish on the fly rod when I was a boy. The Tongariro and the Hinemaiaia River have also both fished well this week with some excellent specimens coming to the net.
Some nice ‘TT’ fish. There has to be fish under that overhanging bush, don’t you think?
The rivers are all coming down towards normal levels, but more rain is forecast for this weekend, so I expect a repeat of fishing quality next week to mirror what we have had this week. Streamers working for me have been black or olive woolly buggers and the gold bead pheasant tail nymph has worked pretty well when nymphing.
Well, that’s it from me this week so until next time, 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,
