“The trout was rising regularly, with a quiet, businesslike suck that suggested a fish of some size and a certain amount of education. He was, in fact, a PhD in the school of hard knocks.” — Robert Traver
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, the last week has seen some glorious settled weather, but that appears to be about to change in the coming days with some heavy rain and strong winds forecast from Thursday and beyond. It would appear this is something we are going to have to get used to in the coming years as climate change is certainly having an effect.
There have been good rises on the Tongariro with many fishermen frustrated by seeing so many fish but even more refusals. I find patience is the key here, and perseverance will bring results. Matching the hatch is crucial; sometimes the trout will not be rising at all, but rather they may be after emergers. I have found lace moth imitations are working quite well at the moment, but even then, some work a lot better than other types, so it pays to have a variety. I also find going small, like size 16 when the fishing is tough, is a good option.
All rivers are running low and clear at the moment with the Tongariro at 23.5 cumecs and the “TT” at 0.1. There are some very big brown trout in the lower Tongariro at the moment, but they are not easy to catch. I lost a very big brown trout yesterday when swinging a black woolly bugger. It hit me as I was retrieving and hit hard!! I thought I had him but for no apparent reason, after a short battle, he was gone, much to my disgust. I checked my hook and all was in order; the hook was sharp as I had just given it a hone up. It just wasn’t meant to be, but I will try again in the coming days when the weather may be a bit more miserable. I did see the trout and it was a pretty solid specimen.
There are also some very good rainbows entering the river now and I am picking the fishing from this time on is going to improve with the early runs starting. Well, that’s about it from me and I’ll catch you again next week.
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,
