Beautiful fresh fish turning up in 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.
At time of writing, it is Thursday afternoon 26/6/25 and I have just got off the Hinemaiaia River after spending the morning in Taupo on other business. The day has been overcast and a bit showery at times but generally very pleasant. The river was a bit lower than I thought it would be, but I was pleased to see after walking up the banks that, while not in full spawning mode, there was definitely more fish in the river than 2 weeks ago.
The numbers will increase steadily from this time on. There is rain forecast ( a lot of rain), for the next few days and if the forecast is correct I would guess all rivers may be in flood by the weekend so keep an eye out for this ( check the websites for the “TT” and Tongariro Rivers). The Tongariro River has been firing this week with some beautiful fresh fish coming to the net and often. Watch your breaking strain with some of these fish as you can expect to be busted off a few times from now on.
I had one strong fish on in the Tongariro earlier in the week which bolted out into the centre of the river and wrapped itself around a snag before busting off. I have never struck this snag before in the place I was fishing and guess it must have washed down in the last flood. (To be fair, I haven’t had too many fish bolt that far out into the river before either). I have not been up the “TT” this week but notice a few more cars in the carpark than what there was last week indicating something is happening up there. I will check it out next week after the oncoming rain when the river level drops back to a fishable level. Should be good.
Beautiful fish from the Tongariro River and homeward bound from the Judges Pool, Tongariro River.
Anyway, that’s it from me this week so as usual, tight lines and remember to renew your Taupo licences for the 2025/26 season.
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,
