Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, we are nearing the end of October and, as I am writing (Thursday), it is typically blustery with the odd squall of rain out there, which is typical for this time of year. Even though we had a bit of rain on Tuesday, the rivers in the area did not rise too much and are currently all low and clear, which they have been for much of the year. At present, the Tongariro is running at 20.4 cumecs, the Whanganui is 14.6 cumecs and the “TT” is at a height of .1.
I had the pleasure today to guide my apprentice fisher Tracie-Leigh’s mother, Tarn, onto the Tongariro River. Tarn, from Australia, had never fly fished before but was hard into a solid rainbow within minutes of being on the water. Needless to say, she handled the ensuing fish like a pro and, within a short space of time, a prime rainbow hen was in the net. Tarn was a quick learner and, from starting off the day with little knowledge of casting, was going very well by the end of the morning and was unlucky not to land another fish. Conditions weren’t entirely favourable, with the morning being dull and the wind intensifying as the day went on, not assisting casting, but she did well, even overcoming her fear of heights crossing the Red Hut swing bridge in the wind.
This swing bridge brings back memories of a few years ago when I was guiding 4 Australians on the true right and on the downstream side of the bridge. I looked up and saw a local with a tyre tube preparing to jump. And jump he did, right in front of my clients. I couldn’t believe it. Not only was it arrogant, the river had just had a fresh and there was no way you could see beyond the surface, and jumping into the river from a height of about 30 metres was foolhardy to say the least. He was shortly joined by several others coming across the bridge. I wasn’t in the mood for such ignorance and told my clients to pack up and we’d find quieter water.
I have used a mixture of nymphs this week with good success, although I would have to say the Hare and Copper and Pheasant Tail have fared the best. I find size is probably key, and size 14 has been doing it for me. As I have mentioned before, when the conditions are so low and clear, fast, shallow, riffle water is a good way to go, and if the trout are a little bit indicator-shy, the dry/dropper is a good option, especially now that more and more fish are rising. The Hinemaiaia and Tauranga Taupo Rivers are hard work at the moment. The fish are there but are generally showing little interest due to the clear conditions. A good fresh would help.
Well, that’s it from me this week, so until next time,
Tight Lines,
Regards,
Brian Willson,
Professional Fishing Guide
I Love Fly Fishing Friend and Ambassador,
Ph 021667867