Waipehi Stream mouth at dusk.
Note the strong South Easterly that was forcing the rip toward Jellicoe Point on the left. When darkness came the bay was full of big brown trout.
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, it has been a few months since my last report but due to popular demand I am starting the weekly report at the start of the Winter season. I must admit a lot of this year has been fairly tough fishing at times not because there has been a lack of fish but more likely a lack of rain.
Fishing is improving now however, with the cooler temperatures and more freshes in recent times. There are some beautiful fresh fish up the rivers and, should you decide to go for a walk, you will find that you will have large sections of river to yourself.
I was up the “TT” last week after some overnight rain and the river was a bit discoloured but still very fishable. I had the whole river to myself, and it was a beautiful fine day with the river dropping all the time. Subsequently I had some superb fishing and, in these conditions, the wet line with a black or olive woolly bugger is the way I like to fish it.
I like to drift the woolly bugger downstream in or near the bubble line when I can’t swing the fly. Once I have the desired length of line out, I am happy to hold it there for a while before slowly retrieving the fly.
Because the “TT” is full of snags in places it may take a few casts (and a few lost flies), to work out exactly where you should hold your rod tip to ensure your fly stays in the channel and doesn’t drift into a snag. Once hooked up, often there is no chance to play the fish out before he breaks free on a snag so a quick wind up and a strong leader (4kg) is necessary.
The night fishing at the small stream mouths has been superb at times with some lovely fish coming to the net regularly. It’s getting a bit colder out there now so dressing up warm is key.
While I am not selling, I Love Fly Fishing gear from the store in Turangi now, I would recommend you look at the products online and order what you need. Feel free to call Barrie, 021925006. You will receive your goods in quick order and at a great price.
Well, that’s it from me this week. Keep those lines tight -Brian.
