Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Eureka, rain at last and enough to get the trout moving. Monday saw a good deluge come down moving the Tongariro River to over 60 cumecs and it hasn't been up that high for some considerable time. The "TT" and Whanganui also rose significantly. At time of writing (Wednesday evening), the Tongariro has dropped back to about 25 cumecs, the "TT" is at a height of .4 and the Whanganui is about 30 cumecs. More rain is scheduled for the next few days and this will only be good for fishing.
I had the privilege of guiding a newbie last weekend ( he had never caught a trout on a fly rod before). The weekend saw more of the same conditions as we have been used to for much of the winter, I.e. low and clear which can make fish mighty spooky. Persistence pays off, however, and he did have some good action even if there were a few gaps when the fish didn't want to play, the quality of the trout was superb.
The fish of the day ( a mighty big rainbow Jack), was all but in the net and for some inexplicable reason , decided to spit the hook just prior to me being able to put a net under him. My client hadn't done much wrong and in fact had done all the hard work in playing the fish, it was just one of those things. Once again there were a lot of Anglers around, particularly on Saturday with Sunday being a lot sparser but it turned out to be a more successful fishing day as far as hook ups were concerned.
One thing that caught my eye on Saturday was a number of fishermen crossing a particular section of the Tongariro River (at the tail end of the pool) and not one of them had a wading staff. Now it was a cold day and I for one never cross the Tongariro River anywhere with out a wading staff nor do I fish anywhere in the Tongariro River without a wading staff extended and attached with a bungee cord, ready to grab if I need to.
These anglers in question ( some of them old timers) looked as though they were having a break dancing competition. Two of them went over only to get back up and stagger to the side (fishing day over) and at least 80% of the rest, almost went over. It staggers me why a number of fishers will not use a wading stick. It is easily the best leg you have got when wading in a river especially when you stand on that rogue rock which will quickly put you off balance. A wading stick quickly planted in the direction you are falling will greatly increase your chances of staying dry.
Slushies and Cleardrift Eggs are still doing it for me with naturals also getting their share. The weekend is looking really good if you want to throw a line especially if there remains significant colour in the water. The Hinemaiaia, as always, is stacked with fish (and fishermen) and for a little less pressure my pick would be the Tauranga Taupo River. The "TT" always has a stretch you can find that is productive and without too much company.
Well, that will do it for me, so until next time,
Tight lines,
Regards,
Brian Willson,
Professional Fishing Guide
I Love Fly Fishing friend and Ambassador,
Phone 021667867.