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Fish on in the “TT” on the upstream side of SH1 bridge.
Brian Willson NZPFGA member, professional guide and I Love Fly Fishing shop partner, 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 and if you want to call to the shop – 8 Wiremu Street – call Brian on 021667867. Brian fishes Euro/Czech, Dry Fly, Trout Spey, Nymph and Wet Fly.
Greetings fellow fly fishers,
Well, here we are heading towards another weekend and at time of writing, Thursday 8th, all rivers are in superb condition. The second half of this week has seen some superb weather with this morning starting off with a crisp frost followed by a sensational day. I had the pleasure of guiding a regular client of mine as well as his son and grandson, for the last 3 days. From Tuesday on the days got better and better (weather wise) although the fishing was pretty hard, but this was to be expected as there were many areas I could not fish because they would be way too demanding for my more senior client. He is the oldest fisher that I have had the pleasure to guide, and he handled the situation remarkably well although I had to be very careful and watch him like a hawk. This is one client that I did not want to fall in the water (or anywhere for that matter).
I put him on to a nice fish in the Hinemaiaia River. He managed to drift a pheasant tail into the right zone and the trout was definitely interested, lining the artificial UP but not biting although not spooked. Not every cast went in the right area, but a few did, and I was willing the trout to take it. It was a sizeable rainbow and was not easily fooled. Eventually the trout got bored and calmly swam upstream to continue its spawning run. I can’t be sure, but I think I saw him poke his tongue out at us as he swam away. Not long after his son hooked into a nice rainbow while wetlining with a woolly bugger. Wetlining on this river is often overlooked but can be very productive. Sure, you can’t cast the line across and down like you can in the “TT” and Tongariro, but you don’t have to.
I like to drift a large streamer fly on a sinking line down the foam line or on the edge of the blackberries and leave it dangling in the water for a reasonable period before quietly retrieving the line back towards me. Relaxing fishing only to be interrupted every now and the with a violent jerk letting you know that you are in business. All rivers are having their moments and it is pleasing to see more fish entering the Hinemaiaia and the numbers will increase dramatically in the coming weeks especially if we get some more frosts. The forecast for the upcoming week is generally pretty favourable so get your gear prepared and get on out there. It is a good time to be fishing at the moment because mid-week there are still plenty of spaces to fish in all rivers. The weekends are starting to get busier however and mid-week will be the same soon enough.
It is a good time to remind anglers of good etiquette on our rivers. I have seen some silly arguments at times and none of us are going down to the river for that. Remember, some people don’t really understand the rules so sometimes a bit of a friendly education of them is the way to go. Otherwise, if someone has jumped in front of you and you are not interested in possible confrontation, move on to another spot, the fish will still be there and your peace and therapeutic qualities that you are after when fishing will not be disturbed.
The I Love Fly Fishing shop has been fairly busy with more and more fishers getting prepared for the great fishing we can expect with the spawning runs underway now. We have a good range of stock in at the moment, just check the ILFF website and if I haven’t got it, I will soon get it in. As always, all your fly fishing and fly tying needs call and see me at the I Love Fly Fishing Shop in Turangi, 8 Wiremu St, phone 021667867. If there is anything you need, give me a ring and I will open up anytime (within reason of course 
), just call me and I’ll sort you out. 021667867.
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Brian
My name is Brian Willson and I have been a fly fisher for over 50 years. I am a professional fishing guide and current NZPFGA member of which I have served at executive level and have guided anglers of different skill sets, ages and gender from all over the world. I have also written two books on fly fishing and am a keen artist. I am passionate about fly fishing and the therapeutic qualities it offers and enjoy sharing this experience with people on and off the water. Over the years I have made some amazing friendships that continue to this day. I have partnered up with one of these friendships, Barrie Barnes from I Love Fly Fishing, and I sell exclusively, quality, affordable fly fishing gear at my premises at 8 Wiremu Street, Turangi, the designated I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi which is open all hours— just ring 021667867 anytime. I take a serious interest in my clients and freely offer advice when asked and am happy to talk fishing anytime. Tight lines, Brian Willson
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