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Rain in the air, lower Tongariro River.
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, we are now well into what I generally regard as one of the best months to fish the Turangi Rivers. This season is a bit different than last year however for lots of reasons so relying on information gathered at this time last year isn’t really going to help you too much. Firstly, all rivers are very low, even lower than what one could expect in the summertime. I did manage to get out and do a bit of fishing this week for myself which strangely enough I don’t always get a lot of time to do. The first thing I noticed was the increased amount of anglers on the water. In some spots it is hard to move, and it is not just the weekends. I have found just as many, if not more anglers, are fishing in the middle of the week. The Tauranga Taupo River is not getting the same pressure as the Hinemaiaia or Tongariro but, while there are some fish up there, the “TT” is so low I am leaving it alone for a while as it fishes much better when it is at a level of about 0.4 and up.
At the moment it is running at just over 0.1 and some of the good runs have no water in at all. I have caught a number of fish in the Hinemaiaia and Tongariro this week and I would have to say that the Tongariro has probably been the best for me. Almost all the trout I have caught have been well conditioned Rainbow Jacks with some of them showing some real battle scars of fighting whilst in spawning mode. My main method of fishing has been nymphing although swinging a wetline has had its moments and even this morning I was busted from a violent jolt on 4kg breaking strain mono!! I took a long walk down the Tongariro River yesterday and it was pleasing to see that there were a lot of fish sitting in every pool. A lot of these fish are just resting and a good fresh will see them on the move and more likely to snap at your offerings.
I have found that most egg patterns including the glo bug and clear drift egg are working quite well but a good percentage of trout are also taking the Bomb at the front. There are a lot of trout sitting in some of the deep pools that are hugging the banks and willows. These trout are hard to cast to but not impossible, but you should practice your roll casting. Remember, the trout are close to you. Trust your rod and line to do what they are designed to do. Concentrate on form rather than brute force and you will be surprised as to how well you can cast. To muscle the line out there will only end up with frustration. Don’t be too concerned about crowds. Fishermen tend to have less patience than fish and even if you start fishing in an area that isn’t your number one choice, you will find that various spots get vacated regularly and you will get your turn. And, who knows, you may pick up a fish where you wouldn’t normally.
Patience is the key ingredient so, while the rivers are low and clear, don’t always expect the action to be fast and furious (although this can happen when you least expect it). Be careful out there at the moment as the rocks are very slippery. I’m stating the obvious here, but wading staffs and boot studs go a long way to assist here. I’m still surprised how many fishers (and some of them should know better), fail to have either of these. I’ve pulled more fishers out of the rivers than I would like over the years so, just something to think about.
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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