Turangi Fishing Report 14 July 2022

Brian Willson, professional guide, 021667867, brings us his weekly fly fishing report from Turangi for the Central North Island lakes and rivers.

Greetings fellow fly fishers,

Well it has been a real up and down week with weather with quite a bit of rain.

At time of writing all rivers are up. The Tongariro fished very well this morning but a major slip up river this afternoon has really discoloured the flow and hence has temporarily stalled the hot fishing but I’m picking it will have cleared up by morning.

All fishing methods are working at the moment in all rivers. The wet liners are enjoying the conditions as much as the nymphers.

I went through to Taupo this morning on business but had to make sure my rod was with me because I wanted to check out the Hinemaiaia River on the way back.

Business took a bit longer than expected and I didn’t get on to the “Hine” until 3pm!!!

As expected, the river was crowded as this is the school holidays after all. I did find a spot midway up the river and sandwiched myself between some other anglers. I was in a hard to cast spot hence the vacancy but with a few measured casts I soon found my range. The river was up a bit but very fishable, just how I like it.

I was soon into a solid Jack caught on the “Bomb” which I caught and released. 

As time was short, I ventured downstream a bit and found a good pool, unoccupied by anglers, just waiting for me.

On looking into the shallow pool , I could see trout everywhere. Surely I would have to hook up almost immediately. I was nymphing with a double beaded bomb and a clear drift egg trailing.

Suddenly I was snagged up in the middle of the river, that sickening feeling when you can see fish everywhere and you can’t cast to them.

Fortunately I was pulling the snag off the bottom so at least I wasn’t going to loose my leader.

Then, hang on, what’s this? My snag is a fish, a sizeable Jack and it is a total dead weight. Have I caught my first ever brownie in the Hinemaiaia.

No. I can now see it is a rainbow and it is just starting to wake up. 

It decided to take me for a walk downstream, at no great pace but very strong. I followed  and around the corner were 3 other anglers and one dog about to start fishing.

The dog in particular seemed to be very interested in my fish and was in the water offering his services. One of the anglers offered to net the fish and I took up his offer before the whole thing turned into a keystone cop situation and I didn’t want to have the fish experience needless stress. He was having a bit of trouble netting the fish but eventually got the fish into the net. I got the angler to take the photo (shown) and gently put him back into the water.

Please be careful when you are wading in this river that you do not upset the spawning redds.

That was it for me, there was still the “TT” to look at on the way back.

On arriving at the “TT” I could see that it was way too high for my liking. There were a few cars in the carpark but I like this river to be at a level around 0.5 m. One to look at in the next few days because it will be full of fish.

More unsettled weather is forecast but the fish are there and remember, if the river looks very dirty, consider the wetline with big dark flies.

The other photo shows the beautiful snow capped peaks of the volcanic plateau as viewed from 5 Mile Bay. They dominate the skyline at this time of year and can be appreciated from many angles when fishing the lake and rivers in this region.

The I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi has been busy through the holiday period and I have had a number of anglers that have come to see me well into the evening. Just remember, if you turn up in Turangi and want gear for the following day, I will do my best to make sure you are hitting the water early the next day.

Just call me 021667867 anytime.

Until next time,

Tight lines,

Regards,

Brian Willson

NZPFGA member. I Love Fly Fishing Turangi Partner Store Location

Tongariro River Flow Tauranga-Taupo River Flow

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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