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Two Hong Kong clients trying their luck on “The Mill Race” 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.
Hello fellow fly fishers,
We’ll much has happened the last week and as expected the weather has been variable with a bit of everything which includes wind, rain and sunshine. There is no doubt the last month or two has seen a fair amount of rain and the lake is very full. The fishing remains very good and indeed, the general consensus from most fishermen that I have talked to, this is one of the best winter fishing seasons in recent years. Cleardrift Eggs are still working very well but the standard nymph patterns like Hare and Copper and Pheasant Tail are starting to perform. The white and green Caddis patterns should also be a consideration for the fisher, as at the moment, they are also doing very well.
While it is obvious that more and more fishermen are employing catch and release practices these days, it is recommended by DOC that we should be taking a few more fish for the table. The trout numbers are high but the flip side of this is they are depleting the smelt numbers and if we get the balance wrong then this will not be good for the fishery down the track so keeping the odd trout for the table is encouraged and will ensure good fishing in the seasons ahead.
We are still getting some chilly mornings and last weekend while driving south I was staggered to see how much fresh snow was on the Ruahine Ranges. Warm weather is just around the corner however and it is going to be a pleasure this coming summer to dry fly the new water in the lower Tongariro. I have found this past week that the Tongariro River has fished pretty well but there have been areas where the fishing has been slow or even dead. The fish are never too far away and may be congregating in different positions in the river. You may have to move through water reasonably quickly if nothing is happening until you find the water that is holding fish. At time of writing (Wednesday evening), it is raining heavily but the forecast for the next few days is pretty good which should lead to excellent fishing in the weekend. The “TT” is a bit discoloured at present but this will improve in the next day or two. The “Hine” is full of fish.
A number of swingers have been in the I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi this week and they have all been talking about good action on the rivers. A lot of fishers have also come in and purchased some of the new fly tying products that we now have. It is rumoured that some of the products we have here make such realistic flies that if you drop them in the water they could very likely swim away.
As always if you are in Turangi and need any fishing gear, come and see me or ring me on 021667867 anytime and I will be able to sort you out at the I Love Fly Fishing Shop in Turangi.
Until next time, tight lines.
central north islandfishing reportfly fishingnew zealandnorth islandriver fishingtauranga-taupo riverTongariro Riverturangi
