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Lake Rotoaira. Mount Tongariro in the background.
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, it certainly has been an eventful week. We have a new government, the All Blacks were involved in an epic battle with Ireland in the rugby which, fortunately, they came out on the right side, and the fishing has continued to be very good. I still had my Australian clients up to last Sunday and we covered a fair bit of water. Much of the week was very windy and often quite cool. We did spend a bit of time in the Hinemaiaia River to escape the wind and it was pleasing to be rewarded with some receptive trout. All rivers are now producing trout of various conditions which is to be expected at this time of year.
As a bonus, I introduced the Aussies to Lake Rotoaira just for a bit of variety. A separate license is required for this lake although a Lake Taupo license is not required. The day I took them was very windy indeed. The only boat ramp available is at the south end of the lake by the motor camp. I had to drive my boat right up to the north end so I could get into calm water but also target the inlet of the Whareru canal where it enters the lake. I have not fished this lake for several years but when I did, this was an area that I targeted and did well at. We anchored up and we were soon experiencing some action with a couple of solid strikes. Then all hell broke loose, and my Australian fishers must have hooked up about 30 or so fish. Most of the fish were not huge but they could certainly scrap. Average size would have been 2-3 lb.
Going back home was a bit easier as we were surfing the waves rather than hitting them head on. Even though it is only a small lake, it can get pretty rough so be aware of that. All the trout were caught on small woolly buggers on sinking lines. It is raining at time of writing (Wednesday) so that will probably juice up the rivers a bit. The last day I had my Aussie clients, I took them over to the Whanganui River. It was another bleak drizzly day and very windy as well. The first couple of places I took them to were fairly exposed to the elements so I thought I would try the confluence of the Whakapapa and Whanganui Rivers where I figured we might have a bit of shelter under a big cliff. And so, we did. Fishing became quite pleasant, and the wind was not a factor. The action wasn’t fast here but we did manage a couple of nice trout on the pheasant tail nymph.
The Cleardrift egg has still been working well on all the Taupo Rivers and I see no reason why this won’t continue until Christmas. More and more fish are now rising for the dry fly now and if you fish with a small Adams or similar, you won’t go far wrong. There is nothing quite like seeing a trout rise for the dry fly, perhaps my favourite fly-fishing method. Long leaders and as finer tippets as you dare is the key.
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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