Turangi Fishing Report 22June 2023

The powerful Huka Falls.

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 have already reached the shortest day of the year and the season is quickly coming to an end so remember to renew your licenses before July 1 or your new season may begin with an unwanted expensive start!! Licenses are available for purchase now.

Nice fish “TT”.
Lower Tongariro.

There are a good number of fishers in the area now and I have been pretty busy in the I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi. Please ring me 021667867 if you need anything at any time and I will do my best to sort you out. The rivers at the moment are relatively low and the Tongariro went below 30 cumecs this week for the first time in a long time. This makes it possible to fish a lot more water that previously could not be reached when the level was higher.

The Judges Pool, Tongariro River.
On the 'TT'.

Generally, I have found the wet liners are doing OK especially early morning and change of light in the early evening and the nymphers are having to move around to find the fish. The big runs are still not upon us, but I believe they won’t be far away. I had a good walk along the lower Tongariro the other day and spotted some very big trout lying in wait in some of the deepest pools.

I was in Taupo the other day and decided to have a look at the Huka Falls. I don’t think I have ever seen it look so powerful, a reflection on just how high the lake is at the moment. The Falls drop about 12 metres before dropping a further vertical drop of about 6 metres at the end. I studied them for a while, and I know a few kayaks have successfully navigated down the current in the past but it beats me how. I will be away next week and so no report, but I will have plenty to say the following week and hopefully by then the winter runs will be well underway.

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.

Brian Willson - NZPFGA Member & I Love Fly Fishing Partner Store Turangi.
My cat Mia. Reminding me she wants a fish.

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

all author posts
Join Waitlist We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Please leave your valid email address below.