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Group of ladies from Sydney about to be guided from Tongariro Lodge by 3 seperate professional fishing guides (2 each). No extra marks if you guessed my 2 are on the left
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 only a couple of days of winter left but you wouldn’t believe it this last week as most days have begun with some pretty heavy frosts. Whilst the mornings have been cold, the days have generally turned out to be sunny and fresh which is typical to the central plateau after a good frost which makes it an absolute pleasure to be out on the river. There have been some pretty happy faces on most fishers that I have seen on the river and indeed in the I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi. All rivers are full of fish. I had the pleasure of guiding Chin Wong from Sydney for 3 days. Chin had never caught a trout before but after a few days with me, he landed and lost a number of very good fish indeed. Needless to say, he has pre booked with me again for May 2024. He also made several purchases from the I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi and is now adequately prepared to tackle any fly fishing adventure.
I also took another two ladies (part of a group of 6) earlier in the week. I took these ladies to the “Hinemaiaia River”. They both had some action, but the big hard luck story was a massive rainbow that one of the ladies was hooked up on. I figured the trout wasn’t too well hooked as my client missed the strike. I was hoping that the fish had hooked itself and would even behave itself and come quietly to the net. Alas this was not to be. The fish was stubborn and hadn’t even started to scrap yet. I was actually wishing the fish wasn’t so big and strong because I wanted a photo of this one. I then saw my first glimpse of the trout (a huge Jack, possibly the biggest that I have had on one of my rods this season). My client was doing her best but being unfamiliar with fly fishing, a few problems were occurring. She was winding the reel the wrong way and soon a big mess was starting to form in the fly line. Adding to this, the trout started to bolt downstream. I had to intervene and see if I could rescue the situation and temporarily took over the rod. I quickly managed to get the line back in order, but the trout was well downstream into a lower pool.
I told my client to meet me down the bottom (travelling by land), while I walk down river, following this fish and I will give the rod back to you. I knew there was a good landing spot down there and we had a good chance. I managed to get the fish just where I wanted him. By now I could see all his splendour. Deep in colour and very deep in body, a truly beautiful fish. Then for no apparent reason, he was off. He must have only just been hooked. I was gutted but my client wasn’t too worried. Pity, would have been a great photo. Some superb fish have also come out of the Tongariro this week. I ran into Graeme Hunter from Northland who had just caught a superb Jack in the Judges pool. Graeme has been fishing the Tongariro since 1975 and is enjoying some good action this week. The Tauranga Taupo has plenty of fish, but the river is very low. I will pay more attention to this river when the next fresh comes. Then it should be dynamite.
The nymphers have done well this week with success on just about anything. A lot of fishers are doing well on naturals and the egg patterns are doing well also. The Tonga “Bomb” is chipping in as well so if you can present your favourite variety of artificial to the trout you can expect action with virtually anything at the moment at some time or another.
The I Love Fly Fishing shop in Turangi has been very busy this week with fishers from far away, making the effort to come and see me. I had one chap come in yesterday just for a chat about fishing generally, but he is coming back today with some family members to gear up with some top-quality gear. I have a reasonably busy week next week with guiding so if you want to see me personally it might pay to ring me 021667867 to ensure I am around. Otherwise, my other half, Sharen, is generally here to equip you with any gear that you need.
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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