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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, what flies are working and if you want to call to the shop – 8 Wiremu SDtreet – call Brian on 021667867. Brian fishes Euro/Czech, Dry Fly, Trout Spey, Nymph and Wet Fly.
Hello fellow fly fishers,
Well, it has been a busy old week with plenty of anglers on the rivers after the big floods of just over a week ago. Since my last report all the rivers have been in great condition to fish, and this is obvious with all the vehicles seen in all carparks. I took time out yesterday to inspect the river and tracks in the lower Tongariro from the Tongariro Lodge to the Reeds pool. The lower track has disappeared, but a new route has been formed through the trees on higher ground to the right therefore access has been restored. The gravel road leading to the carpark below the lodge off Grace Road was a mess but yesterday a bobcat was fixing this up with new metal etc and now it is as good as new.
There are a lot of soft spots just off the edge of the track and care should be taken when walking around here. Best to stay on the track and not be tempted to have a look over the side of the bank for fish as in the next few days a lot of this bank is going to erode. The floods don’t seem to have spoiled the fishing as I witnessed plenty of hook ups and saw some beaming smiles from anglers coming back up the track with their catches of the day strung to their belts. Some of the pools have gone forever but some new, interesting ones have formed.
Earlier in the week I checked out some of the smaller streams i.e. The Hinemaiaia River and the Waiotaka River.
The Hinemaiaia is still full of fish. In some places you can almost walk across their backs to get to the other side. It is noticeable that there are more spent fish turning up now but this is to be expected. Egg patterns are still working best for me here. I have noticed now that most of the fish now can be found low to mid river.
The Waiotaka has a number of fish in it at the moment as well. Like the “Hine” there are some spent fish coming out now but if you want to try an area with not too much angling pressure this could be for you. Bear in mind that this is a small river, a stream really, and in many areas casting can be difficult. Czech nymphing is a good option here as is drifting a streamer downstream underneath the overhanging vegetation then slowly retrieving it back towards you.
I spent today on the “TT” and when I arrived at the carpark, surprise, surprise it was full. However, it is a good river, has a good track along the true left bank which goes for some distance before an easy river crossing is required to continue further upstream. The beauty about this river is that , no matter how busy it is, there always seems to be good fishable water around a corner where you can fish undisturbed.
I caught a mixed bag of fish here which included one very good Jack (pictured), that gave me a hell of a scrap.
The weather forecast up to the weekend looks favourable with the possibility of a fair amount of rain coming early next week. The I Love Fly Fishing shop has been fairly busy this week and we have now extended our fly tying range to complement our existing excellent selection so why don’t you come in and check it out. So, prospects for the next few days for fishing are good so you will have to get out there and do it.
Until then, tight lines and remember, you can ring me anytime for your fishing requirements. 021667867.
Regards,
central north islandfishing reportfly fishingnew zealandnorth islandriver fishingtauranga-taupo riverTongariro Riverturangi
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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