Friday 25 May 2012

Tough Turangi...

Spent the day on the Tongariro today and found the going exceptionally tough. This could be just me though, I still have a lot to learn about fishing this river it would seem. While some of the locals has said fishing was hard at the moment (taken with a grain of salt because I know how local fishermen protect their haunts) I did see one old chap strolling back to his vehicle with 3 fat bows.

The lower river seemed to have more action in terms of fish willing to take a fly with buggers and egg sucking leeches getting hits when swinging the switch rod, or UV caddis patterns for a nymph option when the sun was just starting the creep onto the river. Upper river was holding a few fish but they did not want a bar of anything so more time was spent below the bridge.

 Still a good day out and first trip down there for the winter. I will be back for revenge on the fish and also the river itself. I managed to hook a fish in the fading light but it pulled off after about ten seconds. I then lost my balance in the river and recovered but not in time to save my Oakley's falling off my head and drifting off to Lake Taupo...... Double f***.

On a brighter note, best of luck to the New Zealand Fly Fishing team, the 'Silver Flies' as they have just arrived in Slovenia for the 2012 World Fly Fishing Championships, beginning 22. Any comp away from home is a tough ask but I'm sure the boys will do us proud.

Visit the Silver Flies Facebook page here for updates from the guys HERE

Or visit the Sport Fly Fishing New Zealand website here for more info on the competitive scene HERE 


If you aren't enjoying the cold, pretend it's summer and watch this epic vid. Rising fish..... Mmmmmmm


Sunday 20 May 2012

Why aren't you fishing?

Why are are you at your computer? Why are you inside? Why the hell aren't you in a river or on a lake edge? Do you have work tomorrow? Are there things that require your attention so much that would prevent you from taking advantage of these perfect fishing conditions?

Why am I here? Two university assignments sums it up. Later in the week though, when these assignments are handed in and I'm free from the shackles of tertiary education, fish I shall. In all honesty I will probably fish to the point of hypothermia, but night time lake edge fishing is just too much fun.

Other options are the Tongariro which will be bursting with fresh runs after that rain and this cold snap. That river is on my to-do list and I have taken to sleeping in my neoprene waders in order to be ready when the time comes.

The Waihou fished well the other day with a mate and myself accounting for 58 fish. None of these fish were massive but if you want a way to iron out the kinks and improve your reflexes, small spring creek rainbows are the way to go.

If you are simply forced into working or studying (these things were only invented to make fishing better) then at least have a break an watch some quality vids. This is a goodie, the opening line is a good illustration of the passion associated with fly fishing (some people obviously REALLY like fly fishing). Sweet music too.




Sunday 13 May 2012

Much needed rain...

The last lot of rain that battered the country was much needed in terms of bringing the lake fisheries to life and giving the spawning streams a good clean out, encouraging some fresh runs. Now is the time to target shoreline Rotorua lakes or the Tongariro for some early spawning rainbows and some of the big browns which are still hanging around. Focus your attention on the upper reaches now of the bigger river systems now and use heavy, brightly coloured nymphs to induce those anger strikes.

I managed to get out on Friday night for some lake edge action and hauled out a few hard fighting rainbows, one of which was in ridiculously good condition. Make sure you get out make the most of a really interesting and special time of year to catch trout. 

If you are stuck at work or are doing Uni assignments like me, here is something that will keep your spirits up. Footage filmed in NZ by Frontsidefly

Via Rene Vaz of Manictackleproject.com



Monday 7 May 2012

Monday Funday

Today will be my last fish for a while as plenty of assignments are due. Fished a Rotorua lake with some success, pulling out a good rainbow and losing a few more. Just a little trip to keep me sane over the next week or so. Watch out for the rain and the cold to come but when they do also watch out for the Tongariro and the usual winter hangouts to start lighting up.

Best from today...