10am Update: Neil Sinclair from the ‘Naki on right with a brace of well conditioned Lake O trout, about five pound each, landed this morning.
After showing Neil with a big hook firmly wedged into his snozzle on the Daily Report yesterday, SWMBO is trying to recover some ‘guest goodwill’ with the image on right.
“Worm” tried Lake O on Wednesday but returned to the ‘Naki frustrated with the lack of any action…
Yesterday, obviously worried by the fear that he might be missing out on a run, he returned again.
So we are delighted to now add a much nicer more typical image…
Never, never, never give up…
Tongariro River Motel (“TRM”) have had two anonymous Australian guests – see report yesterday – return from fishing this week looking cold and sad and very soggy.
(Guess who fell in? But it was worth it! Other images below of anglers supporting each other while crossing the Tongariro River.)
TRM warn that after each ‘fresh’ (minor flood) new holes appear and snags emerge … TRM do not recommend wading in many of the places where there is potential for anglers to get into difficulties and are reluctant to describe where all the possible crossings are as we do not have enough insurance.
Read the TRM Pool Reports if in doubt. The Tongariro slippery boulders are a test for anyone – particularly greasy after a long dry period. After a good fresh rolls all the stones over, they are cleaned which usually improves your grip on the bottom… – usually, but not always..
So TRM strongly recommend:
1 Use wading poles. TRM’s old ski poles are ideal. They are available for loan FOC from TRM office. Always use poles on upriver side so that you lean into the current. Also try to remember to return the poles too.
2 Hold hands with your fishing mate? Just joking. Us real fishy blokes link arms instead or hang on to each others wading belts – see images.. Cross on the down-river diagonal where the current is strongest.
(Note in the images below the relative position of the angler fishing on the TRB to illustrate how far down river the three fishos drifted on the diagonal to get across. This was when the Tongariro was at minimum flow… So with any crossings make sure you allow enough drift.)
3 It will make more sense if you have a basic understanding of river hydraulics. All rivers flow much faster at the surface. On the bottom – where your feet are supposed to be – there is little if any flow. That is why the devious trout lie on the bottom without effort. (Have a look at the trout underwater in the spawning stream at the Trout Centre.) It follows that if you lift your feet up you might lose balance. So shuffle across.
4 Waddle like a duck and keep your feet at least two feet (50 cm) apart – three feet is even better. Then you have a wider stronger base. (Think like a pyramid) And do not try to hurry.
5 Always wear a wading belt. See in the images the anglers hanging on to the others wading belts. Then if you take a dip your waders will not fill up but act as a balloon. OK? If you doubt this advice then check out any guides – they always wear wading belts. Right.
5 If you have any doubts at all do not cross. The only excuse for getting wet is if you get towed down river by one of our fabulous fresh run silver rockets. Then it is completely understandable and you will be forgiven.
Another reminder, after rain, as soon as the river gets a bit soupy, the power company (Genesis Energy) turns off the canal to Lake Rotoaira (to prevent debris and pumice going through to the turbines of the Tokaanu power station). That can double the flow of the lower Tongariro – the fishable portion – relatively quickly. So do not wade across after rain if it looks at all dicey. OK?
Other issues:
1 Interesting review of Tongarirorivermotel.co.nz discovered by mistake: Tongarirorivermotel.co.nz is ranked 8,695,980 in the world (among the 30 million domains). This site is estimated worth $986USD. (?) This site has a good Pagerank(2/10). It has 25 backlinks. It’s good for seo website. Tongarirorivermotel.co.nz has 14% seo score. Tongarirorivermotel.co.nz is safe.
Just thought you should know too…not that we even pretend to understand it.
2 This is the third time we have had to decline prospective guests for the Taupo Challenge Cycle ride – i.e.
Last year I stayed at your motel for the Cycle Challenge. I was in room #2. If possible I would like to book the same room again for this year’s cycle challenge, for the Friday & Saturday nights. You may remember me, I was the nutter that was going to try the twice round ride. I will be attempting it again this year. etc.
SWMBO thought we had better mention it on the Daily Report – She hates turning away guests re the Taupo Cycle Challenge on 24 November - TRM are booked out for 23 & 24 November.
3 Sometimes we can’t win… email received yesterday – If at any time TRM’s publication of your name or activities might create some awkward issues please advise and we will delete any reference to you – such as the following:
Message: Hello Ross, first I like to say, Thank you very much for your help and hospitality while me and my boy friend XXX was at your motel last month. I have a favor to ask .. I actualy took ” sick leave ” from my work when I was in New Zealand (that was the only way for me to take such a long vacation) so I am worry that my co-worker will see your daily report by searching my name in internet and report to my boss … This is very strange request but can you please remove my name from your daily report ?? I am sorry for causing such a trouble.. I sure appreciate your understanding. Please let me know if you have any questions. P.S. Me and XXX had a best trip in our life, never forget it !! Thank you !
4 An excellent article in the latest NZ TROUT FISHER magazine ( issue 132 – NZ’s only dedicated trout fishing magazine – their aim: to promote NZ trout fishing in the spirit of public ownership.) Article features Tongariro River fishing by John Murphy. Don’t miss it…
