Since the decline of the Bridge Pool in 2022, Judges Pool may have taken over as the most popular pool on the Tongariro River. As it is the closest pool for TRM anglers it does get a little thrashed at first light but still consistently produces high numbers of such well-conditioned trout throughout the day. Nymphing is still the preferred option although the wet liners dredging the TRB have also enjoyed success. Access is by walking downriver along the Tongariro River Trail from the TRB after crossing over the Koura Street swing bridge, although some wade up from above the road bridge.

Who was the Judge? The following description is from Alan & Barbara Cooper’s book, Pools on the Tongariro, published by the Turangi District Historical Society in 1975. (Now out of print) We love their “preface” in which they commented: “The remarks illustrate the problems confronting the historian: how to sift the truth from the chaff of exuberant invention which anglers delight in. With some relief, the authors therefore abandoned a purely academic approach.”

On Morilleau’s map of 1928, Judges Pool extends downriver to the Groin Pool immediately above the road bridge – see historic photo.

“It was named after Judge Ostler, later Sir Herbert, appointed King’s Counsel in 1924, knighted in 1939. He was a writer who contributed to the English National Review and to the Blackwoods Magazine. His sporting interests not only covered fishing but also deer stalking and big game hunting in Africa. He owned one of the first houses built in Turangi in the area that was then called Taupahi.”

This brings us to an interesting issue… Many owners of residential properties on the eastern side of SH1 have suggested that Turangi town is now big enough to qualify for a separate suburb called Taupahi – being the original settlement of anglers’ accommodation located on the eastern side of SH1, to differentiate it from the new (1970’s) “hydro” town on the western side surrounding the shopping centre. We agree.

What do you think?

Judges Pool history is interesting to note the changes that have occurred – due to floods and WRC bulldozers trying to tidy up after the huge 2004 flood to prevent any further flooding.

PREVIOUS REPORTS:

(Interesting to appreciate the huge changes that have occurred since the 2004 flood.)

Update 2006

From what we are told the most successful holding water is still just below the Silver Birch tree, which leans out from the LHS bank towards the lower pool – fishable from both sides. Otherwise towards the head of the pool on the LHS, where there is a regular procession along the beach after every new fresh.

Flooded conditions in July 2006 mainly affected the run above Judges Pool. This pool is now wadeable and looks particularly promising. At the time of writing, it does not appear to hold fish and is still settling. But look out for this pool next season.

We take notice of experienced veteran anglers, (Hi to Hugh Latimer from Auckland) who have written to warn how other pools often took a full season to settle down and recover after flood damage, before they became productive again. i.e. Recently the (new) Admirals Pool went through this transition, from being barren in 2005 to produce well in 2006.

So back to Judges Pool area. This interesting new pool/run/reach above Judges deserves its own identity. So we refer again to the 1928 river map prepared by Barbara Cooper, where this run on the RHS below the old Island Pool was originally known as Doctor’s Pool. (Judges Pool was then located further down towards the old Lonely Pool)

So in anticipation of this pool settling and developing into good holding water for the future, we have replaced the original pool name as Doctor’s. Watch this space…

Access this area by wading directly across from where the Judges track emerges, (about 300 metres from Tongariro River Motel!) off the end of Te Aho Road, at the head of Judges Pool, where the main flow switches from the RHS to the LHS. (NOW IMPOSSIBLE IN 2023!)

These rapid “rifflly” ripples are well worth a flick, particularly in bright sunny conditions when the trout hold in the rapids re-oxygenating (?), if there is such a thing (?) cooling off, hiding from anglers (?), who knows why.

The little run, above the TLB of Judges, also merits a flick or two, particularly if first up in the morning, as trout rest in the still waters after negotiating the faster rapids up from the Bridge. Some days anglers have seen more landed from this little insignificant pool than from the main Judges Pool area.

Judges Pool – 2005 Report

Tongariro River Motel (TRM) have chosen this first as it is the closest pool and one of the most regularly visited Town pools available. Judges Pool was one of the most reliable classics for many years but has changed character considerably after the 2004 flood. Guides like to introduce their clients to fly fishing the Judges as it had good close vehicle access, easy level walking approach, plenty of room for back-casting and can be wet lined or nymphed with equal success. 4WD vehicles were often parked on the stoney beach beside the river but in April 2005 this access track to the lower pool area has been blocked off.

During April 2005 heavy machinery removed mature pine trees from the tail of the old Island Pool to alter the access and the lies. Many large fallen trees were dragged across the top of the pool with the tops now mainly buried out of sight at the end of Te Aho Road. Next to this levelled dump area (what a good future parking area?) the original vehicle access – i.e. pre 2004 flood – has been re-formed to end in a tight loop on the higher bank overlooking the pool.

Judges appears to have been more popular since the February 2004 flood probably due to easy vehicle access. Immediately after the flood the true LHS was favoured, however the pool has progressively got deeper on the TRB and fish now hold on both sides. Access to the TRB is now by wading across above Judges at the tail of the island (only when it is low enough to do so, care must still be taken). [UPDATE 2023 NOT POSSIBLE TO WADE ACROSS]

After the 2004 flood the suitable fly casting zones were divided into two main lies but following the tree removal works in the last week these have now merged more together. There are now numerous new snags throughout the full length. When inspected on 30 April 2005 afternoon the pool comfortably accommodated 5 rods, however, during the winter, up to 15 rods were seen using the True left bank at one time.

Summary – Judges is a well regarded pool and has a strong following. The main advantages are easy access (particularly from TRM!), plenty of back-cast space, and equally suitable for either nymphing or wet-lining.