Since the BIG 700+ cumec flood on 9-10 May, the trout fishing pattern on spawning runs has settled down enough to provide anglers with confidence for successful fishing for the weekend ahead.

TRM relies on feedback from our inmates who are generally regular tourist visitors and can comment with the benefit of many years of experience fishing during this shoulder season on the Tongariro pools.

The graph above is exceptional to reflect six weeks Tongariro fly fishing results by an anon inmate mainly nymphing. After the tourist season had finished, it provides invaluable evidence of what to expect. It cannot show the just as important high quality and prime condition of so many trout (174) released so you will just have to take our word for it. In our experience over the last twenty years, this is about as good as it gets. You will also have to take our word that since the flood the trout fishing has even improved. OK?

There are five “nyphomaniacs” in the photo above of the lower bridge pool – vehicle access off Te Rewha – to confirm all these main pools are producing as expected and therefore subject to more angler pressure. This week I was led by Juno downriver as far as Reed-Jones Pool that TRM had previously reported on.

Similarly, upriver the most popular easy-access more scenic town pools – from Judges Pool, Major Jones Pool, Breakfast Pool and Hydro – have all been under more pressure as they are so easy to access. Beyond these, the more distant pools requiring time wasted walking are deserted, as there has been no need to explore further.

In summary, absolutely wonderful fly fishing conditions recently with cold mornings and fine sunny days, which will not last much longer before winter temperatures arrive, so anglers should book asap.