We are often asked how to start, how to learn the skills in fly fishing. Our suggestion has been the same for over 20 years. Join a club.
The clubs vary considerably in their activities to help novices. If possible, ask about the club policy for novices.
At TRM we see a lot of bonding activity by clubs having informal weekends to introduce new anglers to the joys of the Tongariro River, most of which go unreported. The following extracts from club newsletters indicate the extent to which better clubs go to ensure members get involved.
Recently, TRM hosted the Tauranga Fishing Club’s annual competition with the Whakatipu Club.
Their website explains their passion: A group dedicated to furthering Trout fishing in the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty region, we have river, lake and stream fishing outings and always looking for new members, etc.
Below is their latest newsletter (Thank you John),
The annual Tauranga Angling Club and Wakatipu Angling Club Interclub event was held in Tūrangi on the 10th and 11th of September 2025.
After a couple of days of reconnaissance prior, club members were well prepared for the competition days. Mixed methods of fishing were used between Euro nymphing, indicator nymphing, wet lining and spey fishing.
There was a very social atmosphere with members between clubs sharing insight, locations, tips and some secrets which was appreciated by those with less experience in the area.
Anglers fished in many local streams but primarily the Tongariro River and Hinemaiaia Stream.
The river levels were rather low and clear and those who moved about and managed to find a pod of fish did well.
The first day catch recording was hosted by TAC at the Tongariro River Motel.
The count was 15 to 14 for the 5 nominated fisherman in favour of TAC. This was followed by a very enjoyable dinner together at the Hare & Copper Restaurant.
On the second day a number of members across the respective clubs buddied up and fished together. The forecast threatened rain and cold windy conditions but only a two cubic rise in the river level of the Tongariro River eventuated. Again several fishermen recorded good numbers of hook ups and fish to the net.
WAC hosted the catch recording on the second day at the Tongariro Lodge. TAC retained the trophy with a count of 35 to 29 fish by the nominated fisherman over the two days. TAC were grateful for a strong effort by Nic Dunn and Graham Holmes.
Graham Holmes from Tauranga was awarded the certificate for the largest fish of the event with a nice 5 pounds fish
New friendships, fun exchanges, a few drinks in a great atmosphere was enjoyed by all and we look forward to doing it again next year.
Thank you to Graeme Fraser from Wakatipu and Ian Robbie from TAC for the coordination and organisation.
Another typical example is the North Shore Club who reported in their newsletter – i.e. (Thanks Duncan)
North Shore Fly Fishing Club Newsletter – 9 September:
INTERCLUB COMPETITION CLUB TRIP TO TURANGI
On the 16th of August 18 anglers from the NSFFC and AFAC descended on the Tongariro
River for the annual interclub competition. AFAC were the holders of the cup from their
win in 2024 and the 8 NSFFC participants were determined to win it back.
The day loomed overcast with everyone keen to get an early start. The competition
officially began at 7 am but some were determined to get their spot and so staked it out in
the dark from 6:15 am, eager to get fishing as their hands became numb from the cold.
It had not rained in the area for several weeks, so the river was clear and low, and there
were fish about, but not in great numbers and not many coming through. Everyone had
their spot, some better than others.
It was hard fishing but fish were caught and everyone contributed, some more than others.
By the end of the competition at 5pm the NSFFC had caught 31 fish for a total of 1688 cm.
A BBQ was held at the AFAC lodge in Turangi for all participants where stories,
banter, results were shared.
The AFAC tally fell short of our total and the NSFFC was declared the winner of the
Interclub Competition for 2025. We were elated; we had won the cup back! A big thank
you to all that joined in the competition.
