TRM inmate, John Newby, casting below the Island Pool. He landed two from that spot on Saturday.
We all know that the summer signals the end of spawning runs on the Tongariro River – right?
Wrong! On the weekend we went on our stroll along the Tongariro River Trail and checked out the usual possies that act as barometers to indicate trout numbers on the rest of the river. The easiest viewing spot for spawning activity has been the small bypass at the back of Creel Lodge where the tourist seat is located. Last weekend and again this morning there were trout easily seen from the bank.
This section of river is so enjoyable for tourists/walkers/bikers/anglers with the Tuis and Bellbirds providing an accompanying musical chorus after dining out on the Kowhais – if you can associate snorts, coughs, wheezes, gurgles and yodeling with music.
Considering the late time in the season at the end of October, in the tail of Major Jones Pool we were delighted by the numbers of fresh run trout on their spawning migration. I needed to check it out for the “Reel Recovery” team that has booked out TRM this week. The top of the Island Pool offers easy parking behind Taupahi Reserve close to access and easy wading across the bypass to get on to these runs.
Yesterday – Sunday – we could not accurately count the trout as there were far too many – well over 50 and probably closer to 100. We returned this morning to check in overcast conditions when vision was more difficult and can confirm they are still holding there.
This post is to correct impressions from inmates that the trout only run during winter months. Over the years we have seen similar large spawning runs at odd times. The biggest run I have ever noticed in this same lower Major Jones Pool was on January 1st a few years ago. There had not been any rain to trigger it. The trout just decided to sneak up when anglers least expected them.
Just in case you imagine we are trying to talk up the numbers we asked a local fisho John – photo below – to check as well. He landed fresh run Rainbows over the weekend and confirmed it was probably the biggest run we have noticed this season.
