Yesterday TRM published the results of their extensive testing of the most suitable deadly fly – the Hurricanes woolly bugger – for the Tongariro delta. Today we follow that up with the most deadly fly for the Tongariro River.
But first we should address a complaint from a purist Tongariro sceptic called Trev – originally from the ‘naki – that is a photo of him yesterday at TRM disguised in his camo fishing shirt. He is claiming the successful black & yellow ribbed woolly bugger mentioned yesterday – now known internationally as the “Hurricanes” woolly bugger – was in fact stolen from Taranaki?
Secondly, Chris – the inventor of the Hurricanes Woolly Bugger, admitted he had done some sneaky background research on the most favoured traditional patterns for Canadian steelheads who preferred yellow & black patterns. So there are important historical precedents to the design of the successful fly.
But back to the Tongariro River. TRM have been suggesting for many years that anglers should simplify their fly box to just three patterns on the Tongariro – the ubiquitous glo bug, a hare & copper bomb and a variation of a pheasant tail in various sizes. But the featured angler today has reduced his selection down to just one fly – read on:
The most consistently successful fly we are aware of on the Tongariro is Billy’s Dream – see following copy of TRM Daily Report dated 13 February. This will upset the purists even more… read about his secret fly he calls Billy’s Dream.
Billy’s Dream still does the business…
Bill Hawkins is one of our more “mature” anglers at 84 years young. He last featured in a TRM Daily report about 2010 so it is time for an update.
…….. Then we have the Bill Hawkins’ unique style. It doesn’t matter to Bill which pool or month or where the moon is or isn’t, as he has his own special trout rig which he has used successfully for the last 70+ years. Nobody could argue with that track record. So why change? Similarly you will notice Bill’s pack – the traditional pikau sugar sack to carry the trout back. He has to be a nightmare for fishing tackle shops.
Simplicity is the key – All he ever uses is a long shank snapper sized hook with a piece of wool about one inch long (Bill hasn’t had time to convert to metrics yet) dangling off it. He calls this “fly” Billy’s Dream.
Due to the physical limitations of old age he does not do any fancy high sticking roll casting or mending or delicate presentation or any of that modern stuff. He wades into the nearest pool and flicks enough line out and then just wriggles his whitebait imitation until it drives the trout insane and they have to attack it. He usually goes to the nearest pool to TRM and fishes in riffles where others don’t bother. He makes it all so simple he is dangerous.
So the images on right are Bill showing his style with his grand daughter Ingrid to do the heavy netting and lifting work on the net. On a busy weekend when others were struggling Bill casually returned with his limit. Congratulations Bill – the other inmates were amazed.
Great images thanks to Tony Hawkins. Tony wrote: ” … An avid wet line angler who prefers to let the rapids do the work with his trusty Blue Dolphin reel, hand made landing net and his hunting pikau – it’s all about fishing and having a good time. Thanks Ross for your help and hospitality, a great weekend Dad won’t forget.”