Continuing the series of anglers answers of why they enjoy the Tongariro over so many other fly fishing rivers…
Pete West answers TRM’s questions & compares Tongariro to the Mataura.
1. Peter West from Geelong Victoria Australia. I’m a Certified Casting Instructor with the International Federation of Fly Fishers, and an Accredited Casting Coach with the Australian Casting Federation I also operated a Lodge and a Guiding service for 11 years on the Mataura out of Gore.
2. I first fished the Tongariro Five years ago and stayed at TRM two years ago.
3. Two years ago I was invited to fish with friends and I’ve returned ever since due to the great fishing, hooking into those feisty Rainbows. The whole experience takes some beating.
4. The Bain pool and Log pools are my favorites.
5. The most unforgettable and expensive experience was when I hook a large buck rainbow which took off at a great rate down stream in fast water I was hanging on for grim death when the tip of my rod snapped loosing the fish as well as ruining my rod. I’ve caught some big fish in my time but never have I broken a rod until then. Just goes to show the quality of the fish in the Tongariro.
6. My best achievement was breaking the New Zealand breast stroke record down the breakfast pool fully dressed, waders and all.
7.The thing I like about the Tongariro is its unpredictability, the quality of the rainbows and the convenience to Turangi.
8. My favourite fishing style on the Tongariro is wet lining with a HD sinking line with a size 12 Olive Woolly Bugger.(very productive)
9. My favourite Tongariro fly fishing trip was this last September, “great fishing” and Looking forward to 2016.
So TRM had to ask Pete the following question:
“Wonderful stuff thanks Pete. Much appreciated. I was not aware that you had 11 years guiding on the Matura – so we have to ask:
When a member of the Bellarine Fly Fishing Association bails you up with the question:
“I’m planning a fishing trip to NZ but only have one week. Where should I go – Mataura or Tongariro?” What is your recommendation – and why?”
To which Pete replied:
Hi Ross,
It would depend on the time of the year. I was back over there in March this year which is usually the best time of the year but the fishing was real tough. No dry fly fishing which is the great attraction on the Mataura. We caught over 100 fish for the week but had to work hard for our efforts. To be honest after 11 years it’s a bit stale.
I find the Tongariro much more interesting. Accommodation is great, the fishing can be at times excellent and at other times exciting hooking those solid rainbows. So for convenience and fishing experience you couldn’t go past the Tongariro, much easier fishing than the Mataura.
For first time anglers I’d recommend the Tongariro. I’m sure they’d return again and again as it spoils you for fishing here in Oz.