Images today are of the “Gerards” – an enthusiastic father and son fishing team from Australia, staying at TRM to experience the Tongariro.
They asked where to go to fish the Tongariro River from the bank – i.e. without wading over all the slippery boulders. We understand… There are a number of options available.
The images are them on the TLB (True Left Bank) in the Red Hut Pool . This is ideal for the technique requiring water loading with a big backcast (for right-handers) involving a longer than usual leader to get down deep enough. Cack-handers have a special advantage anywhere on the TLB.
TRM’s first suggestion was the Daisy Pool – the confluence on true right bank just above the main road SH1 bridge providing the anglers can stand the traffic noise from the bridge. The hot spot appears to be where the bypass flow from the Lonely Pool joins the main river flow. A roll cast into the confluence is usually very effective.
Another within easy easy walking distance of TRM is TLB of Judges Pool. Unfortunately, this bank has become too popular and is usually occupied or has already been hammered. Since DOC cut a new wide track along the edge, the fishing results are not the same, so we blame angler pressure from global warming.
Another nearby spot, also in the town pools but with more difficult climbing access, is where Theresa – a Taupo Fishing Club lady provided her dainty casting demonstration last weekend. See image above and below. This ledge is located on the TLB above the Koura Street swing bridge.
Apart from these spots there are many other “normal” pools where traditional nymphing anglers can enjoy considerable success by casting from the beach. These include the Bridge Pool TLB and Judges Pool TRB. Many times trout have been caught behind anglers standing in the seam of the current. Deep wading is not necessary in many instances.
Too often fishos wanting to wet or sinking line, or try a different technique such as “European nymphing” with short leaders, wade into the lie – right where others want to fish. Sadly, TRM have received many complaints about etiquette this season, particularly when they forget to move up or down the pool.
i.e. Soon after this was posted we received the following email:
Hi Ross Yes sadly the fishing etiquette this year has been forgotten. A couple of weeks ago I was fishing a bypass run and a guy just walked right in front of me across where I was fishing( yes he saw me) No sorry nothing and he was wearing one of your hats yes a new one. Maybe you should have a etiquette chart for all you fishos to read. There is plenty of river out there and we all can get along. I could have ranted and raved at him as I have seen a few times this year (yes even from a guide with clients). However I enjoy my fishing and just moved on. Have a great week
For the Tongariro River, anglers first rule should be FFF (Fish Feet First) as trout are often lined up resting out of the current along the shallow edges. Careful patient spotting with polaroids will identify sneaky dark stone shadows with tails. They give their locations away when they move around.
Meanwhile the wonderful season continues with many TRM anglers reporting their best results ever (!) and the condition of the trout remains excellent. Tomorrow – December 1st – new water opens up in the upper river and other streams which have been closed off during winter months for spawning, also become available. On the Tongariro River that signals dry fly time – the first few cicadas have already been heard – offering arguably the best trout fishing of all? From now until next winter the temperatures are warm enough for wet wading. It’s all on! What a wonderful river!
