Since the 500 cumec flood last month we have been waiting for the Tongariro River to return to “normal” flow before checking out for any changes in the lower river – no-mans land below Reed Pool.

For determined anglers who frequent this stretch and know the lies, there are too many changes to try to explain. These pools and reaches continually change and merge and new beaches form. The photos should tell the story commencing with older photos pre 2012 when De Latours Pool was the most important Brown Trout nursery for Lake Taupo. It is now dry…

TYhe old “Bends Pool” in the lower river has never been the same since 2013 Waikato Regional Council’s contractors excavated a new canal down the TLB below the Braids to Reeds Pool. The increased volume and speed of the flow wiped out the big bend and cut directly through. The added speed of the flow changed everything through this easily accessible lower river. Now it has continued to alter contours with every flood. Wade cautiously and use wading poles!

The volume and power of the flood did not last long enough to carry zillions of tons of gravel and pumice and silt further down the river to form the delta. Instead, it gets redistributed through this lower river – the process known as aggradation raises the river bed creating new inaccessible beaches. Instead of the previous fast straight run, the river now meanders more in classic style.

The attraction in this lower river is that any anglers are the first to ambush any spawning runs and offer the first artificial flies that the trout have ever experienced on their up-river migration. After three years of cruising around Lake Taupo feeding on smelt, they are still adjusting to the stronger river currents and do not have much idea of what to eat. When they are cleaned it is not unusual to find lumps of bark and pumice in their gut. They are supposed to be relatively easy picking compared to the more cautious trout in pools up river. But that is more than compensated by difficult vehicle access restricted to only 4WD high clearance vehicles that can maneuver through the boggy track at the end of Grace Road. (Notice to visiting West Island fishos – do not be tempted to take a “go-anywhere” rental car down there as even they get stuck.)

The remaining updated photos illustrate the potential difficulties with wading and snags through this area. Anglers who frequent this area should be able to recognise any changes

I like this for positive thinking. Dad below having a picnic with the kids has his priorities sorted. He has the fire going waiting for the angler (above) to return with lunch to grill. They do not get any fresher than that!