(TRM’s QUESTIONS: Every Sunday in 2016 TRM have been posting anglers own stories loosely based on TRM’s questions (in italics).  

1    Name, brief background, where do you live. age, etc.?

I live in Tucson, Arizona, USA – a generally hot and dry place with no running rivers. I am a professor of pharmacy at the University of Arizona, am 64, and am looking forward to more fishing in the not too distant future as career winds down.

2    When and where did you start fishing the Tongariro?

Started about 6 years ago.

3    What was your reason to start and keep returning to the Tongariro?

I had an annual teaching event in Auckland for pharmacists and read up on the options for fishing in early July. The Tongariro was both close enough to Auckland and storied in its reputation so I came down.

4    Which is your favourite pool?  Why?

I like combat fishing (well I don’t really love the combat part) at the Bridge. So many fish are there and I love to catch big rainbows and brownies. I also enjoy hiking back to Cattle Rustlers and a few others along the way.

5    Your most forgettable and/or unforgettable Tongariro incident?

Slipping on the wet high bank and almost going in for a swim at the Red Hut pool.

6    Your best Tongariro achievement?

Every day is a great Tongariro achievement but I have had quite a few days of catching many fish, actually more often than not. Haven’t ever been skunked but came close one very cold day when nobody appeared to be getting much.

7    What do you like most about the Tongariro?

Amazing size and fight of fish.

8    Which is your favourite fishing style – dry? nymph? streamer?

The time when I come is definitely an underwater experience. Nymphing is my “go to” approach but I do love streamers too. I do much more dead drift nymphing than swinging.

9    Your favourite Tongariro fly fishing trip?

Every one.

10   Anything else would you like to add?  Please include photos…

Love the TRM and Ross and Pip. Great hosts and wonderful people. Just wish I could stay longer and come back more often.

(If you have a tale or two you could share about the Tongariro River trout fishing and what it means to you then we would love to hear from you too.  Many thanks to contributors so far – they make great reading.)