Tongariro River Motel has published the “FIFTY POOLS TO FISH BEFORE YOU DIE” maps for the last fifteen years. As the pool rating for Judges Pool (17/20) was mentioned in a recent report, an inmate from West Island planning his visit has asked for an explanation of the pool ratings. The fourth issue revised the Pool Ratings last in 2023.

The pools are graded out of 20 based on the following characteristics:

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

ACCESS: Marked out of 3 = good car or foot access. 0 = poor access.

DIFFICULTY: Scored out of 2 for reported difficulties casting or finding the lie.

SETTING: Scored out of 3 for natural beauty and pure enjoyment.

RELIABILITY: Scored out of 9 to indicate reliability as a top-producing pool all year round.

SNAGS: Scored out of 1 – no likelihood = 1, snags = 0.

WADING: Scored out of 1. If it is difficult to wade, scores 0.

PRESSURE: Scored out of 1. A regularly crowded poolscores 0.

TOTAL: The closer to 20, the better the overall pool rating.

It does not factor in other important considerations, such as wind and rain and river levels.

The pools downriver of the SH1 roadbridge have not been graded as they are subject to more severe fluctuations after floods and after WRC (Waikato Regional Council) flood protection works – see below.

Duff’s Pool scored maximum for natural beauty and for pure enjoyment of the environment. Who could argue with that?