This is always a controversial topic at TRM. Which is the most successful during the spawning runs?

Of course, everyone knows there are sound reasons for applying both methods. Certain pools or riffles/runs favour one over the other. But today it was put to the test by two regular TRM inmates who prefer to remain anonymous…

They both patrolled the most popular section of the Tongariro River below the bridge pool in typical spring weather, cloudy, overcast, threatening rain, barometer falling, no wind, mild temperatures, as if any of that matters…

Sometimes, for other resident river fish, the fly choice might be critical. But these are NOT RIVER FISH. They are lake fish entering the river on maturity driven by spawning urges. So Tongariro River trout behaviour is not like other big local rivers (Wanganui, Whakapapa, Rangitikei, Maunganui-o-teo, Mohaka, Rangitaiki) where the trout are resident fish familiar with their environment and knowing exactly what they are looking for or feeding on. That may be why the Tongariro trout are much easier to catch?

During these spawning runs visiting fishos need reminding that the trout have just entered the river from Lake Taupo where they have cruised around for two or three years feeding up on smelt (whitebait) with high octane Koura as a treat on their birthdays. With a diet like that it is no wonder they are such wonderful fighting and eating fish. So at first they have to adjust to the stronger current and a totally different river environment. Some might not want to feed at the start and their assault on a fly may be more the result of aggressive spawning behaviour. (i.e. One jack might look at the fly so another grabs it just to piss him off?)

So the result – bead head pheasant tail v’s olive woolly bugger? Wait for the roll of drums…

The nymphomaniac landed 22, the dredger landed 14. OK?

So there you have it.