Delighted to see all the enthusiastic response on raft fishing options. For many more ‘mature’ anglers who cannot manage their youthful physicality to wade the river all day rafts provide an excellent option to cover more water in style.
i.e. From Paul:
“Don’t forget that wonderful experience you provided me with a couple of years ago. It is up there as one of my best days on the Tongariro … not in the number of fish landed but in the total experience … can’t be beaten and highly recommended.”
TRM have been asked many times by American anglers why there are not more rafting trips available. From boat trips on their rivers , they recognise the scenic qualities and other benefits are far more memorable than just counting the otherwise inaccessible trout being stalked, hooked and released.
Below is more info on the Whakapapa option – another great trout fishing river. For less than $300 per angler it is a good investment.
Indeed, we hesitate to promote it too much as inmates might prefer to head off over there instead of the Tongariro. But remember the Whakapapa above the confluence with the W(h?)anganui River and most other rivers are closed during the winter spawning season.
One ambitious (?) inmate asked about the possibility of using TRM’s own ‘water-strider’ rafts.
For safety reasons these smaller one person craft are usually restricted to Lake O.
For river excursions the much bigger safer rafts skippered by professional rafting guides are essential. They also know where the best trout pools are.
BIG BROWN & RAINBOW TROUT FISHING
Season: October to March – (dependent upon river levels)
Whakapapa River fishing trips are a true gem, especially by river raft.
All styles of trout fishing will be productive here but as it is a fairly deep-flowing river we generally use nymphing to target these Wiley trout. Not considered an ‘easy’ river to fish, it is recommended to choose our “Guided” option, to ensure you get as many opportunities as possible to hook one of these wild beasts which are known for their extra-strong fighting strength and their ability to escape even the most experienced of anglers.
Travelling by river raft on your Whakapapa River fishing trip will get you to areas which are not fished often and seldom see anglers. Expect the river to be free of fisherman most days. Our nymphing trip will start in thick native forest before entering a deep inaccessible gorge which will in the end push us out between typical New Zealand rolling-hill farmland.
During our brown/rainbow trout fishing excursion all sorts of wildlife will be on the river with us, ranging from native birdlife, such as Tuis, Fantails and the Kereru (native pigeon), and larger game animals like red deer, pigs and wild goats. The best time to take on these challenging Whakapapa River fishing trips is between October and March (depending on water levels) as we need the water to be low and clear so we can find the trout a little easier.
Everything can be provided for you on this trout fishing adventure and you can expect the very best service when booking this trip. All you need to bring is plenty of energy and a great sense of humour.
Maximize your day! Want to know where the fish are hiding and what flies are working? Never fly fished before? Then choose our “Guided” Fly Fishing Adventure. On this Trip you get your very own Fly Fishing Guide. Take away the potential “hit and miss” element from your day and just get hooked up from the first cast! All fishing apparel is provided, lunch and refreshments are also included. This is the ultimate option and comes highly recommended.
Un-Guided – do you have all your fishing gear? happy to tie your own flys & know how to fly fish? then our “Un-Guided” Raft fishing option is probably the best one for you. On this service we provide a professional Raft Guide and Raft to get you safely down the river, but note, you won’t have the services of an expert Fly Fishing Guide with you to show you the best pools and to help hook you onto the biggest fish. With our “Un-Guided” Raft/Fishing trip you can select from the additional options list below if you require any essential gear
