Contact: maurice.flyfishing@gmail.com
Maurice's flyfishing
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Get to Know Me
The world of leisurely enjoying fly fishing isn’t an easy one. It’s a near full-time commitment requiring personal sacrifice and a dedication to casting and catching trout. First of all there is the buying all the gear, purchasing and scavaging fly tying supplies, making heaps of flies and then there is the walking along wilderness rivers and streams looking for trout. Maurice's flyfishing began to form his incredible fly-fishing ethic at a not-so-young age, spending time outside work hours (while travelling for work) and on the weekends travelling to various destinations in pursuit of the ultimate goal: to maximise the enjoyment as a leisure Fly Fisherman.
He sat in the office and dreamed away
About the chance to go fishing every day
And to make the big decisions – what fly to try
As the elusive trout slowly drifted by.
Dreaming of a windless day and an easy cast
While imitating a nymph or a cicada floating past
The trout running at the fly and setting the hook
Just as it does on Youtube or in the fishing book.
Of long days on the river, without a care
With fishing buddies the pleasure to share
Of perfect riffles, drop offs and pools
And fish that don’t make us look like fools.
Of life changing experiences, the 10lb trout
Is what life is really all about!
So what can we read about on this website ?
Helpful hints
To learn how to cast look at some of these You Tubes: (If any links do not work do a copy and paste).
Tight Lines-Learning to Fly Cast Part 1 - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLfJBTctA4Q
Tight Lines-Learning to Fly Cast Part 2 - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AcG4XkgG9c
Tight Lines-Learning to Fly Cast Part 3 - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eSKa6Pt3R0
To learn how to tie flies look here:
Hair and Copper Pheasant Tail Prince Nymph Green caddis White caddis
Glo bug Green woolly bugger Blood worm Dragon fly Damsel fly
Heave and leave Booby fly Lumo Doll fly Tongariro bomb Yarn indicator
My preference is upstream nymphing: using a four piece, six weight fly rod with a six weight weight-forward floating flyline; a seven weight weight-forward floating flyline for more distance and a five weight weight-forward floating flyline when casting into the wind. Depending on the river water depth and current, a rod length to a rod and a half length of 8lb fluro carbon nylon to the heavy fly (truck) followed by another metre of 8lb or 6lb fluro carbon nylon to a bottom fly (trailer). A smallish yarn indicator at the join of the flyline to the nylon and we are ready.
Other fly fishing clubs
Wellington . http://www.wellingtonflyfishers.org.nz/ (If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
Hastings https://haorg.wordpress.com/
Napier . http://www.sporty.co.nz/nfac
Auckland . http://aucklandfreshwateranglers.org.nz/
Manawatu http://www.manawatufreshwateranglersclub.com/
Fish and Game for Regulations and Access maps
Hawke's Bay Fishing Locations & Access | Hawke's Bay
http://hawkesbay.fishandgame.org.nz/content/hawkes-bay-fishing-locations-access (If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
For other locations look up www.nzfishing.com.(If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
Please note all fresh water fishing in New Zealand needs a fishing license and felt sole boots are banned.
Go to Fish and Game website for a license https://fishandgame.org.nz/licences/buy-a-licence/ and for Taupo area go to DOC website http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/buy-a-taupo-fishing-licence-online/ (If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
Also not all rivers have the Queen's chain.
You have already seen me and my introduction.
There is much more to read about!
Helpful Hints about learning to cast
New Zealand Flies by each month/season
Places I have been fishing often includes a photo and a small description, with sometimes a story
Now we get into "Stories"'; including mid-week fly fishing trips
Anglers I have fished with
Some photos of fish caught
Places I have stayed at; here we have some photos of inside the accommodation;
Scenery photos;
If you get down to this My Favourite fly fishing gear.
Some bad news about adverse weather in the North Island, New Zealand:
Early February 2023 Auckland city received severe flooding and by mid February the Hawkes Bay and East Coast received severe flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle.
This has left many rivers unfishable for several years until they recover:
Rivers affected are the Mohaka River; the Tutaekuri River, the Tukituki River, the Ruakituri River, the Waipawa River and most rivers around Hawkes Bay.
UPDATE: As at April 2024 the Tukituki River is now fishable - see story below.
While those of us who enjoy the fishing on the affected rivers, we are deeply conscious that any inconvenience pales into insignificance beside the destruction, trauma and chaos to lives, homes, farms and businesses suffered by those in the flooded regions.
To obtain an update on these rivers have a look at the Fish and Game Reports:
website https://fishandgame.org.nz/hawkesbay and the weekly "Reel Life"magazine
https://fishandgame.org.nz/hawkesbay/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-media/reel-life-newsletter/reel-life-february-2023 (If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
New Zealand Flies by season
January-February-March
January The main New Zealand summer holidays and so the country is relatively crowded and fishing will become a bit trickier. This is a good month for a float trip before rivers reach their lowest levels and a time to try and fish more remote waters - best month for helicopter fly-outs using big dries for both browns and rainbows. Back country streams at this time of year become more accommodating and a good guide is extremely valuable at this time of year. The country is still on holidays and waters are often disturbed. (NZ appears closed for about 3 weeks after Christmas Day).
February The most popular month for North American fly fishermen to visit New Zealand. Generally the weather is hot and settled. Streams are at their lowest, wading is easy and the trout most visible. However these conditions demand careful stalking and a delicate presentation with small nymphs and dries. Fish are becoming selective. A good month for camping out or an overnight helicopter trip to access gentle gradient streams in farmlands. Good evening hatch.
March
Weather still warm and settled in the north island but becoming cooler in the south. Mountain streams still fishing well for browns with dries. Trout are in peak condition and so a good month for trophies.
Retain the selection, but scale down by adding:
Nymphs:
Hare and copper size 12, 14; Pheasant tail size 16; Willow grub size 14, 16 to imitate the grub falling off willow tree
Dry Flies:
Hopper imitations to imitate cicadas; sedge pattern size 14.
Lake fishing Lake Otamangakau
Bloodworms Dragonfly nymph Damsel fly
April
The start of autumn and the last month of fishing in most districts. Some frosts. Usually the driest month of the year and so river levels very low. Excellent dry fly fishing for browns on many streams with big attractor patterns during the middle of the day.
It is cooling down bringing crispness to early mornings and evenings.
Scale up in size slightly
Size 12 in pheasant tail nymphs.
Dry flies in sizes 10 & 12 with a touch of "attractor" colour such as a red bodied humpy is a worthwhile consideration for this month.
May
This is the time for catching a trophy rainbow either in the Rotorua Lakes or the tributary streams of Lake Taupo.
June The start of winter with snow in all inland areas. Some lakes and their tributaries remain open in both the north and south island.
July - August Mid-winter with most days cold, but clear.
Start of river mouth fishing into Lake Taupo; good fishing with fast sinking lines; shooting heads. Evening fishing
Heave and leave fly Booby fly Lumo Doll fly or squid fly
The quietest time of the year for fishing, although the Tongariro is generally producing results. Also fishing Lake Tutira, Napier.
September till November.
Nymphs
For the hardy angler the Tongariro River offers some of the best fly fishing of the year for spawning rainbows. Fishing is with very heavy nymph rigs or sinking lines with egg and streamer patterns.
Tongariro bomb (heavy fly) Glo bug Green or white caddis
Streamers
Olive or black Woolly bugger Red or Green Rabbits
October
Spring weather throughout New Zealand, but still cool. Opening of fishing season for streams and rivers in most districts. The last runs of spawning rainbows in tributaries. The best time of year to fish for trout can depend on a number of factors, but generally, it’s the spring. A combination of rising temperatures and a sudden abundance of food make spring a great time for trout to actively feed. And when they’re actively feeding, they’re prime targets for lures, baits, and flies. Streams with resident browns becoming very active. Excellent fly fishing with weighted nymphs in most mountain streams. When choosing flies look to large patterns the fish will be hungry from the winter and as the waters warm they will become more active.
Nymphs:
Stonefly size 8; Copper John on back country streams size 8 and 10. Prince nymph sizes 10, 12 and 14.
Hare and copper size 8, 10; Green caddis size 10, 12
In lakes use a small Hamills killer lure size 8 or Kilwell No 1 or no 2. as a dragonfly nymph imitation
Dry Flies:
Royal Wulff size 10, 12; Humpy size 10, 12,
Sedge (elk caddis or turkey sedge) size 12 for fishing at dusk.
November- December
The start of summer weather, with very long days but often a little windy. Very good dry fly hatches, particularly in the evening on both the North and South Islands. The trout are generally very aggressive to artificials and many guides believe this is the best fishing month of the year for browns. Pressure on the river will still be relatively light and mayflies are hatching. Usually a superb month, right up to Christmas when entire NZ goes on 3 week holidays. Dry and dropper, more and more pure dry fly and terrestrials
To October's selection add:
Nymphs:
Pheasant tail size 10, 12, 14 also use flash Pheasant tails – same size.
Dry Flies:
Humpy (green to imitate the green beetle, brown to imitate the brown beetle size 12, 14;
Coch-y-bondu size 12 is also a handy beetle imitation. The Adams. Twilight Beauty, are good mayfly imitations . preferably in size 12, 14, 16.
Places I have been fishing
Like many other anglers I started off with the local rivers, moved up to fish the Turangi area and now obtain more enjoyment from isolated rivers and streams. Here, if I meet another angler it is too crowded.
Rangitikei River
Have a look at this webcam http://www.horizons.govt.nz/flood-emergency-management/web-cams-map
The Rangitikei River is one of New Zealand's longest rivers, 185 kilometres long. Its headwaters are to the southeast of Lake Taupo in the Kaimanawa Ranges.
The Rangitikei River flows from the Kaimanawa Forest Park through the bush clad hills in the upper reaches and over more accessible open land through the middle reaches (though some areas are also restricted by steep gorges) and then finally becoming a slower moving large river before entering the Tasman Sea west of Palmerston North.
While there are trout throughout the entire river system, the Rangitikei River is best known for the superb fishing that it offers in the remote wilderness section of its headwaters.
The headwaters provide top-quality fly fishing water for double figure fish (i.e. over 10 pounds or 4.5 kg) in crystal clear water that seldom discolours even after heavy rain.
The middle section is generally more accessible although in some areas the river flows through steep gorges, making access very difficult.
The lower section, though mostly easily accessible, is of less interest to the angler as it is slower moving and generally carries some colour.
For a sample of fishing near Springvale, (upper Rangitikei River) have a look at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtdglTJ-EwM. (If these links do not work copy the link and paste).
For a sample of fishing the middle reaches have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LiJDtIV0cQ.
My first fishing of the new season
Hen, about weight 4lb length 52cm Jack, about weight 4 1/4lb length 54cm
Somewhere, far, far away! Some where far, far away.
This started as a question – “Where to go fishing late November 2019?”
You may ask why go fishing to which an angler’s response is often “why not!”. Another question is why late November, well the answer was early to mid-November I was undertaking a survey of the Waipawa River – well it was meant to be fishing, but out of 28 sighted only one was hooked up and then, that one was released as too small for a keeper.
So where – the Rangitikei River, Manganui-a-te-O, Mohaka, Lake Tutira or the lakes around Turangi?
All these locations are within a normal 4 hour drive away from the Kapiti Coast, so say four nights’ accommodation for three days fishing.
After some inquiries an Airbnb was found in Taihape, so the Rangitikei became the selected river.
All right arrive after 3pm and leave by 11am on date of departure – linen, towels and breakfast supplied – sounds good for me!
Off I drove and while waiting for access at the accommodation destination along comes a local Taihape Guide and we start talking, as we do – angler to angler. He then offers to take me out for an evening dry fly session on the Hautape River.
My mind was set on first going to Springvale – one day upstream and another day downstream and later trying to remember how to get to the Mangahone Valley bridge. This guide suggested I go out to the Mangahone by going past the River Valley lodge.
Well, when you get to Moawhango settlement you have come to the wrong place. So I continued to Springvale and found restricted access – or rather a sign from the local farmer informing anglers there is no access from 1 October downstream, due to the lambing season. The drive along Moawhango Valley Road was interesting, but not planned for, but it took me into the direction I was seeking- towards and past the River Valley Road. It was about 11am when I finally arrived at the intended destination and after about 110 kms.
Here the grass along the river is a mere waist to chest high and an excellent way to work up a sweat early or even late morning.
The results were interesting as I found what looked like some fast flowing water and started casting. After some casts hooking the tall grass behind me I started to land a fly on the water. Standing in the same spot for 35 minutes is for those who are determined and/or stubborn or some other words I can’t seem to spell without explanation marks.
Well, it paid off.
So, was I the angler that stood on the same spot – no, not , I was the angler than stood in this same spot for longer – 55 minutes from first cast to first hook up!
Well, the journey was worth it! The trip to Taihape was done in about 2 ½ hours and each day this angler returned to this same pool and each day hooked into two good trout before midday. The last day was special – four before 11:30am – kept the best two and then after some refreshments to cool me down it was returning home on Friday morning – for the next few days/weeks = clean the car, wash the clothes and soon the household chores of mowing the lawn, weeding the garden and trimming the hedges became important if I was to go out anywhere before Christmas. “YES, YES, YES!!! Please can I go again?”
Have a good Christmas from Maurice and Santa!
Have a look at this webcam http://www.horizons.govt.nz/flood-emergency-management/web-cams-map
Upstream from Dannevirke
The Manawatu River above Dannevirke is relatively small and easily wadeable. The water quality is good and it holds a good population of reasonable sized brown trout. The Manawatu River mostly runs across farmland but there are many sections with willow trees lining both banks. The river is a series of pools and long runs and fish can often be spotted in the relatively clean water. It is ideal dry fly and nymph water although there is plenty for the spin fisherman as well.
Between Oringi and Dannevirke
In the middle reaches the Manawatu River is larger and has a series of deep pools with long shingly runs. The water quality is not as good as in the upper reaches and fish can be difficult to spot. This is not to say it is not excellent fly fishing water. However, most fish are caught blind. The fish population in this section is very high and there is often an excellent rise on warm summer's evenings.
Downstream from Oringi
This section of Manawatu River downstream from Oringi to the mouth at Foxton Beach is of less interest to the angler as the water is much larger and often coloured. While it has less interest to the fly fisherman, it does provide good spinner water.
For a sample of fishing have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkC0TKQ8ssY
(If this link does not work copy the link and paste).
Manawatu River
Ruamahanga River
The Ruamahanga River offers a wide variety of fishing from top-quality wilderness fishing in the headwaters to trolling for trout in the tidal reaches before it enters the sea. Along its course it offers fishing that suits all angling methods and has something for all skill levels.
Below the Waingawa River confluence to Martinborough.
The middle reaches hold large stocks of fish and is the most popular section of the river to fish. Although the river is much larger here it remains wadeable in many places. This section of the river is a series of pools, riffles and long runs that flow over a gravel bed. As the river increases in size, some large backwaters are formed which usually hold a number of cruising trout that will tempt (and frustrate) anglers. During the summer there are prolific hatches of mayfly and trout rising readily to take them, especially during the warmer evenings.
Access is easy as the river meanders over relatively open land.
Tongariro River
Check out these two websites for daily reports:
http://www.sportinglife-turangi.co.nz/pages/fishing.htm
http://www.tongarirorivermotel.co.nz/daily-report/
and for a local webcam have a look at:
http://www.turangibridgemotel.co.nz/bridge-pool-webcam/
The Tongariro is a versatile river offering stalking of large brown trout in the lower reaches during the warmer months, fly fishing at the delta, river-run rainbows and browns in the winter and spring, and an excellent evening rise in summer. Although there is good fishing throughout the year, it is the migratory runs of fish upstream in late winter and spring (September-November) that attract most anglers.
The Pools of the Tongariro
These are divided into named Lower Pools (below SH1 bridge); the named Middle (or Town) Pools and the named Upper Pools. Please observe access to Blue Pool is now restricted.
The river is a mixture of deep pools, long runs and boisterous rapids. During the popular early spring fishing season, most anglers prefer to fish the pools and runs where fish often rest as they move upstream to reach the spawning beds. While the major pools and sections of the river are named, these can change quickly after a flood causing maps to become out of date.
Fishing etiquette
The Tongariro is extremely popular when and so it is vital to be aware of the fishing etiquette that applies -
(1) Follow behind the angler going up (nymphing) stream and also follow behind the angler going downstream (wet lining) and
(2) Ask before entering a pool when another angler is already occupying the pool.
Check out these two websites for daily reports:
http://www.sportinglife-turangi.co.nz/pages/fishing.htm
http://www.tongarirorivermotel.co.nz/daily-report/
This section of the river, which is above the SH1 bridge and up to the Cliff Pool, is the most popular and easy to fish. Wading is safe, the banks are mosly clear for casting and it's usually easy to cross (though the many underwater obstructions can snag sunk flies). The best months are between the end of August and the end of November after rain and as the river begins to clear. Most fish hide or lie deep in pools, though some may be spotted and fished to. Both nymph and lure (wetfly) fishing are productive. The Tauranga-Taupo has a large watersheds.
Tauranga-Taupo River
Waimarino River mouth
After driving north from Turangi look for a narrow vehicle track on the left (lakeside) with a sign, from SH1, just before a small bridge. Take this vehicle track to the lake and carry around the lake edge till you come to the river mouth.
Be careful as you wade out as there is a steep drop-off where the Waimarino River flows into Lake Taupo.
For a sample of what gear is needed have a look further on this website.
Big O or Lake Otamangakau
Lake Otamangakau, or Lake O as it is more widely known, is the second most fished lake in the Taupo district, and is renowned for producing very big fish.
Its reputation as a true trophy fishery has declined in recent years, as the numbers of fish over 10 pounds in weight being caught in the lake has dropped away. It is still a prolific fishery for large fish in the 7-8 pound range, and fish numbers have increased dramatically over the last decade so the lake provides spectacular fishing at times.
How to fish
The fishing options on Lake Otamangakau are varied, and available from 1 October to 31 May.
For the boat based angler, techniques like harling, trolling, nymphing and wet fly will get you to the fish consistently, and for the shore based angler nymphing and wet fly will work well.
The summer dry fly fishing on the lake can be spectacular at times too, either from boat or shore.
Where to fish
In general, shore based options on Lake O are limited, unless you have a boat to move from shore to shore.
If you do not have a boat, there is good shore based fishing on Lake Te Whaiau upstream of the road bridge on the access road, or in the Lake O inlet canal downstream of the bridge. There is also shore based fishing around the boat ramps, or along the edge of the north arm of the lake, accessed from rough tracks on the northwest side of the lake.
Lake Kuratau
In general, shore based options on Lake Kuratau are limited, unless you have a boat to move from shore to shore. If you do not have a boat, there is good shore based fishing around the boat ramp.
On low lake levels it is sometimes possible to wade out to the island. Up-lake from the island are numerous hidden drowned tree stumps and branches, often sticking out of the water, so be very cautious with inflatable boats.
For the boat fishermen, options are very open. From the boat you can target the many weed beds and channels, concentrating efforts on the edges of the weed and the deeper water with nymphs, dry or streamer patterns.
Anglers can also access the hard to reach shorelines, and stalk cruising fish in the shallows with the same techniques. This is a very visual and challenging approach, and is a great test of your skills.
Mohaka River
The Mohaka River originates from the Kaimanawa Ranges and flows out to sea between Napier and Wairoa. Stretching through vast areas of the East Coast, the Mohaka makes itself readily available to any angler that is after that fishing experience. As the Mohaka flows from mountain to sea, the variety of angling the river can provide is impressive. You could start at the Mohaka township and fish the river mouth, where sea runs can be caught feeding on whitebait in November, from there you could drive to fish any access point from State Highway 2 to 5 and experience the challenge of fishing deep pools and powerful currents, finally you could then drive, or even put the tramping boots on to reach those pristine and remote upper reaches that are renowned for trophy sized fish. It is these upper reaches along with the challenging middle sections of the Mohaka that has given it such a big name here in New Zealand and even across the globe.
Good access is available along Waitara Rd (to the end at Te Pohue) on the Napier-Taupo Highway. Along this road look at Jock Sutton Rd and Aurora Rd to the camping site/old gold mine. It draws anglers from all over as they try their luck for a Mohaka trophy. Many guides operate on the Mohaka providing anglers with an experienced hand at catching a fish. Some guides and adventure operators also offer the chance to access fishing spots that no other can through the use of inflatable rafts and even helicopter. These methods enable anglers access to areas of the river that otherwise would be difficult and sometimes impossible to reach, giving anglers that increased opportunity at a trophy sized fish.
For a sample of fishing have a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC5g-hWHVwk
(If this link does not work copy the link and paste).
..........
He returns to the Mohaka River in 2018
After quite a few months off fishing I answered a call from the fishing gods; “ you need to go to Mohaka”, “you need to go fishing”, “you need to go now”. Soon accommodation at “Time Out” was arranged, pending work was delayed and bags packed with food and nourishments packed away for about 3-4 days fishing.
A roaring fire greeted me on my arrival, the fridge and TV operations were explained, so on Wednesday morning I set out along Waitara Rd to fish the Mohaka. Recall I mentioned this was my first trip for quite a while and my casting was not quite useless, but not far from useless. Many of my skills were old and rusty! This did not help by these special Mohaka plants that jump to behind you, and should you ever drop the back cast they reach up and grab the fly and nylon. So by now my leader was reduced to a mere 8cm – not really long enough for a heavy fly and dropper! A re-tie was in order.
It is always so pleasant to have an angler watch you untangle yourself and then says “what happened?” I am pretty sure I know what happened, and so he can also see, and can’t you see, are my immediate thoughts – but I’ll be polite, and ask him where he has fished. This person emerged from a nearby campervan. This was down at Glen Falls and now having found it has been fished steadily for the last 3-4 days we joined forces and explored down towards Aurora Rd. The AWD was needed to circumvent some deep ruts in the road and through the ford. Here some persons, maybe Fish and Game had recently widened the track to the river so it is now nearly three persons wide. Thanks, it looks like this track widening was only cutback within the last week. Then up river a small way, but now there are fences over what was the road track. This AWD makes new tracks so we soon arrived at the normal parking spot, under the top tree. Down the track and into green, what, how, where did this green water come from, as it was clear at Glen Falls. Probably related to some AWD driver driving through a ford which had mud on both sides of this stream. Those dreaded Mohaka plants caught my new fishing friend’s flies and nylon quite often playing havoc with any attempt for a forward long cast. Despite this he still manged the first hook up. My casting this first day slowly, and I mean real slowly, improved only slightly. Soon we were having fun and after a quick coffee and lunch off to another spot. Here the pool was longer than the memory recalls. Soon it was 4pm so off to the accommodation, got the fire going and watched the news with a precooked Chinese stir fry accompanied by some strong red juice. Next day was soupy. Low cloud covered the State Highway road, the Waitara Rd and it was not till I had passed Jock Sutton Road turn-off and was heading back down to Aurora Rd did the low cloud disperse. My casting arm was now in better form and casts were seen to be landing 2/3 across the stream with no Mohaka plants grabbing my fly. Soon with those small orange tungsten beads I landed my first of the day. Just 15 minutes later another hook up but a self-release this time. These enjoyable moments seem to just pass away as soon two hours had passed and I did so want to try up river, along McVicars Rd. For all those with new breathable or neoprene waders who want to break them in with a few blackberry holes I would suggest taking the track to the pool downstream to where the old viaduct was. Here I am sure I spooked a good looking trout then thought about this and came to the conclusion it was not me at all! The trout has spotted the bottom fly attached to the fly rod, and this fly can cause pain and even sometimes death; this is what spooked the trout. Again light started to fade and whoops it is nearing five pm so back home for food, drink and sleep. Alas, on Friday the weather was to turn to custard; so having farewelled the host the evening before I was able to get away early for the 4 ½ hour drive home. Yeah, by the time I was driving through Shannon, headlights were on, wipers were on, demisters were on, and it was teeming down. I’ll be back again, with others to fish the Mohaka and stay at Time Out…by the way for those who have forgotten take a note of Robbie 021 618-114 and you will probably get to meet Marilyn, and Dan the rafting man!
Tukituki River area
The dry fly fishing on the Tukituki River is a major attraction during the heat of summer, as many hatches such as caddis bring on strong rises, especially early morning and late evening. Many of the spring creeks feeding the river also give great dry fly opportunities through most of the summer.
Upstream of state highway 50 the Tukutuki River is closed during the winter season but can provide some excellent angling during the summer months. The Tukituki River is generally quite small with crystal clear water in these upper reaches and can provide some challenging fishing in the small pools. Fish can be found right into the Ruahine Ranges, so some wilderness fishing can be experienced in the upper reaches of this river. The most popular methods for the Tukituki River are dry fly and nymph fishing, however wet line is just as successful, especially during winter and when river levels are high.
For a sample of planning for a trip see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl7kCTvlLPQ
(If this link does not work copy the link and paste).
Lake Tutira
Caution: During 2015-2018 has been suffering from Algal bloom especially during summers.
Also please note NO motorised boats allowed on this lake.
This picturesque lake of around 178ha has very easy access, is pleasant to fish, and is generally quite productive.
The lake is stocked with Tarawera sourced fish annually and these fish grow quickly during the summer and provide excellent sport to both shore based and rowboat trolling anglers. With these releases there are now a number of tagged fish in the lake, so to find out details of your fish and to enter the draw for a free license for the following season contact your local fish and game office or use the following form to send the information via post. We encourage you to do this as this information helps us manage the fisheries as best as we can.If you catch a tagged fish, please complete this form and send it to your regional Fish & Game office.State Highway 2 runs alongside the western side of the lake which is approximately 40minutes from Napier. There is a causeway at the southern end between Tutira and Waikopiro which both provide parking and great shore based fishing. There are also a number of access points along the western shoreline off the highway which are sign posted, making access to the lake easy.When trolling the lake from row-boat or kayak spinners such as Toby’s and Z spinners in copper, silver or yellow and green finishes work well. When fly fishing, flies such as Hamill’s Killer, Red Setter, Mrs Simpson and Parson’s Glory work well as do nymph patters using Halve back, Pheasant tail, Hare and copper and Glo bugs.
Manganui-O-Te-Ao River
Access is on private land so permission is needed BEFORE fishing.
A sign is at the Domain, but mobile cellphone signal may not exist.
The Manganuioteao River is situated north of Raetihi in the Ruapehu district of the central North Island. It rises on the western flows of Mt Ruapehu and flows through native forest and farmland to its confluence with the Whanganui River 13 kilometres above Pipiriki.
The Manganuioteao River boasts high water quality (from snow melt and glacial runoff), plentiful insect life, good cover from large boulders overhanging bush, deep pools and papa ledges. The sequence of pools, runs and rapids gives anglers a diversity of fishable water to choose from.
Pools are productive early in the season, while the rapids and runs fish best later on.
Because the number of anglers here is low by national standards, good fishing areas are always available in very scenic surroundings.
Have a look at a past trip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLeXxwX4O_g
(If this link does not work copy the link and paste).
Tutaekuri River
The Tutaekuri River like most of the regions rivers, predominately holds more rainbow trout than brown trout, however spring is a great time to target the big brownies around the river mouth, as they will be feeding on whitebait around this time. From the river mouth upstream to the expressway bridge, the Tutaekuri River is single channeled and deep making for good wetline fishing. The Tutaekuri River upstream from the bridge is braided and often changes course, making it sometimes difficult to know where to fish, creating challenging but rewarding angling.
From Dartmoor to above the Managtutu confluence the Tutaekuri River is less braided, as it is confined between high terraces creating more pools and shallow runs, making spot fishing a lot easier.
The upper reaches can be quite demanding as the Tutaekuri River navigates between steep ranges and around large boulders, but the rewards to be found for the adventurous angler are great. Fishing ends on the Tutaekuri River above the Lawrence Hut with waterfalls being the end for both fish and angler.
Whakapapa and Whanganui Rivers
Between Taumarunui and Kakahi there are numerous good fishing pools. Access can be gained from Taumarunui, or via the villages of Mahoe (Mahoe Rd), Piriaka (from the power station), Manunui (Mahoe Rd), and Kakahi (Ako Street) and from the end of Te Rena Road by crossing the Whakapapa River and taking the short path across the Whakapapa Island. Access to the upper reaches within the Tongariro National Park is via old logging roads from State Highway 47, a good topographical map or local knowledge is required.
Whakapapa River
One of New Zealand’s finest trout fisheries but certainly not for the faint hearted as the Whakapapa alternates between turbulent rapid, deep pools and long boulder runs.
Access to the lower reaches can be obtained from the end of Te Rena Road via the village of Kakahi.
Access to the middle reaches can be obtained from Owhango, south of Taumarunui, where a good gravel road leads to a bridge across the river. Just before the bridge a short road on the right leads to a fence line along which a path gives excellent access to the river.
Access to the upper reaches can be gained from SH 4 across private farmland (landowner permission is required), or from the access road to the Tongariro Power Scheme intake structure via SH 47 (National Park – Turangi).
Rotorua lakes - Lake Aniwhenua
Lake Aniwhenua is mostly very shallow (with an average depth of 2.5 m); the only exception is the deeper section that follows the old riverbed. It is a long narrow lake running from south to north. The eastern shoreline is open farmland, and the western shoreline is mostly scrub covered or regenerating bushland.
Lake Aniwhenua offers great fishing all year round. Late autumn through to spring often sees superb fishing with winter fishing particularly good for brown trout. Summer fishing is also excellent as the warmer waters promote prolific damsel and midge hatches. Fly fishing is the most common method using using lightly weighted nymphs or wet flies. Fishing along the edges of the old riverbed can be very successful. In summer there can be a good rise to hatching insects as well as fish taking wind-blown insects that have landed on the lake. Mostly however fish respond to nymphs.
Ruakituri River
The Ruakituri River is an isolated river that rises in the remote Ureweras and drains the Huiarau Range. It flows for many kilometres through rugged bush before it tumbles 100 metres over the Waitangi Falls.
Above the falls, access is limited to those well-equipped trampers who have not only local knowledge but also sufficient experience to cope with rapid changes in weather conditions.
Below the falls, the Ruakituri River tumbles down terraces of bedrock, between steep, bushflanked valley walls until fingers of farmland meet it at the top end of Papuni Station. The farm is on Papuni Road, which is reached by turning right off Ruakituri Road, just before the Erepiti Gorge.
From the road end, there is a track up to the Waitangi Falls, but it is too far to fish above the falls for a day fisherman. From the falls down, the Ruakituri River is strewn with colossal boulders; brought down by the regular 'flash floods' the Ruakituri trout have to endure. There is a huge variety of water, ranging from strenuous rapids, to deep slow pools flanked by sentinel boulders, to riffly runs that just have to hold fish. It is no place for fine leaders and delicate techniques. Anything less than a 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) leader is pointless as the strong Ruakituri trout make use of their angler-unfriendly environment. Brown and rainbow are found in equal proportion, depending only on the type of water fished. The size of fish can be daunting. They average 2 kg (4.4 lb) and there are plenty of 5 kg (11 lb) fish in residence.
Mangatainoka River
The Mangatainoka River has its source in the eastern Tararua Ranges and flows parallel to SH2 in a north-easterly direction towards Pahiatua.
There are 13 bridges crossing this river which opens up 50Km of fishable water.
The upper reaches near Putara are best early in the season with bouldery reaches and deep pools.
Later in the season the trout fall back to the lower reaches as the water warms up.
" A little Swiss fellow"
How’s Turangi fishing this season so far? Well here’s a little tail (tale) of what we’ve been doing early this season!
It was prior to Easter (This YEAR) we left for four days fishing. This was before all the Easter bunnies come with their 4WD’s and populate the rivers and river mouths. If my memory serves me right, there is usually a fishing competition around Turangi around Easter and another about Anzac Day. So we went before hand…not that this makes any difference, eh?
Hans and Maurice took to fishing the mouth of the Waimarino as this uses less energy, and why walk all the way upstream when the fish have not really gone up yet. Hang on a mo’ there were some fishing reports of good runs up the TT prior to Easter; why we were told the previous week there were a hundred in the TT below the bridge, just the week prior. Yeah…then why was that fisherman fishing some where else? (Now let’s try that line again because I seem to hear it quite often.)
So what was the fishing like….if you like to stand side on and cast into the wind try the Waimarino on a North-westerly and preserver as this DOES bring the fish in…they start to come in just after you have left the drop-off for a nature stopover in the bushes.
Any way we had a few fish and today (Thursday 5th April) was our last morning before we were to leave at noon to home…
One of our step-ladder-men had landed three prior to 8am – Ron, that is- as Johnny, we believe has a job.. The waves started to calm down and with only a ripple breaking the surface the conditions were improving. Well, at least we could cast out and not have the line only go out past the shooting head. NOW the action started!1
Tight went the line, but it would not come up.. No this is not a snag Hans says, as the snags are by Jo…we left him to catch the snags and he was doing quite well that morning with five brought in and three lost leaders..
So what is this Hans is thinking??
This monster from the deep went towards the west side of the lake deep down and out went the line to the backing…. A good fish says Hans!!
With some slack taken up, the rod up high and was bending over like a U shape.
More tight line and out this fish took the fly and soon the line was well under control. Anyone would think this chap had been fishing before!
Well finally this fish was worn out and was in the shallows….here it is belly up! It looks a good fish…it looks a big fish and as it is dragged….yes it was dragged…onto the beach it was seen to be a little fella… The weigh net was taken out and here we had a 11 ½ lb rainbow trout which was at least eight inches wide – the wide of a hand extended. And about 28 inches or so long… The only comment was that it may not fit in the boot, but we managed to shove it in and off to the Turangi smokehouse it went.
Rumour has it the little Swiss fella has scoffed it down already ! All he was after was a brownie!!!!
"T'was a windy day"
Yes, this was the summer that the weather person would rather forget about! 30 centre metres of snow in mid to late January and winds up to 180km an hour on some parts of Wellington.
But what about our trout, you may ask? Yes; those fragile, sought after fish often surrounded by water, but they have some tails (tales) to tell. The days earlier were warm and the level of rivers on the east was dropping; all that was left were some deeper pools to protect these trout from the harsh warm elements. Then along came the wind and rain.
Well, maybe they are like young children who love the water, but do not like it when the water warms up. They seek cooler areas. The air temperature was a good 4 degrees cooler than the water, so what did these enterprising trout do? They jumped into the air to cool down, of course, what else would you expect!
Thus; it was a windy and very wet day when M and A went for a walk along their favourite trout stream. Now was the O….river or the R…stream, or the T.....river; the writer may have forgotten with his aging years. No matter, this was a day he recalls in the year 2017 when fly fishing took on a new dimension.
Here were these trout literally flying out of the water and the wind was bring them higher than ever seen before. A quick dash home; a few calls to close fishing buddies and away we walked, as fast as we could to the spot near the airport.
M was reminded of a time, a year or so ago; when fishing a small stream up near the Wairakei Conference Centre Golf Course. On this day the wind was also severe, but there were many trout in this stream. Carefully a fly was placed in a prime spot and yes, a take and a quick lift with the rod and the trout was flicked out the water. So much enthusiasm saw the trout sail over M’s head and land in the long grass adjacent to the Golf Course. Leaving the fly rod upright next to a bush of bushes, M went in search of his hooked, but now lost trout. This took about twenty minutes and during this time three golfers came to ask what he was doing. “Fishing for trout, in the long grass, of course” was M’s reply. Well, after finding his trout M returned to fishing for another 45 minutes. On his return to the station wagon he noticed three other golfing tourists (country of origin was evident by the accents) looking in the long grass with their golf clubs in a caddie bag. “What’s up?” M asked these tourists. The almost unanimous reply was that they heard someone around the bend close to the river has found a trout in the long grass, so we are looking to see if any are still here, was the reply. With that M responded “Sorry, I wouldn’t know anything about that at all” and slowly walked off to his vehicle.
So, today was another of those really wet and windy days. Remember the stream we are now talking about is not far from the airport. Soon the stream was plugged and a lake was formed. This shallow lake stretched for nearly a mile across the shallow land. The mystery was “What fly to select for this style of fly-fishing?” There were suggestions of using a flying-fox, but no one had any available. M and A had now been joined by N who mentioned the fly selected needed to have wings, and yes, it was summer time according to the calendar. N suggested a moth type of fly and yes, a tiger moth sounded ideal! Whoops, none available so a quick phone call to T who they all knew had a tiger moth. N had a slight hearing problem, what with the static and noise with the communicated message and could only decipher..” Trout…flying…bring tiger moth…”
Well, you can guess what happened as the picture tells the story!
So what's happening? Opening day on Tutaekuri River!
The dawn is slowly sneaking over the hills, yet it seems we have been here for ages. The sunrise filled the air with layers of filtered sunshine as it started to peek through the tall surrounding trees. Here, was the sunshine providing some warmness coming to the earth, warming the bushes and these four men sitting on a rock, previously in the semi-darkness of a pre-dawn. Drinking from hot flasks of coffee and exchanging answers to all of life’s mysteries, these four middle-aged to middle-aged-plus men, had been only waiting for a mere 45 minutes for the dawn to come. If our wife’s could see us now, acting like small boys with a new toy! The sun was giving light to the river which swept pass them, groaning and gushing as it swept over some rather large boulders on its way to join another river, about a further ten k’s downstream. Fly rods were being inspected yet again for flies; small indicators were checked, coffee cups were quickly placed in back packs so “LET THE FISHING BEGIN!”
Anticipation had been ripe and building to this crescendo for the last four months. That was when this accommodation booking was made and trip planned – to be first on this river for Opening Day – 1 October 2013. We came a day early, on the 30 September, full of anticipation in the afternoon; but kept the fly rods at bay while we walked the streams and river to be fished over the next four days. Did the partake of the first night dull our senses?
Not one of us had fished this river before – where were the lies, how crossable was this river? What flies to use? What length leader and how heavy should the flies be?
A few false casts and then the first cast of the day, just when there was enough light, to see the indicator as it drifted halfway down this large pool. Here on the first cast and a mere six metres away the line started moving rapidly upstream to another angler. Well, fancy that! But hang on, that’s what we are here for, I remembered! Do I wind up excess fly-line onto the reel or play this trout with loose line hanging down? Why not see how this works out! Some fly-line is hanging loose, as some other fly-line is quickly and cautiously wound onto the reel. The trout does an about turn, and heads towards me, then over to the opposite shore and then back towards me. Quickly more fly-line is wound in, but some left to allow for a “run”. In thinking this the trout does exactly that – a long run- this time downstream to the another angler. Whoops, one look at him and the trout turns again and seeks to swim upstream..yuk..not another angler, turns again, so heads towards me. The net had been quickly unclipped from the back of my vest, plunged into the stream, collected some small rocks, (to allow the net to open up). Yes, Yes, Yes..this first trout of the trip/new season was netted and landed!
Lifting the net –with the stones emptied out, the rainbow trout weighed a mere 4 ½lb. But what condition it was in! About seven inches deep and fat as.. Yes, to be returned now, for only to kill a trout later in the day. Would this be the first of many? What more triumphs and exciting catches were in store for our next four days. Do we have to get back to our jobs after this trip is over? Is heaven to be blessed with such fighting trout? Are there fishing streams in heaven filled with fighting trout.
"Manganui-O-Te-Oa River"
As an angler there is almost a religious observation to take some days off for Opening Day of the new season. This can be arranged annual leave, unpaid leave, sick leave or funeral leave to visit a recently passed away aunty. Gosh, would you believe that most of my 16 aunties do pass away about this time, now only seven aunties remaining!
Us anglers are a privileged bred of persons, who not only have an opportunity to catch trout at a low cost compared to other countries; but also to enjoy the back country environment!
Where can you go for free, and view spectacular scenery; rare protected birds such as the Blue Duck, be close to wild goats, wild rabbits, the company of calves following as you walk through a paddock and the eyes of Jersey bulls as you walk more carefully around the perimeter of this another paddock? Even a nest of peacocks flying away from their tree nest, as well as pheasants freely walking knowing they will not soon become plucked for their tail feathers. Best of all following a farmer walk a bull along these back country roads ..at bull pace, of course! What! You can get all this and even go trout fishing!! How fortunate can an angler be, fishing in this New Zealand back country!
So why the Manganui-O-Te-Ao – Well, why not? Soon accommodation was found and being the school holidays I managed to find a small cottage down Pipiriki Rd. The weather did NOT look promising with showers predicted for most of my four night stay. Driving up on Saturday the rain that started at just north of Taihape and only paused to let me unpack at the accommodation. Just enough time to visit the land owner (thanks to my accommodation provider) whose land I was allowed to walk over for the next day’s fishing. Yes, I was offered several spots and the river was looking a dark green colour…good, so far!
Saturday and Opening Day and the dawn came! But this angler merely turned over for an extra nap, as it was raining most of the night and still raining this morning, well after daylight. With a quickly prepared breakfast, a prepared lunch and flask for coffee and a cold drink all was ready, whoops, I nearly forgot the fly-rod set-up. Geared up with 8lb nylon and an orange tungsten bomb I also attached a size 14 rainbow tungsten grub hook, as a bottom fly, about a metre below the bomb. I was hopefully now ready for the onslaught! The green river had changed to a medium brown, so the pools were unfishable, so the rapids and small runs became the areas of attraction for my concentration. Twenty minutes later, after traversing up and down the ridge, walking clear of local stock, I arrived on the river. Ah, ha; coffee time first! Freshly ground coffee beans, with boiling water through an espresso maker had filled up the flask, so with whipped cream added to this, I did enjoy this first cuppa of the day! (Surely this is par, as normal, for each angler?)
It only took another 25 minutes before a fresh 2 lb rainbow was landed and released. That was it for the day! After visiting the Ruatiti Domain and finding seven groups already camping there, some light-hearted attempt was made to fish for trout. Soon off home to my accommodation, as tomorrow is another day!
Yes, tomorrow came today, so today became yesterday; as there was a repeat of rain overnight and yes, the angler turned over after the dawn for some more beauty sleep. Really how does sleep keep you beautiful, when there is fly fishing to be done? The mind has yet to unravel the mysteries of this! Now are we agreed it is Sunday, so down to the same access, but no luck so up to see the landowner for permission to go downstream. Granted! By now time was passing on so about 11:30am, and still no coffee drink yet. Did it seem a keenness of fly fishing took precedent over a cuppa for a time? By noon now and standing knee deep in the even browner water, in the middle of some rapids, he was geared up to cast these multi-coloured bright flies to whatever was lurking in this brown water. Yes, you may ask yourself, a cuppa was partaken just before noon – with same trimmings as before!
Cast up, mend and get that drift right downstream; but what, the flyline kept on going in differing directions – across the water, back up towards me, and even downstream with some pressure on the flyline. A mere six trout caught in this first hour, and before lunch as well… Could this be the coffee, or the whipped cream!! Must be the brown water!
After lunch there were intervals of sunshine between and with the downpours! Home boy, re-stock and tomorrow is still another day. Well, what can I say about Monday other than the fireplace in the accommodation and drying rack was in full use.
There are some anglers who would be put off by some rain and others of a “keen” nature who defy getting soaked to the skin, despite having no success. So maybe a talk with the locals, for perhaps a return trip. These locals not only mentioned some private access (the Queen’s chain does not prevail around here – prior permission is always required).
You can always gain that local knowledge to add to the experience of any trout fishing trip.
Post CoVid-19 Virus
Today, we are down to Level two…we have to keep one metre apart at all times. Well, that’s fine as if I see another angler on this river it becomes busy; three anglers and it becomes congested. So where am I? Am I on a widely known Fish and Game Access, am I on DOC land, or am I on private access land?
The river is waffling past, with a small regular current, as it ripples down across the “rapids” and flows rhythmically into a long flowing pool. There must be trout hiding under some of these pan-sized boulders scattered along this “run”. On the edges of this river is loose shingle where anglers must tread carefully so as not to spook the water.
As I walk forward my brain starts fast thinking – now, where would I be if I were a trout? As a trout I would tend to be lazy, (yes, I can empathise with that), lie somewhere where food comes drifting past my nose, have some cover from these near six foot humans, that carry nine foot sticks with some line attached to these long sticks! Most of these humans tend to walk heavily towards where they think I may be, but yes with my super sensitive fish ears I often hear them coming! I’ll just hide three rocks downstream from where these noisy footsteps are coming from.
My false casting is to get the distance so I can have a long drift, aiming from the top rock, with some rock just out of the water, to the series of three rocks together, at right angles to the shore, just about 20 metres downstream from where I am standing. The fly and indicator land gently on the water using my faithful airflow bandit flyline; with a quick twitch they are now facing downstream. Why, the flyline only drifts a mere 10 metres till it is pulled tight! My orange tungsten bead combination with pheasant tail fly worked!!
I try to pull the flyline in, but no, it wants to move upstream. Let’s try some side strain, and yes, this trout seems well hooked and still keeps moving upstream. My cranky knees and jerky movements do nothing to assure me I will be able to land this trout. My boots slip on some weed underwater, but I maintain my balance and have kept the rod high and taut. Now as a big boy, I am embarrassed as my pants are wet, actually from my waist down I’m soaking, as I fell over! Still holding this flyline firm, I start to pull in some flyline, winding some spare line onto my reel.
My heart is pounding and I’m taking shorts breaths…a heart attack, no, just the symptoms of an angler with a good fish on the line! Walking backwards, I also stumble over my feet, but keep the fly rod high and firm. I’m getting control of this trout with more flyline being wound onto the fly reel. My right arm goes over my shoulder to grab my net, and gently this is placed in the river, close to the shore.
Flash, goes a camera by another person near the shore…what is this for and why?
Several months later I receive a photo – I am immortalised in bronze, just as I was, back on the first day after the Corona Virus-19 Level Two in New Zealand allowed for some trout fishing on the Maunganui O Te O river.
Maurice
"Big O"
The weather looked to remain fine as we left to fish this lake we had both read about, Lake Otamangakau. Yes, we had viewed the weather forecast and asked DOC when there would be a webcam for this lake soon. ..maybe later this century??? All was looking good, and with the lake level low we could always walk the edges and fish inside the weed beds for these cruising rainbows and the cruising browns. (at 611.86) http://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/genesis/generation/rivers-lakes-and rainfal/graph/graph_home.cfm?image=Lake%20Otamangakau%20at%20Dam®ion=Tongariro&measurement=%20lake-level
The old Subaru almost drives there by itself, it knows the route so well to Turangi. Set it to about the correct speed, into Auto Select/Cruise Control,, while slowing down for some of the towns on the way we arrived at Jim’s house within about 3 ½ hours. (from Paraparaumu, that is; not Wellington. Feeling vipped up, we left the house about 8:00am and were on the edges of the Big O ½ hour later.
Now it normally takes about one full hour to gear up for the inflatable pontoon and accessories. Extract all the gear from the boot, place the frame with the clips together; inflate the two pontoons; attach the straps onto the pontoon with the frame; attach the spare rod holder, tie on the anchor rope, include the two small straps for securing the other rod to the frame. Also needed is to include the freshly brewed coffee into a flask, include the can of whipped cream to go with the coffee, have a bottle of frozen iced tea and a former ice cream container containing a hamburger, some biscuits and fruit. Whoops, we also need the oars and the net and wearing good sandals we launched into the weed cordon. Finally, after donning the necessary sunglasses, applying suntan lotion and sunhat we are off. Don’t forget the portable fish finder.
First port of call was the inlet canal, then it became up the Northern arm, then a lunch stop. After lunch, some open water, back to close by the island, then drifting close by the weed beds.-away from the weed beds, and back again. Moments of using a drogue with a slight ripple on the water and longer moments (well, actually more like hours than minutes) anchored in the calm mirror-like reflections of the lake.
Was I to use a floating line, and if I was, what fly shall I use? I’m told by some shops in Turangi to have a rod and a half leader to the first fly then a weighted one after that. A local guide known as Ken H, together with a fellow local known as “Loouie” mentioned a nine foot leader and followed by a four foot trace, when fishing the inlet canal. I chose next the open water where the water temperature seems cooler and the lake deeper; I ventured, as here there was some movement of ripples of fins as they swam just under the surface. Perhaps a sinking line Type 3 or shall I try the newish Type 5 with a sinking belly of five inches a second and the tip a mere three inches a second. Each sinking line was exposed for about an hour each in this open deeper water. Sometimes an unweighted woolly bugger, sometimes another damsel on a Yorkshire caddis hook, a worm on a swimming hook and an unweighted black glo bug.
What is this? –How about an old glo bug with black permanent marker or black nail polish with some rubber legs for a snail imitation- yes this works wonders on brownies when left for them to seek out – NO movement by the angler except for that final twitch).
The coffee flask had been emptied during the day, often trying the “coffee-catch a trout method”, but to no avail.
For those to which this is unknown, you carefully place the rod in use across your lap; next bring out the coffee glass, pour the hot coffee into this glass, and top up with whipped cream. Here is how it works, you are slowly savouring the fresh coffee through the whipped cream and SUDDENLY the fly line goes tight!! DECISION, DECISION-TIME…finish the coffee and let go the fly- line or give away the coffee and proceed to land the trout. Please don’t waste the coffee- place the glass in the side pocket to enjoy later. AND/OR the “colour re-arrangement” – a helpful shore angler yells out “Use black!” A quick glance in the fly-box reveals only brown /green woolly buggers “D_ _ _” you say, ah, heh maybe I’ll use my coloured permanent markers.
You immediately colour one chosen woolly bugger black, while your fishing mates starts to grin ear to ear.
The fly-line is cast away and yes a “take”…You now smile ear-to-ear to a somewhat now dejected, fishing companion. Did I hear some murmurings of a particular colourful language??
What more can I say except there is no mention of the rats, eels, rabbits, geese, swans or other creatures that may or may not reside around the Big O. Let’s keep rats away by taking away all our rubbish. Rabbits have been seen-why on my last trip I counted more rabbits than trout being landed. If you want to enjoy fishing the Big O take whatever nonsense is iterated above, but more importantly fish it when the lake level is in the region 611.10 to 611.80. You will have more success!!
Don’t forget the coffee, whipped cream, coffee glass and permanent markers for that special day!!
Tight Lines
….Maurice
"The Rangitikei River"
Remember to bring your sunscreen Maurice said. What else do I need? …”only an ability to drink red!” he replied. So we were off to the Rangitikei and that’s how the weekend began with a relaxed bottle of red wine.
The early morning mists and views were awesome and soon the sun began to beat down. So Maurice had already been right about the sunscreen but would his promise of fish hold true…..
My first fish was a fine silvery four inch trout. However, as a beginner I was well pleased I had managed to cast and make contact with anything fishy at all. What happened a few minutes later certainly hooked me for life. My fly line was suddenly out straight with a pulsating trout on the end, jumping high above the water and pulling like a steam train. It was only approximately one pound in weight but certainly fought like no other trout of equal size that I had encountered.
But before I could land it, the fish had shed the hook and was gone. My disappointment was doubled when almost exactly the same thing happened five casts later. I don’t think it was the same fish, but you never know. How could I stay hold of these fighting demons long enough to show Maurice and my other fellow anglers that all their help and advice had delivered something worthwhile?
Half an hour later I hooked into a better fish and was determined to land this one. Again it was a very uneven fight – I had a very nice rod made of flexible modern material, designed over many years to tire fish out. But the fight was again tremendous and unevenly matched as the fish seemed to have the strength of three horses!! I was certainly dragged several paces downstream with the tussle.
Luckily Noel, who I am indebted to, was nearby with a net (something which I don’t have yet), so it was only with his help that my dreams for the day came true and a fine jack of over two pounds was on the bank at last.
During the afternoon we fished a tributary of the Rangitikei which was equally picturesque and certainly looked fishy as well. Noel had taken a few fish and when I arrived at his beat he said “just cast over to that rock over there”. With slight disbelief, but impressed with his knowledge of the swim I did as instructed and…bang, on my first cast another good hit straightened my line. I had quickly been rewarded with another sporty trout of about half a pound.
The flies that were successful that day were hare and copper and a Maurice special, designed on the basis of previous insect studying trip to the Rangitikei….you will have to ask him!
I had been equipped with very experienced guides and a lot of luck on my part I think. But that day was certainly one to remember for me.
We finished the day in the only possible manner with several bottles of golden liquid together with a consensus view that the Rangitikei can certainly offer some sporty fishing- it certainly did not matter that we did not fill our freezers.
David (Last seen looking to buy a net!)
Opening day Tutaekuri River revisited 2018
(26 September 2018) Fishing new waters
It’s coming up to Opening Day and “fishing” leave has been approved for a few days fishing some new waters.
Now, where would I like to go, and where have I been, and will I choose new water or the old familiar water?
The choices are ample – local rivers like the Wainuomata River; upstream of the Otaki River, forget the Waikanae River. A bit further afield – the Waipawa River, the Makuri River, parts of the Tutaekuri River, the Manganui-O-Tea-O River, the Pohangina River or even the Big O and others I forget to mention.
Also where will I stay – why now, there are avenues available for self or shared accommodation, not only at Camping grounds, Back packers, but also in Airbnb, Holiday Houses, Book a Bach and other web sites.
The weather forecast is helpful as how often have I booked accommodation for Opening Day and changed because the heaven’s opened up! Now I use the Weather City, and another international web site https://www.yr.no/place/New_Zealand/ as well as our New Zealand Met Service.
Don’t forget to contact the local Fish and Game offices to get an update of recent fishing reports, as well as dropping a line to a local club to seek a local, who can fish with you, show you the spots and give some company and safety sake! Check out River Levels, Flows and Turbidity if you can gather all this information for where you are going. Why, now there are also many webcams to see the colour of the water. Great using all this technology now available!
Decision time; do I flick a coin, roll a dice or make this into a “Training Conference”, thus constituting a work excuse. I recall when anglers talk, they “confer” with each other, and when learning new waters and fishing techniques – it is a learning experience – hence “training”. Satisfied I am now going away for “work” purposes I start to put my thinking/fishing cap on and decide where to go.
A few years back a group of us booked a holiday house alongside the Tutaekuri River, and fished the Tutaekuri River, getting up to the Twin Lakes, also known as the Kuripapango Lakes for brook trout. Finally a decision – I’ve found accommodation at Puketapu, which opens up the Tutaekuri River. Plan B – if it rains – I’ll fish the Lake Tutira, as I’m told this is fishing really well over the last few weeks. I just hope my new neoprene waders arrive before I leave. Let’s just say the previous waders leaked in an uncomfortable spot – between the legs, and no amount of aquaseal was able to fix these leaks.
As I write this I receive an email from a local living around Puketapu – see how easy this is!! And yes, we are meeting up on the Sunday to plan an early start on Monday 1 October.
Let’s have a look at this area!
So what happened?
Yes, we want the truth, not some fishy story with about 25% truth! Well, it was like this!!
The weather kept fine for us, it was after a recent flush and we had a ball! Do you want to hear anymore? Of course you do, so read on.
The light was emerging from below the horizon as I ate a full breakfast and prepared a lunch worthy of an angler who was all prepared to catch and release a dozen fish on this opening day – corn patties, freshly perked coffee with the whipped cream and cold water.
It was nearing 8:00 am when we arrived on the water, just getting some sunshine on the water, and before any fishing started we took about ten minutes studying the water for possible lies. At this time of day they could be anywhere from mid-stream to the back eddies and drop offs, which they favour when the weather warms up. For a few minutes using the yellow tinted polarised sunglasses to start with, we spotted four trout just this side of mid-stream upstream, in running water. Our clothes blended into the colour of the riverbed, but we are crouched down, behind a bush to minimize any spooking of the trout. Looking just over the bush were two more trout, close to the edge. What a challenge first thing in the morning! .. . I’ve heard the expression “ A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so what are two in the bush worth – a trout in the hand, or a handful?”
Now, some skill is called for so dapping came into play, a rod over the bush, with a nymph and no indicator. Now we have two grown men falling over themselves with one holding a nine foot fly rod with the line spinning away across the pool, fast. Gravity came into play with the smaller angler falling into the stream (or was he shoved) and the other trying to contain the pressure on the fly reel. Along the river I went after passing the flyrod to the Craig. Why should I get wet when Craig was already wet? “Up and at ’em” was Craig’s comment. Did he keep the fish and land it? To appease the fishing gods this first trout of the day was returned after a quick photo. Now time for coffee!! Or better still some fisherman’s antifreeze – starts with “w”, has an “h”, a “k” and a “y” in this drink. We did have some coffee as well! We did not want to be caught DUI when angling! .. Off with any non – quick drying clothes, into a spare plastic bag, and soon Craig was ready to carry on wearing all that he needed to be decent- yes; pants and shirt – all and only quick-dry clothes.
The sun came out drying these clothes and I am certain that this dunking added to his success, as he managed to land 15 trout during the course of this opening day to my mere nine trout. What amazed me after recalling the day’s events was we must have changed flies about six or seven times to match what we thought the trout were taking – and all this seemed to work. Especially changing the flies on the changes of light during the day – 8:00am; 11:00am 1:00pm and 4:00pm and finally 5:00pm. Back to the car by about 5:30pm and a quick change into spare disposable overalls and using a towel any damp areas were quickly dried out. While Craig changed his clothes I returned half the river gravel back that had accumulated in my boots. Lesson here = wear gaiters to avoid small stones in boots. What a day!
Back to our accommodation and some brown milk followed by an Italian meal with red juice sure made for a contended sleep. Tomorrow is yet another day!
Fine weather, but rivers are dirty…What to do?
This dilemma faces many fly fishermen. NO! We do NOT want to mow the lawn – it was done last week: NO! We do NOT want to wash the car..it was washed three months ago! The car is not really dirty yet, it needs to go fishing in some back country roads and only then MAY need washing!
The house is clean inside; the grounds are tidy outside, I’m sick of tying flies, as I’m sure I’ve got enough!!
How about some DIY fishing projects?
Now you are talking my language, but what sort of DIY projects can we do? I know personally, my wife takes away a power tool for each birthday! (maybe you need to think of my DIY skills in relation to this).
Yet, I could still make a fly drying rock for my fishing room or shelves for my SUV to store my gear in.
First, you may have to carefully negotiate the home situation to get that “my fishing room”. This has many names such as a “Man Cave” and has also been called a “Ladies Larder” if she no longer wants that room. It is in such a room that the fly fisherman stores the eight fly rods, the 12 fly reels, the 15 reels of nylon, the 2 dozen indicators, the fly tying vice and lamp; the fly tying supplies and the wardrobe contains the four fishing vests, the fishing shirts and trousers, and the thick fishing socks. As well there will be two or three sun hats, neoprene gloves, summer fishing gloves; the day backpack and bags for fishing clothes together with the sleeping bag used for fishing. There could be more stuff but I’ve just had a glimpse at my fishing room and there is still more stuff..even a bed to sleep in, so when we have to get real early to go fishing we need not disturb the rest of the household. Now that we have discussed the need for a “fishing room” it is up to each serious angler to negotiate to own one.
Now onto the second DIY project – the fly drying rack – the first project was to acquire a “fishing room”.
Total cost about $35, plus a beer/wine or two or three.
.Items needed: .1. One used or unused real estate sign or similar material from a stationery store size about 700mm (30 inches) x 300mm (20 inches)..under $20 from most nearby stationery store..(Warehouse Stationery) 2. Window weather seal…about $6 for 9 metres 5mm x 5mm (prefer white)…(Mitre10) 3. Tools – scissors or cutting tool; (from the kitchen) Marking pens ($2 shop) Ruler for measuring and pencil
Steps:
1. Measure the width and divide the board into columns – I have used nine columns.
2. Cut weather seal for vertical equal length of strips.
3. Remove one side of strip and place onto board ensuring the vertical columns are consistently spaced.
4. Between each vertical column cut weather strips – I have 12 rows for each column.
5. Remove one side of strip and place onto board ensuring the horizontal columns are consistent.
6. Leave to dry for a while – about two beers or half a bottle of wine..say 2-3 hours.
7. Extract those damp flies from all your fly boxes and place on the foam.
Now you can see what flies you have, and more importantly what flies you do not have; so go ahead and make more flies to fill in the board. Ensure you are not looking outside as you may see the lawn needs mowing or the car needs cleaning; so have this on a desk or table in the fishing room against the wall. This can take the next 2-3 days by which time the rivers may start to clear.
Next project: Creating shelves for my SUV to store my gear in..”made in a mere three hours”
Cost about $4. After out fishing with Harry, a fellow club member, I was shown a compartment in the back of his vehicle where fishing gear can be stored. What a great idea, so a quick search on the internet provided some photos to view and get some ideas from.
So I sketched out a plan with four drawers covering an area 970mm (38 inches) by 800mm (31 inches).
Here, there would be one drawer for fly rods in their holders; a second drawer for the fly lines; a third drawer for fly boxes and a fourth drawer for accessories like scissors, clippers and other necessary equipment like nylon and indicators.
Not each drawer needs to be the same depth, as the only full length drawer would be for the fly rods – four piece rods are usually about 750mm long in the holders.
As wisdom took effect it was warm that afternoon when I was measuring what timber/plywood was needed and it looked like three sheets of plywood 1200mm x 600mm at about $9.50 a sheet may be all that is needed. Plus a packet of tacks and some glue.
Estimated cost about $45.
Then a pause while a beer/wine was consumed, then another, as the first glass evaporated too quickly on this warm afternoon.
Then some snacks, of course.
Two hours later while discussing the major issues facing the world, I had a realisation! A brain-wave or a hot flash!!
Well, a close person of the opposite sex, my wife, reminded me of my not-so-good DIY skills and the poor state of our tools in the tool-shed. Alas, what to do? Buy new tools; get this made by a tradesman or what else?
I looked in our garage where we often keep old cardboard boxes for the first 12 months of use and saw many, many cardboard boxes on the garage fridge. Yes, there was a long one from the electric motor I had bought and one from the panel heater we bought over the last winter; there were also some small balsa boxes that dear sister in law had once sent Christmas flowers in.
(The box lasted longer than the plants). Estimate cost about $4 for the brown wrapping tape.
Out came the cutting knife – no, not the best kitchen knife – it was the second best kitchen knife- and some brown wide packaging tape. The ex-box of the electric motor had an opening at the top, but the box length was too long. This was easily cut to size and the top enveloped over the other part to give the correct length with access by just undoing the top flap. The ex-box of the panel heater took more surgery as this was cut in half to give a lid that lifted up, giving access to see what fly box or fly reels I needed to select. The brown tape was around some edges for strength and durability.
The balsa box was handy to hold the nylon and indicators in some already made pockets with a separate tiny box to hold the scissors and clippers in. Another box was found being an ex NZ Post box into which was placed other items such as fish bags and a towel. A final polystyrene narrow box was found as a fish holder. in the circumstance that sometime in the future when I catch a fish I have a place to keep them. This box could hold about 2-3 fish of about 3lb to 4lb (my favourite size) so I have great expectations I need to have a larger box for the larger fish.
Finally the heavy duty rubber cargo mat was placed over the top and hey presto, now I have most of my gear now stored in my SUV.
It may need something strong to keep the cardboard box from being squashed so a few sheets of plywood were acquired.
Will I ever get around to making a permanent wooden structure? I’m not sure as I’ll need at least a few years to test how these cardboard boxes arrangement works. After all, Pak N Save use cardboard boxes for shelving, so all I’m doing is combining different ideas. Should you take on any of these projects I am unwilling to be involved in project one, but can offer advice in person when we meet or by email on projects two or three! Maurice Broome maurice-fishing@xtra.co.nz
We met, we fished together, we will fish again!
We both met at a recent, well not quite so recent Wellington Club meeting – one angler not fished for two years and the another angler eager to get out fishing, as he was going to miss Opening day.
What missing Opening Day – this is compulsory, a traditional day for all eager anglers to comply with – an annual pilgrimage day – an annual leave day, a sickie day, attending Aunty Daisy’s funeral (for the tenth time), except when wife wants to go travelling – well then all fishing plans are not put off – merely accumulated and remembered for the next available fishing trip.
The accommodation was soon booked at Patangata, the Hastings Anglers Club lodge. While considering staying for a few nights it was soon apparent membership as well to the Hastings Club could be a future advantage. Here, we had several bunks rooms available with hot showers, a large kitchen, a TV for TV3 and TV3 and TV3. And yes, there was a lounge fireplace – actually quite cosy for a few nights! Even an outdoor area for wet gear, just in case you may need it!
Day 1 Tuesday. It all started about 8:30am when we left Waikanae and Paraparaumu and drove up to our accommodation.
It wasn’t a long time after we had unpacked, had lunch and were on our way again –having a look downstream on the Tukituki River, to places recommended by other Hasting Club members. The seasonal changes had changed the riverbed from what was a good long run, over lighter riverbed, followed by a drop-off now became a wide expanse of riffling water. Down by the cliff, where members from other fishing clubs also favour, was consistently not fish hooking up water either. We were still keen to get into some good holding water for trout as Wednesday weather was forecast to be lots of rain.
Day 2 Wednesday. A reasonable early start had us walking along the gravel bed from Walkers Road by about 8:30am. Yes, try this back water first on the Waipawa and then down to the confluence with the Tukituki River. Let’s just say we had a pleasant morning casting away. Upstream meant not moving the car so we were up for a late morning walk. That’s exactly what this was – a late morning walk after an early morning walk and not even a trout sighted yet!
“How about we go upstream? ” a good suggestion.
Driving to areas unknown and looking for fishing access points without the access map seemed ok and soon . parking just off the road, we walked down to the Waipawa River. Well, well, well..let’s just say that between us both we got into a hook up and landed trout! Here the sun was shining and we were out of the wind. Down towards our accommodation with a stop-over at the bridge over the Tukituki. Here the wind was blowing upstream with some good effort, the river was still clear but the “ducking” casting technique was used. You know what this is cast behind and “duck” at the fly sours near your head as you seek to avoid being hooked by the fly being blown forward and upstream. About 25 minutes of this was too much as there was a call from the accommodation – it was after one/wine o’clock, like about four hours after wine o’clock so time to end casting for the day.
Day 3 Thursday Remember I mentioned that Wednesday was to be lots of rain, well we are sure it all came down last night!
Where to go?? A quick drive over the bridge and looking down dashed any hopes of fishing the Tukituki River – it was light brown and high – in flood! A quick drive to Walkers Road quickly showed the colour was replicated for this was also a light brown and in flood. After some quick thinking we were soon on our way up to Lake Tutira- a small morning drive of about 1 ½ hours from the Lodge. The Ngaruroro River was resembling what we had seen this morning in other rivers and we were surprised when crossing the Tutaekuri River was flowing clear. “What the ….is happening here, don’t they have the same catchment areas?” Not bothering to stop to consult a map we headed into Taradale and drove towards this river. Alas, the memory had faded from a few years back as we were soon driving AWAY from the river. So when you are lost, and only then do you consult a map! Not too further on we u-turned and drove towards the river and found an access walkway. Here we continued with our casting practise over this river in what seemed good trout holding water. Then up and “let’s get to this Lake Tutira!” It was lunchtime when we arrived and overcast conditions. After donning our rain jackets it came out warm with a lovely afternoon watching the fish jump completely out of the water and trout cruising by. Did we hook up or land any? The attention, they say is with the detail and floating lines with glo bugs worked the best that afternoon.
Day 4 Friday Was this to be our last day? The local rivers were well in flood; we had fished Lake Tutira so what to do?? It was pouring with rain overnight and still this morning, and did our wives want us home a full day early? Surely not!! So back to Lake Tutira! Neither roadworks nor fog diminished our hopes as this was our last chance – to be home for our evening meal we planned to leave no later than 3:00 pm-home was about three drive hours away. Yes, here it was raining as well! So like mad dogs and Englishmen we geared up and walked out to the lake in this continuous rain. Where was everyone else, because yesterday we had about six anglers together and four –let’s call then admirers- as an audience. Here we saw fewer ripples, but there were fish here and as one drenched angler left for a hot drink and food about 10:00am the other stayed on for another cast!
We all know this means another 20 to 30 minutes at the earliest. After a few false tugs there was a hook up and yes landed!
So it all comes to a good end!
Enjoy your fishing Michael and Maurice.
How to fish River mouths
First, we need to find a river mouth for fishing!
Second, we need some accommodation base;
Third, it pays to have the right equipment and clothing.
Let’s assume we seek to fish the river mouths around the southern and eastern end of Lake Taupo – here we have some common river mouths – the Tongariro River mouth; the Waiotaka River mouth; the Waimarino River mouth; the Tauranga-Taupo River mouth and further north the Hinemaiaia River mouth (also known as Hatepe River) and the Waitahanui River mouth. Yes, there are others but you will need to go fishing with other anglers who prefer these smaller river mouths. Some of these are well kept secrets!
So, for accommodation – as a Gold card member and when vacancies allow secure accommodation can be found at the Tokannu Motor Lodge. One condition is that five nights accommodation payment is required (in Sunday-out Friday) and for this Gold Card members get a huge discount. Like if you have two persons to a chalet (two separate bedrooms) it has been available and very reasonable.
So let’s discuss equipment. There are always some who have differences of opinion and I do not disagree with them; these are my personal preferences.
Rods – at least a nine weight and at least 9 feet six inches; an eight weight or ten weight rod can also work;
Lines – (a) to sink quickly and give distance = either a 10 weight shooting head or what I prefer is the Airflo Booby Special flyline. Here is an extract from the supplier’s website.
“The latest addition to the range is the Forty plus expert 'Booby line'. Originally designed for long range bank fishing on concrete bowl type reservoirs in the UK; this line gets the distance and drops the flies quickly to depths of 30’ or more. Head is 55’ long and is designed to be cut to suit your individual rod, it has a Di8 sink rate and would need to be cut to 40’ or so to work on a 7/8# rod. An ultra thin running line is ridged to reduce tangles and it's hi-vis orange colour is great for spotting takes. Total line length is 55yds.”
To be used when casting into a deep drop off, like the Tauranga-Taupo River.
(b) for a floating line – most nine weight floating fly lines are good!
Flies It is amazing that some flies work best in some river mouths whilst others work better at other river mouths.
My three commonly flies would be:
-
The large glo bug;also known as the “heave and leave”.
Notice the eyes on these flies.
2. The booby fly;
These can be various colours – I have seen pink, purple, white and black.
3. The glow-in-the-dark squid.
Personally, I have found these flies difficult to purchase so have resorted to making my own
If you are unsure how to make these have a chat to your local fly fishing club about fly tying classes.
So now what?
It is preferred to wear neoprene waders and use a wading belt as well as a stripping basket – for holding excess flyline.
Next. How to cast.
With a shooting head there are many “You Tubes” to look for and watch, then practise yourself.
The idea is to “shoot” the heavy part of the line towards the shore, on the other side of the lake, by shooting up and out.
Let the line fall to the bottom and wait say about 4-8 minutes, then slowly or fast bring in the flyline into the “shooting basket”. Repeat, for the next 2 hours, while you land some fish.
By now, if you have not had even a touch, then it must be time for a coffee or other hot drink and cookie or just a break. I often take along a collapsible deckchair for such occasions.
The fish can hit the fly hard or soft but as they are in the lake (their environment) they tend to give a challenging fight before being subdued in the shallows by the beach.
Finale.
This type of fishing is not for the quick, agile, impatient angler; as often it can take a while till the fish “come on”. But to keep warm, move around a little as there is often plenty of lake.
Best advice is to team up with a more experienced club member angler and go out together, and WATCH WHERE YOU WALK!..not over the drop off!!
Poem to Corona 19 Virus Isolation
The angler sits at home, during the lockdown
He dreams of casting a fly along a stream
These dreams are far away, as he sits at home.
The fly box is full with newly tied flies
The flylines are clean from recently been washed.
Alas, we start with level four lockdown
“Stay at Home” and “Keep in your Bubble” we are constantly told.
Will Level three allow for an escape?
Only our politicians will make this decision.
Can the angler plan the next trip?
Where would this be - local or far away rivers?
The angler still only sits and ponders
The angler reviews his past diary and notes; he waits!
The old fishing magazines get a reread
The libraries e-books become a reminder
Remember the days of casting away?
The lawns are mowed, the garden is weeded, and the bushes are trimmed;
The angler seeks adventure further afield;
The manager wants to send him away
Only our politicians will make this decision.
The angler just sits and dreams of trout passing by.
Each day the fishing report websites are visited
The Webcams are showing good conditions
There are regular freshes from recent rains
The river and lake levels are daily monitored
The angler still only sits and ponders
Behold a picture emerges of a trout laded stream
Early in the morning these trout are close to shore
A cast is a mere six feet distance
By noon six good trout have been caught and released
Later in the day the mayflies are rising, so a dry fly is used
They suck down each fly as it lands on the water.
Behold he woke up as it was a mere dream.
These dreams are far away, as he sits at home.
The angler still only sits and ponders
When, oh when, can the angler get away
Only our politicians will make this decision.
Level two comes and all action is immediate
Accommodation is swiftly arranged and access confirmed;
The angler drives away to far forgotten dreams
He arrives to a warm welcome and soon departs for the river.
Peace to the world, his dream has come true!
Our politicians have spoken, so hark what they say
Soon we are coming up to Mother's Day
Two days later the anglers are released
Thus making angler's wives much pleased.
During the COVID-19 in New Zealand
Murmurs from below the water line
Hi, my name is “Jack” and my partner is often referred to as “Hen”.
Often in our lives we get pieces of lead or coloured heavy Christmas decorations thrown into the water, near to where we are lying. My dad tells me that this happens almost every second day and becomes more troublesome on weekends. Sometimes these shiny objects move at a rapid pace and at one time we used to chase them, but now dad is gone I leave them alone to move about the water with utter abandonment!
Well, well, well; the 26 March 2020 came along and nothing has happened! No pieces of lead or even disguised hooks looking like poorly imitation insects have been thrown into the water and sailing past our noses. Wow! Now we can have a meal in peace! How many others like to start a meal then to have foreign items thrown at them from the banks of a stream or river ..not ME, anyway! Or even while you are having a drink with a meal? I’ve spotted some juicy stick caddis and some mayflies which look so yummy! Gulp, gulp. Gulp!..Sorry, but I know I should not talk or type with a mouthful!
Now it has been only four days since we last heard or saw a foreign matter being thrown in our direction and you ought to see my bro’…he is getting fat and boy is he putting on weight! I’m not allowed to comment on sis – she may be putting on weight, but let’s blame this on getting preggy!
Me bro and I heard on the “moving current line” (the Bush telegram on land is called the “moving current line” under the surface of the water) that we may have a real long time “free” to eat and eat and swim around and play for nearly four entire weeks! We can move to our favourite playgrounds and even venture away from our local area. No bubbles apply! And no enforcement police around either. We often like to play tag or even hide and seek. Sometime I hide behind a particular large boulder in the river or stream and get distracted by food that goes sailing past me. That’s when others see me and often an array of these foreign items come hurtling towards me.
The only worry we have is that as we are eating and putting on weight we may become lazy. Another fear we have is that those objects being thrown into the water may look more real and actually appear like food!
So what to do? We can eat as much as we like but soon our local area will be devoid of natural food so we may have to move around to new waters. Alas, there seems to be low water so what to do – move around in shallow water and get all yucky with weed, or keep near our favourite runs of oxygenated water and pools. Maybe time will tell; as why should we give away our new hiding places now.
The rains are coming, more water = more aquatic life = more food!
As they say – bye for now – catch you on the water. Maybe you won’t see me later!
Signed by a young looking trout! And some of my family below:
Let us get into mid-week fishing!! October 2020
So a new initiative of the Wellington Fly Fisher’s Club – “mid-week fishing”. Here the venues selected normally have more comfort than weekend trips, as these mid-week trips are aiming for accommodation: where linen and towels are supplied; each angler has a separate bedroom; it is self-contained; there is off street parking; and there is a common area for “socialising” and preferable access to private access fishing water, at a more leisurely pace. Our stay would often be five nights, giving us eager anglers a day to get to our accommodation and after a fresh sleep on the last night, a day to come home after four full days fishing. This gives the trip back to conjure up the stories to brag about when we meet our spouses, partners, mates and friends. But prepayment before the trip is required.
Our first trip away was to a back country river onto exclusive water, accessible only as guests of this accommodation. Here we are off to Manganui O Te Ao. What have we got ourselves in for? The leisurely walk along the track (proved to be up a typical steep hill and steeper down the other side), through some native bush took a mere 60 minutes: Here we came to 2km of privately accessible water. Who’s we? Well, there was Maurice, Lindsay, Michael and Saint John.
As we set out on Day 1, about 7:30am our backpacks were full of a lunch, some coffee, some water, some snacks; but more importantly many, many flies and some spare reels, with a camera by one or two of us, as we also carried wading sticks.
Now a choice of gear up - heavy flies followed by a smaller weighted end fly; heavy flies with a beaded end fly and heavy flies with an unweighted end fly. Let’s try each of these, for say an hour each; and then another cuppa as we discuss the results. The water was running a dark brown after rain the previous night and continuous rain over the weekend.
It wasn’t till nearly two hours later that we compared notes and results as we were watching each other.
Soon we were all using 8lb nylon with small indicators, copper johns behind a weighted fly; and our casting techniques were getting better with much practise! Enough of Day 1, other than to say most of us did not venture over the hill for this fishing spot again, during this trip.
Day 2 Down to the Ruatiti Domain and the river was showing boulders we could not see yesterday. Yesterday, this was a brown, raging torrent, now lower water, but clearing, and much lower – like about two feet lower! Two anglers at the top and two from the bottom of the Domain and by lunchtime we met up; but not before some trout were hooked and released. Two anglers had success - one had photo evidence and the other no proof other than some yelling for attention and a photographer!
Day 3 took us onto some privately accessible land, and after some bush bashing down a wrong path, we found a good size pool in Oliver’s Reserve. Here we could see another pool further downstream over the bridge, and we all battled the wind which seemed keep to prevent any upstream casting. It was with one of these anglers downstream the roles of angler and trout were reversed - one angler became half submerged in the water and a trout came out of the water. Now three anglers had success. Another access was found at the end the road- down Syms Road, so this was our planned destination for our last day.
Day 4 This mere drive of about 11 km only took 30 minutes but the bird and natural wild like was prolific – wild goats and farmed sheep and lambs on the road, male and female pheasants, parakeets, of course the dreaded magpies, some hawks and at the end of this road we were rewarded with a king fisher. Finally, our fourth member (no names, just member number four) was successful in hooking into trout.
So what did we learn? Besides enjoying the beautiful surroundings, the mountain walk up and down a hill, the bush bashing, the dipping, and the comradeship of our group fishing overall was rather disappointing with very few trout even sighted. But this is what fishing is about and the hosts have mentioned it is often more available during January to March as most use is during the ski season - so we shall return – Thanks to Craig and Kellyanne.
Keep Safe, keep fishing Maurice
The FIRST 1st mid-week fly fishing trip 2022.
There was a trip planned to fish the Manganui O Te Ao River during January 2022. Originally a five bedroom house was booked, but with so little interest another location, being a two bedroom cottage was booked for the four nights.
This location allowed sole access over some of this river.
Look below: the cottage the river the fish –
Whoops; they were released before photos.
“Milk and Honey” Cottage
After arriving in this hot weather and unpacking we soon drove down to the river for a recon.
Yes, here was a good drop off and further upstream some good rapids with long runs; even further upstream was other runs, but these looked a bit shallow. After a few trial casts here that first evening, we spent the next day working our way covering all this water. But what the heck, not even a touch!
The next day took us on what we could call a day of walking. Along the road and through the unlocked gate were the instruction: first trip down to the river was a locked gate. Whoops, wrong gate. Still we walked down to a good swimming hole at the river. Back up the car, an hour later. Then fate helped us out as the farmer/host just turned up and drew a map in the dirt, so through the “unlocked” gate we drove. Parking at the top of the hill we could see the road track going for a while but not confident the RAV4 could have traction on the dirt road we parked here at the top of a hill. A mere one hour later we were at what has been called the “Peninsular” on the Manganui O te ao River. Scouting around did not help till we fished the drop-offs. Maurice took a while to land two from this location and hook into two more at the next drop-off. Further upstream the river was broken water and was shallow, full of the green stuff we hate to cast into, called weed.
By 1pm we were walking the one hour hike back to the car.
Our third day was to try the “cutting” only to find about a few minutes driving through the paddocks this was the same track as yesterday. Plan B was going to the Domain- well very little flow at the bottom and weed everywhere. By now, about 9:30am the campers had decided the large pool by the picnic area was swimming and dive-bombing time. Jumping from the cliff on the far side of the river these campers may have disturbed the water for trout. Back home, but “let’s try our first place, again?’ It took a while, but Maurice hooked and landed a smallish trout; then soon we were considering back to the accommodation for watermelon, a cracker and some cool ones! How about one last try, says Grant. Maurice rested the water by lying in the shade after finding a comfortable seat and almost small bed. After what may have been a snooze he wakes up, looks towards Grant; and behold Grant’s rod is bent and yes, he has hooked one trout down this very “fishy” run. They HAD to be there!!!
Back to the accommodation to freshen up and cool down as most days reached 31C by about 2pm and did not cool down till later in the evening.
Thursday we both left to go home; Grant leaving early with Maurice packing up about 7am, and then the rain. It took 30 minutes to reach Raetihi and by now it was teeming down. We will take some credit for our careful and knowledgeable planning of when to leave.
Yes, we will be back and may try for a May trip as recent trips in October, November and now January have not given us anglers the success rate we would expect from this fishery.
It is real, that with these mid-week trips early bookings are needed to confirm accommodation with the host or they may be cancelled. Look for the programme in this magazine and mark the dates.. Better still contact Maurice and indicate your interest. maurice.fishing@xtra.co.nz
See the attached link for a quick YouTube of our fishing location. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLeXxwX4O_g
The SECOND 2nd mid-week fly fishing trip 2022.
Fly fishing the Rangitikei River and Mangaohane Rivers over three days.
Three anglers were set to return to Farm Cottage at Otupae Station, on the banks of the Rangitikei River.
Arriving Monday 7 February with predictions of rain, dirty water we still continued to the accommodation in the pursuit of some very pleasant days fishing. (We also took some novels to read, as a backup).
Arriving early afternoon and before the arrival of Grant, Maurice and Michael walked downstream of the bridge to enjoy fishing in the coolness of the evening = 3 trout.
Tuesday 8 February. Now with the full contingent together, we ventured through long grass towards the corner pool. The track here was rather overgrown, so promises of few fishermen, meaning undisturbed water suggested some good fishing. Here only four fish.
Towards lunch, a more-than-gentle breeze came up so we reluctantly ventured downstream, to a drop off, identified from a previous trip. Mm Well, little were we to know how many trout in this run – we hooked into 15 trout over a two-hour period.
The best is in the video, with a smaller brother kept by Maurice of about 3lb; = 19 trout today.
And boy was it hot getting back to the cars – 31 degrees
Wednesday 9 February. Off to the Mangaohane River bridge. Let’s see what happens here, hoping there are no other anglers.
There were no other anglers so by 9:00 am we started casting for trout; what a satisfying experience!
Wow, by 11:45am we had hooked into 11 trout between us, ending with 18 trout by the end of our fishing day. There was no wind just trout coming for our flies. An attempt was made to a rising trout by way of a cicada and and a dry fly (not together!) but this delicious morsel was refused.
This small fishing area allowed a max of three rods. Plenty of small trout eager to test their skills against us. But quite a number of larger trout that Grant hooked into and landed with skill. A number of these larger trout were lost.
Here we would strongly recommend to have a net and a wading stick to keep upright above the water.
There was some weed and slippery rocks. Another 30C plus day.
Thursday 10 February Overnight there was plenty of rain – like about 30mm, so there was a slight colour in the river to start the days fishing. Plan B was off, so onto the Mangaohane River bridge again. After leaving and driving one member recalled his water bottles were back to the accommodation so a short drive back to retrieve forgotten essentials. This was the first of our adventures for the day! Passing onto Mangaohane Station we were slowed by a rural traffic jam – thousands of unshorn sheep, for shearing, took up the road as though they owned it. They probably did!!
Getting to our carpark by 9:30am, we started fishing about 10:00am. Some of these trout did not wait for us and had moved on, so only six trout from this pool. After some exploring other alternative water was found and eight caught in one small run.
A total of 15 fish for the day
Coming back the views from the road and of the future road were breath-taking!
Well Done team!!! (No, not the team of five million, merely the team of three!!)
= 55 trout caught by three anglers over three and a quarter days.
Michael, Grant and Maurice
PS You Tube video, yet to come!! Here is the first version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtdglTJ-EwM
The THIRD 3rd mid-week fly fishing trip 2022.
Here we have a story about three anglers
from the Wellington Fly Fishers Club,
fly-fishing the Mohaka River,
late February 2022 during a five-night stay.
The Mohaka river is on the North Island of New Zealand in the east central region of Hawke’s Bay.
Mohaka is a Maori word, roughly translated it means “place for dancing”.
So, who were these anglers?
Where did they stay?
Where did they fish?
What results did they end up with?
The mysteries shall be unravelled soon!
Watch and believe, here is a “true” story of what unfolded!
Is this an invasion, onto a fishing location?
There was a vehicle coming from Miramar, another vehicle from Paraparaumu and yet another vehicle from Lake Tarawera!
From all over the country!! Sounds like a meeting for a convoy!
These vehicles all congregated on Sunday, at the corner of SH 5 and Ohurakura Road, to meet up with the hosts of some newly available accommodation at the former Esk Forest HQ camp, near Te Pohue.
The vehicle occupants were destined to descend onto the Mohaka River for four days fishing!
With one of these days as a raft/fishing day, these anglers of the “Wellington Club Fishing members eager for mid-week fishing” were keen to attack the Mohaka River in their search for trout and happy days!
Beware, as these anglers mean business! Age will not deter us and while we may seem oldish in years and rely heavily on those wading sticks, our enthusiasm is as prominent as any young keen angler.
Our days fishing may be shorter than those younger than us, but we seek quality time fishing!!
(And later, quality time resting, often with the help of a refreshment or two).
So who did we have in this party?
Lindsay, Grant and Maurice.
So, after unpacking, was it to be down Waitara Road or McVicars Road?
The vote was unanimous, we stayed put.
This was a decision to adopt a fundamental rule for retirees –
“do not do today, that which you can put off till tomorrow”.
Full Day 1
Our vehicles took us down to McVicar Road first access by about 9:00am. After trying two more access locations along this road, we settled for lunch at Glenfalls Reserve. This kept us busy till three happy, but getting tired, anglers called it a day. Back to the accommodation by 4:00pm and in preparation for the rafting trip the next day. With preparations underway Lindsay found a big difference between a beer bottle and a bottle of beer! (One is full and the other empty). 9 fish today.
Full Day 2 “Our Raft Trip”
Much can be said, so a shortened version is here.
Meeting with the rafter at 8:00am got us all geared up and on the water about 9:00am.
The route was from Glenfalls Reserve to the first Everett’s Landing, stopping to fish on the way.
The countryside beauty, the blue ducks, the frothy rapids water with an experienced raftsman and fine weather all added to a pleasant fishing and rafting experience.
Maurice contributed to caffeine-flavoured lunches when his coffee flask leaked into the contents of lunch boxes.
Most trout were released for another day.
Yes, we had a “smashing” time. To find the meaning of “smashing” ask a participant. No tales from me, says Maurice. Before coming back in the van, we were asked “Did you all break down your rods?”. “Yes, we sure did;” was our joint response – two of them in fact, noting the emphasis on “break” rather than “down”.
When the anglers asked Maurice for a similar trip about the same time next year, what more can be said!
16 fish today.
Full Day 3
Off for a small walk before fishing was to start.
Parking at Everett’s Landing we walked up and down to the old Everett’s camping ground.
What looked like promising water gave Grant a trout on his second cast. It was not till Maurice ventured upstream till he hooked into his first trout of the day. Most trout were in the 1 lb to 2lb region so were released to get fat for our next trip. With dark clouds coming we walked down another path to the river from where the old toilets were. Grant, Maurice and Lindsay all hooked into trout here to Maurice’s amazement. This enjoyable and pleasurable day was soon to come to an end as those grey clouds turned to light drizzle.
On the drive home this turned to rain. 11 trout today
Full Day 4
This was to be our last day fishing – up McVicar Road and then to check out other accommodation.
Maurice started the day well with one on his first cast. So how did the rest of the day go? Let’s just call it a slow day that got even slower and slower. We met up with Tim Anderson of the NZ team who put on a display of wet lining and landed a good size fish. 3 trout today = 39 trout on this trip.
Back to the accommodation as the day heated up, as usual we had a good selection of hors d’oeuvres – cucumber with salmon and creamed cheese; slices of watermelon; crackers, dried apricots and crystalised ginger.
Day 5 Friday saw our departure, after some full fishing days! Some early birds tried to sneak away early.
Alas, this early riser found his car with a flat battery, so had to wait for the AA to come from Napier to effect his rescue.
Overall, we enjoyed the trip; the fishing was not easy!
We wish the National Team well with the National Championships on the Mohaka coming up soon.
You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC5g-hWHVwk (If this link does not work copy the link and paste).
The 4th fly fishing trip during April 2022 took us to the Manawatu River
Fishing from Dannevirke
Looking to fish the Manawatu River, with pre-booked accommodation near Woodville, required a change.
It was in Dannevirke, where we found some comfortable accommodation.
While this may require some early morning travel time, we were undeterred, so we stayed here for four nights, three full days fishing.
Let’s call Day 0 the arrival day, to keep to the understanding of four nights’ accommodation with three full days fishing. After arriving about noon, we started a “scout” around of likely fishing spots, armed with the relevant Fish and Game pamphlets. There other often unknown spots that we also “scouted”. The water was high and coloured so we made viewing assessments of about eight likely spots. This helped us into a plan for day 1 and Day 2 of fishing.
Day 1 Tuesday. Off to Honey House being one of the best locations conditions for fishing. With these conditions using a wet fly seemed the best approach.
With Grant first time using a wet fly he was very delighted with this new skill.
Did I mention he also got the best fish of the day? A half day here, with Grant stating his fish was one of the best he had landed for a while.
Some lunch here, then getting from the wasps, more lunch away down Oringi Road quarry. Not that good water as it was too fast for us “oldies” to cross, but we came across some Olympians. These trout here were constantly airborne and performing great aerobatics as it seems they were training for the Olympics. 9 fish today.
Day 2 Wednesday. Back to Honey House with plans for Beaton’s Corner for the afternoon. Here the results were similar to the previous day with Grant landing a good trout and Maurice meeting with jack. This jack will provide a meal for Maurice’s visitors coming from Australia soon.
These smallish black flies proved to be the most effective.
But as always Michael was the most successful getting most results on a red setter.
After a late lunch we did get to Beaton’s Corner. 9 fish today, again.
Day 3 Thursday. This was our last day fishing, so despite the rain and windy forecast we still hoped to increase our catch rate. Once we started using small glo bugs, behind a black fly this made the difference. Soon after Maurice changed to these glo bugs he got into two trout in two casts. Now we were in business!
After lunch off to the gravel pit along Jackson’s Road where Michael got into trout. Maurice and Grant were busy catching rock fish! A brownie was caught, but this was the gorse bush on Maurice’s back cast – probably does not count!
3:30pm came and we were soon on our way home for some brown liquid, dór horves to be accompanied by avocados with our evening meal. Maurice enjoyed his Tiramisu as he added a few dollops of brandy for extra flavouring.
11 fish today; yes, we upped our daily rate.
= 29 fish for this trip.
Grant Michael and Maurice
Again; another enjoyable mid-week trip of fly fishing.
Have a look at this very short You Tube of some highlights…Maurice was often too busy casting and not using his video camera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkC0TKQ8ssY (If link doe snot work copy and paste)
Our fifth (5th) Mid week trip was middle reaches of the Rangitikei River May 2022.
We left the trout behind!
Here we are into another MID WEEK FLY FISHING TRIP.
This time during May 2022 and fishing the middle reaches Rangitikei River trip staying at Ohingaiti, near Hunterville.
Yes, three of us again as only three bedrooms. Have a look for yourself below.
Bedroom one
Bedroom two Bedroom three - doorway off bedroom two lounge, dining room and kitchen
Here are some photos of where we were to go fishing.
Interesting, as this maybe I am sure you want to hear what happened, rather than just look at pictures.
This is some private access down Otara Rd, alas, now changed after floods early this year.
Come Monday, just after lunch time three wise men came with gold, silver and bronze. Well, that was the colour of the vehicles, so these must be three wise men. We all met at 1:00pm at the closed Ohingaiti café to spend four nights, three days fishing the middle reaches of the Rangitikei River. Our host graciously obtained permission from local farmers for private access.
Soon while unpacking we found the third bedroom where slim, short to medium height persons could have a good sleep.
Our afternoon, as often was spent reconnaissing the available fishing access places.
These looked very fishable with moderately clear water with a few runs and some pools.
Tuesday with rain overnight! This did not alter Plan A; could not. as there was no Plan B!
The slightly coloured water offered Maurice a trout soon before morning tea; Red with another trout later in the morning and Grant hooking up soon after lunch.
As these hours passed quickly away so the river started to turn colour. The green turned to whitish and the whitish turned to a light brown. It was well after lunch down at the Fish and Game access that all anglers decided to call it a day and come back to the accommodation.
Red’s contribution: Red got up about 6:55am and woke up the others and the hosts’ nine dogs. With rain this morning and wondering how the river was. It is now cloudy and rising.
Great views yesterday as I crossed the Rangitikei near Hunterville, noted Red.
I got a two pounder about 10:30am, a small but a very silvery fish with no dots on its back, just green. Looks just like a coho salmon. A great day fishing, but cooling down fast so I went home early and enjoyed a long hot shower. Wonderful first introduction to this part of New Zealand.
Lo, and behold this later afternoon/early evening became a birthday celebration.
Grant’s contribution: A splendid birthday (81 years) where we sampled three Glenfiddich’s (12, 15 and 18 year old single malts) which followed our three trout – one each.
.
Wednesday came with Grant hooking into an airborne trout on his first cast. There were no other notable comments for the rest of the day.
Thursday came so we set off for new waters – around the Mangaweka camping area and later in early afternoon down to Vinegar Hill. I could lie and say we hooked into too many trout we lost count, but let’s be honest as anglers (well, reasonable honest; how a wee bit honest) but have to admit we tried, we cast, but we did not hook up that many; well not enough to count.
..
We left the trout behind for another trip, yet to be arranged.
..
This was worth a visit and needs to be revisited at other times of the year to gauge more information as to the best fishing months here.
..
Maurice, Grant and Red.
...............................................................................................................................................
The 6th fly fishing trip during June 2022 took us to the Patangata accommodation.
Was it the recent Wellington “weather bomb” that sent four anglers to go fly fishing?
A trip with four anglers had planned to go fly fishing midweek during mid-June 2022, staying at the Patangata Hastings Angling Club accommodation.
Rain, thunder and lightning were howling across the lower North Island. Did we really want to go trout fishing? Of course, why not?
The introductory photos supplied showed a clear sky and clear fishing water, so the intrepid four set off!
Coming north through Woodville, there were signs a better weather ahead, as even the sky had a bright light shining, called the sun.
Some of us arrived Sunday evening, with the rest arriving about lunchtime on the Monday 13 June.
So what were the conditions?
While the weather was good the rivers were unfishable, except any spring creeks.
The Tukituki River was close to bank to bank, and later became bank to bank; the Waipawa River had some new streams, when inspected at Walkers Road, on our first day of scouting around for fishable water.
Both rivers had that light brown, khaki look, that we all know suggests “not fishable”.
early sunrise
Tuesday morning, our first day fishing, was when we discovered the Mangaonuku Stream, which was clear with no wind. Fishing here was a good omen with Jeannie hooking into the first trout about 10:00am. Maurice had a hook up soon after. Grant and Lindsay helped bring the tally to 12 for Day One.
Later we partook of smoked trout, crackers and cucumber with salmon and a 27-year-old Pinot Noir. The disintegrating cork took some kiwi ingenuity to filer it
This was also accompanied by Jeannie’s banana cake. Similar snacks were enjoyed each night.
As a novice fisherwoman Jeannie appreciated all the advice Maurice provided about where to fish and how to set up her rig. This meant Jeannie managed to hook into a second trout.
Wednesday and Thursday’s fishing while not fully as successful, still allowed us to add to our trip tally. Thanks to Grant for two more trout.
Now this technique employed needs to be explained:
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Pull out about 12 hoops of flyline from the reel and let it rest on the ground at your feet;
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Cast out, mend and then feed out most of this excess flyline with the “wiggle effect”;
-
This “wiggle effect” means wiggling your rod quickly side to side to let the flyline have a good drift down stream;
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Keep allowing more flyline out until there at least 10 metres drifting downstream;
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Let the flyline rest at the end of the drift for at least 10 seconds and then the line starts to jerk and see a trout has taken the drifting fly.
Really good to use when the water is clear and you may be afraid you are seen by the trout.
We all kept looking at the countryside as we drove to the Tutaekuri River, at the Lower Flag Road access point. This short stop-over was on our way to the Mangaonuku Stream. We just took a small detour, well maybe a long detour! Yes, we all believe this, as the angler’s truth! It was high, dirty, uncrossable and unfishable.
It was Friday morning as we packed our vehicles in overcast conditions and just as we had finished the clean-up, had the cars packed it started raining again…Seems time to go home and Maurice can plan for more future trips and others can let him know they also want to come along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57zj84XxOH4. (If link doe snot work copy and paste)
Written with contributions from Jeannie, Maurice, Grant and Lindsay.
I needed a break June 2021
Here I was, confined to home with some home office work and must have been showing signs of distress of fly-fishing deprivation.
It took a mere suggestion, that coming up were three fine days at Hawkes Bay, with the rest on New Zealand suffering rain, drizzle and cold temperatures – would I be keen to go away for a few days? .YES, dear, what else could I say!
Within a day accommodation was arranged, a fellow Hastings angler who I often fish with was joining me for a day. So on Wednesday after some home chores, I was away, staying at Patangata, arriving about 3:30pm.
Unpacking was still in progress when Red turned up and suggested we go down river for an evening fish. Good for me, not for Red. There must have been a small hatch, as they were rising where I was fishing. Out of the three hook ups only one was landed as these Tukituki River fish like to splash around and like many other trout do not like a small hook in their mouth, with a xxxx..angler pulling them towards the shore. A good 2 ½ lb rainbow hen. Thursday was exploring new waters, up river somewhere; but to no success…Did not even see a fish here, nor any sighted further downstream the Waipawa. Plan C, down to Walkers Road, to try that ripple we did not try the last time. First cast Maurice hooked up, but put it back as maybe it had shrunk being in the water too long [or for not long enough] – only about a pound. Two more hook ups and two more lost fish. They really like to splash around.
Thursday, Maurice by himself, so Plan A was to walk upstream from the accommodation which normally would take him back to the accommodation for lunch – often about 1 hour upstream walk. But where was the river ? The fog did not lift till after 9:00 am, so Maurice concentrated just up from the lodge. Soon a good drift was found after listening to advice (last month’s club meeting – thanks Strato), to ease out some flyline to get the fly and indicator drifting naturally downstream. Well it worked; the hard take and subsequent runs took some line of the reel and then went slack. Whoops, no flies anywhere. A retie with similar flies and casting slightly up stream and yes, again! This time he was well hooked – placing some side strain (again thanks to advice from the last club meeting) and after a few minutes he was on the bank.
The tooth fairy is alive and well! December 2020
Are you really sure about this? Yes, Yes, I am!!
You have heard the story about inside the lift there was a tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny and an honest lawyer.
How many people inside the lift? None, as they don't exist.
Well, here is an update.
Instead of meeting up with a fellow angler yesterday, I had to go to the dentist for a tooth extraction.
It is true what they say; getting money from an accountant is like getting a tooth extracted!!
Well, the tooth came home, placed under a pillow and behold something strange happened! .
Was there a coin (sorry we don't use coins now,) was there a credit card or a debit card or a prezzy card...no, there was a note. Not money, but better...It said I can go fishing again next month.
NOW. I am a firm believer in the tooth fairy!!! Again, some truth and wisdom from an angler!
Here was I thinking, having been prompted, what would I like for Father’s Day?
No more underwear, no more handkerchiefs, no more gaudy ties, not after-shave again, no more fishing gear, no more fishing clothes; so bingo…a bolt of lightning came and the answer became apparent “Go fishing to new waters, with a fishing guide!”
And so, it started. First of all, what is new water?
I admit I have fished the local rivers, some of the North Island eastern rivers, some of the North Island central rivers, so how about I look at the North Island western rivers? That is the Taranaki region, around Mount Taranaki. Besides the Manganui O te Ao, I admit I knew nothing of the Taranaki rivers, other than the name of Stoney River. In fact I cannot recall a club meeting where anyone has admitted to fishing these rivers, nor do I know any club members that have fished these rivers.
First an internet search of professional guides and information from some fishing websites of fishing around New Plymouth region. While out fishing my wife can visit our grandson and visit the Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. It did not take long for me to quickly arrange a fishing guide, a booking for the cattery and accommodation for us both. This accommodation was a mere eight minute walk from my son’s residence, but also looked out over the Waiwhakaiho River from our accommodation. What more could an angler ask for?
The day started the fishing guide, (Adam Priest) collecting me at 7:30am all set for a full day from 7:30am to 5:00pm. Our plan was to start on some secret spots, (rivers names which seem to have been erased from my memory, as I write this). Surrounding Mount Taranaki and Egmont National Park and its catchment is over 40 waterways containing fishable water. It has been quoted: "Off the radar is still an accurate description for the Taranaki trout fishing. Target the stocked lakes with the family or explore the maze of streams which are easily accessed and closely located to each other.
Catch and release is highly recommend in all of Taranaki's smaller fisheries to help sustain the finite fish populations and quality technical sight fishing that is on offer."
Ah, you may ask, what gear and what flies were used?
I took along my 6 weight 4 piece, Sage 9 foot, and my 5 weight 3 piece, Scott 8 foot 6 inches. I now am using a 5 weight floating DRI Airflo Hero line, seconded by a 6 weight floating AirFlo DRI Bandit camo on both the Sage and the Scott fly rods, with almost equal results.
We drove south somewhere. (that is all I am allowed to say) and ended up opening many framers’ tape gates.
This was a stream, not a river calling for careful casting to these spookish brownies.
What an enjoyable day this turned out to be! To retain the utopia attitude I was wondering if I could fish outside our accommodation, trying down the Waiwhakaiho River, while my wife went into town. (No more discussion on that topic).
The next day, by myself, onto Lake Mangamahoe. I have been here before, but always with a strong wind preventing those long casts that are needed. Here I used some of my own flies – small woolly buggers, or could be called a damsel nymph on a slow intermediate sinking line. These worked well and about half a dozen smallish trout were returned to grow bigger for next year.
Anyway I’ll be back for a repeat, probably trying down the Waiwhakaiho River, Lake Mangamahoe again, or even Plantation Road.
Meanwhile keep safe, keep fishing Maurice
Staying near Springvale, at Otupae Station,
fishing the Rangitikei River, March 2023.
This trip to fish the Rangitikei River, staying at Springvale was pre-empted by many doubts.
The river was looking dirty, the level was high, as was the river flow.
Three eager anglers kept tally of these conditions and only after good news that the river was clear, from the new host, did we decide to set off and meet at Taihape.
After a quick lunch we soon arrived at the cottage by 1:30pm and found the key where it should be.
Again, this accommodation was clean and comfortable.
We all slept well; as this through road from Taihape to Napier was officially closed to all traffic, so no heavy trucks were driving past our accommodation during the night.
Yes, we found time for a first fish and one small, tiny fish was caught.
Well, we thought they can only get bigger.
Enough intro – now into the fishing report!
Tuesday weather was for rain from 10am till 3pm and strong winds. The track along the fence line was best described a “made-today track”.
Yes, we had rain while we fished and caught about five trout on this our first full day.
Maurice’s favourite fly was handed out and was responsible for hooking into four of these five fish.
Lindsay was complaining about the cold after his unplanned swim.
As was inevitable, once we were wet and cold and had returned to our accommodation for a hot shower and some fisherman’s anti-freeze, the wind dropped away and the rain stopped.
The carport was converted into an open-air drying room. Soon, the clothes and the gear would dry beside the excellent log burner. By the next morning they were warm, dry and wearable.
Wednesday was a journey up the road and along the sheep-ridden road to Mangaohane River.
This maybe only about 36km, but driving normally takes about 45 minutes.
It is quite a winding road.
We stopped and removed some fallen clay boulders from the road in anticipation our “good deed” would bring us rewards in our fishing experience. Alas, this area may have been recently heavily fished as all we could manage were three fish, the use of Maurice’s favourite fly again bring two of these trout to the bank.
Wearing breathable waders today was warmer and drier than the previous day.
Thursday started with low cloud, pea soup outside, which later cleared to a fine day.
Fishing started about 9:30am with Maurice landing two good size fish.
A third trout came along and it was a special trout, again hooked by Maurice.
As it was being landed (without a net) there was the sound of “snap”!
No, not the nylon, this sound came from the flyrod. Now this Sage rod had an extra piece.
So, knowing there was a spare 5wt and a 6wt and a 9wt back in the car, he cheerfully walked the 45 minutes back to the car and another 45 minutes back, from the car to where Lindsay and Grant were casting away.
The selected rod is geared up with an indicator and a leader and a tippet then a realization came – why is this rod so heavy? So having missed the 10:15am morning tea bell, because of his walking exercise to the car and back, he now has to cast the six weight flyline on this 9 wt rod.
Still, it caught two more trout. Grant caught another trout today, as well.
By about 2:30pm the cold wind came along, so we started walking back to the car.
One of us three, and it was neither Grant nor Maurice, carried his breathable waders and boots, so he could get out to deeper water in these breathable waders and not get delicate parts of his autonomy under water.
Now we have a new item to add to items to take fishing – a spare belt to be used to tie the wading boots together and hung around the neck. Sorry, no photo, just let you imagine this!
It was not long till we came back to our accommodation for hot showers, and cleaning gear for an early start in the morning.
All together we all caught fish, with a mere tally of 14 fish for these few days.
Conclusion
All the previous week the river was seen as running dirty and high using the Webcam and results from Mangaweka. But along came three members of TMW (Team Mid-Week) and as anglers we enjoyed the occasion to go fishing together, again.
Epilogue:
The Sage rod is now with Hunting ad Fishing, on its way to Fly Tackle in Turangi and with the many other Sage roads will be sent back to USA for repair. Waiting time 4 - 6 months.
Maybe by Father’s Day??
A recent Fish and Game fishing report mention s while the Rangitikei River at Mangaweka shows dirty water, upriver the Rangitikei River was running clear. Now, I read about it!!!
Yeah, fishing the Manawatu River in Winter, why, or rather, why not??
This is now July 2023, and some senior members from the Wellington Fly Fishers Club are off to spend four mid-week nights, at Woodville; allowing three days for fly fishing the Manawatu River.
So, what is this river like? It’s a river with trout, is that not good enough?
Yes, it also flows through the Manawatu Gorge and through Palmerston North, in a southwest direction and finally joins the Tasman Sea on the west coast, near Foxton, at Foxton beach.
“It’s 170kms of fishable water flows in a south-westerly direction beginning north of Dannevirke”.
Per Wellington Fish and Game pamphlets.
It’s been a source of Regional Fly-fishing Competitions, so there must be more than one or two, maybe, even three or four fish in this river.
Let’s take a wander and fish upstream of the Manawatu Gorge, based at Woodville.
This is about a two-hour drive from Paraparaumu, through the Pahiatua Track Road.
Here, our accommodation is a three-bedroom house, also known to be used by other anglers.
"Featuring a balcony and mountain views, the apartment includes 3 bedrooms, a living room, flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment".
Comment from Maurice = There are two dwellings - one has two bedrooms with the other dwelling having one bedroom, the two bathrooms, living area and kitchen. Suits two persons.
There are some good access points like:
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Nearby;
to Carterton would be some places along Bluff Road; and along Jackson’s Road, as well as near Kumeroa village.
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A bit further upstream are locations such as just out of Norsewood and Ormondville.
Now we have the accommodation and access points data, what more do we need?
Here we are spoilt as there is a webcam available at Hopelands Bridge and some online reports of the River Level, the Flow, and Turbicity.
The Horizons webcam https://www.horizons.govt.nz/flood-emergency-management/web-cams whoops, currently not working. (If link not working copy and paste into your browser).
The River Level and other information can be found here: https://envirodata.horizons.govt.nz/?siteName=Manawatu%20at%20Hopelands&collectionName=River%20Level
(If link not working copy and paste into your browser)
In the summer seek out the following guidelines = River Level 700; Flow 15-20 c per sec; and Turbicity about 3.0.
Whoops, someone forget to tell the writer this is a winter trip, so maybe these levels could be higher.
So now you have made some notes for future trips, you may want to know how this winter trip of Monday 17 July to Friday 21 July 2033 went, or are you NOT interested.
Not about the trip a few years back when Maurice went for a few day trips after visiting a family member at Palmerston North Hospital. That was in June, and he managed 10 trout in about 35 minutes.
So, he goes back in July and again 10 trout in 35 minutes, same spot.
Yes, yet again he goes back in August and yes, another 10 fish in 35 minutes.
Gee, this is boring, so did not return for another about five months.
No, let us know how THIS trip went, please!!
Other anglers make a YouTube, when successful! Let’s what we can do…maybe just a story!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oYJDccB7Us (if link not working, copy and paste into search engine).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3eZvv-6-qA
Well, here we go.
Maurice and Lindsay arrived about the booking in time of 3:00pm on the Monday, unloaded food, drinks and clothing and set off for a reconnaissance of some likely spots.
Yes, there are some other places to get to, other than the Fish and Game Access points – just ask a farmer politely and often you will be allowed onto the land and down to the river for a fish.
These are known as “marked by X” on the map. Whoops, I forgot to attach the map!!
Well, they are marked at the spots anyway!
“X” marks this spot “X” also marks this spot
So, what was the Manawatu River really like?
Best described as “pea soup”! It was brown, high so what alternatives were there?
Why, Plans B and C, of course?
Now what were these plans again, as I do not recall any Plan B or Plan C being discussed?
Tuesday was forecast as fine, so we wore rain jackets.
Soon came the “wet precipitation” from the sky.
Wednesday was windy.
Thursday was hot, no wind, no rain. Maurice found it hot and downright sweaty getting out of those neoprene waders.
Friday overcast wet and windy – but our day to come home.
On Tuesday we visited the Mangatainoka River; several places, starting with the Reserve across the road from the now closed Tui Brewery.
New Zealand is famous for lots of things, clean green living, the All Blacks, Sir Peter Blake, Sir Edmond Hilary, America’s Cup, creating Pavlova, Russell Crowe, the flat white, and meat pies.
Tui Brewery has made quite the name for itself in New Zealand, not only for its beers but also for the shock value of its advertising. According to Tui’s advertisements, New Zealand is famous for the ‘gorgeous women’ who run the Tui Brewery.
But are they real? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0o6EznQkvo https://youtu.be/7O94GIT9Uo0 (if link not working, copy and paste into search engine). (Whoops! how did this get here?)
Back to this fishing story…
While he was unprepared, a good size trout hooked up Lindsay’s fly.
Yes, this was returned for another day - the decision being made by the trout.
To keep up this progress Lindsay hooks into another trout, upstream above the rapids.
Maurice, not even a touch!
After morning tea, we went to explore other permissible fishing access locations on the Mangatainoka River.
Access 16 James Road gave us limited fishing water because the river was running quite high. After half an hour, we were off again and soon looked at Access 15 Mangahoe Road. This was a look and see, as the wind prevented any reasonable casting.
Access 14 Halls Road was our lunch spot and here Maurice equalled Lindsay’s count of two. Again, these were released, also with some assistance from the trout.
Disappointingly this parking areas looked like an unofficial dumpsite with greenery cuttings dumped with old printers and other household rubbish.
Back to Access 18, Taware Road, but a lack of signage did not help us finding this location. With cattle in the paddocks and farm-work nearby, this was a drive-pass visit.
Maybe a revisit later.
Driving home, the car took a turning down Bluff Road and the access on the corner spot.
Nothing like walking in soft mud, and this was just trying to get to the riverbed.
Still described as “pea soup”!
Wednesday can be described as much like Tuesday, but with more wind to contend with.
Now Thursday was super, no wind, no rain and Maurice hooked into more trout, but only on his second casts at these “X” locations. Why this “second cast” …… he did not have a clue!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbD-7p-tXyU (if does not work copy this link and paste.)
A revisit will be in October to fish the upper reaches, while staying at Eketahuna, this time
Maurice and Lindsay 24/7/23.
........................................................................................................................
Lost and found near the Mangatainoka River 2023.
The day dawned just like any other typical day, in Wellington and Paraparaumu.
Two anglers set off to fish the Manawatu River.
There was Maurice from Paraparaumu, and Lindsay from Wellington.
Normally there can be up to three to four anglers with Grant and/or Michael.
This time Michael stayed home and more about Grant, later.
But, why is this about the Manawatu River - this story title mentioned the Mangatainoka River?
Well, slow down and read on, all will be revealed in due course!
Back to the happenings:
This is what we were seeking, but the river was in flood.
So, now the explanation – that could be why we fished the Mangatainoka River. OK, now?
For those who have never fished the Mangatainoka before, have a look where Lindsay is fishing.
This is across the road from the Tui brewery! (Where rumour has it that, Tui Girls ran the brewery).
Thanks to the advertising form Saatchi and Saatchi, about 10 years ago, some YouTubes can still be found of how the Tui was managed.
New Zealand is famous for lots of things, clean green living, the All Blacks, Sir Peter Blake, Sir Edmond Hilary, America’s Cup, creating Pavlova, Russell Crowe, the flat white, and meat pies.
And, according to Tui’s advertisements,
New Zealand is famous for the ‘gorgeous women’ who run the Tui Brewery.
But are they real?
https://www.albomadventures.com/tui-brewery/
So, Maurice and Lindsay went fishing the Mangatainoka River – when was it?
July, or was it August or September.
Well, here was their last photo together!
Where are they now? Not seen for a few months, but they re-appeared again in October 2023 fishing the Mangatainoka River.
We searched here, we searched there, we searched everywhere!
The chief cause of concern is where and what were they during this absence?
Were they abducted by the “Tui girls” and held to ransom until a trout was “harvested”?
Did they go willingly to the Mangatainoka brewery…supposedly, for coffee?
Such was the concern that Grant set out to find them.
He left his warm home and travelled up near Alaska and even east to the Mediterranean looking for two youngish (but not too old) guys, happily catching trout.
Michael kept the fort at home, in the hope there would be some news of these lost anglers.
Thank You Michael!
Now the new trout season is about to start and look what emergers.
No, not those flies, but these anglers.
NOW FOUND early October 2023
They were sighted on the riverbank of the Mangatainoka River, where it is crossed by the Mangaroa Road bridge. It seems their accommodation nearby, even has a swimming pool!
So, where were these anglers all this time?
Could the smiles on their faces shed any information or
will their secret life of these weeks/months be kept a closely guarded secret?
So, how was the fishing here on the Mangatainoka early in the season?
You will need to ask Grant, Lindsay, or Maurice next you see them, before they may disappear again?
Maurice
A Crying time
It all began with a chance remark – why don’t we fish the Mangatainoka River?
That was about a year or so ago, but Maurice remembered this and went ahead and planned a fly-fishing trip for early in the season for October 2023.
With Grant and Lindsay, we all fished together.
Somewhere, a rumour was that the Mangatainoka River fished best in early season.
It was mid-May 2023 when suitable accommodation was found outside Eketahuna, at an old school.
(Not easy finding suitable accommodation).
Mentioned as the best accommodation for any mid-week trip accommodation to date!
This is what the lounge and kitchen, with a scullery, and a typical bedroom looked like.
With good hosts, who even gave us half a freshly baked sultana fruit cake to share between us!
Just thinking, why is there a photo of the Fishermen’s Crying Tea towel?
Read on, and some truths will be revealed!
What, only “some” truths???
Now to organise the access locations – this was easy, using the Fish and Game pamphlets.
After our arrival, on the Monday afternoon, (as standard practise) we undertook a recce.
Access 2 Mangaroa Road was about a two-minute drive away with Access 3 Redpaths Road giving us fishing water between two access locations.
Driving around we viewed the Upper Reaches: Access 4 Bells Road, Access 5 Nireaha Road Hukanui, and Access 6 Taylors Road. This left the Middle Reaches Access 7 Hamua Hukanui Road, Access 8 Browns Road and Access 9 Pukewhai Road to explore for the second day.
Now for a plan – well, Plan A anyway! No Plan B at this stage!
No good to describe the plan because we did not keep to it anyway! Why?? Why not?
The first access looked promising, in fact most access places looked promising!
Yes, the forecast was for fine weather, so we wore our rain jackets, primarily for warmth and then about an hour later for rain protection. Then the sun and cloudy, then rain again, typical NZ spring weather!
Many a time we met up with the local farmers who were extremely friendly, and each time offered tips where the best fishing spots were. e.g Around the corner by the willow tree is a deep pool holding trout – but watch out for the eel, from one!
Moral of the story: Talk to the locals, ask permission and they will typically prove very helpful.
Often, we had a longish stroll, down or upriver, to find any holding water.
The river was often about ankle to knee deep and as clear as!
Good flows, but where the trout holding?
It was along the return from this first access place where we spotted some tidlings breaking the surface, so a cast or two or three were called for.
Here daddy or mummy trout was also present, as there was good splash when a good size dorsal fish was sighted. Future casting into this holding pool gave us similar results as we had all morning – no takes.
Still on the Tuesday, down to another access and here Maurice walked and walked down the shingle beach to where, in the distance looked to be some deeper holding water, just past a bend.
Yes, looking into the water first amongst some weeds were three trout swimming around.
Take your time, Maurice…do NOT rush this! (You may not have another chance!)
With an unweighted size 18 Purple Puyan nymph behind a medium size weighted fly the cast was made nearly two metres upstream into the right current line.
Thus, it drifted down and the “take” was classic; soon, some side strain was initiated, and the trout was on its way to be landed when CDR occurred, about one metre from the bank.
But, yes, I had a witness whose version of events was even more dramatic.
Back to the car and then checking out more access locations before we headed back to accommodation.
Some rain overnight, just like the previous evening but our available well stoked fireplace heated not only the large open lounge area but permeated down to the bedrooms.
So, for Wednesday someone suggested to try the Makuri Stream, after this “someone” had been told twice how good it was from the Masterton Hunting and Fishing shop.
Leaving about 8:00am we arrived at the Makuri Domain about 9:00am, put on our raincoats and gummies and walked to view the brown water.
Yes, flowing high and dirty – maybe a result of the rain that previous night.
Should we have left this “someone” behind???
No, as he will try harder to prove his worth in the future!
Now about 10:00am Wednesday, so a conference, on the hoof, was called for. “Where to go?”
Why not drive towards the accommodation, stopping at access locations on the way.
Agreed and passed by unanimous voting!
Some of these access locations gave access to willowed-banked parts of the river, so we ended up going down Access 8 Browns Road, after getting permission from the landowner.
A short? walk of about 20 minutes along boggy, muddy and cow infested manure took us to the river for lunch.
After more seeking trout, we again sought some prospects for Thursday fishing.
Yes, Access 7 Hamua Hukanui Road looked promising- a deep gut near the far bank and a good feedline along a long stretch of what appeared as good holding water.
Now, Thursday dawned and us three anglers rose an hour earlier, on the understanding we could get to the locations earlier to hook into trout.
Down to Access 7 Hamua Hukanui Road, took us a mere 20 minutes to get there, and downstream looked great till we ventured down the corner- yipes; sandy bottom and willows on both sides.
No more good water downstream.
Of course, by now it was morning teatime, so a coffee (or soup) break was called for and some drastic further planning.
Access 1 Larsons Road was agreed, so off we drove.
With the help of a local farmer, we found good access down to the river and were told of other access places further upstream.
This location was much like much water we had already found – some reasonable flow, clear as, and shallow.
Down for a final look, and yes, that was all it was to those other spots further upstream.
At both these two locations we found much the same. Fishing water for one angler for about 20 minutes, but a 30 minutes’ walk over the beach and crossing the river to get there.
Back we went to our accommodation. Lindsay left that Thursday afternoon to go home and care for his dog while Maurice and Grant had what we may call a restful afternoon. Yes, a nap and book reading took up much of the afternoon, till pre dinner snacks and drinks appeared about 5:00pm.
Next morning an early start, each to their homes and thoughts of our next trip being to fish some Taranaki Rivers with a fishing guide in mid-November.
Yes, by the time I got home I had to wring out “the crying tea towel” as it served its purpose!
Water too low, Too much rain, Too windy, and so I can go on, but will stop here as it gets boring making all these excuses.
Overall.
Yes, we would fish here again, definitely stay at the same accommodation and fish some of the selected Access locations, where we identified as likely to hold trout.
Remember, even if no trout are caught, each angling trip adds to the angler’s experiences and memory for future trips away.
And always be prepared with a “Crying tea towel” as you never know when it may be needed!
Maurice, Lindsay, and Grant.
PS Abbreviations used CDR = Close distance release, often means the nylon broke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0wMUXyWOBI shows a pre-trip YouTube video
18/11/23 Looking for Trout in Taranaki Region
We set off from various locations around the North Island!
Lindsay from Napier; Grant from Lake Tarawera and Maurice, from Paraparaumu.
Once there were four, now there are three! (Michael was unavailable).
Meeting outside the Oakura Fire Station, a little after 2:30pm on this Monday in November 2023.
Roadworks for all drivers was an unwelcomed word!!! To each of us these roadworks took one hour longer driving!
Just down the road was our booked three-bedroom accommodation, rated 4.9 out 5, by Bookabach
It was from here, Lindsay and Grant were to be collected, by the only Professional Guide in Taranaki, Adam Priest, on the Wednesday for a full day of guiding and fishing in these Taranaki rivers and streams.
Where to go on our first day Tuesday and on Thursday? What choices?
The Taranaki Fish and Game pamphlets proved very helpful in viewing our options:
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The most popular fishery on the Taranaki ring plain is the Waingongoro River which holds good populations of both brown and rainbow trout.
2. Lake Mangamahoe
Lake Mangamahoe is one of Taranaki’s most scenic and popular angling locations.
3. Waiwhakaiho River
New Plymouth’s closest river is best fished in its upper reaches upstream of Lake Mangamahoe, or in the lower river below the outlet of Mangorei power station.
It was not long till decisions were made and off we ventured to fish these Taranaki rivers and streams.
It was planned to fish the Waiwhakaiho River, off Plantation Road in the morning, later to Lake Mangamahoe.
(look at Lindsay’s boots!) Lindsay, Grant and Maurice at Lake Mangamahoe
A local mountain bike rider assisted us to find the gravel road down to the river.
This was through the cemetery gates and parking by the toilets.
Our first experience of these stony Taranaki riverbeds.
With the wind coldly blowing across Lake Mangamahoe, we were fortunate to return all the trout we caught.
Then, up to Peters Road as the photo of this area looked promising.
Alas, the cold wind was stronger here and casting would have been a headache.
All eyes turned to Maurice for inspiration/direction! While Maurice looked away!
Recalling a park, where Maurice had once stopped to visit a garden with his wife, and remembering the river was a few paces away, we set off for this location called Burgess Park.
This was the most pleasant fishing location of the day.
Wednesday morning about 7:30am, our booked Guide - Adam Priest – collected Grant and Lindsay for a full day guiding and fishing. Adam showed Maurice where he could fish the Stony River. The instructions were to continue downstream till SH45.
Let’s sum this access point as one full of large boulders and his knee joints got an extra workout.
Yes, he managed a hook up with a release, as required.
Meanwhile back with the others, they were climbing down bluffs, crossing rivers, walking over boulders and rocks; but also catching trout.
Most rainbow trout averaged about 4lb, with Grant catching three trout and Lindsay catching four trout.
So, let’s total that up to ten trout caught on the Wednesday!
Lindsay was adamant he had the sexist fish!
Lindsay with one of his trout Grant releasing one of his trout.
Lindsay hooked up! It was a steep climb down this bluff down to this river.
It was about this time that Maurice moved to another location, down to the Stoney River Walkway.
Stony River Walkway, walk bridge and walk over the paddock to Stony River
Here the river was the Kaihihi River (or was this the Mangatete Stream?) and a local took Maurice across the walkway bridge, through a farm paddock towards the Stony River.
Soon it was time to return to the accommodation, get out of his wet socks – from another leak in his waders – and freshen up till Grant and Lindsay returned about 5:00pm.
Those liquid refreshments went down really well!
Thursday. Next day off to a recommended location – the Warea River.
Maybe we were in the wrong location, but we met another local (farmer) who had us follow him down the stream of about the same size, that channelled through his property.
Look carefully to see Grant fishing this small stream. Lindsay fishing this small stream.
After some exploring back to the Stony River Walkway (or also called Corbett Scenic Reserve) for lunch at a picnic table.
From here, Grant set off for his six-hour trip home.
Maurice and Lindsay potted around for a while then back to our accommodation for some more of these cool refreshments.
Friday was wet, wet, and wet. Wet, as we packed our cars and wet almost till Hawera, and again wet from Wanganui, till we arrived home – five hours for Maurice to Paraparaumu and six hours for Lindsay to Wellington.
So would we repeat this arrangement again = YES. Already, planned!
Such was our enthusiasm to fish these new waters another trip was organised for mid-December. This time a different combination of three persons - Grant, Bob, and Maurice.
Here we planned to stay at Stratford and concentrate on the mid Taranaki rivers and streams -
results in a later report.
By Maurice, Grant and Lindsay November 2023. Some of the members of Team Mid-Week anglers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MerrgC8cYGo (You may want to copy and paste this into Google)
18/12/2023 Follow-up with fly-fishing trip to South Taranaki
The date is December 2023, and many anglers are engulfed with last minute Christmas food and gift purchases, as well as preparing the home for Santa, Christmas trees and some time to get away with the family.
There are always the “others”!
Being part of these “others”, three anglers arranged a trip to South Taranaki.
For some it was a revisit to this area and for one it was a new trip with these “Mid-Week Anglers”.
Here we have Maurice, Grant, and Bob, staying in Stratford, with Plan A to use a guide for one day, and the other days to fish the nearby Patea River, the Manganui and Waingongoro Rivers.
Yes, we also have Plans B and C tucked away.
We arrived eventually! Monday, getting there.
Grant experienced a normal 4 ½ hour Goggle timed trip which took over six hours.
Don’t count on using normal road times, as I would be difficult to recall a 15-minute drive between Paraparaumu and Stratford, without roadworks.
Settled in with a welcoming drink, and two of us prepared for a day’s guiding on the Tuesday.
What are these rivers up this way? There are 40 streams and rivers in this Region.
Most well-known is the Stony River, but the Fish and Game are amazed we hooked into some trout on our last visit, as they reported severe damage to this river from the flooding during April-May 2023.
Then there is the Waiwhakaiho River, which flows through New Plymouth and has fishing access within New Plymouth, via Lake Mangamahoe up further upstream.
There is the Manganui River with access via Inglewood, the Patea River via Stratford with the most popular fishery on the Taranaki ring plain being the Waingongoro River, which holds good populations of both brown and rainbow trout.
What about access?
Much of access is over private farmland, so as advised; it pays to check with the farmers before crossing the land to get to some fishing locations.
Onto the day guiding.
Adam collected Bob and Maurice a little after 8am on Tuesday and soon we were off to another of his access locations.
It was blowing a howling gale, the day of the Lower Hutt tornado, with some passing showers.
Here we climbed down a bank and walked upriver, sometimes in the river and sometimes along the edges.
Not easy wading and the wading sticks were helpful, but the wind even down in the sheltered riverbed and the abundant stream-side vegetation, made accurate casting a lottery.
It took a mere 15 mins till our first trout was sighted; whoops spooked.
Another after ten minutes of wading and Adam took Maurice to fish along the other side bank and yes, a lovely 4 ½ lb rainbow was landed. Very helpful advice from Adam – hold the rod tip high, put on some side tension and this fight was over in 10 minutes.
Into the net, photos taken and back this jack went so he could continue with his life.
(Note, when giving your camera to another to take a movie, turn it on before he records a movie) - seems this movie is lost for ever.
Maurice with 4 ½ lb rainbow. (Better images would be on the movie, which does not exist).
Climbing back up the bank to the paddock near where the car was parked and by now it was nearly noon and Maurice was keen for a cuppa coffee.
Adam collected the lunch from the car and yes, some coffee satchels, but he forgot the cups.
Never mind we were outside the farmer’s house, so Adam had a chat and soon emerged with three coffee mugs. Bob and Maurice were soon devouring the delicious sandwiches, cookies, and juice so the coffee was a final add-on to this lunch.
Leaving the car we walked through another paddock, crawled on our bellies to get under the supposed electric fence and down another bank, this time on our backsides.
Starting at the bottom of a good pool Bob worked his way up to the eye.
Started the retrieve and the fly seemed to be stuck on a rock, but then the rock started to move and kept holding the bottom, almost unmovable despite considerable side strain.
Bob with guide. Bob hooked up.
Bob (with guide’s help) into 5 ½ lb brownie. Brownie has strong runs up and down this pool.
This brownie kept on fighting, shook his head and was most disturbed having a fly in his mouth and being handled towards a net. Down to the pool he swam and still Bob kept control of the tense fly line,
Up with another burst of energy, then holding near the bottom, then another good run downstream.
Adam tried to net this large brown, but this was one of the times when the excitement was in the fight; unfortunately, the trout made a run downstream and with a shake of its head it broke off the tippet.
So not landed after a 15-minute fight, but estimated by the guide at about 5 ½ lb.
The best fish of the day!
Along the river some more and Maurice hooked another, only for a quick release.
Wading upriver Adam viewed each pool for likely trout and soon Bob and Maurice, one at a time, were casting to sighted fish. From memory, there were only three occasions when we were not fishing to sighted fish, as here the pools were deep! We lost a few more trout and flies this afternoon and just before ending for the day Adam took Maurice to a very small pool, like two rod lengths across and behind this boulder was a brownie.
This took three careful casts, and yes, another hook up and this time more photos were taken.
Nearby was easy access to exit the river, so after crossing about five electric fences Bob and Maurice were asked to wait while Adam walked down the road and collected his vehicle.
Home about 5:00pm, sunburnt, happy with some photos we walked into our accommodation and here was Grant’s preparation of pre-dinner snacks and Scottish liquid to add to this wonderful day.
Wednesday and windy.
Windy and windy, so the plan was to walk down ten minutes to the Patea River and walk along the walkway looking for brown trout, coming back home for lunch.
This river is reputed to be the most productive brown fishery in the Taranaki Region.
Best access to the Patea River was off the Cunnington Walkway, between Swansea Street and Juliet Street- where we went.
We walked, we climbed down banks, we cast to good looking lies where trout should be, we retrieved flies from nearby bushery and never once did we even spot a trout.
Along this walk we covered about 5.4 km for the day, even getting the Scout Den Pool.
Why the Scout Den Pool?
Here, just about ten days ago 300 rainbow trout were released for a Children’s Fish Out with about 200 trout left behind.
The Scout Den pool
As we arrived, it was close to noon and sitting in a collapsible chair was another angler spinning away with a bubble float and a small fly underneath, which he said was - a “Stratford Secret” creeper imitation – underneath. He caught seven small rainbows, while we were there. He released most of these, keeping two to smoke for a curious lady dog walker who had never eaten trout. The trout were rising to hatching flies, probably mayflies, so the creeper story was possibly to put us off the scent.
He was OK with us fishing another part of the pool. So, we tried, and we tried and kept on trying with different flies, including all the creeper (stone fly) imitations in our fly boxes, but only one touch.
Let’s blame the shag which was happily having a feast!
Returning back along the track along the walkway to the accommodation took only 45 minutes.
Here we had lunch about 2:00pm and rested for what was left for the afternoon.
To plan for Thursday we reviewed all our resources and maps and were set for a final day fishing the Waingoro River, then we rested.
Down to Eltham we headed, to parking near the sports ground park, we found the track down a steep bank to the river.
It took Maurice just a few minutes to cast up into the top of the pool and along the feedline into what looked like good holding water. The pool was only about four metres across.
The fly slowly drifted, by with Maurice carefully watching the indicator. Then a nosedive by the indicator, an upward thrust on the rod and some trout was swimming upstream, downstream, all over the place with Maurice keeping it clear of some snags. A good size brownie!
Remember this is reputed to be the most productive “rainbow” fishery in the Taranaki Region
Near the sports ground park Maurice’s 2lb brownie.
Back up this bank and we were prepared for the reported one km of track alongside the river.
Alas, this track ended after about another 100 metres, if that. Another track was soon found and following this took us back to the sports field, not far from where the car was parked, on the road.
The previous evening contact was attempted to the farmers, as per the Fish and Game pamphlets but these entire phone numbers appeared ended, not working.
Aware the farmers would prefer to see anglers in person we drove onto another access location within Eltham, near the Recycle Area. Down steep grassy banks did not look encouraging into what seemed a small pool, so up to Cornwall Road.
Here, there appeared to be no one home to obtain the permission to fish. Finally, the door opened and the local contacted the owner and yes, we got permission to fish was called the loop area.
It was here we had lunch on this peaceful track.
Last stop was to be Finnerty Road. After three door-knocking occasions, we found a farmer who let us drive down a cow race and fish our desired river.
Along the cow race, parking off the race and over the bridge, were our instructions.
A beautiful scenery this was with a few pools to explore.
Bob and Grant on the Waingongoro River.
With Bob going downstream and Maurice and Grant going upstream, we kept a close eye on the water before we moved along the river edges.
No fish sighted, but Maurice was the “man of the day” with taking a slip along the slippery rocks, he ended up waist deep in water.
We kept on walking to another good holding pool, but with clear water could see no trout.
Here there much foliage, both behind us and often over the water from the other bank.
To show how to get caught in these bushes Maurice’s first cast was in the thick of the overhanging tree which after a break off took all his leader. Grant soon followed Maurice’s experience!
Time was passing by so about 3:00pm we were back in the car on our way to our accommodation.
The temperature by now was about 23C so soon out of the waders and boots, placing them out to dry after a wash and ready for that refreshing cool drink.
Impressions, to date, of fly fishing in the Taranaki Region.
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The rivers are more like small streams, being around 5-6 metres wide.
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Casting upstream, not across and down.
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The rivers have plenty of caddis life, so the trout are “well-conditioned”.
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There is often much wading up rivers between pools.A wading stick is essential!
By Maurice, Bob and Grant.
An enjoyable end to 2023, for these Mid-Week Fly Fishing trips ongoing since October 2020.
Yes, worthwhile another visit sometime!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bm2XsaKeoc (You may want to copy and paste this link into Google).
(Only 3 ½ hours driving from Paraparaumu - close to the same time travelling as to Turangi and the Tukituki.).
4/2/24 Our Return in late January 2024
We returned!
This destination carried some interesting memories:
Once, early in the season, about mid-October, a year or two back, when the highest temperature reached 4C over the four-day fishing period.
Secondly, where a member lost his net, that was held by a magnet onto the back of his vest.
Thirdly, where another member broke his 6wt rod, walked the 45 minutes each way, back to the car, picked up a spare fly rod only to find it was the 9wt, not the 5wt.
Fourthly, when a good size trout was landed.
This time someone went swimming more than fishing!!!
Maybe this short video of 1 minute 17 seconds gives a clue!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtdglTJ-EwM (you may need to copy this link and paste into Google).
This time there was a different group of anglers – Michael, Grant, Maurice, and Bob.
Here we are, don’t we all look eager and happy to be able to go fishing?
The booking had been made many months ago, the river conditions and weather were checked the day before.
There was some rain on the Sunday, so with us driving up on the Monday and fishing seriously for the next three days, we anticipated a fresh run of trout to be eagerly awaiting our flies.
Ah, ha, what flies?
Well, there we have Maurice’s favourite (the flashy pheasant tail size 14 and 16) and other flies such as a dry at the top, or a heavy fly.
Whatever, we were prepared with most flies!
It was that sparkling green weighted or non-weighted woolly bugger on a sinking or floating line that brought the most results!
River Cottage - not far from the Rangitikei River.
Monday was a wander down to above the bridge, and YES, please take those wading sticks and don’t listen to others saying they are not needed!
This was meant to be a practise session to get our casting skills back again.
Tie on the first fly with about a leader length of leader, place another fly about one metre under it, not too heavy that it snags on the bottom. Tie on a NZ type indicator and we are now set.
Coloured water, well, just a little.
Tuesday
Into the car and across the bridge, where we parked the car.
Over the gate, down the hill and along the fence line. It seems someone had neglected to cut this grass, for as we walked along this narrow track, the height of the grass varied between waist and chest high.
We arrived by the bush, where we had stopped once before.
The river was running so high there was no sign of any shingle bank to cast from.
Into knee deep water and about two rods’ lengths out from the bank we started casting.
Extend the flyline about ten tugs out, a small flick upstream in the air, some more false casts to GET that line out, then across the water towards where each angler had identified a likely holding area for trout.
Not enjoyable at all as the weather cooled into a light drizzle.
Well, we were here for only an hour and a half.
The only comment here relates to the only person wearing breathable waders – did they keep you dry?
Enough said!!
Back to the corner pool where Bob hooked into a good trout on an olive woolly bugger.
Wednesday, we set off, but with a challenge this time- having five rods set up and all together in the car.
Up over the hill to some of those pools near the Mangaohane bridge.
This was a small (45 mins) drive up the hill, past Otupae Station and down to the Mangaohane bridge.
Quite a winding road!
Parking the vehicle before the gates, we quickly walked down to our fishing spot.
From the carpark outside the gate was an easy 15-minute walk down to the corner pool.
With Bob starting at the head of the pool, us others were all casting away in the middle and lower reaches, he hooked into this trout; landing it took a while.
A great fish, which was reputed to be almost too large for the net.
This pool looked good and yes, we had a great day here.
Last count was over 31 trout hooked in this pool in one day!
Thursday was to a repeat of Wednesday, so after a high-level conference that Wednesday evening - to go over the hill!
Next time we will rest water that was thoroughly fished the previous day.
The tally today was about four trout from this pool, that yielded over 31 trout the day earlier!
Just be wary of the country traffic…about 3,000 sheep on this, a main highway!
Calculated by counting the legs and divided by three!
Back to our accommodation where we met our host who explained other access places we could explore for our next trip. Thank You Teresa!
Friday came and four anglers were happy to have come on this trip!
A total of about 38 trout, 16 bushes, 15 snags and eight clothing articles were hooked on this fishing /swimming trip.
What is this about swimming? With swimming trunks on, or in clothes?
The truth lies with these four anglers.
For the readers, please note on this trip no nets were lost and no fly rods were broken.
We happily made our way home discussing the next two trips away – April to fish the Ruamahanga River and in May to fish the Rangitikei River middle reaches, out from Mangaweka.
Written with contributions from Maurice, Grant, Michael, and Bob.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBhUSjUYZBM (you may need to copy this link and paste into Google).
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It is now February 2024 and is the Tukituki River fishable?
Cyclone Gabrielle!!! February 2023.
This still brings some frustration to those property owners still not able to return to normal living.
Many were displaced and much infrastructure damaged, as well as much damage to our local Hawkes Bay rivers.
Now 12 months has passed, information gathered to date, indicate the Mohaka River was damaged from the State Highway down; the Esk River was severely damaged; the Ngaruroro River severely damaged in the upper reaches; the Tutaekuri River is still suffering from this Cyclone.
What about the Tukituki River and the Waipawa River?
Here is the “now blocked” access way along Walker Road to the Tukituki and Waipawa Rivers.
There are river works here, till at least April 2024. This is the access road looking to the highway.
Not looking good prospects, at all!!
Persistence prevailed, and from two main access locations we hooked into 43 trout, with the best becoming airborne, leaping well above the water and the second best kept, has now been smoked and consumed!
With some leftover smoked trout made into a “trout dip” for our next trip together!
3lb Jack. CF 66 Tukituki River Monday 19 Feb 2024.
This was a four-night, three-day fishing, trip by some of the Team Mid-Week Anglers of the Wellington FlyFishers Club.
Maybe some communication improvement is needed as well after Maurice arrived at Patangata Maurice received a text “Here, now”. But where were they? Certainly NOT at Patangata by 12 noon!
Apparently, the details of another trip meeting location were mixed, so these late comers finally arrived at the Hastings Club accommodation at Patangata.
As usual this afternoon was spent driving around planning for local fishing spots for the next few days.
Finding one access we stopped looking to where we could park the car for a fishing day when a local farmer turned up.
We obtained access through this private property and planned our first day at this location.
Monday
It only took Maurice about 10 minutes to land this nice jack in a quiet, deep back eddy, by 9:10am.
Walking downstream Lindsay and Maurice identified some likely fishy areas and between those two rocks it did not take long to get into numerous trout.
Bob, in the meantime, was a little upstream casting into the numerous rising trout.
Lindsay taking time out for a photo, between hooking into trout!
Coming up to noon, the weather heated up and by now 11 trout had been hooked, with most released.
The weather really heated up and by 1:30pm, back at the car the outside temperature showed 32C.
Time to head home for a shower and cold drink or two!
Tuesday
What a change in the weather. As we were almost leaving Bob advised there was rain forecast between 9am and 11am. It was already cold, so a quick dash inside to get those rain jackets and rain hats.
Today was upstream of the Tamanu Bridge.
Lindsay was quick to get down to the river, while us others put on our rain jackets as rain looked imminent. Within the first hour we had Lindsay on four trout, Bob on two trout and Maurice none.
Where Maurice and Lindsay spent a few hours catching quite a few trout.
Lindsay graciously shared this spot, and soon Maurice was into four trout in the morning and five in the afternoon.
How were we able to separate the day?
About 11:00am back to the lodge to change into warmer clothes and breathable waders, as well as having a good hot drink with our lunch. Then back to this location again!
Bob hooked into another three trout this afternoon and Lindsay another three trout in the afternoon before the rain forced final retreat to the accommodation.
Wednesday
The Cliff pool had to be fished! There were many shared memories of this good holding pool.
Alas, it is now half the width and today was just over knee deep with weed from halfway down up to the eye of the pool.
We looked at each other wondering why we were here, but no one was prepared to ask this of the other anglers. Once one angler wound the flyline us others were quick to follow on and back to the car.
Returning to our Monday location, we headed down to what we could call “Lindsay’s spot”.
His first cast was a feisty rainbow. Several more were landed with the aid of his net.
It was nearby, that Maurice hooked into the best fish of the trip and no more will be said about this “flying” trout.
Maurice was sure it was the long leaders and long casts/drifts that helped us hook into trout as sometimes trout would hook up on the flyline slow retrieve.
Maybe the size 16 flashy pheasant tail flies also helped!
Tiredness came on, so we returned to the accommodation.
Bob went for a small walk downstream and was gone for about two hours and returned with a happy smile, having hooked into two trout on small wets.
Overall, an enjoyable trip with some personal best catches for some anglers.
Conclusion
Maybe the Tukituki has not yet fully recovered, so why not leave it to recover, and wait for another report of the fishing in a few months’ time when another report may be published.
Leave the fishing for us!
Maurice, Bob and Lindsay 2024 February Tukituki River.
by Maurice, with assistance from Bob and Lindsay.
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PS: Tribute
This trip was (in lieu) only made possible by the departure (upwards to join St Peter) of the well-known Hawaiian angler, Dean Gonzalez.
Dean and his wife, Donna, had plans to come to New Zealand for a month of trout fishing from 8 February 2024, joining with Maurice to fish the Upper Whanganui River, the Whakapapa River, the Manganui O Ti Oa River, the Rangitikei River near Springvale and then the Lake Otamangakau, and the Tongariro River over the course of a month. Dean did not make it!
Deane was hospitalized on 31 December 2023 and passed away about 4 February 2024, in Hawaii and will be missed for his huge contribution in starting and continuing with the Hawaiian Chapter of Trout Unlimited, USA. https://tuhi.org/
Maurice and Deane. A very happy Deane, Upper Whanganui River. Donna, Deane and Maurice February 2023.
(April 2024) Staying near Carterton
“Why are we staying near Carterton, or are we staying near Greytown?”
Our three-bedroomed accommodation is just outside both towns - one private bedroom per person.
There are three of us “Mid-Week Anglers” staying here, with a fourth “Mid-week angler” joining us on some of our three to four fishing days, to fish for some trout.
Lindsay Grant and Maurice with Bob
This accommodation location is a small drive into the country from the State Highway, so we can fish the Waiohine River and have access to the Ruamahanga River.
Waiohine River Ruamahanga River.
Now that sounds an excellent reason for staying near Carterton!
By now we get to know what to expect from our organiser.
Some Introductory Information is prepared which often includes photos of the accommodation, there is information from Fish and Game and other publications like Spot X, of likely fishing locations, a List of Items to take (so we do not forget wading boots, waders, wading vest and the wine) and a tentative daily programme for our duration is outlined.
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday from River Road;
Wednesday up Waiohine Gorge Road, both sides.
From others (3/12/2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7gt4UC6oz0 2 mins 37 secs
(2/11/2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9UqZKSXZEg 1 min 51 secs
(29/2/2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARUSdJ5UbKE 58 secs
(7/1/2012) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpo1wG4ywno 7min 3 secs Ruamahanga River?
A month or even two months before the date, as soon as payment is needed by the host, we all are then asked to pay our full share of the accommodation.
Some of us may have memory lapses and may not remember what these plans were,
so a week before the trip a Pre-trip video is prepared by our organiser,
Pre-trip video https://youtu.be/-Fq9iPMF_4c 4mins 52 secs
with the latest weather forecasts https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-6225996/New%20Zealand/Wellington/South%20Wairarapa%20District/Greytown and another reminder/confirmation of the location and meeting place. NOON MONDAY 8 April 2024.
Then is up to us!!
First, we checked out possible fishing locations for the full three fishing days by a short drive down to River Road on the Waiohine River, then upstream to some spots where our hosts obtained permission for us to cross some private land.
On a previous trip, when the Ruamahanga River was high and coloured, we checked out the commonly fished areas near the Gladstone bridge, along the Cliffs and even down to Morrison’s Bush. Then, the state of the river allowed us a tiki-tour up to the end of the road by the Waiohine River (out of season then above SH2). Now to fish this within the regulations!
Waiohine River views
Ruamahanga River views
Much of this will be shown on a video, https://youtu.be/VAwmte3GXak
(If link does not work copy the link into Google).
so, watch it to see what really happened!
Here are some excerpts, as we tried to record each day’s happenings!
General comments.
The weather was fortunate for us providing sunshine with just a little cloud cover, only an occasional wind, and with no rain until we were halfway returning to our accommodation on the Thursday afternoon.
The river was clear and low with smaller flies doing the damage.
(Many using what is now known as our special fly).
Monday
We arrived at our accommodation about noon with some driving around as there was a lack of street signs in this area, near Dalesfield.
From our accommodation it was a short drive down to River Road and we were on the Waiohine River.
Here we started a few hours of casting/fishing time, with more casting than fishing.
Why are the rocks here, so hard?
Fishing to low clear water in the early afternoon did not give us any hook ups on trout.
There were a few green/brown “bushy” items hooked up!
Bob joined us for some nibbles this evening.
Tuesday
Down by the Cliff’s Access on the Ruamahanga River.
Here all four of us fished as we looked for likely trout holding water.
The river was very low with some good runs, as we walked downstream; but these were spaced well part.
As the temperature came up to 22C and 22C we tracked and tracked for nearly one hour our way back to the vehicle.. …Lindsay
Wednesday
Let’s have a drive to Kokotau bridge, with Maurice, Grant, and Lindsay.
After some casting AND fishing in front of the vehicle we walked upstream for a while and found a good run.
The records show about 28x trout caught today with about 20x caught in this small run.
Some of us were skilled enough to hook and land a trout on the first cast.
Another angler only took a few more casts. Others, (like me) took longer!...Maurice.
Meanwhile Bob was in a different direction – up towards Wardell’s.
There is a report back that Bob had one of his best day’s fishing here, with six landed and another five hooked, but lost. These were reputed to be in the two-to-three-pound range, with some good fighting fish taking Bob’s flyline down to the backing.
In the afternoon with the excellent help of the navigator and AA Road Maps we found some Access locations Numbers 2 and 3 from the Fish and Game Access map on the Waiohine River.
Thursday
We were close enough to spend some time this morning on the Waiohine River.
Number 3 gave better access to the river, and we ended up driving under the railway bridge.
But these boulders! Large and hard!!
Good looking water; so after casting away at quiet water, some runs and rapids, with no even a touch it was back to view Access 2.
By now a wind was coming up and some catches were made; but I’m told bushes do not count.
This stretch was consistent lacking in trout, so back down to Kokotau Bridge.
This part of the Ruamahanga River must have been hammered the previous day as we only hooked into five trout for the few hours here.
Tired, we headed back to our accommodation, and we were only a few km away when it started to rain.
This must be the end of our trip and our weary souls and bodies soon succumbed to a needed rest.
By 7:00pm all lounge lights were out, and three weary anglers were dreaming memories of this good, successful and trip and the next trip near Mangaweka in May, just next month.
Hooked/Landed Hooked/Landed Hooked/Landed Hooked/Landed
Grant Lindsay Bob Maurice Total hooked
Tuesday 5-3 6-3 9-4 6-3 26
Wednesday 8-6 11-4 15-8 9-4 43
Thursday 1 2-1 ….. 2-1 5
14x 19x 24x 17x 74x
From Maurice, Grant, Lindsay, and Bob. April 2024 Waiohine River and Ruamahanga River.
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(23/5/2024) A new location, we have not fished before!
How often have you fished the Rangitikei River, near Mangaweka?
This part of this river is sometimes called the “middle reaches”.
Looking at the Horizon weblink a daily view can be seen of this location.
https://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Data/WebCam/Mangaweka_latest_photo.jpg (if links do not work use Copy and Paste).
YES, this can be fished downstream, as well as upstream of the new viaduct.
Nearby, well, maybe not so close when walking, but in a vehicle probably about 15 minutes away, is the Kawhatau River.
This is open all year round and can provide some good fishing.
Here is a YouTube of Euro nymphing on the Kawhatau River.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIj30med0i8 13 Dec 2017 5 mins 45 secs. (if links do not work use Copy and Paste).
“A short sharp vid of some fly-fishing and Czech Nymphing on the Kawhatau River which is a little tributary of the mighty Rangitikei River”.
To access this river and other nearby rivers, we found some reasonable accommodation at Mairenui Rural Retreat.
This is close – about a 10-minute walk to the Mangawharariki River, which will be fished on another trip, when this river is open.
(This is the second time the organiser has found accommodation near a “closed” river)….Let’s hope for improvements in the future.
To have a look at what we are planning we can view a pre-trip video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDQeojrkMS8 May 2024 2 mins 53 secs. (if links do not work use Copy and Paste).
On this fly fishing trip, we have all five of us; energetic, not-so-young, well experienced anglers as members of “Team Mid-Week” anglers of the Wellington Fly-Fishers Club.
Team Mid Week anglers
Maurice Michael Bob
Grant Lindsay
On the Monday 13th May we were not able to book in till about 4:00pm, so we met in Mangaweka at about 3:30pm and drove in convoy another 10km to our accommodation.
Upon arrival a quick unpack and then getting gear ready before the thirsty drive needed quenching!
Full of anticipation, for the next three days fly fishing new waters for most of us.
These were our thoughts the day before we left.
Alas, driving up to our accommodation and unpacking was endured amidst the steady rain.
But this still did not diminish our enthusiasm. We may have to revert to Plan B.
Tuesday 14 May
Squeezing all five of us in the one vehicle was not going to work and we had now reverted to Plan B.
(Plan B was created over three minutes in the morning). Three persons in Maurice’s vehicle and two in Lindsay’s vehicle as a wise suggestion was to fish the Rangitikei River, before it colours from the rain we have had.
Then donning our waders, vests, scarves, gloves, backpacks, nets and yes, our fly rods. we set off to go fishing for a day!
Maurice, Michael, and Grant upstream with Bob and Lindsay downstream and meeting for lunch together.
First mishap for Maurice the magnet fell off the net so he left the net behind. Second mishap, he had failed to place the flyline through all the loops with the missing one at the bottom, of course!
Michael managed to find some snags with Grant walking, casting, walking, and casting as he moved upstream, past the bend in the river.
Michael admitted to retying flies whilst watching others having a good time.
Maurice was following up behind Grant, with his special fly.
Let’s not say how long it took, but Maurice DID hook into and land a reasonable size trout.
Yes, I’ll land it with my net…buxxer, no net! This trout would be the right size for a meal with his wife and him, smoked, of course.
Meanwhile downstream, Bob and Lindsay were getting touches and a while later they both got into hook ups.
We observed spin fishermen downstream from the bridge at Mangaweka on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.
Dave from Marton caught three trout of 2-3 lbs on a Toby lure in water that Bob and Lindsay had already fished on Tuesday morning.
After lunch the weather was warming up so soon it was cases of “men stripping off”!
(No photos as censored, also not fit for publication). So here is our lunch spot.
Plan C was now created, so we set off to that fishing spot just south of Mangaweka.
Here we participated in fly casting practise till it was time to head for home.
The leading vehicle took a diversion down to the Kawhatau River with Lindsay and Bob following in Lindsay’s vehicle.
This river has access over a fence which did not look easy for us veteran anglers.
Clear water and shallow looked promising but with poor access this was passed by!
Wednesday 15 May
We delayed leaving till the rain eased up and with suggestions from Bob we headed to Teo Teo Rd. Here two locations were available – upstream and downstream. We choose upstream first.
Let’s place some blame on those before us as there were many footprints and no touches or hook ups here.
Lunchtime now, so into fishing downstream. This area lent itself to five rods, with all of us visible to each other.
Maurice hooked and released a trout as it needed more growing up.
The weather had been fine for a while, but after 3:00 pm was cooling down.
Cooler temperatures and a lack of energy by these anglers provided the stimulus to return to our accommodation where a “young man’s birthday meal” was being prepared for us all.
Home by 9:15pm and soon off to bed.
Thursday 16 May
Such was the overall enthusiasm many of this group departed to go home this morning.
Two stayed on and what a day this was!!!
(Now I have trouble whether to write what may have happened or that which DID happen).
After much soul searching, I decided to maintain some credibility, I’ll report what did happen!
Michael and Maurice went back to Toe Toe Road, downstream where Michael had a touch and Maurice landing a similar size trout as the previous day.
Soon we were not only catching trout, but leaves and twigs, the river was rising and colouring over.
This ended our fishing for the day, about 11:30am; and we decided the trip.
Friday 17 May
After a longer sleep in, shower, shave and whatever we got away about 8:45am.
Driving home was a new route for both driver and passenger- south through Cheltenham and Feilding.
Feilding was a stop at the local café and a visit to the market with someone buying some flowers.
Was this to pose the question “Can I go away fishing again, please wife?”
Conclusions.
The locations we went to had obviously been heavily fished.
The weather was reasonable, and the Rangitikei was clear.
What more would you want to ask for?
(How was the fishing?) No telling!!!
At least Maurice had fish Friday night! (bought??).
At least we have photographic proof we were there.
See our end video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDQeojrkMS8 (if links do not work use Copy and Paste)
(7/6/24) It is now June 2024
Yes, we are now into June 2024!
Team Mid-Week members of the Wellington Fly-Fishers Club, had a trip to stay at Woodville, fishing the Manawatu River.
Alas, no-one was available, and the preferred accommodation was undergoing repairs, so an alternative was soon found. The Tukituki River?
Our hopes were not high, as a trip here last year, also in June, found the Tukituki River rather brown and unfishable.
We had one report that there were ample trout in the river, strong trout often breaking of the leaders of some fly fishermen who had hooked a good trout.
Another local report mentioned a very experienced angler had recently spent a number of hours on the river without touching a single trout.
We had the experience of a previous trip here in February, where Maurice hooked into a good fish, giving him the best condition fish for the year.
So, who and what to believe? How about we ignore all advice and just “GO FISHING”!
Arriving about noon on the Monday we have Maurice and Grant. On the Tuesday we have Red from the Hastings Club, joining us for the afternoon and next day. On the Wednesday we have Richard coming for the day and on Thursday morning we have Grant leaving early.
Maurice
Richard and Grant at lunch time
Garrie and Red
So, how many fishing hours are available?
Without an abacus, this was to be difficult to add up as the weather was as usual unpredictable!
our accommodation Patangata Lodge Hastings Fly Fishing Club.
Monday afternoon
On arrival, after unpacking Grant and Maurice had a gentle stroll downstream from the bridge and then upstream from the bridge.
Upstream from Patangata Bridge
Oh yes, we had our fly rods with us and cast often into this part of the Tukituki River.
Returning about 3:30pm the temperature had now reached 23C. Time for a cool drink!
Tuesday 11 June 2024
This was to be an eventful day, for sure!
A short drive south took us down to the Tamautu Bridge where Maurice anticipated driving along the gravel, parking about ten metres from the river.
Whoops, some changes in the river such that we parked under the bridge. There was deep, deep mud under the bridge and the river gravel appeared to have no tyre marks. Seems the remnants of a flood about two weeks prior.
We; Grant, and Maurice, hoofed it, walking through the mist seeking that successful spot of a previous trip.
Upstream of Tamautu Bridge
The best record was one mere touch.
On then, down to just north of Shag’s Rock, where again the previous trip we had success.
With the Tukituki River running about one metre higher than the previous trip the gravel bar was underwater.
Here one trout was hooked and released and by now a cold southerly wind was coming up.
Walking upstream to where Maurice and Lindsay had good success on the previous trip there was now a new branch cutting into the left bank, so we walked upstream to this spot. Not even a touch!
Near Shag’s Rock
Nearly lunch time on Maurice’s watch so we drove up to the Mangaonuku Stream.
It was 1:30pm when we arrived- problems with Maurice’s watch! No wonder we were hungry.
Here the technique is to cast to sighted fish so after seeing five trout with none coming to the fly maybe they had something else on their mind… (Close to the spawning season).
Back to the lodge as by 4:00pm the temperature was quickly dropping so after undressing our waders and boots it was not long till we had a roaring fire going.
Meanwhile, the others.
Red and Garrie arrived at the accommodation and then headed for downstream, over the bridge by the accommodation.
Over the bridge
After 35 minutes and no strikes we went further downstream onto a gravel bar. Garrie struck one that got off and Red hooked into two 30cm, all mid-stream which were released.
Red got one more strike nice fast run further down and poor Garrie had no more luck of this gravel bar.
Back to the lodge where a good fire was roaring away and nibbles and drinks were ready, just waiting for us!
Wednesday 12 June 2024
Our last day fishing together, so we plan for each angler to land a trout or two!
Today was destined to try the Walkers Road Access.
Entry to Walkers Road.
Here after parking before the gate, we headed upstream on the Waipawa River.
Casting away, it was not long till we were joined by Richard, Grant’s stepson, another eager angler.
Grant fishing away on the Waipawa River
A reasonable tally given the conditions: Maurice 2x; Grant 2x Richard 4x.
Meanwhile, the others.
Red and Garrie went downriver behind Camp David. Here the river is very wide and only knee deep, running straight for several hundred metres.
Many old pools gone, with small shingle on the riverbed!
Red could not find any invertebrates under the rocks: Guess what? No fish either.
Each of us had one strike in these three hours of fishing.
After lunch we went up to the upper Waipawa River opposite the Mangaonuku Stream.
Mangaonuku Stream
Here we saw many fish in the deep water which was unfishable due to the high gravel banks on the edge of these pools. Garrie got into two nice fish and Red had several strikes.
Thursday 13 June
The day was reserved for Maurice all day before he had to go off for a business appointment on Friday morning. Where to go, he thinks?
Over the bridge and down river, been there!
From the bridge walking upstream, been there!
Up near Shag’s Rock, been there!
Upstream of the Tamautu bridge, at Pourere, been there!
Walkers Road, still closed! Maybe a wander downstream from the Tamautu bridge. Could be!
Even downstream of the nearby bridge near our accommodation! Worth a try!!!
Maurice joined Red and Garrie as they had some success up off Stockade Road, the mouth of the Mangaonuku River where it joins the Waipawa River.
Garrie hooked and lost a trout at the same spot as yesterday (maybe the same trout).
Maurice and Red counted about 15 trout waiting at the bottom of the Mangaonuku Stream.
Fishing from the bank did not spook them and several flies and many casts later still not even a touch. (Must be close to spawning time).
Red and Garrie headed back to the accommodation for lunch and departed for home.
Maurice had a plan to fish the Tukituki downstream from Walkers Road. Just unpacking and Maurice met another angler with a spinning rod who had been downstream without a touch.
As they say, “Bugger”!!
It left covering the same water as the day before and of course no touches here either.
Noticing some concrete blocks as part of flood control Maurice thought this would make a comfortable place to sit down and have lunch.
Approaching this spot Maurice went “ars…over …..”, landing on his backside, but still stopped here for lunch.
Waipawa River
A few hours later and no touches he left to the lodge for a quiet drink or two or three or four, and a warm fire.
He left happy for experienced the opportunity to fish and good companionship.
Another “dreamy” version of this story is best viewed in this YouTube.
https://youtu.be/o7gePg0wd40 (if links do not work use Copy and Paste).
What's in our own backyard?
The date 6 December 2024.
Launched in 1984, “Don’t leave town till you’ve seen the country” was an iconic advertising campaign designed to encourage New Zealanders to support domestic tourism.
A historical re-enactment took place in Dunedin at the weekend to mark the 150th anniversary of the nation’s first licensed freshwater sports fishing season.
On December 1, 1874, the Otago Acclimatisation Society — the forerunner to Otago Fish & Game Council — launched the historic three-month trout fishing season, laying the foundations for a longstanding Kiwi tradition of freshwater angling.
What began in Otago has grown into a popular national pastime today with more than 130,000 anglers each year heading to New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, and streams.
As a member of the Wellington Fly Fishers Club, I was recently asked where the Ohau River was (near Otaki?) as a there was a talk of the Ohau River at a forthcoming club meeting.
Yes, there is a Ohau River near Otaki which is described as “jumpable, for those with long legs”.
And YES, I have fished it on several occasions as it is close by, being just south of Levin.
This started discussion on fishing some of our local streams, so a day trip was planned for mid-December on the Otaki River. Maurice, Michael and Grant.
Prior to that date another day’ trip was also planned for the Hutt River- the first week in December 2024, being Friday 6th December.
This “indeed” is in our own back yard!
We all met about 9:00am at a location called “Poet’s Park”.
(Access number 21 on the Hutt River Access Guide).
Maurice arrived first, found no one so drove past; discovered he was too far so quickly retreated to the carpark.
Then comes Bob and Grant with Michael held back by two other cars having a close encounter.
Soon we were gearing up with dry and dropper and off down to the river.
Bob considered crossing, then changed his mind as the flow was quite strong so casting over towards the willows. Grant moved further upstream with Maurice fishing even more upstream, just below some fast broken water.
10am arrived quickly so Maurice had a cuppa.
Complaint to Regional Council– there are only a few logs on the riverside where anglers can sit down and have a cuppa without sitting down on the rocks. (It’s the getting up, off the rocks that is difficult!).
What would Maurice like? Well, a couple of soft, padded seats with a table and tablecloth would be mostly appreciated, but this alas, did not appear!
Back onto casting and changing flies for some deeper water, still results were consistent for all anglers by this time.
The drift dive informed us there were plenty of fish in the Hutt River but they did not come to the fly to date.
Grant and Maurice moved back downstream playing leap frog until Maurice was now casting across and up into the willows.
Looking back upstream he spots Grant with a net. Why, what is going on here?
Grant was releasing his first trout caught on the Hutt River, a lovely 1 ½ lb to 2lb brownie way over just by the bubble line. So that was it for the day.
We, being Grant, Michael, Maurice and Bob, members of Team Mid-Week.
Here we are after a morning session fishing.
After lunch Michael, Bob and Maurice went upstream to Access 28 and found an access opposite the Gemstone St. No fish and now the temperature was nearing 22C so back up the bank, through the blackberries and long grass and home.
For a location a mere 45 minutes from our homes this will probably be visited again in the near future.
Beware, after about 19 December the river inhabitant population increases sharply with children swimming, men and women with dog, runners and kayakers, not to mention the other anglers , some with spinning rods.
By Maurice with approval/contributions from Bob, Grant and Michael.
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Manawatu River January 2025
Now being Mid-January 2025, it was time to start the year with a mid-week fly fishing trip.
Bob found some accommodation in a Tiny House in Woodville with two beds – one a sofa bed for children, not for fully grown adults and most uncomfortable.
The Tiny House
Inside our accommodation
Tuesday was planned to take two cars – one at the end of each fishing spot.
Parking at Access 16 (Oak Trees) and then the other vehicle on the corner of Bluff Road.
Access 16 looked overgrown, so we walked and walked till we came to the river. Only about 10 minutes, one way.
Okay, now we know where to come out from the river as we placed an arrow to mark our exit.
From the Bluff Road corner, we worked our way upstream; now about 9:15am.
On his first, second and fourth cast Maurice got wind knots, but frustration from changing nylon gave way to leaving a loop knot and wind knot in the nylon, to carry on casting.
It did give Maurice an opportunity to change from dry and dropper combination to a weighted nymph and size 18 bottom fly.
Morning tea nearly came and went, but Bob did have a take about 10am.
Nothing much till 12 noon when Maurice caught a baby trout. Fishing the same run Maurice caught, landed and released another trout.
Bob was meanwhile using wee wets and had hooked into two more trout.
Waiting for Bob beside one of the few logs to sit on, Maurice landed and released another trout.
Soon after lunch (now about 2:00pm) Bob hooked and released two more trout. One was a lovely 2.5lb rainbow in great condition.
Not sure where we were (oh yes, we were on the river), but how far to find Access 16 we trudged for the next hour, mostly wading against the current in often knee deep or less water.
The last 45 minutes were indeed challenging as the water became deeper, so we walked close to the bank on the sandy papa rock, which Maurice found slippery.
With Maurice leading the way, pushing branches out of the way he had two falls. Bob did not follow suit; he made it without falling over. .
Back at the car by 4:30pm. Most welcome were two small bottles of water of once frozen water.
Back at the accommodation was time for a cold beer and evening meals with a glass of red wine.
Bob 5x; Maurice 3x.
Wednesday's plan was to visit a previous “hot spot” that Maurice found and has had great success in the past.
Then, later to Honey Tree then along Jackson’s Road.
Let’s see what happens:
First to Maurice’s previous “hot spot”.
Here the trout were rising, but not for eating flies they were speaking to Maurice:
First rise (1) “Hi Maurice, you have returned after a gap of a few years”.
Second long, long rise (2)“My grandparents told me about you when you were here a few years back;
and for three months in a row you hooked into 10 trout in about 45 minutes, each visit;
using a heavy nymph and a lightly weighted prince nymph.
We remember!!!”
Third rise (3) “I see you have brought along a friend this time”.
Fourth and last rise (4) “Never mind, we have been educated to your ways and will not be caught anytime soon. Bye for now”.
Yet Maurice and Bob fished this pool and run for about 1 ½ hours.
We should have given up when we hear the fish complaining!
Next spot.
Bob went downstream while Maurice walked up stream with no success. Maurice walked back downstream to meet up with Bob. He was fishing a lower run, so Maurice fished the top run.
Here Maurice hooked into a good sized trout; it jumped three times.
Maurice’s thoughts were “Was the smoker large enough to contain this fish?” keeping the tension on, a fly rod up Maurice tried to bring it in; he let it run several times but here was a fighter.
The loop on the flyline split in half releasing the trout for another day.
Staying with the same stretch of water Bob soon saw Maurice hook, land and release a 1-2lb trout.
Lunchtime came and went so off to another access location – along Jackson’s Road.
Here Bob raised his tally to nine – all small browns - while Maurice stayed with two trout for the day.
Soon time came to 4pm and with some tiredness and feeling weary we headed home to freshen up and refresh ourselves.
Thursday was following some great religious advice.
One famous religious man once wrote – six days he laboured and on the seventh he rested.
We will adopt this to mean on the third day thou shalt rest in the afternoon.
The plan was to fish downstream from the Bluff Road corner. We followed the road and took a left along a bush track which went on and on and on. After about 30 minutes we emerged on to a shallow side stream. Looking past the island was the main current. Bob fished where they met back together while Maurice went downstream and crossed over to a long run with an ample bubble line.
What were these fence posts doing in the river?
Drifting his fly (not a prince nymph) he fed the line out mending and releasing more line…
THEN.. bang a strong strike. Keeping the tension on, the flyrod held high was not really an option as this trout headed downstream, so carefully Maurice let out some controlled flyline. To make matter more difficult this trout went into an aerobatic display not once, but four times! On this fourth jump it spat the hook!
Quick to recover, Maurice repeated the process; cast out, mend, mend, mend, more line out for another good drift and by hookey, another 3lb+ plus trout. These must have been twin brothers as they acted identically – on the fourth jump it spat the hook. This second time I had a witness, Bob!
Bob soon moved back upstream to fish the main current run.
I could see him facing away from the river and bending down…so what was happening?
Right at the top of the island Bob hooked into a rainbow, with his “new” second-hand 4wt rod.
Like the others this jumped several times and this 1.5lb well-conditioned trout was landed and harvested.
After a long coffee break, we headed back towards the car.
Along the track we found a path taking us to a dirt road-much easier than the bush track.
Here was a gate to stop us in our tracks. The gate had loose wire on top so climbing it was not an option.
Maurice then crawled down and moved between the wire fences. Now Bob’s turn.
Maurice was eager to help so extended a hand, placed his foot into a deep hole and went to grab the wire. Shock and shock, it was live!
Then using a wading stick to hold the top wire up the wading stick slipped and another shock to Maurice!
Back to the car, boots off then we headed back to the accommodation and following the advice of that great religious man we rested on the third day afternoon. After, we woke and live to fish another day.
Observations:
The best fishing started about 10am and peaked between 12 noon and 1:00pm.
Equal success for Maurice with a heavy nymph, and a prince nymph or flashy peasant tail (size 16) and a size 18 unweighted purple Puyan fly.
For Bob an orange Partridge and a prince nymph (both size 14) did the trick.
Just think as the trout spend 99.8% of the time in the water, how were these Manawatu River trout to know there was a light southerly blowing all the time. Bob 12x Maurice 7x
Written by Maurice and edited by Bob.
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Once upon a time .. that sounds a bit corny!
There were three young, well not quite so young, anglers…
.....still does not sound right!
Three members of Team Mid-Week anglers GO FLY FISHING
…YES, that is much better! February 2025
Where did they go?
Springvale /or better known as Otupae Station
Then over the hill to not far from the Mangaohane bridge
Another place was rafting down the Rangitikei River from River Valley Lodge.
Monday The track was long grass and seemed not to have been used for a few weeks.
This time it was chest-high!
We had been here before, and now we knew where the holes were in the grass pods, as we made a fresh track along the fence line.
This was the same track that one of us had to walk twice, as he broke a rod and went back to our vehicle to get a replacement. The same track that another of us had fallen over in the river and tried to walk home with gumboots full of water, in his breathable waders.
Stopping to gaze at the scenery was an elaborate excuse for a needed break.
The scenery was the Rangitikei River on one side and the Napier to Taihape highway on the other.
Along the stony pathway edge, hanging onto the wire fence at times, with the tree around and passed the corner as our destination.
With important conversation like - look out for this branch that may swing back and the cattle that came down to watch us we finally arrived at “the tree”.
No longer was there a patch of grass where we often sat for a cuppa, lunch or just a chat – it was all very long grass! This track which normally takes 45 minutes this time took 90 minutes!
It was some of the TMW or “team Mid Week” anglers off to another excursion.
Michael and Bob
The tree – our destination
Having arrived at “this tree” we started some fishing, and what a great day it was!
Weather wise, but about the fishing??? Just one small quick touch for the morning!!
(With no photos of Maurice. he will try to deny he was there, as no fish were landed).
We found Bob on his way back to the road, after a blank morning; so that put an end to having lunch with him.
Now about 26C. Lunch ended up much later, back at the accommodation.
Too hot for sane fishermen, so we demolished half or some of a watermelon during the afternoon.
Tuesday was planned for a trip up, over the hill to the Mangaohane Bridge.
Bob had a break off on his 3rd cast and later a self release.
Here the river was clear so with Michael wading and Bob casting downstream Maurice stopped for a cuppa coffee.
Back Maurice goes into the water with a change to a size 18 small fly and a while later the first landed trout was tucked away for a meal back home.
Another hour or nearly two and another stop by Maurice for a cuppa of coffee and again he ventures out for a cast. Another successful hook up…must be the coffee!! What was in the coffee?
After lunch we considered to try down river but found permission was needed; so after a while we headed home.
Wednesday was our rafting day by arriving at the River Valley Lodge at 7:30am; rising at 5am and then getting back at 7:30pm was a long day; but it was spectacular, especially the scenery.
Here we have three men in a tub…rub-dub-dub! Cruising down the river on a cool morning.
Maurice into a trout Bob having a cast
Michael into lunch
So, we have Michael losing one the largest trout he has ever seen, Bob losing a good 4lb trout amongst the rocks and a bust off as Maurice’s trout took off with speed and force downstream.
The arms apart show the size of the lost fish!
Onto our landing area, at Tarata, walking up to the vehicle and soon we were on our way home..well back to the River Valley Lodge and then back home.
This saw the end of this pleasant Springvale trip in February 2005 of TMW anglers.
Contributions from Maurice, Bob and Michael.
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Is this okay?
Yeah, Right!
BACK TO THE MOHAKA TRIP,
FAST FORWARD FOUR DAYS TO MONDAY 17 March 2025.
It was about 8:30 am Monday 17 March 2025, when Bob arrived at Maurice’s home.
After loading Bob’s gear in the vehicle, we were soon off to collect Michael from Waikanae and load up his gear as well.
First stop – for coffee – it was to be the Wind Farm café in Woodville.
Second stop - Tikokino for lunch.
Third stop - Bayview to fill up with petrol and last-minute provisions, then off to:
Last stop - Mohaka River Valley Farm where a four-bedroom accommodation was waiting for us.
The inside Michael. Bob and Maurice outside accommodation
Walking opportunities to the river
During the afternoon, as normal we scouted around finding likely fishing locations.
Now we have a trip over the hill, walking down to the river, below the bridge, further down the road to the shingle area and the Fish and Game Access as possible fishing locations available.
Over the hill Below the bridge
This is not counting all the access locations down Waitara Rd, about 30 minutes away by car.
Tuesday 18 March was an early start – Up about 5:00 am so we could arrive at 6:30 am down the road at the rafting office.
Then it was a 120-minute drive to drive upstream to Pakaututu Road – inland from Puketitiri – back to our base on McVicars Road, near the SH5 bridge.
This gives access to 18 km of river, that has no other access points for the public.
One of us cannot recall this drive, he returned to slumberland, catching up on needed beauty sleep.
Let’s say it was neither Bob nor Michael.
Fishing started about 9:00 am but not before Maurice fell over his laces while walking, when he should have put the boots on fully.
But a bad start for Bob finding his new second hand rod had been squeezed against the door in Maurice’s car and broke just at the top of the butt section. Maurice saved the day with a spare rod.
Nevertheless, Bob caught the first trout of the day on that broken rod. Well done, Bob!
The start of rafting on the Mohaka River
Down we rafted with about eight fishing stops, as opportunities to cast to any available (?) trout.
Here with limited results - low water, skilled raftsman, and highly skilled anglers we kept on trying to hook into trout.
Bob casting away Now Michael while casting, looks at the camera! Maurice casting away.
Lunch time for some hungry anglers
Wednesday 19 March was down McVicars Road – below the bridge and the gravel area.
Before Michael was even on the river flats Maurice landed the first in this stretch of river for the day.
As Michael walked down to the river edge Maurice was now into his second fish of the day.
Bob started at the top of the run fishing wee wets and was soon into fish, with seven landed and six self releases, all small, for the day.
After lunch fishing opposite the stream Michael had a ball – into eight trout for the afternoon.
Thursday 20 March. The rain came overnight!
There was continuous rain overnight, with heavy falls about 4:00 am.
By 10:00 am we were still pondering if and when to go fishing.
The forecast was for rain all day.
By about 11:00 am was a small break in the weather, so we took a chance.
The incoming stream was running with brown water and it took about 20 minutes till the Mohaka itself was running brown. Well, that’s it for the day! Not before Bob landed the last trout.
Amazingly, as we left on the Friday morning the Mohaka River was now running clear again.
Landed Self release Touches Total
Bob 9 6 5 20x
Michael 3 4 5 12x
Maurice 5 1 1 7x
39x
An impressive total of trout landed or self-released, but they were all small, less than 1lb.
So our conclusion is that the fishing has yet to fully recover from Cyclone Gabriel of two years ago.
Another trip to be planned for 2026 on the premise that the small trout will be of adult size by next year.
By Maurice, Bob and Michael. March 2025. (copy this link to watch video "https://youtu.be/up773mi8tFM "
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Springvale and Otupae Station visit April 2025
April 2025 was a return to Otupae Station where we had obtained permission to walk over Springvale Station.
Our earlier trip can only be described as “Room for Improvement”.
Arriving on Sunday 6 April it was astounding to see here the Rangitikei River was clear as it was gushing brown as we crossed over the bridge upon entering Bulls, further downstream.
Rangitikei River looking from Bulls bridge SH1 Rangitikei River at Silverdale
The readings from Horizons were also predicting dirty water.
It reveals again, that while the Rangitikei may show dirty water at Mangaweka, it is often clear at Otupae Station, near the old Springvale bridge.
Enough preliminary, let’s hear about the fishing!
Monday 7 April, our first day fishing saw us fishing the true right side.
Much broken water till the Huts.
Here was a good looking pool.
Bob was successful here, with the first landed fish, five self-release and five touches, but all small.
We will not mention Grant’s and Maurice’s success; just to say they were not using small wets.
A small walk further upstream to another good pool, with Grant and Maurice having consistent results.
Looking upstream towards Huts on true right.
Still, we returned for the normal 4:00pm snacks accompanied by Grant’s Whiskey. (The brand and the owner).
Tuesday 8 April 2025, was this Day 2 of fishing?
The main events of today was a tornado in Levin and today’s fishing can best be described as a song from Frank Sinatra “Fishing/Singing in the Rain”.
We started with a drive over to Mangamahoe Bridge.
Soon we were fully clad out in wet weather gear, but once at the pool we had Grant was up at the eye. Bob further down and Maurice towards the bottom.
Maurice gave the others plenty of opportunity as he managed a wind knot and bird’s nest on his first cast.
It did not take too long for some excellent results.
Maurice has a heavy hit on his line and lost it.
Bob hooked into at least a 3lb trout that charged across the pool until that too was “self-released”.
“What the xxx???xxx?” as we kept having trout break off our 8lb nylon.
These hook-ups were within the first 20 minutes of arrival, so things can only get better.
Well, No!
Determined for more results we all kept casting, some short, some long casts, so the water was well covered till about mid-day.
By now we had 2 ½ hours of casting into gusty winds, making wading hazardous (both Maurice and Bob nearly fell over), with no further success.
Very easy to get consensus to end fishing for the day, drive back to our accommodation for lunch and start a fire going.
Here we could listen to the howling wind and rain from the comfort of inside in a warm lounge.
Wet gear was hung up under cover hoping for improved weather conditions for our last fishing day together on Wednesday.
Wednesday 7 April saw Bob and Maurice walk carefully along the fence line downstream.
Within 10 minutes Maurice had landed his first trout and about 30 minutes later watched a 5lb jump out of the water, near the far bank taking dries.
What flies were flying around, as the day was forecast to reach only 12C, cloudy, with no rain.
So, of course it rained!!
Bob made do with new fashionable (not that comfortable) fishing poncho.
Again, Maurice hooked into a lively good size trout as it jumped to say “hello”.
Then as it was reeled in, it broke the 8lb nylon and said “goodbye”.
Bob meanwhile was landing some trout, not large.
Soon he shouted he had a good fish on. The trout charged off down the pool, it felt like being hooked onto a runaway horse and it took the line well into the backing as it went downstream in a hurry. Then the line went slack and on retrieving the line, the trout had broken the 8lb tippet, so it weighed at least 7lb, certainly one of the most powerful fish Bob has ever hooked.
A rest was needed both for this patch of river and the anglers, so we walked upstream to the corner pool.
First cast, Maurice landed a smallish trout.
Bob after a while hooked into and landed a smallish, but not too small, probably about 2lb rainbow trout.
The enticement of a hot soup, some fisherman’s anti-freeze drink (brandy), a warm lounge, sitting beside a roaring fire was very appealing, so we left for home about 3:00pm.
Again, wet gear was hung up under cover and some tidying up of gear was started as we pondered the results of this trip.
Lesson 1: Maybe to try 10lb nylon;
Lesson 2: Concentrate on wee wet flies.
Lesson 3: Take a rain jacket, despite what the daily weather says.
Lesson 4: Consider coming earlier in the year.
Tally board: Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Landed 6x = 1x 5x
Bust-offs 3x = 2x 1x
Self Releases 5x = 5x
Touches 5x = 5x . .
19x = 11x 2x 6x
Written with contributions from Maurice, Bob and Grant
Anglers I have fished often with
Hans Tresch
Together we fished for about 20 years and enjoyed the
Waimarino River mouth and the Mohaka River
David Williams
We fished together for about 10 years fishing the Mohaka River
and Rangitikei River quite often together and the Ruatikuri River
John Williams
John taught me to enjoy the back country streams, Thank You John!
Pete Wiley
Pete Wiley
Pete enjoyed River Mouths around Lake Taupo and the Lake Otamangakau as well as the Mohaka River.
Wellington Fly Fishers Club
Here was my start.
Many thanks to Strato, Gordon and Chris for showing me how to catch trout with improvements in casting and fly tying.
Hastings Angling Club
To learn where and how to fish there is much merit in joining with these helpful club members.
Adam Priest.
Well respected Taranaki fly fishing guide
Taranaki Professional Fishing Guide https://www.guidedflyfishtaranaki.com +64 275 038 335
Michael Phelan
Together we have fished the Tukituki River, the Waipawa River, Lake Tutira and some Lake Taupo River mouths.
Joining up for Wellington Fly Fishers Club Mid-week trips we have fished at Manganui O Ti O River, Mohaka River, Tukituki River, Waipawa River, the Rumahanga River and others.
Grant Scobie
Thy rod and thy staff , they comfort me.
Joining up for Wellington Fly Fishers Club Mid-week trips we have fished at Whakapapa River, Manganui O Ti O River, Mohaka River, Tukituki River, Waipawa River, the Rumahanga River and others.
Lindsay Cook
Joining up for Wellington Fly Fishers Club Mid-week trips we have fished at Whakapapa River, Manganui O Ti O River, Mohaka River, Tukituki River, Waipawa River, the Rumahanga River and others.
Deane and Donna Gonzalalez
from Hawaii
We met at Mohaka River during February 2020 and again February 2023.
See Trout Unlimited Chapter 403 website https://tuhi.org/
and last trip adventures
Bob Brathwaite
Enjoys mid week fishing trips. First was December 2023 to South Taranaki. Since then comes on trips when available.
Red Hooper
Can be found fishing local rivers and streams near Napier and some rivers and stream further afield.
Pete Wiley
We often fished the Big O and also the local rivers
such as the Rangitikei and Manawatu Rivers.
Alan Roy
Often we fish the lakes of Big O , Lake Kuratau and Lake Tutira
with Alan's Zodiac and Maurice's pontoon
John Williams
John especially enjoyed the back country fishing experiences.
When we went to the Tongariro River it was over a few days with no trout under 5lb.
What a memorable trip.. Your friendship will be missed.
Michael Phelan
Michael met up at the Wellington Fly-fishers Club and now
we have been to Hawkes Bay on the Waipawa River also to Lake Tutira,
a day trip to the Rangitikei River and also the river mouths around Turangi.
Grant Scobie
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Grant, another member of the Wellington Fly Fishers Club came along for a mid-week fishing trip and keeps coming along and enjoying himself with the group.
Places I have stayed at
BayView Napier
Lake Tutira
Napier Club accommodation
Time Out@ Titiokura for Mohaka River
Mohaka
Mohaka River Farm
Mohaka Rafting accommodation
near Taumarunui at Maranui Grandpa's Place
Back packers Turangi - no longer available
Ian's place Turangi
Auckland Fly Fishing Club Accommodation Turangi
Tokaanu Lodge Motel
Turangi by the River 2023
Hastings Club Accommodation Patangata
Taihape River Cottage near Springvale at Otupae Station
Taihape Accommodation - Magpie Manor
Makakahi Accommodation Manganui-o-te Ao
"Milk and Honey" cottage Manganaui O Te Ao
Poppa's Place Dannevirke
Struan Farm Cottage near Piopio for Awakino River
have a look at http://www.struanfarm.co.nz (If these links do not work copy the link and paste
Kakahi Adventure Lodge
Hugos Place, Carterton now no longer available.
Nireaha School Lodge near Eketahuna
Fair View near Dalesfield in the Wairarapa.
Some fish caught
Mostly about a trip to the Mohaka River March 2025.
Today, we have a slight southerly here at Paraparaumu.
The sun is shining, and some bushes need uprooting, but where is Maurice?
Maurice, and probably Michael and Bob are busy packing some fishing gear for a trip to the Mohaka River next week.
Team Mid-Week anglers – here we have Bob, Grant, Michael, Maurice, and Lindsay.
Grant is busy somewhere, unable to come along; Lindsay is travelling somewhere towards the bottom part of the South Island, caravanning (and some sneaky fishing, where and when he can).
Scenery photos
My Favourite gear
6lb or 8lb Fluro carbon Neck scarf for summer hanging torch basket for flyline
Neoprene waders Breathable waders Simms Featherweight Wading boots
AirFlow Switch cassette reels Abu Garcia Flymax reel Gortex summer gloves clip-on polarised sunglasses Sunhat with rear flap
Aventik Fishing Vest neoprene wading socks Ankle dive boots (with no-slip soles) Collapsible wading stick
Day backpack Columbia light wading jacket Redington wading jacket
Search and Rescue whistle
Magnetic clip for fishing net and how to wear it.
Measurement attachment to net - Zinger
