Make the Most of your Fly Fishing in New Zealand

Fly fishing in local Taupo rivers has been getting harder over the last few weeks as we have had no rain and river levels are low and clear.  Our favourite stillwaters have also been low and with extra weed growth.

Rain arrived on Saturday night and while not heavy it has been welcomed by farmers, gardeners and fishermen alike. With luck it may be enough to get some fish moving into rivers such as the Waitahanui.  The Waitahanui already has a number of huge brown trout in it and we have seen other Taupo fishing guides up it as well, but the fishing is challenging as these big fish are very wary and the water is low and clear.

Fly fishing in the Taupo region has been awesome these last weeks and the outlook just gets better with more dry weather on the way and the Passion Hoppers about to start.

Where do we start... The local rivers are fishing well whether you want to stand at a river mouth or scout up the banks.  Big brown trout are in the Tongariro and Waitahanui rivers, although the Waitahanui ones are notoriously spooky this time of year.  You'll need good long leaders up to two rod lengths and size 16 nymphs such as CDCs and Flashbacks.

There have been some good evening rises on the Tongariro, a Sporting Caddis is a good option and you need to wait and watch where the fish are rising before wading in, as often they are right in close in the slower water on the sides of long ripples. The action may only last 20 minutes but it can be fast and furious.

Fly fishing around the Taupo region has been pretty good over the last few weeks and we have been busy guiding and covering alot of water.  Local river mouths such as the Waitahanui have been fishing well during the day and the evening, with some very strong fish taking anglers right to the end of their backing.  Smelt flies are working best such as the local Grey Ghost, Green Orbit and variations of the Parsons Glory fished on a slow sinker or a floating line with a sink tip.

Backcountry streams around the region are fishing well and now is the best time before the fish wise-up to more anglers later in February and March.  Its often good to start with a local fly fishing guide who can save you alot of time by spotting the fish and making sure you have the right gear for the job.  The cicadas are just starting and there have been some good rises although the weather has still be changeable with wind causing a few problems.  The video below shows a great day we had raft fishing earlier in January.

Fly fishing in the Taupo region has been getting better over the last few weeks with more options available including late spawners in the rivers, dry fly rises and smelting trout at the river mouths.  Some great conditioned recovering Rainbow trout are being caught around the lake edges and early Brown trout sre being seen in the rivers.  Lots of recovering Rainbows are around the drop-offs along Lake Taupo and can be caught right throughout the day on a smelt fly, as the photo below shows.

The Tongariro River is still fishing very well, with lots of recovering fish being caught but a remarkable improvement in condition compared to just a couple of weeks ago.  The warm weather has brought on the insect activity which is benefiting the trout.  On a clear day you may see the odd bigger Brownie in the river and with luck even hook one.

We've had a real mix of weather over the last ten days with a warm patch, then a cold snap that ruined my tomatoes, and then the last few days have been awesome with sun and temperatures around Lake Taupo over 20 degrees Celsius. And to top it off Mt Tongariro erupted yesterday creating some spectacular views. This is good for the fishery as the ash helps the aquatic plants grow, creating a boom in insect life for the trout.

If you have the time to pick your days then the fly fishing can be awesome. At the moment there are great options including late spawning Rainbow trout on the Tongariro and Waitahanui, good Stillwater action on Lake Rotoaira, action on the backcountry rivers, and a few dry fly rises!