It has been a great week for fishing out in the Taupo district and a good kick start to the school holidays with both the lake and rivers producing consistent catches.
Harling has been very good out on the lake with the Five mile bay and Waitahanui Bay areas producing good quality fish. Any time of day has been great as the water temperature is considerably cold at this time of year. Top flies have been the Green Orbit and Yellow Lady in size #2 as well as the Fluoro Orange Cobra when the conditions have been overcast.
Deeper methods such as trolling and jigging have been a little slow over the past couple of weeks as the fish tend to be more spread out due to the cold water so it pays to move around more instead of keeping to one area.
A little tougher out on the rivers this week due to a lack of rain with the water being clear and the fish becoming a bit more selective. In the Tongariro anglers have had to adopt summer fishing techniques again by using lighter, longer leaders and smaller flies in the #14 to #16 range as the water clarity has improved. Flies such as green caddis and Quasimodo Pheasant tail used in conjunction with a heavy tungsten bead bomb have been doing the damage. Still, good reports of large browns have been coming through although they have been a little skinny at this time of year due to the rigors of spawning. It is a good idea to release these fish as they are not the best eating and will likely become an absolute monster for a lucky individual next season.
The Hinemaiaia River has slowed up a little however a small run of fresh rainbows at the beginning of the week provided great sport for those anglers that stuck around in the afternoon. The Tauranga-Taupo River has been patchy to say the least with the wet liners having the best sport. Small olive Woolly buggers around sizes #8 to #10 on a fast sinking line are doing the trick. Often when the fishing is quiet it is best to try out the wet line to induce a strike. Consequently anglers will often entice the “local thug” with a well presented wet fly, as these fish tend to be rather territorial.
River mouth fishing has improved this week with the “Picket fence” getting some steady results particularly at the change of light around dusk. A fast sinking line with a Heave and Leave or Booby pattern should bring you some success.
Remember it is now the school holidays and the rivers will be busy so be patient and take care out there. Good luck and happy fishing.
James Clarke
Fly and Gun Taupo |
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