Winter Taupo Fishing | Karsten Neben from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Taupo
Fishing Taupo in winter often comes with notorious weather conditions. What are some pieces of winter clothing that you would never be without?
First, a high-quality rain jacket is essential. Get the best you can afford. Simms OTC socks and liner socks to keep your feet warm, as well as a quality thermal layer (top and bottom) are also crucial in my opinion. I always keep a spare change of clothes in a dry bag in case I go for an involuntary swim.
What are some of the most productive fly patterns for winter-run fish on the Tongariro and surrounding rivers, and are there any patterns you think people should try more often?
When the season is in full swing caviar is on the menu. If you don't mind fighting dirty - soft eggs or more traditional glo bugs both slay. Especially early morning or when the river is carrying a bit of colour. However, when the fish are fixated on eggs you can fish them all day if you desire.
I fish a lot of small natural nymphs (size #16 & #14 for the trailing fly), especially when the rivers are low and clear. Our rivers are full of caddis, so a caddis fly is a great option any time, but especially after a bit of rain.
For swinging, size #10 woolly buggers & OTB Rene's Skinny Bugger in Olive and Black are a favourite of mine.
The Taupo region is famous for its migratory rainbows. What's your strategy for tracking fresh fish and deciding where to focus your efforts during a winter session?
It varies from system to system. The weather plays a large part - a good fresh, a cold snap and also wind direction can trigger a fresh run. The rivers closer to Taupō tend to fire earlier than those closer to Turangi.
The seasons have become less predictable and more spread out. It can stretch from as early as March right up until December.
First light to early morning I like to focus on the lower parts of rivers, as the day progresses, I may change location and look for good holding water in the middle to upper reaches.
Do you have any tips for anglers who are new to winter fishing in Taupo. Especially when it comes to gear, technique, or timing their trips?
A fast/moderate fast action 9-9'6''#6 or #7 are great options for nymphing/wet lining. The #7 will make easier work of bossing heavy flies around and dealing with wind.
Up-lining (e.g. Putting a #7 line on a #6 rod) can help smooth things out for those struggling to cast heavy rigs.
Don't fish tapered leaders when nymphing, straight 6-8lb fluoro or mono will get your flies in the zone quicker.
Invest in the NZ strike indicator system. You will want the XL tubing for our fishery. The advantage of this system is that you can shift the indicator up and down the trace as needed. The system may be fussier than a clip in but is way more versatile and worth the effort.
Using a lighter weight bomb/attractor fly and adding and removing split shot 6inches above the fly as needed. Rather than fishing one heavy weight for all water types.
Adjusting the distance between the indicator and your weight plus changing the amount of weight to suit the water type is key to success when nymphing.
Euro nymphing is a very effective way of targeting our lake run fish, where getting down to the fish is important. A 10ft four weight is a good option for our winter fishing.
Swinging flies with a switch rod is getting really popular and is a lot of fun for those wanting to try something different.
Interview by Ben Munro
ABOUT THE ANGLER:
Karsten Neben is a Taupo local, trout fishing tragic and expert fly tyer. He currently works at Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Taupo.