FISHING THE TONGARIRO REGION
Rainbow trout were introduced to this area about 100 years ago from California, USA. These were of steelhead (sea run rainbow trout) stock and to this day our rainbow trout still retain the magnificent fighting characteristics of their North American forebears.
The life cycle of our Taupo rainbows has remained almost unchanged, as they treat Lake Taupo as a sea, maturing in the lake and running up the rivers only to breed.
It is for this reason we differentiate between Taupo / Tongariro steelhead fishing and traditional trout fishing for resident fish, which live out their whole lives feeding and spawning in one particular watershed. Latest research has shown some fish swim over 3000 kilometers in a year ranging Lake Taupo and following the huge schools of smelt.
The peak fishing months on the Tongariro and the rivers running into the lake are from early May through September with trout averaging 4.5 pounds in weight, although many trout are landed weighing 7 to 9 pounds with the occasional trophy fish exceeding 10 pounds.
BROWN TROUT. Brown trout can also be caught all year round. They are caught in the Tongariro river, and in Lake Otamangakau, and many other rivers in the region. Again fish in excess of 11 pounds can be caught and in the late summer many huge fish are caught often between 6-18lb. Anglers can test thier luck against these monsters anywhere in the river as they are often seen in large numbers especially late in march,april and early may. They are difficult to catch but generally a large olive woolly bugger swung in front of them will eventually provoke a strike. The size and sheer numbers have resulted in a number of anglers targeting these late summer / autumn fish
SPRING, SUMMER, AUTUMN FISHING
October through to May offers excellent nymph and dry fly fishing on nearby streams and lakes for both brown and rainbow trout. Smelting around the lake edge seems to be at its best late November and December. The dry fly action begins about Xmas and builds to a high in February and March as the huge cicada hatches emerge. The stream and river mouths also provide excellent streamer fishing at night during this time but watch for the full moon. Also about mid march the lace moth become quite prolific and on some days good fishing is had using an imitation around the quieter down river stretches.
A very prolific sedge hatch is also on most evenings just before dark although the majority of fish are juveniles making thier way down to Lake Taupo. But there are also some good sized trout feeding in this evening sedge hatch and with some luck you can have an enjoyable evenings fishing.
Although lake Taupo fishes well all year round the best months are October through May and is suitable to even the most inexperienced angler. Many trout are taken either by deep trolling, shallow trolling with fly rods and streamer flies, jigging the deeper water or fly fishing from a boat.
For those anglers who wish to travel light and have not brought their own fishing tackle, waders and rods can be hired from any of the sport shops and most of the professional guides supply rods etc as part of the days fishing.
ROD & LINE. A nine to ten foot rod with #8 weight being the ideal for most Tongariro fishing and #6 weight for spring-summer. We recommend G.Loomis rods for these powerful fish.
UPSTREAM NYMPHING. WF floating line, and indicator. DOWNSTREAM WET FLY; Super fast sinking shooting head.
WADERS. Extremely cold waters make full length neoprene waders a must. You can hire these while here. Some anglers choose to wear thier breathable waders but you will need thermals on underneath as the water is quite cold. During the spring - summer - autumn light weight breathable waders are the norm as temperatures can get as high as 30c+.
LEADER MATERIAL. For the steelhead fishing a straight 10' length of nylon of 10lb (4.5kg) to 6lb (2.8kg). Dry fly and small stream nymphing will require a tapered leader to 4lb (2kg). +
FLIES. For steelhead fishing most use small glo bug nymphs trailed 9" behind a heavy "bomb" fly. If wetfly fishing flies such as the red rabbit, red setter, green woolly bugger and the like. During the summer small nymphs such as hare and copper or the usual range of dry flies. The most effective fly in summer is the Simmons Attractor available at most sports shops or at Online Sports
MISCELLANEOUS. A wide brim, dark coloured hat and Polaroid sun-glasses are recommended for all but night fishing. Or a warm "beanie" type hat during the winter
STRIKE INDICATORS can only be made of yarn and are available everywhere or from Alans Online Sports
WEATHER may become cold and wet. A suitable dull coloured rain coat should be carried.
LICENCES NEEDED FOR NEW ZEALAND. A sports fish and game licence covers all of the fishing districts in New Zealand other than the Taupo district. This areas requires a seperate licence. Fishing Licences are available at all fishing tackle outlets, most motels and lodges, and some petrol stations and dairies.
Live River Flow Data At Turangi Township From Genesis Energy.
Special Introductory Package For Winter Steelhead Anglers from Australia|
7 Days Winter Steelhead Fishing On The Famous Tongariro River.
Did you know that anglers in the Northern hemisphere dream of being able to fish for Steelheads. The reason many don't is that it's simply too expensive or the fisheries are too unproductive. In New Zealand during the winter, steelheads pour up the Tongariro river in vast numbers and you, too, can fish for these at very little expense.
Just dream that you are standing knee deep in a magnificent river ... the water is clear and cool ... white water momentarily floats in the air as the river tumbles from pool to pool. Next to you in the half light of a wilderness daybreak are two more anglers intent also on their
purpose. You look around and marvel at the beauty of ancient wilderness forest, awe at the belching erupting volcanoes boldly filling the landscape. your in heaven and you are only three hours from Sydney/Melbourne/ Brisbane.
How's this for a deal? Riverside accommodation in your own room, meals and full guiding. I'll meet you at Taupo airport and return you. I will even supply the rods and flies. Just imagine inviting your friends around for an evening of smoked steelhead and wine ... and a little boasting.
Wait ... there's more!.. What..Free Steak Knives?... No, just good value!
I'll even pay your Government tax of 15% .. You pay me ... not $7000.00 which is the real cost but ... Aust $2650.00 each person or the same for just "Greedy you" on your own!
Here's the fine print. The trip is for 7 days, In Saturday and out following Saturday. May until November only.
For Australian anglers ONLY. Apart from that, there are no other catches except steelhead trout. And the even smaller print... asaasjjjwewoook ojkijeeee oojkooooo ---....'aaow akakajj