No doubt that the last few weeks were productive for those that were prepared to put in the hours and stay on the move and physically hunt the shoals of smelt down.

Some extremely good quality fish have been caught now as they pile on the condition as spawning time approaches. Strait lead lining seems to be one of the most consistent methods at the moment as does traditional harling with 2 – 3 colours of lead in 30 – 40 feet of water and along the drop offs.

The Taupo fishery now enters a bit of a changeover period as we wait with baited breath for the first of the winter runs to start.

We have had small squirts of fresh fish coming in to most rivers.

The Waitahanui has been the first of the Taupo rivers to receive some good numbers of cracking rainbows over the past couple of weeks and is continuing to do so as we speak.

The Hine and the TT have had intermittent small shoals go through but as always at this time of the year you have to be Johnny on the spot as they go through. The Tongariro has had work extended for another week and continues to flow above 50 cumecs.

Fishable yes but a lot of regulars have been fishing the TT until the river drops to an easier flow. We have huge rain forecast this week for the start of May along with some colder weather so we will see if gets things started.

Local stillwaters continue to perform with some excellent back end autumn fishing to be had on Rotoaira and Kuratau lakes.

Otamangakau has had some stunning lumps caught over the past few weeks but has remained hard work for those expecting big numbers.

River mouths should really start to fire up this month as fish start to congregate around the drop offs.

A couple of tips for those who are new to fishing river mouths.

On the shallower river mouths stand well back from the drop off as all you do is push fish out of casting range for yourself and everyone else. If you are fishing at night there is nothing that annoys the locals more than people using torches excessively and pointing bright lights out into the lake.

Use a torch on its dimmest setting, only usit it facing away from the lake and towards the bank. Basically learn to fish without one as much as you can.

We are all hoping we are in for another belter of a Taupo winter season.

Stay safe on the water  and tight lines from the team at Fly & Gun Hunting and Fishing.

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‍Report provided by Hunting & Fishing Taupo

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Get into your Lake Taupo fishing this summer with Fly & Gun Hunting & Fishing Taupo.

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