Central North Island - Freshwater
fishing report
April 27, 2023
November 3, 2022
November can be a transitional period for the great lake and the surrounding river systems. A definite change to warmer water and later evenings means more time on the water. Harlers and lead-liners are enjoying more action as fish re-enter the lake to put condition back on after the arduous winter.
Mornings are best in around 20-30 feet of water, one or two colours of lead, and green orbits, woolly buggers, and various shades of rabbit flies doing the damage.
Jigging continues to be a bit hit and miss until the thermocline starts to appear.
Those that have been successful are finding fish quite deep at around 45-55 meters feeding hard on koura so big green rabbits and woolly buggers along with the Z-Man TRD Craws working well.
The most consistent method on the lake continues to be the traditional lead line and downrigger fishing at various depths. With these methods you can cover a lot of ground and hunt out where the fish are. Expect a pretty mixed bag of conditioned fish as we head into summer.
Local fly fishing is also going through a transitional period and as the weather warms expect to find more fish in riffle type water. Dry/dropper and nymphing with smaller indicators, lighter leaders, and natural patterns will be required to stay in the game.
The Tongariro has got very little angler traffic on it, and a couple of hours nymphing with small naturals can still turn up some nice conditioned fish such as the lovely rainbow jack pictured.
Without heavy angler pressure the Tongariro is a bit more relaxing to fish, and still a magnificent place to be even when the fishing is a bit tougher.
The evening rise can be good through November on most of the local rivers and mayfly and caddis hatches can be prolific.
It’s a great way to spend an hour or two on a warm evening as the sun goes down.
Local back country rivers such as the Mohaka, Waipunga, Whakapapa and the Whanganui will all be firing through November as invertebrate activity increases and trout start to really feed hard out in the riffles and seams.
Local lakes will also start to fish more consistently through November and December as the water temperatures start to rise.
Beatles will make an appearance this month as the first terrestrials of the summer. These can provide great dry fly sport on the lakes on a windy day.
All in all it is looking to be a great summer out there and hopefully will be a repeat of the fantastic last year. Top that off with a full on cicada season and the fly fisher will be in for a cracker.
Please note that if you are fishing Lake Otamangakau this year there have been significant rule changes this season especially concerning the size of trout that can be taken. A few anglers have already been caught out by rangers so please take time to read the new rules.
Here’s to another fantastic summer in stunning Taupo.
Tight lines from the team and Fly & Gun Hunting and Fishing :-)
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