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Its tough out there.
Thu 8th June, 2017
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Another very busy holiday weekend in Turangi and with cold but settled weather the river got its fair share of attention.
The "fishing" had already become a lot more challenging since the last report and with so many anglers out and about it was inevitable that some went away disappointed.
Although fish have been dribbling through, the Tongariro is low and clear and with no big runs yet, fish numbers are still low.
If you look back at reports for the same period over the last couple of years its the"same ole same ole" but things will change by the end of the month ... particularly if we get some rain.
Despite the tough conditions one or two anglers who happened to be right place right time did ok and there have even been a few very good browns caught.
When the runs get underway in earnest we'll forget all about this lean spell and everything will be right with the world once again.
 
As we near the coldest months of the year insect activity will slow right down. And as more and more spawning rainbows enter the river nutrition rich fish eggs will be top of the menu for feeding trout ... globug time!
I've had a couple of sessions lately where I couldn't buy a fish. But when I have hooked up its usually a globug that's done the trick.
It may be winter but with the river low and clear and the fish unsettled and spooky {after the busy weekend} try and lighten things up a bit.
Most will experiment with lower breaking strain tippet and smaller flies. But have a look at your indicator as well...
 
... some of the indicators you see being used on the river could be seen from space.
Not only do they hinder casting but you'll often see fish move out of the way as one of these things drifts towards them.
A lot of them are made of globug yarn and although they're quite buoyant when first treated they very quickly become waterlogged.
A better material to use is Merino wool rovings.
Because its a natural fiber its more resilient than synthetic alternatives and doesn't clog up after being repeatedly combed out. Natural untreated wool has a waxy coating of lanolin which repels water. But even processed wool still retains some of this water resistance. It can also absorb roughly a third of its own weight in moisture and still feel touch dry. This means you can use a much smaller indicator which will float high and dry for a lot longer.
Arbee Merino wool rovings are available from Spotlight and come in over a dozen colors.
A little bit of rain on the cards early next week but whether it will be enough to make any difference we'll have to wait and see. Whatever happens I expect to see a huge improvement by the end of this month if the last few years are anything to go by.
In the meantime wrap up well if you're on the river early because its definitely brass monkey time.
Tight lines
Mike |
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