Weather: 10.3°C. Fine, with light winds
River Flow: 35.5 m³/s
It’s been a really nice day here in Turangi. We started off with a bit of frost this morning, but it quickly turned into a cracker. Plenty of sunshine, light winds, and overall just great conditions to be out on the river. It got up to around 15°C, and it’s looking like another chilly night ahead with temperatures dropping to about 2°C. Feels like winter has arrived a little early this year.
Things have been a touch quieter in the shop, but we’ve definitely seen a pickup in online orders as people start gearing up for winter. It’s actually a great time to get stuck into tying, getting your egg patterns and other winter flies sorted now will save a lot of hassle later on.
The river had a pretty decent bump last weekend, climbing to around 570 cumecs after some heavy rain. That’s the first proper flood we’ve had since the big ones last year. From what we’re hearing, the lower reaches have taken the biggest hit, with a bit of silt build-up and some noticeable changes, especially down around the end of Grace Road.
On the fishing front, things are sounding really positive. There’s been a good number of fresh fish coming to the net, along with a few recovering fish still in the system. Plenty of browns in the mix as well. The recent rain and cooler temps seem to have kicked things into gear nicely for the start of the winter season.
We’re also starting to see more fish being caught on egg patterns, which is always a pretty good sign that winter isn’t far away.
There are a few things coming up over the next little while that are worth keeping in mind.
Work has started on the new Major Jones Bridge, and the area is temporarily closed while they clear trees for the build. At this stage, we’re expecting that once it’s safe for foot traffic and construction is fully underway, the existing bridge will remain open for use.
Genesis Energy and the recreational release
If you’re planning to get out fishing this weekend, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the flow rates. You can check them on the Genesis Energy website (link below) and stay up to date with any changes. As always, take care when you’re out there. Especially if you’re crossing the river, as conditions can change quickly.
The Tongariro River around the township will often peak at around 60 cumecs during a recreational release, so it’s something to be aware of.
The good news is those higher flows tend to drop away pretty quickly, and we’re expecting things to settle back to more normal levels of around 30–35 cumecs by Sunday.
https://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/about/generation/rivers-lakes-and-rainfall/tongariro-power-scheme
ANZAC Day and weekend shop hours
For those heading out after dawn parades and services this ANZAC Day, we’ll be open from 1pm through to 5pm if you need to grab anything from the shop.
From Sunday onwards, it’ll be back to our usual hours.
Saturday 25th April - 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 26th April - 9:30am - 3pm
Monday 27th April - 8:30am - 5pm
Looking ahead to the coming week, the weather is shaping up nicely. Fine conditions with light winds, although it will stay on the chilly side.
In the shop, we’re slowly stocking up on winter necessities and planning out more gear for the colder months ahead.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page over the coming days as I’ll be sharing some information on popular winter fishing gear such as lines, tippets, flies, and more. If there’s anything you’d like to see covered or have questions about, feel free to flick us an email or give us a call.
I’m hoping to get out for a fish myself this weekend and hopefully get onto a few fresh fish as well.
Have a great weekend everyone, and tight lines!
~ Bluey (Niamh)