***Sporting Life will be up and running from 8.30am Easter Monday so come on in and let us keep you geared up***
***We have a flybox handed in found in the lower river, if this be yours drop us an an email sport.life@xtra.co.nz or ring 07 3868996***
It's been a whirlwind of activity in the shop over the last three days with plenty of folk now spending quality time here in Turangi for the Easter and school holidays. Friday was steady and gave us time to prepare the shop with all the goodies. Saturday was very busy with our regulars coming through town and it's been terrific to see so many new folk who have fallen under the spell of Lake Taupo and Tongariro River. The weather has played the game with stunningly sunny days and generally calm days. Today was more of the same but with a bit more breeze that drove some of the boaties home early. The trees around town have really started to turn on the rusty colour of Autumn and the arduous chore of racking the falling leaves will be here for a few weeks weeks yet.
With more boat anglers out on the lake reports of fish have trickled in, early starts parking up at the Tongariro Delta or trolling the shores has been productive with some nice conditioned Rainbows hitting the deck. A change to deep trolling with a downrigger or jigging during the day in 40 - 60m has seen a few silver thumpers make it home to be smoked up. Pink hued Tassie Devils and green Tobys have been popular.
There has been extra pressure on the rivers and streams but moving around to find some quiet spots has rewarded those willing to change their approach. This could be as simple as changing the leader length but do consider the size and weight of the nymphs being used as this can make all the difference. In the low 20.4cumec flow of the Tongariro sticking with a selection of natural nymphs will always find some willing fish to have a lash. Now that we have shorter days with us nymphing an egg pattern in the early morning or late afternoon can get it done.
For those out for a swing with sinking lines the good old Olive Woolly Bugger has been getting some thumping Rainbows to hand. Although not in huge numbers yet it is pleasing to see these fish make an appearance. It's still early days with plenty of season to go yet but with some rain due mid week there is a good chance more of these chromers could be with us later in the week......just in time for the coming ANZAC day weekend.
There has been contests with some nice conditioned Brown Trout reported with battles won and lost. It's been a fantastic season for these brawlers and as we get past the current full moon the night fishing should pick again. If hitting the river at night isn't your thing then a session at one of the stream mouths swinging a bright lumo fly in the rip can fill in an evening.
Brent is here with his mate Ian and they have hit the Tongariro running, some nice Rainbow been nymphed up and Ian has the first Brown Trout added to the tally.
We enjoy seeing victory photos so send them into us at sport.life@xtra.co.nz