Tongariro River Flow: 27.7m3/sec Weather: Raaaiiiin!! Yippie!!
Yes, we have rain! Sorely needed as the rivers have been low for quite some time, so this fresh should see a good run of chrome fish making way into the system now. If you are in town don't delay, put your rain jacket on and get out there right now as there should be some great trout spey/streamer action happening. Gathering data from various weather sites indicate this rain will continue through to Thursday seeing it clear by Friday which means there should be great fishing by the weekend!
I took some time to enjoy the Tongariro with Claudio on Sunday, and with Rosie on Monday, each session with an indicator nymph set up.
We found fresh fish which were mostly hens, others starting to show their spawning colours and were all holding in both pools and riffles. Most fish were in good condition, and all provided lots of fun for us - Rosie especially who had a few peeling line and taking her for a run 🏃♀️
I was excited to see so many birds about with the sporadic mayfly and caddis hatch, often swooping down towards the water feeding on the insects. There was the odd juvenile fish rising which is a lot of fun to watch and target with the dry, but I opted to use a home tied soft-hackled caddis nymph and allowed these to be swung on the end of each drift which was super effective in attracting the larger fish.