There has been some big changes to The Tongariro since our last report, with the water finally dropping enough for us to get a better idea of what has happened! The Bain Pool area and lower Tongariro has seen some very drastic shifts with a large section of the island gone, new channels cut and new pools and runs formed. The track down to the Reed Pool has been washed away alongside the Log Pool, and we have had reports that the track from Smallmans Reach to the Reed Pool has been washed away as well so be careful out there until things have settled down as the ground will still be unstable! The Bridge Pool has had some big changes too with a very different looking section of water now replacing the fast chute - it looks like beautiful water to nymph through now so I am sure there will be a few more anglers fishing there from here on out. As for crossing, give it a while until the flow drops and the river clears enough to be able to see into the water safely as no doubt there will be some places that are significantly deeper than they were before the flood came through!
The Tongariro is in absolutely stunning condition now with a flow of 59 cumec at the time of writing - you couldn't ask for better wetlining conditions today! It is shaping up very nicely for the weekend, along with the TT so if there was a weekend to head over to the Central Plateau for a fish I would be picking this one! We have had reports of some great fish heading up the river, there has been an increase in coloured fish getting caught too which was to be expected after the flood having washed the trout upstream back down towards the lake. The Tongariro is still carrying a lot of colour but has around a metre of vis in it and looks bloody outstanding - very hard to come to work and not grab a rod instead!! We have had a massive stock up of bombs, glowbugs, nymphs and streamers so there are plenty of options available for wherever you are heading to - come and see us and we will get you kitted out and ready to get amongst the action!
Connor
