taupo
Notable
Waters: Tongariro and Waitahanui Rivers
This expansive crater lake, together with its inflowing streams
is one of the worlds most outstanding trout fisheries.
The Taupo fishery is an exclusive zone administered by the
Department of Conservation and anglers require a special licence
to fish here.
The fishery includes Lake Taupo and all the rivers and streams
flowing into the lake as well as Lakes Otamangakau, Rotoaira,
Karutau and Moawhango and the Waikato River down to Huka Falls.
Fishing methods tend to reflect seasonal patterns here. Lake
trolling and river mouth fly-fishing are the norm in spring and
summer. By mid-summer warmer water drives the trout deeper and
downriggers and lead lines are needed. When spawning migrations
begin in autumn, anglers revert to fly fishing in the rivers with
weighted flies, and this river running bonanza continues to
September.
The Tongariro is a world-famous river, where trout lurk in deep
water pools, hugging the shadows and eyeing the surface eddies
for passing flies and nymphs. Some of these pools are now the
stuff of legends. The Major Jones, Red Hut, and Hydro pools are
classic fishing spots with well-earned reputations.
Turangi township, situated on the Tongariro River, proclaims
itself as the Trout Fishing Capital of the World. The
town has excellent fishing lodges with facilities for cleaning,
smoking, freezing and vacuum packing. Restaurants will cook your
trout catches for dinner. The Tongariro Trout Hatchery is just
south of the town and has a public underwater viewing chamber.
The Waitahanui is so popular that the solid wall of regular
anglers at the river mouth is known colloquially as The
Picket Fence. The Hinemaiaia stream (also known as the
Hatepe) bustles down through heavy undergrowth and requires
skilful nymphing to lure these vigorous fighting fish and
strike gold. The Tauranga-Taupo River fish respond
well to either nymph or fly lures and especially dry flies in
summer when post-spawning fish become avid feeders.
Guided fly-fishing and lake trolling trips can be arranged with a
number of professional guides in Taupo, Turangi and Poronui
Station. Heli fishing and 4WD trips to remote wilderness rivers
such as the Mohaka, Ngaruroro, Rangitikei and Ripia are also
available.
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