Central North Island - Freshwater

fishing report

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Freshwater Central North Island
Note: If map is showing it is created by LINZ / New Zealand Hydrographic Authority and made available by Creative Commons 3.0. Maps should not be used for navigation

It’s July and finally Taupo has received some much-needed rain and cold!! The last few days of June saw the rivers have their first real “flush” of the season, and thankfully the rivers responded accordingly. The fishing over the last few days coming into July has been nothing short of outstanding both in numbers and in quality and size of fish.

The Hinemaiaia River has been the focus over the last few weeks as this river traditionally has the first of the main runs. This has certainly been the case over the past few weeks and despite the low and clear conditions the fishing has been very consistent.

Egg patterns and the new “slushies” have been the main killers for those lucky enough to intercept the silver bars coming into this system.

Further upstream a mixture of naturals such as caddis, GB PT and the cheq style flies have been going very well. As the “Hine” starts to peak over July the other rivers such as the Tauranga Taupo and Tongariro should really start to fire in earnest. Once again eggs and slushies along with a heavy bomb will do the damage.

Wet lining on these two rivers is becoming increasingly popular once again particularly the “trout spey” style of outfits which are not only proving very effective but are extremely addictive, a lot of fun, and easy to use.

The hits on the wetline is what it is all about and as such it would have to be the most enjoyable method over winter.

Czech nymphing the winter runs without a doubt is the fastest growing aspect to nymph fishing as it is devastatingly efficient in the right hands and more and more Euro style gear is becoming available to us anglers all the time as its popularity explodes.

Please note that there are quite strict rulings over the euro style set up both in the Taupo District and Fish & Game areas so ensure you are aware of the rules surrounding the method.  Come and have a chat to us in store if you want to know more about this.

Looking forward through July I hope to start getting further afield onto the Tauranga Taupo and Tongariro rivers as for me its “spey time” and so much fun.

If the weather continues to play ball I predict another stunning winter here in Taupo, as good if not better than last year and that’s saying something!!

As the rivers get busy remember the rules and etiquette on the river as bad manners can spoil everyone’s day. If you are not sure of the situation then please just simply ask, say good morning and you will find that most anglers really appreciate this and are usually very helpful

Fishing on the lake is now in full winter mode. The key to fishing on the lake at this time of the year is staying on the move and trying different depths, different colours.

The fish are out there and some are in cracking condition so it is always worth the effort.

Harling can be good at the legal river mouth boundaries especially early morning. Green Orbits, Olive Wooly Buggers and various Rabbit flies will do the damage.

Call into the shop, say hi, and get the latest info.

Stay safe, enjoy the winter conditions, and tight lines from the Fly & Gun team

Report provided by Hunting & Fishing Taupo

Get into your Lake Taupo fishing this summer with Fly & Gun Hunting & Fishing Taupo.

We all hunt and fish locally so come in and say hello and get the good oil!!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/HuntFishTaupo/

PH: 07-378 4449

E: taupo@huntfish.co.nz

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