Weather: Morning fog, clearing and sunny later on.
The last few days have presented a drop in overnight temperatures as we progress into the true winter fishing here on the central plateau. The Tongariro has plenty of fresh fish around but maybe not quite what could've been expected given the temp drops and elevated river levels. Perhaps it was the full moon? Being the first on the water in the morning seems to be a good way to be successful, with fish moving through overnight as is often the case. However rivers like the TT and the Hinemaiaia have had good numbers of fish coming through especially when you time it right and come across a pod of running fish. Some of my go to nymphing flies lately include bigger orange bead bombs like the Sunny Side Up in a size #10 and the Gummers Carpet Caddis is becoming a Tongariro staple as well.
I recently went for a fish on a smaller Taupo river at the crack of dawn before work and got into plenty of fish during a small 2-hour window. If you're willing to learn these fisheries and enjoy more close quarters technical fishing, they can be a lot of fun. If you can time it right with rain etc, they can be home to substantial fish numbers.
***A reminder that the new season licences for the 2024 / 2025 season starting on the 1st of July here in Taupo are now available online on the DOC website. Make sure you get yours before the new season sneaks up on you, don't get caught out on the water!***
