Lake Rotoiti Harling
LAKE ROTOITI & LAKE OKATAINA End of Season Early Morning Action Toward... More →
For a successful and enjoyable trout fishing experience your Tongariro fishing gear & methods and fishing location should be chosen based on a combination of factors. Consider your angling ability, the method of fishing you have chosen, the time of year, weather conditions, and the nature of experience you are seeking. Other sections of this site have information about online resources for locations & access, fly fishing reports or consider hiring a fly fishing guide.
If possible it is best to give yourself 4-5 days to fish the region as this allows you the opportunity to adjust to local conditions for greatest success, and to sample the diverse range of angling experiences on offer. For the walking angler there is fine fishing right in town, while a car or boat opens up many further opportunities within a one-hour drive from Riverstone Lodge & Backpackers.
The standard method in winter is to use a 8-9 weight rod and fly line to fish a wet fly on a sinking line downstream, or cast one (usually heavily weighted) nymph and one unweighted, upstream with a floating line and 8-12ft leader. For the more experienced angler a 6-weight would be fine in most conditions.
During summer when the flow of the rivers are lower and insect life more prolific anglers using a 6-weight set-up will experience good caddis nymph, mayfly, cicada and green beetle dry fly fishing. From October 1st each year the ‘back country’ rivers open for angling, offering sensational fishing in beautiful surroundings.
In the winter either neoprene (thermal) or breathable waders are suitable, with the breathable version recommended for any longer walks. The breathable waders are also useful in summer though often the more practical option – particularly on ‘back country’ rivers where the terrain can lay waste to expensive waders – is a pair of short trousers over polypropylene (thermal) leggings, with a neoprene stocking boot and the usual wading boots. Wading boots with cleats are strongly recommended, although as you seldom walk far in neoprene waders, no cleats are often fine.
Apart from choosing the right location and ‘reading’ the water – which are predominantly gained from experience – the next most important factor in your success may be what happens with the last 10-20ft of your line & leader – the tip of the fly line, the nylon or fluorocarbon leader, the indicator (if any) and the fly (or flies). Here are some general guidelines of whats often worked for us:
Spin fishing may be the best option for the inexperienced angler as it is much faster to learn to cast a reasonable distance than with a fly rod. Most spin fisher’s use a weighted lure cast from the shore which are retrieved after the lure has sunk to the desired depth. A black toby, fly and lead split shot or especially small Rapala lures are recommended. Lake Otamangakau is a scenic option with fish which average 5-6lb but with over 10lb possible.
LAKE ROTOITI & LAKE OKATAINA End of Season Early Morning Action Toward... More →
Guided Fly fishing service available...