Rotorua - May 2010

Drought has its effect

The Ngongotaha has been low and clear, so fishing is tough work; the stream mouth has been more forgiving, particularly in the evening.

This trend is likely to continue, with some of the smaller streams worth a go; the Waingaehe and Waiowhero fish well at this time of the season.

Trolling has focused on runs off the stream mouths at Ngongotaha, Waiteti and the Ohau Channel. Fly fishing below the weir typically produces some very large fish until it closes at the end of June.
Okataina is providing some good fish to jiggers off the Log Pool, as the trout are bunched off the drop-off. Rain is required to bring them in reach of the fly-fishers.

The same can be said for main beach, where the low lake level is not helping a great deal. When the rain does arrive, Rayners One and Two, the Log Pool and the left-hand end of the main beach should all come on.

Rotoiti continues to be mixed. While there have been plenty of anglers jigging, trolling is still producing the most fish. Green-gold and ‘Clown’ have been the best colours. The best of the fishing has been off Hinehopu, with boats jigging in close as the fish are sitting in tight.

The Pipe should produce the best of the early fly fishing as these fish move into the beach. Ruato has been strangely quiet though it is bound to attract plenty of attention. The bigger stream mouths, such as Wai-iti, should be a good option if the rain stays away. A Doll Fly followed by a dark marabou pattern fished on a floating line is a good starting point in these places.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu has been consistent throughout the season. The shallow, weed-fringed shoreline is ideally suited to fly fishing. The Homestead Arm has been most popular. Small smelt patterns have worked best, particularly when fished to visible trout. Dragonfly nymphs or Woolly Buggers, fished blind, are often successful.

While most of the anglers head for Rotoiti, some of the best early season action happens on the smaller lakes. Lake Rotoma, off Manawahe Road, Okareka at Boyes Beach or the Ski Club, or Tikitapu on the western side of the boat ramp, all fish well – and you may have them to yourself!

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