New Zealand
Ist December

This is the first of many (I hope) of my reports for World Wide Webbs Fishing Adventures.

As John mentioned in the Nov 6th page, we had a three night stopover in Fiji. Unfortunately there was not enough time to (a) obtain some flies and (b) find an area suitable, although around the coast where we were looked promising. The area is called the Coral Coast, and is dominated by a reef about half a mile out to sea leaving shallow flats all the way to the beach.

Although I didn't fish it we did get to snorkel and saw many colourful fish including some amazing bright blue star fish, and gigantic sea slugs up to 1.5 m long. After another 12- hour flight we arrived in Aukland, where a car was duly hired for about six weeks, while we are on the North Island. Cost approximately $8 per day. Aukland is a nice city, but not being too fond of cities it was quickly off to Rotorua once we had booked our flight to the South Island for the 10 Jan.

The River Hinemaiaia, Taupo

Arriving in Rotorua we found some accommodation by a river close to the mouth where it entered the lake. The first day or so was spent sight-seeing and acquiring a fishing licence. Unfortunately the upper reaches of the river were not yet open for fishing but would be in a few days. Fishing was allowed in the lake and river mouths. I did two short sessions from the bank by the campsite, but failed to catch although the locals I met there suffered the same fate.

Apparently anytime now the browns start to run the river and double figure fish are not rare. I did see one jump just yards from the bank, estimated at about 8 lbs. All the rivers that run into Rotorua are small, in fact they are not even called rivers but streams. We walked one of the best streams before the season started and spotted a number of rainbows, some of which were still spawning. Access was difficult due to thick undergrowth and high banks, wading was essential. Also certain areas are private and permission to cross land is required.

Our time in Rotorua was hampered at times by bad weather mainly gale force winds - not the best for fly fishing! A move was imminent so we headed south to Taupo about an hour and quarter hours drive on mostly empty roads. We quickly found accommodation about a mile out of town, then popped to the shops for provisions. It rained most of the journey here, but dried up for the afternoon. After visiting the Internet cafe and a tackle shop whose owner advised me about a nearby river where I could fish.... we took a 15 min drive to find it.

MY GOD it was beautiful!!! in a wooded ravine with a road access all along the fishable stretch. The name of the river is the Hinemaiaia (THIS IS NOT A SPELLING MISTAKE).

My first New Zealand fish, a beautiful rainbow of about 3½ lb from the Hinemaiaia

One look was all I needed, so quickly drove back to the shop to purchase a licence and some flies Within an hour I was back on the river along with Barbara who came as official photographer. By the time we returned there were more anglers there... so it took some time to find an area where I didn't need waders.... It was difficult!!! One of my biggest mistakes was I didn't bring my waders. Before leaving the UK John lent me his copy of Trout & Salmon - in it was an article about fishing in NZ. The writer recommended NOT to bring waders. WRONG!!!!!! Eventually after walking the river I found a small area on a gravel spit that I fancied and could cast from.

The technique was rather like Czech nymphing but on a larger scale. Heavy nymph on the point, unweighted nymph on the first dropper and an egg fly on

the top dropper. Bite indication by a large piece of treated yarn attached to the loop at the end of the fly line. Second cast I hooked..... and landed a brightly coloured rainbow of about three and a half pounds. Modest by NZ standards, but to say I was pleased was an understatement.

Shortly afterwards I hooked another of similar proportions but lost it soon after hooking. I fished this spot for about another hour, but satisfied, packed up and headed back for a bite to eat. One thing I know is that I will have to purchase some cheap waders.

On the way back I stopped at another little river for a quick look and spooked a rainbow as I crossed a little wooden bridge, this must have been about six pounds plus. Will have to try this place as well.

JUL