Fishing the Whakapapa

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 28, 8 December 1987, Page 4

Fishing the Whakapapa

Well anglers, I have finally done what you should never do in your fishing lifetime. I went fishing the other night, got down to the river, went to set up the gear and found I had left my fly reel at home. The chap I had fishing with me laughed all the way into the river. He caught four fish, the best being a three and a half pound brown. The moral is check your fishing gear before leaving home. The Whakapapa River is one of the finest fishing rivers in the Central Plateau area. The river drains the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and runs around the western side of the Tongariro State Forest. It runs into the Wanganui at the Island Reserve at Kakahi. With a good map you can see the access roads to the river and if you approach the local farmers they may give you access. But remember they don't have to. If they do

please respect their property and animals. Fishing the Whakapapa River can be done with both fly and spoon. This is an excellent river to stalk the trout, especially the upper reaches above the Piopiotea River which is a bit brackish and colours the Whakapapa slightly. Try to get the sun above you when stalking fish so you don't cast shadows, and tread quietly. Fly fishing with nymphs is productive. A good point to remember is when you get to the river turn over or pick up a few larger stones and you will see what insect life is abundant in the river at that moment. You can then pick the appropriate imitation and start to fish. More about the Whakapapa River next week. So 'tight lines' and remember - be safe around the water ways.

John

Thompson