FISHING AT TAUPO

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 115, 12 November 1930, Page 12

FISHING AT TAUPO

A GREAT "COME-BACK"

IMPROVED CONDITION

"The rainbow trout at Taupo, both in the lake and in the Tongariro River, have made a great 'come-back' this season," stated' Mr. Frank Dyer, when interviewed by a "Post" reporter as to his impressions on the opening of tho season. Mr. Dyer, who has just returned to Wellington, was in Taupo for the Ist November, and he says that the number of fish caught, and their condition, were better than he has known for many years. Many trawling parties in "launches on the lake got limit bags (fifteen fish per rod per day) and the fly fishermen generally did well also. The improved condition of the fish is attributed very largely, according to the local anglers, to the absence of floods during the winter, and the increased quantity of feed in the rivers and lake. EXCELLENT BAGS. The world-famous Tongariro River, where Mr. Dyer did the most of his fishing, yielded some excMent bags of high quality fish, and it was an exception to get any really "slabby" fish, as has been the rule for several seasons past, though,, of course, some of them had hardly recovered from spawning. Quite a number of ten and twelve pound fish were, reported to have been caught on the opening days of the season. As showing that the fish have done well since last season, large numbers of pound and pound and a half j fish were to.be seen rising in th favourite pools, in the Tongariro; in fact, these, fish were rather a nuisance to the angler, who was after larger game. "I 4 consider Taupo, witii its fishing and other attractions, a great asset to New Zealand," stated Mr. Dyer, "and the Government should continue to do everything possible to keep up the standard of the fish by systematically increasing the' food supply in the rivers and lake." It has been a somewhat late season at Taupo for the blossom on the kowhai trees and broom, but in a week or so the district will be a blaze of yellow. Generally speaking, the^ roads are in good condition, the graders doing excellent work on the pumice country, and many dangerous corners aro being rounded off on the hill roads. Mr. Dyer returned via the Waiouru Desert road, and this, although imimpossible without chains in wet weather, is quite passable when dry. FEATHER AND FUR GAME. Feather and fur game seem to be doing well in the district. Large numbers of quail, grey duck, hares, and rabbits were seen on the drive between Taupo and Tokaanu, but unfortunately those pests of tho sportsman, stoats and weasels, were observed also. Anglers visiting the Tongariro will be pleased to hear that an exceedingly comfortable fishing lodge lias been established r close to the bridge where comfortable accommodation can be obtained, and as this is in tho vicinity of the most favourite water, no doubt it will be largely availed of during the season by fishermen. A post-office and store has been established, the name of the post-office being Turangi. "At Turangi I was pleased to meet the new Government ranger, Mr. MacNamara," stated Mr. Dyer, "and I,consider him to be tho right man in the right place. He is taking a keen interest in.the welfare of the .fish and fishing generally, and is apparently a lover of Nature in tho best sense."