QUIET ANGLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21769, 7 April 1934, Page 12

QUIET ANGLING

ROTORUA AND TATJPO WEATHER AFFECTS CATCHES 13LB. RAINBOW FROM ROTOITI [by TETjKGUAPH OWN cortrespondent] ROTORUA. Friday Anglers in the Rotorua district experienced a quiet time during the fortnight ended March 31, according to the report of the conservator, Mr. A. Kean. The weather was exceptionally fine for the time of the year, witli the exception of the Waikaremoana area. Very calm periods were experienced, making fishing rather difficult. Lake Rotoiti produced some splendidly-con-ditioned fish, the largest reported being a rainbow of 131b., taken by Mr. Sanders while fly fishing. The largest rainbow reported from Lake Okataina was one of 121b., taken on the fly by Mr. Foolces, of New Plymouth. Some good catches were taken in the vicinity of Mokoia Island, in Lake Rotorua, both on the fly and by trolling parties. The Dogger Bank, in Lako Rotorua, fished well during the southerly weather, and some good catches wore reported by fly fishermen.

The rivers were all low again in the Bay of Plenty area and fish rose well to the dry fly. The largest trout reported from this area was taken from the Tarawera by Mr. Dockray and weighed 71b. The few anglers who had fished in the Waikato between Huka Falls, Wairakei and a mile or so below the Aratiatia Rapids, had good sport. Two rods % fishing above the Aratiatia Rapids took 19 trout on the fly during one day, the average being 31b,. and the^largest fish 51b. Mr. Fuljames landed two limits when fly fishing in the Waikato near Rotokaua. Mr. Pye had good dry fly fishing below the Huka Falls. Weather conditions were unfavourable at. Waikaremoana, where rain and strong easterly winds were experienced. There was a good number of anglers out, hut few met with much success. Reports from the Tokaanu and Taupo districts state that, generally, fishing was very difficult. The Delta had again fished rather well, particularly the outlet nearest Tokaanu. The fish taken there were in good condition and many fine specimens between 71b. and 91b. were accounted for.

Dry fly fishing in the Tongariro River was becoming popular and anglers adopting this method of fishing had good sport. Captain Bichardson was among the most successful and landed six to eight fish daily. There were fair numbers of fresh-run fish in the Tongariro, but they were difficult to take owing to the lowness of the river. Rain was badly needed and until such time as freshes occurred fishing would continue to be hard.

Anglers fly fishing on the western side of the lake took many good-condi-tioned rainbow at Kawakawa, Whakaipo and other bays. Several goitl catches were reported from the mouths of the Hatepe and Waitahaimi, but, generally speaking, these rivers were quiet. The largest rainbow taken in the Waitakanui River was one of lOilb.