Tongariro WINTER Fly Fishing | Info & Tips

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

I have Merch now, check it out www.crazyaboutflyfishing.com/shop

[@johnshand6176]

I've been fishing those familiar places for over 50 years so your video was a real journey into past good times. I think you gave a great insight into the river and its intricacies. Your enthusiasm and sharing of knowledge are highly commendable. I will make a point of visiting the outlet later in the year. Regards from Gisborne.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks John, your comments are much appreciated and it makes me happy to hear that you enjoy my content and that it brings back memories. That's the reason I enjoy making these videos and hope to bring many more in the future.

[@HighcountryFlylife]

Nice informative video and camera shots as always. Tongariro is one heck of a river. Interesting hearing you talk about the safety measures for river crossing especially big rivers such as these. I've seen people hesitate when deciding on the cross. I always believe anybody out there that feels a tad uncertain about crossing a stretch of river. Do not cross if they are not confident in doing so, ya can't be in two minds in the middle of these waters. It will own you for sure. Wading belts are a must, a wading stick as you mentioned also is a pretty handy tool also. Great vid

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks. I definitely agree, if in doubt don't cross. A whitewater kayaker once told me some stories of how easily things can go wrong even in very small water.

[@HighcountryFlylife]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing yep and that kayaker would be correct. The bottom line is you only have to be in less than waist high deep water to drown, the current is generally sufficient enough to sweep you down to where there would be a rather deep pocket on the stream even in small water. Keep up the great videos Johan 👌 Now we are on the subject, up to yourself but a video you may or not wanna do some time is maybe a three point lesson on just about river crossing. The Dos and Don'ts and what you must have etc. Especially for those out there for people that do fear crossing uneasy water. It would be good to see

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

@@HighcountryFlylife It's been something I am keen to do but I want to involve a qualified person or organization to give the best advice and info. Maybe mountain safety council or something like that. Not sure who does that sort of thing.

[@HighcountryFlylife]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing That's the one, Mountain Safety Council New Zealand. There head quarters is in Wellington. But they are the only highly qualified outfit here, that specialist in all, what we have talked about. You can talk to them and you could T up a little video with somebody there no doubt, especially if your advertising them. Win win really, kinda like a paid promotion kind of thing. See how you go.

[@balbirg3]

So so helplful and so clear!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, this is definitely a go to video for FF in NZ!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thank you 😊

[@timkeir6467]

Nice birdsong as well

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Ah yes, I have been working on making the videos sound better too, not just look better. Good to know you noticed.

[@balbirg3]

OMG That music is so catchy!!! I have it in my head now! 6:41

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Haha good to know.

[@Pete-z6e]

Great! Standing room only, brilliant.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Haha that's the case on this river in peak times for sure but I find if I keep moving and look for little hidden spots I always find somewhere to myself. There is plenty of water. Can't wait for summer though, cold and lots of people isn't my favorite fishing experience 🤣

[@seafly845]

Thanks for a very informative video again. I especially enjoyed seeing the shop in Turangi-been there so often but I have never been to the shop. Also, good to see aerial coverage of the river and the access maps. Well done, please keep it up.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks, I'm happy to hear that. I'll try my best to keep them coming.

[@sydneyfishingstory]

I like your Video Nice Video very good fishing

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thank you, that is great to hear

[@timkeir6467]

Great Johan ,wonderfull info and the lower parts look more inviting for old codgers like me.Cheers Tim

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks Tim, I enjoy the scenery up the top but I get pretty knackered after a day of boulder hopping and wading and seem to always catch more fish in the lower parts.

[@craigbooker1503]

Hi Johan I have seen you Czech this section of the Tongariro before landing a lot of trout so does conventional Up Stream Nymphing work just as well. Cheers Craig.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Yes, I find both work well when the fish are active, the Czech style seems to outperform indicator nymphing when it's a bit tougher. I think it's just more sensitive so you miss fewer of the subtle takes.

[@craigbooker1503]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing True mate hence the suple line. A few of the members from the CHB Anglers Club went up to Turangi the other weekend and was a very hard day at the office. How they put it !!! Murphy's Law go Home Monday morning and a few silver bullet have come through the system over night as the beromitre dropped the night before. Interesting on the Sunday Sage was doing a clinic on the Stag Pool for ESN guys n girls would love to be able to just be a fly on the wall aye or the (Bank) Really enjoyed watching your HOW 2 VIDEOS ON CZECH NYMPHING Johan cause have had my 4 weight 10 ft Airflow for a bit but am going to be giving the Waipawa and Tuki Tuk rivers a hard time now. Cheers Craig.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Ah it's been years since I fished the Tuki Tuk. I really want to do a few days over in HB next summer. So much water, so little time. Let me know how it goes.

[@craigbooker1503]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing I will. It really makes me think aye when I meet other people fly fishing the Waipawa River & they ask where I live. Answer ! Like 200 meters up the road when they have come up from Masteron or something. But I will let you know how I get on with the Contact nymphing in both rivers. Take care my friend all the very best. Craig.

[@TaupoTroutSlayer]

Thanks - another great video

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thank you very much

[@haydenstewart1659]

Great work Johan. There is certainly a lot of opportunity on the tongariro outside of the main pools if you are prepared to mix it up abit and seek them out.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks Hayden, I find it really rewarding to find little hidden spots that produce. The big pools are great when they are firing but it can become a bit tedious. So much more of the river I am yet to explore fully as well. I really don't know the stretch above the hydro and the upper river very well at all. I'll have to make a point of exploring it a bit more.

[@haydenstewart1659]

Yea, I find it easy to get in the trap of going to the same old spot because of time restraints, so am now making the effort to explore and see what happens. Sometimes it works out sometimes not but that can also happen in those 'go to' areas. Like you say, there is so much water to explore.

[@FishoDavo]

Great video to watch Johan, thanks!!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Awesome thank mate 👍

[@AboveWorryLevelFlyFishing]

Very cool/ informative clip Johan.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks Chris, will be down again soon. Should try to catch up.

[@AboveWorryLevelFlyFishing]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing I'm keen on catching up anytime you are around. I think the runs this year are going to stretch out. We should try to do an access 10 trip in December!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

I guess we'll be floating it? I'm 150% in!

[@AboveWorryLevelFlyFishing]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing Yep - as long as you want to take a chance with me on the oars!!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

@@AboveWorryLevelFlyFishing haha I'll risk it.

[@lukeswart943]

Awesome video Johan! Jou videos raak net beter. Sal love om jou te join een of ander tyd. Ek's in Nelson. Laat weet as jy hier rond is!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Baie dankie Luke, hopelik maak ek dit die komended somer tot in die SI. Sal like om 'n bietjie die kingfish in Golden Bay te gaan aanvat asook die riviere in die omgewing.

[@11happychap]

Great tips thanks for sharing.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks very much, hope you found some useful info

[@11happychap]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing I did especially about the wading across the river. Many times I have carefully backed out after getting spooked by the power of the big T. I also wear a PFD fishing vest just in case.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

@@11happychap The PFD is a great idea and you get some very comfortable ones these days.

[@Analyse_US]

Great informative video. Has inspired me to explore some different parts of the river.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

That''s awesome. I hope you find plenty of hidden gems. It pays to study the google maps satellite images and look for good spots there, especially potential side channels.

[@Analyse_US]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing thanks for the tips. BTW worth looking at Land Information NZ aerial imagery - its often better than google. Link here : data.linz.govt.nz/search/?q=turangi&mt=New%20Zealand%20Aerial%20Imagery&lpw=650&cv=1&z=20&c=-38.98565%2C175.81876&e=0&al=m just click on the aerial option rather than satelite.

[@Analyse_US]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing thanks for the tips. BTW worth looking at Land Information NZ aerial imagery - its often better than google. Link here : data.linz.govt.nz/x/svgkg5

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

@@Analyse_US awesome thanks that will be useful

[@TriggeredFishing_NZ]

Great video I’ll check out your merchandise

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thank you very much, I hope you find something you like and let me know if there is something that isn't there you might be keen on. I am still looking at things to add

[@schmoonkie]

Thanks much for posting. This was a very informative video. I've been seriously thinking of visiting NZ and trying out some of the rivers I've learned about from you and some other locals. This year I'll spend 6 weeks fishing in Montana. Next March it's Argentina to catch some Golden Dorados. After that it's NZ.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Your Montana and Argentina trips should be amazing too. Would love to do both one day. Keep in touch when you come to New Zealand would be great to catch up for a flick if you are in the area. Hopefully I will get down to the South Island to film some content there this summer too. Have a bunch of fun stuff planned for next summer but for now it's the winter runs that will keep us entertained here.

[@schmoonkie]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing I sent you a message from through Facebook. Hooking up sounds great. I thought about just heading down to NZ for a few weeks or a month or two and visit various rivers. Perhaps one trip to the North Island and one to the South. My wife, a very wise woman, never stands in my way of fishing... :-)

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Great, the longer the better I say, a lot of water in both Islands to explore.

[@DiveBuddy]

Great video with interesting information. Thanks for the comment on my clownfish video on Blackbox short. Of course liked and subscribed. Thanks Klemens

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks Klemens glad you enjoyed it and good to have another BB'r around. Johan

[@michaelmckenna14]

Great video mate, only winter trout fishing we get in Scotland is stocked triploids in the lochs. Was curious if u could possibly make a sort of tip video for better fishing videos for beginners like myself. I can edit together the good parts easy enough but wouldn't mind any advice. Looking forward to ur next video.

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Thanks very much. We are lucky here with the winter fishing we have. Flick me and email at [e-mail] and I'll be happy to share some tips on the video front. Can even do a zoom chat or something if you would like to.

[@michaelgough9256]

Great video. What setup do you recommend and flatline size and type? Many thanks

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Hi Michael, what type of fly fishing are you keen to do. Nymphing with an indicator rig, euro nymphing and swinging streamers are all popular methods and require different setups. For nymphing a 6 to 8wt setup with a weight forward floating line is ideal while for euro nymphing a 10ft 3 or 4wt dedicated euro nymphing rod with a euro line and leader setup works very will. For swinging flies we have great success with skagit lines and sink tips on both single and double handed rods with woolly buggers and intruders. I have links to my favorite setups in the description of the video. Hope that helps.

[@TaupoTroutSlayer]

Checked out the cocoons in Turangi - Do yours fit snuggly over your glasses or is there a bit of wiggle room?

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Smug as a bug in a rug. Good chatting about it yesterday. Let me know if you need any more info.

[@TaupoTroutSlayer]

Are those glasses Polaroids that go over your normal glasses? If so where can I get a pair ? :)

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

They are indeed polarised fitovers. These ones are cocoons which I picked up from sporting life in Turangi. Don't know who else sells this brand. I love fly fishing sell a few options as well.

[@TaupoTroutSlayer]

@@CrazyAboutFlyFishing Thanks will check the store out mid July.

[@ordinaryfishingdad]

where is the "braided section"?

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

It's pretty much gone after last years floods. Was opposite the grace road carpark. Very different now.