It was Sunday and I thought I better get back to the Lake Aniwhenua flats before the week of wind and rain starts. I knew it would be my last chance of the season.
Jack and came by the day before. We checked out the falls and the Barrell; that is a place below the dam where trout congregate after being washed over the dam in flood. They were running a lot of water over the dam, I suspect, in anticipation of the weather forecast. So there was no fishing to be had there. The wind was already blowing so we took a drive into the Waikite Valley. Jack had never seen Lake Ngapouri or the others in the area, so we went for a drive.
We had a play at Ngapouri and almost landed a couple of fish. We had lunch at the Waiotapu Tavern then had a look at the other lakes, Ngaewa, Okaro and Rerewhakaaitu. They were all pretty windy so we wandered back towards home. Matahina was still and calm but we had been on the road for hours and decided to give it a miss. It was a great day, nonetheless.
So I set off on my own as Jack was away. Dan bailed out and Steve was busy butchering deer. I was pretty happy to do a solo mission. Conditions were perfect. Watch the video. I caught trout on nine new patterns; I am making a strong argument that you can catch a trout on pretty much any fly you like. I spent three hours on the water. I left because the wind came up. I pity the fools who have to fish in those conditions. Yes, I was quoting Mr. T.
What a great session! By the time I got home, the storm had struck. I am really happy to have what was likely the last fish of the season. We are in full flood again now.
