Lake Aniwhenua Trip Report – September 2003 By Derek Burtenshaw

The weather really had been atrocious all week. Rain and wind had been forecast for the weekend and I even had been putting contingency plans in place, just in case it all turned to ‘custard’. The promise of sight fishing to tailing browns was diminishing with every downpour and Joan Ryder even advised everyone to pack a spinning rod!

A lot of us set of on the Friday morning, boats in tow and chilly bins full. As we travelled further from Hamilton, so the weather seemed to improve, sunshine was even appearing through the clouds. Joan and Graeme warmly greeted us all and were proud to show of their recent improvements to the lodge. Sure they aren’t quite finished, but what a transformation. Lots more showers and toilets – always a priority with a large group. The new lounge and kitchen facilities are nearly completed and there is now a huge decking leading down towards the new gardens and finally the view of the lake. (Can’ t wait to return early next year to take full advantage of the new facilities) For all those members who entertain overseas visitors, especially anglers, then definitely include this venue on your itinerary. I’ m sure your visitors will be duly impressed and the tranquillity of the spot is something they won’t forget.

As we put the boat in the water at the ramp and unable to see your feet from just past your knees, it became pretty obvious that it would be difficult fishing for that afternoon anyhow. So it proved for the next few hours, trying lots of different methods in locations in between the weed beds. Sure the odd fish was caught, but the highlight was the improving weather. The troops finally all arrived and we all gathered to sort out tactics for the next day. We had a number of boats who were willing to take out new partners, the float tubes were all pumped up and kayaks were at the ready and a number, including myself who wanted to get up early and chase those elusive brown trout around the edges.

The sound of wader footsteps woke me the next morning with everyone in eager preparation for chucking some newly created flies or dunking a few shop brought certainties. Jim was sampling his 5th cup of black coffee whilst explaining his new way to use indicator yarn – stuff it in your ears so you can’t hear the snoring! Brett was so blurry eyed that in his haste to launch the boat; he forgot the bung until Nevin spotted the bubbles! Luckily the boat wasn’t fully off the trailer.

Russell and I ventured along the edge towards the dam and sure enough there were the bow waves of the feeding brownies scooting about the shallows in search of breakfast. Do you think we could spot their movements in the murky water! After an hour of frustration at our hit and miss attempts, we wandered back to the lodge for breakfast and to catch up with everyone.

Well, the dam wall was the place to be. Alec landed a pretty good condition brown of 6.5 lbs and Stafford landed 3 good size browns on a La Giaconda fly. Others were caught and some lost from the same area, looks like the bay in front of Ryder’s was the place to fish. And so it turned out for most of the weekend – most browns were caught close to the edges and some around the weed beds, with smaller rainbows predominating as the larger ones were still recovering from spawning.

Bruce caught a ‘competition’ fish from the float tube, long and skinny! It should have been around 8 lb, but only tipped the scales at 4.5 lb. The largest rainbow went to Brent at 3.8 lbs, who ended up landing 11 fish for the day. A good effort after his earlier mishap, which everyone got to hear about! Thanks Nevin. First time angler to the area Gordon landed a good brown of 2.6 lbs.

44 brown trout and 8 rainbows were landed – mostly all released, on the Saturday by the 17 intrepid members. Not bad when you consider a third of the party disappeared at the beginning of the afternoon to watch Waikato lose the shield attempt. But we won’t talk about that!

I had 3 phone calls in the next couple of days by members who really enjoyed their weekend away. That’s always a bonus if you organise a trip. As I write this article, I know that the Auckland club are at Lake Aniwhenua lodge this coming weekend. Sunshine promised all week – lucky buggers. Don’t write Lake Aniwhenua of your fishing trip schedule this summer, but if you can’t make it, the club committee is already organising a further trip to the Ryder’s in the autumn – make sure you are on it.

DEREK