By Stephen Martin

We arranged to meet in Rotorua on Friday after work so we could caravan in together as most of those coming for the weekend hadn’t been into the Kiangaroa Forest before.

Having managed not to lose anyone on the way into campsite, we all set up our tents and congregated around the table for a get together and a few drinks

The rumble of logging trucks at about 5 am awoke most, but nobody stirred until about 7.30 am. We were greeted by overcast skies and light drizzles which slowly became heavier. After all had stirred and breakfasted we headed off to the Wheo Canal and Flaxy lakes. Stopping beside the Canal I was telling everyone that it was full of fish and right on cue along came 3-4 trout. After visiting Flaxy canal and Flaxy lake, fishing was the order of the day, with most attacking Wheo Canal.

I managed two land a good 1.75 lb hen after four casts but that was it for me on the canal. Not much luck for anyone else either despite the large numbers of trout seen. They would come up out of the canal onto the shallows, cruise along in front of you, ignoring your best efforts, then dropping back into the deeper water.

After festooning the grass and bushes on the banks with flies, most went back to Te Awa for lunch. Dave Gribben stayed on to fish the lake from his pontoon boat. Back at the camp Sally and Brigid Spiers arrived to have a fish with us for the afternoon. After lunch off to the Rangitaiki river.

It was running a bit dirty but still fishable. I only managed to pick up a couple of small fish. Lance and I went off for a tour and just as we get to where Bev and Dave Truloff were fishing, Bev catches and land a fish. (Australians are show offs.)

Back to camp for an early dinner before heading back to the lake for an  evening fish. Dave Gribben had the best afternoon landing six fish from his pontoon boat, the best 4.5 lbs.

The weather had cleared and we had a beautiful calm, still evening on the lake, but unfortunately no rise and very little action, with only a couple of hits to show for our time. We listened to the rugby that night and celebrated a good win.

Next morning, Dave Gribben, Lance and I headed out to fish Rewewhakaaitu. Dave Winchcombe had another go at the Wheo Canal and landed three fish in about 1/2 hour after changing to a large, weighted stonefly pattern. The fish he kept was full of cased caddis and a few toe-biters. He managed to catch up to Dave and Bev on the way out so didn’t get lost. Craig and Nevin didn’t fair so well apparently, missing the turn and having to do a bit of a back track.

Overall an enjoyable trip and a good introduction to the area for most. Brent Hallam finally got to visit Flaxy lake after searching for it on three previous visits. I will look at a visit either camping or day trip early in the new year with hopefully a bit warmer weather and more co-operative fish!
 

Stephen.