River  Fishing Etiquette on the Tongariro

Lester Thorley


Apparently it's risen it's ugly head again on the Tongariro with groups hogging pools and being belligerent to other anglers. I thought with the upcoming trips this column was well worth including.

Lets review the etiquette for river fishing, mainly for the Tongariro and Tauranga Taupo, where several anglers often fish one pool or run.

* If you are nymphing, don't enter a pool upriver of another nymphing angler. It can be hard to sit idle while fishing time goes by, but if you choose to fish in a popular pool you must be prepared to wait your turn. Have a cuppa and don't enter the water until there is about 6m of clear water. Exchange pleasantries and try to time your cast so that it doesn't splat over the other angler's line. Each angler should move upstream a couple of paces after every third cast. Even Flyfisho has been known to slow to a crawl in the pool's best fish lie, but try not to. An angler who hooks a fish should be given room to play it. Never sneak in to their spot while they are busy hanging their fish up on a tree.

* If you are wetlining, follow the same rules, just insert downstream instead of upstream.

* When nymphers and wetliners try to fish the same pool, strife is not far away unless everyone plays the game. If a wetliner is fishing the top of a pool, it is okay to nymph up from the bottom. But the newcomer should give way to the first angler at the pool when they near each other.

Going over to say g'day when you arrive is a good idea. It's common courtesy to ask whether they mind you fishing above/below them. This basic step is usually all it takes for everyone to get on like a house on fire.

Unless the bloke there is an obstinate jerk, of course. Let's hope not.

Etiquette on some of the smaller streams is also important. Don't hog a good pool all day. Let someone else have a go. On the other hand, don't encroach on another angler who's secured a good spot.

Of course, anyone who fishes the Waitahanui knows that etiquette has gone out the window on the stretch below the main road bridge. That spot's truly not for the faint hearted.

If you run into trouble, best to walk away and contact a Ranger. Some of these idiots are dangerous and your there to enjoy, not get stressed.