CLUB TRIP TO FISH LAKE OTAMANGAKAU
08/09/11 01:21
We are sending this notice out in advance of the monthly newsletter because we are aware that the trip dates coincide with some eight Rugby World Cup games. We have tentatively booked six rooms at the Tongariro Holiday Park, and need to assess whether, in the circumstances, this is a realistic number.
The Big O opens on Saturday, 1 October. The trip is an opportunity to get some experience of this world-famous fishery if you are unfamiliar with it. The lake is best fished from a boat, pontoon boat or float tube. If you do not have such craft, there is a strong possibility that you will be able to share a boat with another club member, so don’t be put off.
The Big O was formed as part of the hydro system in the Turangi area. It is a shallow, weedy lake renowned for large rainbows and browns that are not that easy to catch. Lake levels vary a bit according to the water draw off for power generation. If it is low, wading the margins is feasible. It takes water diverted from the upper Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers and may become dirty if the rivers are in flood. This lake is typically fished in the daytime from drifting or anchored boats, or float tubes, etc, using bloodworm, damsel or snail pattern flies on a floating line, usually with an indicator. The bloodworm seems to work best in my experience. The biggest fish I have caught there was 101⁄4 lb. On the last club trip, March 2011, the average fish was 5 – 7 lb.
Night-fishing is always worthwhile as the fish seem to be less paranoid then. Any of the standard night flies can be used: I generally start off with a lumo doll fly on a shortish heavy leader once the twilight has faded. Obviously one needs a head torch to change flies, deal with fish, etc, and one needs to be comfortable casting and retrieving in the dark.
Remember that Lake Rotoaira opened on 1 September, so that there is fishing there on the Friday, or earlier.
DATES OF ACCOMODATION
Friday, 30th September and Saturday, 1st October.
ACCOMMODA TION
Six single rooms have been booked at the Tongariro Holiday Park, for the Friday and Saturday nights. This number can be adjusted if necessary. The rooms have two beds but are rather small: normally it’s one person per room, with the second bed used for gear. Cost is $55 for single or twin occupancy in a unit. ( This figure is their advertised rate: in past years, we have received a discount, and hopefully this will continue)You can check their website for alternative types of unit if you wish.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Fishing equipment, rain and cold weather gear (!), food, sleeping bag, usual personal items.

Dennis Smith Trip organizer.
Please let me know by 20 September (but the sooner the better) if you plan to come, or have got any queries. My contact details are
ph. 376 3375, or email, de.smith@xtra.co.nz , or see me at the September Club Night.

The Big O opens on Saturday, 1 October. The trip is an opportunity to get some experience of this world-famous fishery if you are unfamiliar with it. The lake is best fished from a boat, pontoon boat or float tube. If you do not have such craft, there is a strong possibility that you will be able to share a boat with another club member, so don’t be put off.
The Big O was formed as part of the hydro system in the Turangi area. It is a shallow, weedy lake renowned for large rainbows and browns that are not that easy to catch. Lake levels vary a bit according to the water draw off for power generation. If it is low, wading the margins is feasible. It takes water diverted from the upper Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers and may become dirty if the rivers are in flood. This lake is typically fished in the daytime from drifting or anchored boats, or float tubes, etc, using bloodworm, damsel or snail pattern flies on a floating line, usually with an indicator. The bloodworm seems to work best in my experience. The biggest fish I have caught there was 101⁄4 lb. On the last club trip, March 2011, the average fish was 5 – 7 lb.
Night-fishing is always worthwhile as the fish seem to be less paranoid then. Any of the standard night flies can be used: I generally start off with a lumo doll fly on a shortish heavy leader once the twilight has faded. Obviously one needs a head torch to change flies, deal with fish, etc, and one needs to be comfortable casting and retrieving in the dark.
Remember that Lake Rotoaira opened on 1 September, so that there is fishing there on the Friday, or earlier.
DATES OF ACCOMODATION
Friday, 30th September and Saturday, 1st October.
ACCOMMODA TION
Six single rooms have been booked at the Tongariro Holiday Park, for the Friday and Saturday nights. This number can be adjusted if necessary. The rooms have two beds but are rather small: normally it’s one person per room, with the second bed used for gear. Cost is $55 for single or twin occupancy in a unit. ( This figure is their advertised rate: in past years, we have received a discount, and hopefully this will continue)You can check their website for alternative types of unit if you wish.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Fishing equipment, rain and cold weather gear (!), food, sleeping bag, usual personal items.

Dennis Smith Trip organizer.
Please let me know by 20 September (but the sooner the better) if you plan to come, or have got any queries. My contact details are
ph. 376 3375, or email, de.smith@xtra.co.nz , or see me at the September Club Night.