First the GOOD news.
Every year we get many requests from anglers to let them know first as soon as the BIG brown trout start running up the Tongariro. It is always difficult to accurately predict as the odd browns get caught all the time in Summer, particularly in the lower river pools. i.e. A six and a half pound brown was released yesterday at the Hole, but on the basis of that catch we could not herald a run.
Now you will be pleased to know you are the very first to be advised that the "official" 2008 brown trout spawning run on the Tongariro River commenced this morning at 5 am.
Evidence is provided in the photos of Bill Grace with his limit bag of three, all caught before sparrows’ fart this morning at the mouth of the Tongariro River – usually referred to as the delta. Note it was still pitch black before dawn between 5 am and 5.30 am. (Pssst – for the purists – Bill was using a #2 Scotch Poacher on his wet line) The biggest was over six pound and the other two were just under. The longest fish was not the heaviest.
If you want to get into these early runs for a real trophy brown trout then book with Pip (07 386 8555 or 0800 1TROUT) or Bill (07 386 6614) asap.
Other photos below are of guests, John, Wendy & Ella Rose enjoying their weekend at TRM doing what we all should have been doing – having quality family time. It is great to see so many families getting involved in the wide variety of outdoor physical activities available around Turangi. We were always told the family that plays together, stays together…
Normal service has resumed… The flow of the Tongariro River at Maj or Jones Pool has been returned to the minimum of around 22 m3/sec.
Now the BAD news…
Following is typical of messages and emails re the variable flows on the Tongariro River during January.
"Hi Ross, Can’t believe the Genesis news - we only booked south 8 days ago!!!…… Sue the Bastards!! Looking forward to August. Best Regards G & L".
This was received from Australian guests yesterday – after considering the ridiculous erratic flow levels on the Tongariro throughout January, these TRM disciples had just changed their annual pilgrimage to the Tongariro River in March, to now fish South Island rivers instead. Who could blame them?
TRM received other comments – none favourable, most needed censoring – on Genesis’ management of the Tongariro River flow during January….too much to reproduce but we summarise anglers opinions below..
For those unfamiliar with the situation, refer yesterdays report. Generally anglers were genuinely alarmed as indicated below. Most phoned TRM. To summarise in PC acceptable "publishable" language (as this is a family show and we cannot afford to get sued), their general comments included:
1 Genesis’ actions were described as "environmentally disastrous" and "commercial arrogance"..(?). What a dreadful unbelievable way to treat a world class trout nursery, Why haven’t DoC taken action to prevent them altering flows so dramatically – aren’t they the fishery managers?
2 How can marine life survive with such extreme variance, or is the commercial agenda (by Genesis) is to destroy the fishery?. No wonder the size and condition of trout are suffering if that is the way they abuse OUR river,
3 Just as well they (Genesis Energy) are not going to continue as they would completely stuff the river if they continued to mismanage it like that for another three months. This illustrates how they disregard the importance of tourism and trout fishing and the environment… Beware other NZ rivers subject to hydro dams. They think they can do anything for short term commercial gain.
4 The rest of NZ should take note on how a famous wild trout fishing river is treated by electricity companies – this is nothing short of gross abuse. Where is EW (Environment Waikato are the Territorial Authority)?
5 Do they realise all they are doing is forcing us anglers away to other regions? TRM’s Daily Reports & Sporting Life & Barry Greigs reports were questioning the lack of anglers on the Tongariro in January. We prefer the Tongariro but I can tell you where we (Auckland anglers) all went. Rotorua! We do not enjoy being pissed on by Electricity Companies. As soon as we saw the Genesis graph we went elsewhere.
6 In any other similar location in the world there would be a massive public outcry and they (Genesis) would be fined for abuse of a river system. Where is the river management plan to prevent this type of arrogance and maltreatment. Remember the newspaper headlines when they released the dam without warning. This proves they (Genesis) still do not care. Where do anglers find their (Genesis’) resource consent - it must have conditions attached to prevent this lunacy. They (Genesis) should be sued through the Environment Court…
Wow! Anglers were not shy to express their concerns again. The above comments indicate a very healthy response to environmental issues. Obviously anglers feel powerless. Some of these are third generation anglers on the Tongariro who have a good understanding of the recent history and were shocked at what has happened. The wider detrimental effects on NZ and Taupo Tourist industry must be very considerable.