Feb
26
2009
My first visit to the Maketawa Stream just outside Ingelwood, Taranaki NZ was on the 27th of December 2007.
It was a warm afternoon and with beautiful clear skies and light wind blowing from the South. The water was gin clear and cool, not much snow left on the peak of Mt Taranaki from where this beautiful stream flows.
I spotted a few smaller trout in the run below the SH3 bridge, but the best fish was just upstream of the first corner in the tail of the pool below.
The stream flows through a gully of natural New Zealand bushland, trees making a canopy over the river, making casting difficult but not impossible. Lots of little flicks and rolls to get the fly up into the current. The shaded river is dappled with sunlight and it stays cool in the constant shade.
I was fishing a dry (red tag & adams) and nymph (bead head) dropper combination which is pretty much my standard for these smaller Taranaki streams.
I first learnt about the Maketawa from another blog by a flyfisher/photographer called Atu. His blog is http://atsu.orconhosting.net.nz/Fishing/fishing-diary-sort-river.htm its a well made and well presented page with some cool pictures. I havent been able to go fishing with him – maybe this year.
I didnt catch any fish on this trip but cast and got some attention which was enough to make it a awesome afternoon standing in the river and rejuventating my soul.
Here are some photos of the Maketawa from this trip.
This is the first pool and run above the SH3 Bridge
This the pool below the SH3 bridge. It looks fishy but it might get too much fishing attention as it is easy to get to and easy to cast.
This is the pool which held the big brown. I cast to it but must have been spooked as it just looked at me and laughed…I did manage to land it about 2 months later and found out that it was blind in one eye…..
Feb
25
2009
The New Plymouth Play Hole is located at the Meeting of the Waters scenic reserve which is where the tail race Hydro Dam (Mangamahoe) rejoins the Waiwhakaiho River.
Its a great place to hang out and practice, great locals and lovely water.
Heres some pictures from the Canoe and Kayak Play Day held recently.
This is the first pool and run above the SH3 Bridge
