Fluid Dynamics

A few pictures of my favourite river in Taranaki, the Oakura.

The Oakura starts its life on the slopes of the Pouakai Ranges and runs North West towards the Sea along the base of the Kaitake Ranges. The river enters the sea to the North of the brilliant sea side village of Oakura.

The river holds a good population of brown trout, the water is some of the cleanest in the Taranaki ringplain, but with swift flow and boulder strewn river bead that winds through forested valley, the fish are aggressive and strong.

I love fishing this river in polyprops and shorts in the summer, the warm days and cold water are tonic for the soul.

I fish a very basic 2 fly rig on shortish leader and tippet due to the fast current and clear water which means presentation and less false casts are always going to help. The added advantage of a short leader in forested sections will save a fly or 2. My favourite flies for hot summer sessions are

Dry’s : Red Tag, Parachute Adams and CDC

Wet: weighted nymphs, caddis and sometimes a creeper imitation.

Season is from 1 Oct to 30 Apr and a 2 fish limit applies. I always catch and release anyway.

Its simply a joy river, my suggestion is pack a lunch and walk/wade/swim as far as can for about an 1hr then fish upstream till your beat – then wander back enjoying the river and the beautiful surroundings. Remember leave only footprints (even better if you dont leave them either !)

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