Lake Aniwhenua

[Mike Thomas]

Fished Lake Aniwhenua and the Whirinaki river the past weekend, the spring fishing can only be described as fantastic. We (2 anglers) caught 22 fish on the lower Whirinaki on Friday ranging from 8 inches to 22 inches almost all taken on small Pheasent Tails. Most of Shaun's fish were taken on the swing downstream while most of mine were taken on the dead drift.
We fished the lake on Saturday and the wind made things difficult but once we found a sheltered bay and anchored the pontoon boats on a weed bed we could see at least 6 trout at any one time cruising the edges and smashing the damsel nymphs as they rose to hatch. The pontoon boat was soon covered in hatching Damsels, but those trout totaly ignored our damsel imitations! In the end after about a dozen fly changes I tried a size 16 parachute Adams out of sheer frustration and the trout loved it, I hooked six and landed 2, one Rainbow of about 23 inches and one 24 inch Brown. The rest dashed straight into the thick weed to escape, it was very exciting fishing and I can hardly wait to get back down there next spring.
All the best.
Mike.

[DShock]

Mike,
A Very Exciting Report!!
Thanks,
Doug

[JeffHamm]

Hi Mike,

Sounds like a great time!

- Jeff

[Mike Thomas]

Hey Jeff the fishing down there is great, with 2 lakes and about 6 rivers within a short drive plus the whole of the Forest with the Flaxy lakes and the Rangitiki only a 20 to 30 minute drive away the options are almost endless.
Lots of the rivers are fairly small and I think would fish well to the wee wets that I know you enjoy!
We stayed at Aniwhenua lodge with the Ryders and the cabbin rooms are only $25 p.p.p.n. He also does Guided fishing if required but the access is so good you realy do not need it.
I would like to try to get down there again during the early spawning runs in May or June so if you are up for it let me know.
All the best.
Mike.

[JeffHamm]

Hi Mike,

I just know the wee wets would do wonders on some of those streams. My last trip to the Rangitiki was over Easter Weekend of 2006, but I was having a ball with them after my dries were fully slimed! With the new little one in the family, can't make plans too far ahead, but keep me in mind when it comes closer to the day. If I can manage it I would love to have a go at some of those streams.

- Jeff