Hutt Valley Anglers Club - New Zealand Federation of Freshwater ...

apid. Pumped up to 38 cumecs though it was one-big-fast-flowwith some relief from the current by my true left bank. The bestlooking water was at the head and wanting to actually catch a fish,I tied on a wingless wet and worked my way down for 20 minutes.One hit but no hook-ups. Try as I might, there were no othertakers. With a mischievous smirk I swapped the fly for a #12CDC&Elk and sent it on its maiden voyage. Not a chance in ….You know what happened don’t you? Does this story really have tobe told?On that first drift, up came a mouth andgrabbed it. My disbelief was complete.This can’t be happening. It was thoughand the line shot out into the maincurrent. Lift? Tighten? I was toostunned to react. The fish did it all.Anyone watching could be forgiven forthinking an idiot got lucky fishing in the Hutt while away from hisminder. As the fish leapt and darted about I was laughing loudly.A quick photo to send Hans and the fish was on its way. Phew,what the heck just happened? I flicked the line back out as astraightener ready to start fishing again andYou’re not going to believe this oneeither. Another fish came up, grabbedthe fly and shot up into the air. Totalparalysis took over. This was deepangling shock and I could hear a voicefar away sounding in my ear —“I told you so”!It wasn’t a mayfly rise but to me it was aminor miracle on the Hutt River. I’ve since caught more fish on thefly and can thoroughly recommend we tie it at a club tying night.TTLake Otamangakau – Reflectionsby Brett HodgsonThose of you who know me will realise that Lake O has become aplace that I love to go to during the opening week of the NZ Troutfishing season. It is not only a fishing challenge but an excuse forHutt Valley Angling Club Incorporated—December 2013 15