BLUE POOL

The main change since 2005 is the erection of the AA sign on State Highway 1.

There is no explanation why the Blue Pool did not qualify for a mention in 2005. Pip apologises to those anglers who suspected a conspiracy and religiously fished Blue Pool after the 2005 reports were published without any mention of it…

Such is the advanced deteriorating suspicious mental state of Tongariro anglers. The merits of the pool are so obvious that little in the way of explanation is required. It also features a real loo. Wow.

Generally well worth the trip if only to provide the flexibility of the other pools off the walking track up river to the Fence Pool or cross over down to Boulder Pool and Big Bend. We are advised the Blue Pool has three main productive holding areas. First up at the head beside the main current – some anglers target this alone. Second, try the belly of the pool against the far – just beyond the average cast… – RHS bank. Third, try the middle of the tail – continuing down into the old Boulder Pool riffles.

Most nymphers usually just start at the tail and work their way up. Wet liners work their way down. Then some like us think they can read the water and just have a flick here and there. Sometimes the pool is hot. Other times…..

Popular with older more frail fishos with replaced hips having creaky knees, as the Blue Pool is so easily accessible

Vehicles can, and are often parked right beside the pool. But caution - the wading is slippery over greasy cannon balls in some places. The tail is wadeable and used by local pig hunters as a crossing.

The main Blue Pool activity, which suits some and upsets others, is rafting. Rafts are lifted out here after their ride down, or, after a rousing groupy practice drill, are launched here for younger family groups to bounce down river and wake up or spook all the trout. Usually they are a welcome respite for weary anglers, after studying the dynamics of a pretty woolly indicator for several hours.

Caution - look out for rafting vehicles and trailers on the road in and out.

Where the access road arrives at the river, just over 2 km from State Highway 1, have a squint to the hard left.

You will often see vehicles parked in here - where the old Boulder Reach was prior to the 2004 flood. This is a good spot for easy roll casting into the faster water, or big reverse flicks from the bank for those without waders.

Often this is only used as a park before crossing over to search through the swirly pools on the way down to Big Bend Pool.

It is a popular place in summer when the temperature is up and the trout prefer the fast water reinvigorating and feeding where the water is coolest. Have a sneaky polaroid peep from the bank first. Many make this a compulsory stop before heading up river.

Guides often target this spot – so say no more…

NOTE: Pool Reports for the Tongariro River are prepared from guest/anglers experiences. As such, Tongariro River Motel do not accept any responsibility for the opinions of other anglers who are traditionally acknowledged liars about their best fishing pools.