aJune 2014 newsletter

May Photo competition winner: Concentration By Leo Thomas

President’s Flyline LinkLearning the basics of fly fishing can be a daunting prospect for beginners, soduring the winter months I would like to get a couple of things going for memberswho either want to learn or refresh some of their fundamental fly fishing skills.A few members have asked if the club could run some sort of structured daycourse covering things like trout habits, what insects trout favour, how to set upleaders, knots, what flies to choose, where to look for trout etc. Accordingly, theClub has decided to run a full One-Day ‘First Steps’ Fly Fishing Course, suitablefor beginners, on Sunday July 6th. This introductory course will run from 0930 to1630, is free to club members and will be limited to a maximum of tenparticipants, (but will require a minimum of four participants to go ahead).Bookings for the course should be made to me at: [email protected] … bookingswill close on June 30th. Depending upon the success of this course, there may bea follow up course out on the water, early in the new season, to put this newknowledge to the test.In addition to regular Club Nights, some members also get together for Fly Tyingmeetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Fish and Game Rooms. Formembers interested in learning how to tie their own trout flies, the next twomeetings i.e. July 1st and August 5th will be run as beginners’ nights.Experienced club members will introduce ‘new chums’ to the use of equipmentand how to tie two simple flies - an effective local nymph and a dry fly. Manyanglers think fly tying is too complicated … fact is, it’s not. Fly tying is afascinating aspect of fly fishing and enables an angler to often create andproduce better fish catching flies than may be available commercially. This is agreat chance to come and give it a go.While high and discoloured water on local rivers has limited the fly fishingopportunities available to members over the last month … there are still trout tobe caught. Club member Chris Clenshaw, recently demonstrated this to meconvincingly on a couple of trips to the Motueka River, by pulling out his spinfishing tackle and catching fish where the fly rod failed to produce much in theway of results. Most of the mature trout are spawning in the upper reaches at themoment, but Chris proved there are still good numbers of feisty maiden fish tobe caught … interspersed with the occasional bigger fish. So break out thatspinning gear and go have some fun!TightlinesTony EntwistleCover Photo: 19 lb brown caught at Ohau Canal, by Alan Ballard. 3

CONGRATULATIONS IAN KEARNEYOn behalf of The Nelson Trout Fishing ClubCongratulations Ian on being named as an Officer Of New Zealand Order of MeritIan we as a club appreciate all you have done for recreational troutfishing along with all your other contributions to the widercommunity of Nelson and New Zealand.We wish you well for the future and long may your enthusiasminfluence the live of othersThe Nelson Trout Fishing ClubExecutive and Committee Nomination FormI hereby nominate:………………………………………(name) (Cross Out President Non applicable) Vice President Secretary Treasurer CommitteeNominator’s Name and Signature:……………………………..Seconded by:…………………………………………………….Nominee’s Signature:……………………………………………

St Arnaud Club trip - April 26 – 30, 2014 The last trip of the 2013/2014 season was held in the St. Arnaud region at the end of April; participants included Alison and Terry Kelso, Richard Boyden, Mike Standish-White, Judy Price, Lois Rutherfurd (resident of St Arnaud) and James Macdonald. Pete Lawler joined us for dinner on the final evening. Scenes of RotoitiHaving been cooped upin Ruby Bay for far toolong, James headed toSt Arnaud on theSaturday afternoon. Heplanned to check outthe Branch but foundboth it and the Leathamto be flowing the colourof a weak chickenbroth, after we hadbeen hit by the arse-end of Cyclone Ita.In addition, the ford across the Leatham looked pretty tenuous until the rivershad dropped a bit. So having abandoned plans for an evening fish, he headed to abackpackers for the night. With most rivers being rather milky, a decision wasmade to try the Buller on Sunday, which should be running clear as it flows out ofLake Rotoiti.As a geologist, James finds St Arnaud a fascinating location; it lies right on theAlpine Fault, which runs west and then southwest from Blenheim along theWairau valley, through the village of St Arnaud, across West Bay (Lake Rotoiti)and then passes along the Speargrass Valley, intersecting the south end of LakeRotoroa and on towards the Maruia River. It is amazing to know that north & westof the fault you are on the Indo-Australian Plate, while to the south and east youare on the Pacific Plate. A structural geologist mate of James’, Howard Williams,has a theory that the plate boundary is actually “jumping” southwards from

Blenheim to Seddon, explaining the rash of jolts felt by folk in the latter locationrecently. We shall see. 2.25lbs brown from the Buller, NW of St Arnaud The Buller indeed was clear on Sunday, although several centimetres higher than normal. James decided to check out locations on the Buller that he hadn’t fished before. About 12km northwest of St Arnaud, the highwaycrosses to the north bank. Not far from here, he walked downstream along thesouth side of the river with a view to fishing his way back to the truck. At theend of the walk, he approached the river and almost immediately he spotted afish feeding actively within a metre of the bank. A back-handed, over the leftshoulder cast was required for a right-hander.The first cast was not accurate enough, almost landing near the river’s edge; itneeded to be ~1 metre to the left; the second cast was more like it and the fishtook a Stu’s Peeping Caddis.The fish headed down stream at a rate of knots – which was a bit of a problem asheavy bush made following the fish tricky; the force of the river flow madejumping into the water also a non-starter. It was a bit of a struggle to bring itback up stream, but – eventually – Tony Entwistle’s Trout Tactics prevailed and itwas in the net; only 2.25lbs, a typical Buller size these days. It started to rainabout 4:30pm.The rain continued all the next day, precluding any fishing (for James, at anyrate). He decided to reconnoitre the Gowan with a view to fishing it the nextday. It looked like a challenge……Alison and Terry Kelso, Judy Price, Richard Boyden and Mike Standish-White allconverged on St Arnaud on the Tuesday. Richard and Mike launched 4-Play intoLake Rotoiti after lunch and fished their way down to the mouth of the Travers.On arrival at the upper region of the lake near the Coldwater hut and aftercruising some two hours Richard finally hooked into a fighting 3.5 pound browntrout using a size 14 green damsel fly; the fish was dispatched and taken homefor “SWMBO” (she who must be obeyed) as he was under instructions to bring onefor the pot. 6

3.5lbs fish caught byRichard in Lake Rotoitiusing a green damselMeanwhile Judy arrivedin St. Arnaud fromMurchison in the latemorning. She joined upwith Alison and TerryKelso at the holidaycottage (bach) they hadrented for the trip. Asuper place with allmod cons, so aftersettling in – it was toocomfortable to go fishing that day and they went for a long walk around thevillage and surroundings. Meanwhile, James fished the Gowan and – indeed – itproved challenging. More experimentation in the future will be required.The final day of the trip was a stunner as we all headed out onto Lake Rotoiti.Mike, Richard and James fished their way down to the Travers mouth. After twoand a half hours of fruitless casting, without even a nibble, Richard and Jamesdecided to fish the Travers. They saw only four fish in a three-hour period and ifthey didn’t spook as soon as the flies landed in the water it was because theyhad spooked earlier. I guess that’s what happens after 8 months of thrashing byanglers.The fish were out in much greater numbers and were definitely less spookyearlier in the season; not surprising.2.75lbs fishfrom LakeRotoroa thatalso tookRichard’s greendamsel

They returned to Mike in the boat around 2:30pm. Of note, the path down theleft bank (true) of the Travers has been wiped out in a number of places by slips,making the walk somewhat more arduous. Meanwhile, Mike had flogged the southend of the lake with several different fly lines and all his fly collection; he onlysaw one tail-swirl. We carried on fishing until dusk and saw a few “leapers”.James was using a green wooly bugger and had four hits but no takes;aggravating. Meanwhile, earlier in the day Terry hitched up the boat and he & Judy headed out to the lake. Lois then joined them and Terry headed out to the south end of the lake where Mike was fishing, a superb ride in perfect weather. They tied the boat up to the jetty andTerry fished for a while, but unfortunately the fish weren't biting, so they brokefor lunch. They motored a short distance away, the water so clear and still -Terry cast his line again but the lack of action was disappointing, so Lois andJudy decided to go walking up the river. Meantime Alison went walking aroundthe Loop Track and she thoroughly enjoyed her day, though it proved to berather challenging because in places the track had become a flowing river owingto lots of recent rain, so it required a lot of careful navigation. Judy had to admitshe was only a passenger that day. She had her rod all set up in the back of thecar, but somehow en route managed to hook the lure not only to the car seat,and after cutting that away it unbelievably latched onto a pack!! Not an idealstart to a trip. Amateurs - the bane of everyone's life!So she decided to let the experts fish, and observe! The environment was justsuperb away out there. Brilliant sunshine, swans and cygnets, plus many varietiesof ducks; the birds were so quiet and peaceful you could feel it.And no sandflies! Thanks to Terry for ferrying us out in your boat for a great dayout.On Wednesday evening, we had dinner in St Arnaud’s excellent Clinker Café.Richard Boyden was presented the customary “fish of the trip” award (a RainbowBBQ lighter) for his Rotoiti fish caught the previous day.

On Thursday (May 1st), the season had closed for all river fishing; the lakes, however, are still open. So Mike & Richard decided to take 4 Play out on Lake Rotorua. The day started out a very frosty morning but with beautiful sunshine and no wind.Richard casts to wary browns in the Travers RiverMike & Richard were keen to fish the west side of the lake starting 20 minutes upthe lake and working back toward the landing, picking various fishy areas alongthe way. After casting this direction and that direction, Richard hooked into avery nice 2.75 pound trout using same green damsel fly right up close to beachedge. No instructions from the wife this time so this fish had its picture takenand immediately released. Mike never hooked into a fish but just enjoyed beingon the lake. At 2:00pm we headed home. This Club trip turned out to be reallyenjoyable for all.So, an excellent trip and now another season is over and we look forward to thefirst of October. Meanwhile, there are still lakes, some stretches of river and theocean to keep usoccupied.View southwards alongthe Travers valley

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Casting for Recovery weekend – 11- 13 April 2014By Maree PeterWe started off with 10 ladies for this retreat on Friday unfortunately by lunchtime we were down to 9 but that was ok.The Pink Ladies, all met at the Owen River Lodge at 12pm Friday for a quick briefabout the weekend ahead and a catch up with Felix.We had time to set up pre the ladies arriving at 3pm.On their arrival, we were pleased to see 4 alight from one car, that was good.They had taken the initiative to contact each other for the ride down. In doing sothis gave them some traveling time together, getting to know each other beforethe weekend.The Friday afternoon was spent fitting everyone out with their waders, boots etcand briefed them on how the weekend was to be roughly run.On Saturday we had Carty and John who came and gave instruction to the ladieson how to cast and explained to them a little about the gear they would beusing. So the morning was spent learning, practicing and refining our newly foundskillsJohn proved to us that there were fish in the river by hooking a fine trout in theOwen just below the lodge. Unfortunately it got off!!! But very exciting for theCasting for Recovery Ladies to see.After lunch we were in for a treat, our pamper session! We started the afternoonoff with Laughing Yoga, then the ladies who wanted booked to have a head andshoulders massage. We were further pampered by having our nails manicured.Finally we had Helen demonstrate to the ladies the wide range of lingerieoptions she has available.After tea we had a debrief about the day and a sing alone thanks to Sally’s hardwork in doing up a song book with some easy sing along songs for usSunday everyone is out of bed early ready for their time on the river with theirown personal guideUnfortunately on Saturday night we had to send one of our lady back to NelsonHospital from the Murchison Hospital. By Sunday morning another lady who hadbeen up all of the Saturday night with a tummy bug had her call her hubby comeand take her home.Then there were 7 with 10 Guides so one of our pink ladies went out fishing withtwo guides and we doubled another two up with one ladyThe day was not the best for fishing but we all tried to not avail one fish waslanded on a spinning rod and jumped out of the little pool just before the ladiescould get to see it. It gave them all a taste of what is to come for them.They all had a awesome morning fishing and were very appreciative of the timeand energy the guides put into this day for them, one even came fromChristchurch for this day (this retreat would not happen if we did not have thesupport of these men thank you all so much).We were all back at the lodge by 1pm for lunch and the prize giving of the Splitcane Rod made by Ian and this year we had another rod made by Andrew from

Christchurch to give away to one of the ladies also. It was decided to give theserods to the two ladies we thought were the most likely to carry on fishing.They were both stoked, smiles and hugs all round.After Photos with their guides the guides head home.We finish off with a few threads that need tying up, hugs and tears before theladies head home after a very exciting and emotional weekendThe Pink Ladies had their debrief with Felix and pack ourselves up and headhome to start contemplating next years retreat.A big thank you to Fish & Game for the licences they supplied the ladies for theday and to the Nelson Fishing Club for supplying guides on the Sunday.The HaircutA teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his Father as towhen they could discuss his use of the car. His father said he'd make a deal withhis son: 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible, andget your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car.'The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer, andthey agreed on it.After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, you've brought your grades up and I'veobserved that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed youhaven't had your hair cut.The boy said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed inmy studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair,Moses had long hair ~ and there's even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.You're going to love the Dad's reply\"Did you happen to notice that they all walked everywhere?\"

Attn Fishos - A Public Service AnnouncementBy Fred FrahmWhat The heck is that! I was shaving. Looking straight into the mirror my attention was focused on a tiny white thing sticking straight out from the tip of my nose. I touched it. It was hard and had a sharp point - like a wee thorn. Interesting! I’d noticed it about a year earlier and ignored it. Not this time - a trip to my GP was in order. He said it looked like a bcc and sent me to a specialist. “It’s a bcc, all right.They’re very common here and Australia - it’s got to come off. Private or publichospital?”A bcc is a “basal cell carcinoma” – they’re slow growing, and the most commonform of skin cancer. The US National Library of Medicine says: bcc is a slowgrowing, nonmelanoma form of skin cancer, and most skin cancers are this type.Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. Mostbasal cell cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or otherultraviolet radiation. This includes the top of your head, or scalp and is mostcommon in people over age 40.You are more likely to get basal cell skin cancer if you have: light-colored orfreckled skin;blue, green, or grey eyes; Blond or red hair; overexposure to x-rays or otherforms of radiation; many moles; close relatives who have or had skin cancer;many severe sunburns early in life and long-term daily sun exposure - such as theexposure people like me got because I seldom used sun block while spending longhours working outdoors, and fishing lakes and rivers most of my life.For more information google: Basal cell carcinoma: MedlinePlus MedicalEncyclopediaAt breakfast, the husband says to his wife, \"What would you do if I won theLotto?I'd take my half and leave you,\" she says.\"Great\" he says. \"Here's $6. I won $12 yesterday! Stay in touch.\" 14

Dinner & Theatre Evening Out ...We were dressed and ready to go out for a Dinner & Theatre evening.We turned on a 'night light', turned the answering machine on, coveredour pet budgie and put the cat in the backyard.We phoned the local Taxi company and requested a taxi.The taxi arrived and we opened the front door to leave the house.As we walked out the door, the cat we had put out in the yard scootedback into the house.We didn't want the cat shut in the house because she always tries to getat the budgie.My wife walked on out to the taxi, while I went back inside to get thecat. The cat ran upstairs, with me in hot pursuit.Waiting in the cab, my wife didn't want the driver to know that thehouse will be empty for the night.So, she explained to the taxi driver that I would be out soon,\"He's just going upstairs to say Goodbye to my mother.\"A few minutes later, I got into the cab. \"Sorry I took so long,\" I said,as we drove away.\"That stupid bitch was hiding under the bed.I had to poke her arse with a coat hanger to get her to come out!She tried to take off, so I grabbed her by the neck.Then, I had to wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching me, Butit worked!I hauled her fat arse downstairs and threw her out into the back yard!...........She’d better not shit in the vegetable garden again!\"The silence in the Taxi was deafening.Once upon a time ahandsome prince met abeautiful princess.“Will you marry me?” theprince asked.“No.” the princess replied.And the prince lived happilyever after. And he fishedand he skied and he huntedand went on long ramblesand he drank expensivewhiskies by the campfireand there was no-one thereto tell him he played aroundtoo much and that it wascosting a fortune. 15

Heavy rain in the Nelson region over Easter April 2014, resulted in severe slips on recently logged hillsides in the Lower Wangapeka Valley. These images were taken on the 23/04/14, along a 2km section of the Tapawera- Baton Rd, following the initial cleanup to re-open the road.How sustainable is the long-term impact of these types of forestry practices ontrout fisheries, given the predicted increase in the future frequency of highintensity rain events resulting from climate change?

CLUB MEETINGSJune...Activities with accomplished members demonstrating various skills andtechniques of trout fishing.July.... AGM... Quiz night Social Hour. Drinks nibbles etc.August/September.... Depending on availability and to be confirmed Guestspeaker.October... Early season Trout Fishing tactics. Centrefold PhotosPage Nine photos: From left top: Bruce doing the work by Ray Day; top right:Bruce has fish on! by Pete Lawler; mid left: Go for it Ray! by Pete Lawler; midright: My mate's hooked up again by David Haynes; bottom left: Late SeasonColour by Leo Thomas; bottom right: Daisy's 6lb'er by David Scranney.Page Ten photos: From top: Three kilo Rainbow Trout from the Lewis Pass area;mid left: Three good Maitai Browns! by Leo Thomas. Mid right: Reaching for it onthe Von River, by Brian Richards; bottom: The Magic Pool by Leo Thomas.NitrogenReaders interested in the role of agriculture in the decline of NZ fresh waterquality and the concurrent decline in trout populations will be interested to readthe article in the New Zealand Listener (May 2014). A graph within shows thedramatic increase in nitrate nitrogen concentrations in the wells and spring fedwaterways in the Hinds Plains (Canterbury). There you can also read a very clearexplanation of the recent decision on the proposed dam for the Tukituki River inHawkes Bay. This decision will likely have a dramatic impact on watermanagement in NZ because it will force councils to reduce the amount ofnitrogen entering waterways from agriculture. - Peter Williams.AGM - 7pm 16th July 2014 Fish & Game Rooms, 66 Champion Road, Richmond Come and have your say as to the future direction of your club.The formal part of the meeting will be followed by a Quiz and social timeSupper and refreshmentsBruce McLean, SecretaryE-mail [email protected] 03 548 0066 17

Club ContactsExecutive:President: Tony Entwistle 5444565 [email protected] President: Ray Day 5441245 [email protected]: Bruce McLean 5480066 [email protected]: Ray Day 5441245 [email protected] Editor and Webmaster: Graham Carter 07 8551833 [email protected] 021 02600437Committee Scott Ingram 5441605 [email protected] Peter Lawler 5489753 [email protected] Maree Peter 522 4166 [email protected] Mathew Williams 5445996 [email protected] James Jemson 7443123 [email protected] Don Clementson 5448867 [email protected] and Greet New Members Ray Day and Pete LawlerFishing trips James Macdonald [email protected] 03 5403520Fly Tying Convenor Tony EntwistleClub Librarian Lois Rutherfurd 022 6010642Trophy Master Lois Rutherfurd [email protected] Sponsorship & Newsletter Advertising Ray DayClub Speakers: Tony EntwistleClub Night Tea/Coffee: Lester HigginsNewsletter Distribution: Dennis EalamLife Members: 2007 John Willis 2012 Graham CarterPast Presidents: 06-08 Lester Higgins 08-09 Ross Walker04-06 Richard Boyden 11-13 Ray Day 13- Tony Entwistle09-11 Dennis Ealam THE NELSON TROUT FISHING CLUBMeets once a month at: Fish and Game Offices, 66 Champion Road, Richmond. Normally the 3rd Wednesday of the month 7.00pm. Please phone 5440066 if unsure. Any views or opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the committee, club or editor. www.thenelsontroutfishingclub.com



All mechanical Repairs All service by qualified Technicians New tyres W.O.F for cars, trailers, motorbikes, tractors, dumpers Restoration work undertaken - Courtesy car available Ellis Street Auto Repairs104A Ellis Street Brightwater 03 5424035