Winter fishing rituals on the rivers of Taupō

Another fishy tale from Taupō

Every winter, lifelong and expert angler Bevan Edwards leaves the east coast behind and makes his way to the heart of the North Island. Gisborne is home, but for Bevan, the soul of winter fishing lives in Taupō. With rivers like the Hinemaiaia and Tongariro calling, his trips aren’t just about chasing trout — they’re about returning to ritual. 

A self-taught fly-tier and seasoned river rat, Bevan has become a part-time local over the years. He knows the runs, respects the etiquette, and is most at home talking tactics over a sausage roll at his favourite riverside coffee shop. 

We caught up with Bevan to hear what keeps him coming back, and what less experienced anglers should know about fishing Taupō during the colder months. 

LT: What draws you to Taupō for your winter and spring fishing?

Bevan: I love targeting the spawning runs in winter. Taupō is perfect for that. Most rivers up our way [referencing the Eastern Region] close by the end of June, but Taupō really starts firing after that. July and August are prime time, especially in places like the Hinemaiaia. By September, the Tongariro is going off.

LT: How often do you make the trip, and what makes the region stand out to you?

Bevan: Probably three or four times a year. I try to make two of those longer week-long trips. I come for the quality of the fish, the accessibility, and how well it's all set up. Tracks are good, signage is clear, and the local tackle shops — like Sporting Life or Tūrangi Rod & Tackle — actually know what they’re talking about. That makes a massive difference.

LT: Got any underrated winter tactics?

Bevan: Be first. I reckon that first hour on the river often produces more fish than the next two or three combined. So, I like to get there before daylight.

LT: What about gear?

Bevan: Layers, for sure. Breathable waders, puffer jackets. I tie all my own flies, so I prep those for the season too. In Taupō, you’ve got to use natural yarn indicators and stick to specific leader lengths, so it's a bit more traditional. I like that.

LT: What’s one piece of river etiquette more people should know?

Bevan: Move through the pool. Don’t just stand in the same spot. If everyone moves down with each cast, it gives others a fair go. A lot of people don't realise that's how it works.

LT: Do you have a go-to fly pattern or setup that rarely lets you down in Taupō?

Bevan: I usually lean into glow bugs early in the season, especially if the river’s got a bit of colour. But I always carry a mix — small naturals, hare and coppers, and some of my own tied variations. You’ve got to be ready to switch it up depending on the light and flow.

LT: What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed over the years fishing in Taupō?

Bevan: Definitely how much later the runs are getting. We used to think July was the peak, but now you can still get good numbers through September and even October. And I’ve noticed more people fishing spey-style too. The whole scene’s evolving a bit.

LT: So, you’re seeing a shift between winter and spring fishing these days?

Bevan: Definitely. Climate's changing things. The peak used to be July, August, but now it’s more like September. Even into October, November. The runs are later and more spread out. It blurs the lines between winter and spring.

LT: One perfect day on the river — what's the plan?

Bevan: Easy. Get there before light, fish until breakfast. Hang with the family, then hit the river again for the evening rise. Simple as.

LT: Final cast — what's the best coffee spot?

Bevan: There’s a great little shop just over the bridge into Tūrangi called Delta Coffee. Real good coffee and sausage rolls. Perfect pit stop.