Trout Beck Fishing Lodge

Monday we left Taupo and drove about 45 minutes south to the south side of Lake Taupo to Trout Beck Fishing Lodge near Turangi. Once we were checked in, Dave headed straight to the Tauranga-Taupo River that ran right in front of our hotel to fly fish. It was really awesome being able to walk a few feet to the river bank. After a couple hours of fishing we drove into Turangi to go white water rafting. We rafted the Tongariro River for about 2 hours. About half way down the river we stopped at a bank and jumped off a cliff into the icy water. Dave did a perfect backflip over the edge. We had such a good time, even though the water was freezing. At the end

of the trip we went back to base where we had hot dogs and beer and watched a slide show of everyone's photos. After rafting we headed back to the lodge, and Dave headed straight for the river where he remained until dark. Tuesday we went on a guided fishing trip with Jason, the owner of the lodge (not to be confused with our friend Jason in the Bay of Islands). Our first spot was just up the river a bit through lots of thick bush. Dave landed 3 rainbow trout in the first twenty minutes. It was a great way to start a day of fishing. Even though he did catch a few 3 pounders in the river, we headed to a new spot to go for some double digit trout. Lake Otamangakau is known to have huge trout so we gave it a try.

We tried and tried, but Dave only hooked one that got away quite quickly and Jill ended the day with zero. While it was a bummer not catching anything in the lake, the scenery was amazing. Fish or no fish, it is just awesome to be in such a spectacular place. After driving back to the lodge, Jill hit the bed for a nap and Dave went out to the river with Jason for more fishing. Dave did catch a few, but nothing very big. On Wednesday morning Jason and Dave drove back to the lake to try some more. While they did get several bites, they didn't land anything. After lunch we packed up and headed out.