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Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm Saturday 8:30am - 5pm Sunday 9:30am - 3pm

Sporting Life - Turangi

Name: Sporting Life - Turangi
Address: The Mall, Turangi, 3334, NZ
Telephone: +64 7 386 8996

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Sporting Life - Turangi

Sporting Life has been an owner operated store since opening in 1968. We are a stockist of tackle fo

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18/03/2026

Tim has some good oil on current Tongariro River and Lake Taupo conditions....

14/03/2026

REMINDER!
We are closed today and tomorrow for our annual stock take.

We won’t be open for sales until Tuesday 17th March at 8:30am.

We apologise for and inconveniences caused.

Thank you from all of us here at Sporting Life Tūrangi

12/03/2026

Thursday 12th March 2026

Weather: 17°C. Cloud increasing through the day, with scattered showers developing into the evening. Light to moderate northeasterlies expected.

River Flow: 23.9 cumecs (m³/s)

It’s been a fast-moving week in store as we gear up for our annual stock take. This is always a big job behind the scenes and helps us keep everything organised and ready for the busy periods ahead.

Because of this, we wanted to give everyone a heads-up that the Turangi shop will be closed on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th March while we complete the stock take.

We’ll be back open as usual on Tuesday morning from 8:30am, ready to help you get sorted for your next trip on the water.

Looking ahead to the weekend, we’re expecting a bit of rain tomorrow which should hopefully give the river a fresh flush and stir things up a little.

Friday is shaping up to bring periods of rain, with the possibility of some heavier showers and the chance of isolated thunderstorms. After that, the outlook improves nicely. The rest of the weekend is expected to clear, with cooler nights and warmer, settled days, along with generally light winds Good conditions for getting out on the water.

Now that we’ve moved into autumn, we’re beginning to notice the seasonal shift. Overnight temperatures are gradually dropping and the days are slowly becoming shorter. With a bit of luck, we’ll hold onto these milder daytime temperatures for a little while yet.

On the fishing front, nymphing is becoming the more reliable and productive method as the season progresses. Reports of consistently rising fish have started to taper off, which is fairly typical for this time of year, although it does feel like it may be happening slightly earlier than usual. That said, this season has thrown plenty of curveballs our way, so it’s not entirely surprising.

We are still seeing good numbers of lace moths around, and the occasional fish rising to them. If you’re keen to fish dries, downsizing your patterns can make a difference. Small lace moth, mayfly, or caddis patterns have been doing the job when fish are looking up, particularly during the warmer parts of the day.
Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding while we get everything counted and squared away.

Community Notice -

The National Lake Fly Fishing Competition will be taking place this Saturday and Sunday on Lake Kuratau.

If you’re planning on fishing the lake over the weekend, please be aware that there will be a large number of anglers in the area taking part in the competition.

It should still be possible to find some quieter water, but it’s worth keeping this in mind when planning your trip. A little patience and courtesy around other anglers will help ensure everyone can enjoy their time on the water.

Short report but more to come!

Thanks to Hamish for supplying the other photos of some of his time with his clients recently.

Tight lines everyone!

~Niamh (Bluey)

12/03/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE – THIS WEEKEND

Sporting Life Turangi will be closed on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th March while we carry out our annual stocktake.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The store will reopen as normal on Tuesday 17th March at 8:30am.

If you need to purchase anything, please make sure to visit us before the weekend closure.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

— The Team at Sporting Life

07/03/2026

Saturday 7th March 2026

Weather: Sunny and still today with highs of 22°C.

Tongariro River Flow: 24.1 cumecs (m³/s)

Autumn is well and truly upon us as the early mornings see fresh starts with the sun warming the water nicely by the afternoon to see rising fish and lace moth activity beginning to show up when the wind gusts blow the little guys onto the surface.

More browns continue to arrive as we've had reports of success along with the plenty who have got away! We are seeing occasional small pods of them here and there as they make their way upstream to begin spawning. Often seen hanging out resting on the edges, the fish of 100 casts if you can get them to eat! These sleepy guys tend to feed at night, so swinging big profiled dark woolly buggers and streamers at night close to where you have seen them during the day is a sure way to land these tricky fish.

Some of you might remember John Ooi one of our staff members for a number of years here in Sporting Life and it seems the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree as his son Raymond has been putting the work in to find feeding browns throughout the river system and it's great to see his hard work paying off with a good number to the net now this year. Well done Ray!

The wind has been relentless for the boaties and fly fishermen alike, but that being said, people jigging have reported good success around the 25m mark and the condition of the fish in the lake slowly improve on what has been a slimmer conditioned rainbow year for most.

Some good reports have been coming in from the lake edges and river mouths as better conditioned fish come in to the cool water on dusk to feed on smelt, of which we have plenty of patterns in store to choose from.

We have lacemoth patterns in store for the coming week along with plenty of cicadas and terrestrial patterns as the sunny weather continues for the late season large dry flies. The backcountry is still fishing well so get out there and enjoy it!

See you out there,

Rosie

23/02/2026

Report this morning of the river from Timmy

22/02/2026

Monday 23rd February 2026

Weather: 10.7° Fine with light winds.

Tongariro River Flow: 26 Cumecs (m³/s)

A fresh start to the day, with a crisp morning giving way to some welcome warmth in the sunshine, a sign of a beautiful day ahead.

The weekend passed quickly, though Friday’s pesky wind made conditions challenging for many anglers. River traffic has been relatively light, allowing anglers plenty of space to spread out and properly hunt for fish.

It’s been a tough week overall, with fewer fish in the river than many had hoped for, especially as we’ve all been looking forward to more consistent summer conditions and better opportunities to target fish on the dries.

Encouragingly, over the past few days there have been more reports of surface eats compared to nymph takes in the local rivers, particularly when the sun is out. Let’s hope this trend continues for a while yet!

I finally managed to get out on the river during my days off. The weather improved, and although I was battling the wind on Friday, I hooked into a nice fresh brown on the Tongariro. Unfortunately, my line management wasn’t quite on point and, after a short battle, I lost the fish. One that got away!

I also took my partner out for his first freshwater fishing mission. Although he didn’t connect with anything on the first day, his casting improved so much that I decided to head to a smaller local river on Saturday for a bit of stalking.

Conditions were far more favourable. Barely any wind and much warmer overall. The cicadas were finally out and chirping, a sure sign that summer isn’t far away. There was plenty of surface activity from smaller fish, along with a few better ones that we managed to sneak up on. We spooked a couple as we worked our way upstream, but I managed to get a few young fish to take dries, which is always good fun.

Not long after, we came across a nice jack and hen sitting in the shallows. I tried a number of smaller dries, but they showed little interest. I then had Cassiano try a cicada pattern with a small nymph dropper. On his second cast, the jack rose confidently and took the cicada.

His first trout, and on a dry!

What a special moment. We landed the fish and snapped a quick photo before releasing it.

Looking ahead to this week, we’re expecting settled conditions through to Thursday, with daytime highs around 24°C. Winds should remain light initially before gradually increasing as the week progresses. A few showers are forecast for Thursday and potentially into the weekend.

Out on the lake, jigging continues to produce results. However, as has been the trend lately, many of the fish coming to hand have been on the leaner side. With favourable weather continuing and river numbers still lower than usual, it’s likely a good proportion of fish are holding in the lake for now.

Night fishing at the river mouths is also continuing to fish well. We’re well stocked with jigging flies, smelt patterns, and lumo flies for those heading out after dark.

Hamish made the most of the sunshine, guiding clients on the Tongariro and putting them onto some nice fish. Conditions clearly played their part, with reports of solid browns coming to hand. Including an impressive double hook-up on brown trout!

Enjoy the good weather everyone and tightlines!

~Niamh (Bluey)

15/02/2026

Sunday 15th February 2026

Weather: 12.9° Cloudy periods with isolated showers, then rain developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy. Southerlies becoming strong southwesterlies in the afternoon, rising to gale in the evening, gusting 100 km/h in exposed places.

River Flow: 28.5 Cumecs (m³/s25.)

We had a nice rain dump over last few days and that has now been replaced with pretty nasty wind that has a chill to it. Pete checked out the river this morning and not surprisingly it was very muddy. Since then I have gone and had a nosy and it seems like it's clearing very nicely with it now being a nice coloured green.

The wind will be warding people off quite a bit and rightly so. There is a wind watch in place with it looking like it will ease off towards Monday afternoon. This means taking care when out and about as trees or branches could come down as well heavy nymphs flying in directions they shouldn't. There is a lot rain expected in the Ruapehu region so we could see the Tongariro rise slightly. Fingers crossed we don't get any of that rain!

Before the wind and rain hit there was some good fishing being done. We heard more cicada about which was fantastic but sadly the temps have yet again dropped meaning the buzz has died down. We are looking forward to the fish going onto lace moth (passion vine hopper). With the weather meant to clear towards Thursday hopefully there will be more hatches and rising fish.

On some more exciting news we have just gotten the new Sage Power R8 in store. This is the latest to join the R8 family. Check it out on out website and come in to give it a feel. We've got great lines and reels to pair with this beast of a rod.

Hamish and Josh have also been out and about with his clients getting some stunning fish and sent through some good photos.
Let's hope the weather clears and we can get back out on the water.

Tight lines everyone!

~Niamh (Bluey)

08/02/2026

Sunday 8th February 2026
Weather: 26.7° Areas of morning cloud, clearing to fine. Cloud returning this evening with isolated showers. Westerlies, turning easterly at night.

River Flow: 21.6 Cumecs (m³/s)

What a stunning day it’s been! The sun was out early with light cloud in the sky, and the cicadas have been singing all day. For those lucky enough to still be out there, this evening is calm and perfect for a last hours of fishing. Keep an eye out for a hatch and those rising fish, the muggy weather should work in your favor!

The shop has been buzzing with a steady stream of anglers from both near and far all weekend.

Reports from the river suggest that fishing’s been a bit tough, but those who show patience are still managing some solid hook-ups. With the water low and clear, things are more challenging, so slowing down, stalking carefully, and taking your time will definitely pay off.

Cicada patterns and large dry flies with darker terrestrial profiles have been working well throughout the day. If the fish aren’t committing to the dry, consider adding a small dropper nymph to the setup if they aren't coming up for the dry.

Yesterday’s conditions were challenging, with strong winds testing those who ventured out. Despite this, Neil managed to connect with a few fish and sent through a great photo from the river with a big black woomfah in the gob of a brown.

Today the wind eased considerably, bringing welcome relief and making conditions far more pleasant for anglers.

We’ve also been hearing positive reports from the big lake, where jigging has been producing some quality fish. Smelt are running strongly around the river mouths, and late-night sessions continue to deliver for those putting in the hours.

Looking ahead, light showers are forecast for tomorrow before things clear nicely. This should help bring down some of the cicadas that have been active, followed by several days of settled weather. Toward the end of the week, a few more showers are expected to freshen things up, while light cloud cover should provide some relief from the sun and make stalking a little more forgiving.

We’ve also got Patagonia wet-wading socks back in stock, just in time for the hot temps. If you’re looking to stay cool while fishing, these are a must-have, especially if you’re getting too warm in your waders. Grab a pair while stocks last!

Let’s hope the good weather holds out and gives us some more solid fishing days ahead.

Lace Moth (Passion Vine Hopper) numbers are starting to increase, which seems to be a bit earlier than in previous years. Like much of this season, we’re seeing a lot of unexpected changes in the natural rhythms, which could make for an interesting few weeks ahead.

A week or so ago, my mate Luke and I went out for a night fish after work, and I finally landed my first brown trout. These elusive fish had been avoiding me for a while, but as soon as I hooked up, I could tell there was something different about it. I was absolutely stoked to land that fish and can’t wait to get back out and stalk some more — next goal: A river brown!

Tight Lines everyone!

~Niamh(Bluey)

05/02/2026

Just letting everyone know that we will be open tomorrow! Weather is looking for this weekend as well so pop in and pick up everything you need to get out on the water

31/01/2026

Saturday 31st January 2026

Weather: Pleasant temperatures with intervals of clouds and sunshine. Highs of 26° with light northwesterly winds.

River Flow: 45 cumecs (m³/s) for most of the day but will drop back around 5,30pm

The Tongariro River had a recreational release below the Poutu Intake today but will be back to normal tomorrow. Care should always be a given at these times and a quick check on the Genesis webpage can give a heads up on current flow and future releases.

https://www.genesisenergy.co.nz/about/generation/rivers-lakes-and-rainfall/tongariro-power-scheme

The next recreational release is scheduled for 25th of April 2026

Fishing the edges today with unweighted streamers and large profiled nymphs to pick up those fish sheltering in shallow water usually works a treat in the discoloured water. Monday will be back on for stalking the edges and sight fishing after the recreational release passes through.

Warm weather and lower clearer flows following the high water have seen brown trout on the edges of the Tongariro throughout the system the past week! Gary has been out there chasing those browns with great success.

Neil reports some good action on the Tongariro with himself landing a beautiful fresh-out-the-lake brown trout and some good rainbows in-between!

Lace Moth have been building in numbers in town vege patches and with small fish seen picking them off in the Tauranga Taupo yesterday it is only a matter of time before the Trout get a taste for them around the rivers. Until then the Cicada are still buzzing up a storm and will keep fish looking up for feed on these chunky morsels.

Lake Otamangakau closes tomorrow on the 1st of the month for the entirety of February. Reopening on 1st March through to 31st May.

Today we celebrate our Pete Carty's belated 70th birthday for yesterday! Peter has been a core part of Sporting Life for the last decade, helping many anglers to get on the water and find success when fishing for trout in the Taupo region. His fly tying expertise is invaluable to all of us and we are lucky to be able to share his knowledge with you here in the shop. Pete works on Fridays and Sundays here in Sporting Life Turangi, so pop in to see him for advice on tying nymphs, streamers and all dry flies for the region and season.

Carty learnt to fly fish as a young boy, spent many years guiding out of the South Island, helping for many more years with Casting for Recovery, as a certified casting instructor helping many to improve their casting and of course his bespoke fly tying which we all know and love.

His Services to Fly Fishing ONZM was awarded in 2025 and we couldn't be prouder of all he's achieved, help shape the fly fishing scene of NZ and to have his expertise with us in the shop!

Myself, Hamish and Niamh treasure having Pete as a great mentor for our fly fishing addiction, helping us progress with our casting and fly tying adventures. There's always new fly ideas, alterations and material flying around when Gary and Pete work together and many great stories shared among all the staff of Pete's adventures over the years.

So here's to you Pete!

Come in store on Sunday to stock up on his Cicada patterns and intel on fly tying!

Rosie

30/01/2026

A Genesis recreational release is now in effect on the Tongariro River with flows expected to be elevated until late this afternoon. Flow levels will increase to around 50cummec with noticeable water discoloration.

River crossings would definitely be discouraged however it can be a good time to swing some streamers on a downstream sinking line, especially now when more Browns are being seen through the river.

A reminder also that today will be the last opportunity to fish Lake Otamangakau before it's February closure. It will open again on March 1st.

Gary and Rosie are on deck today so call in and get the best advice on how to get amoungst it.

Address

The Mall
Turangi
3334

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Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm
Saturday	8:30am - 5pm
Sunday	9:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+64 7 386 8996

Website

http://www.sportinglife-turangi.co.nz/

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