Things are looking up.....

This was the first visit to the river conducted this season conducted with a degree of expectation rather than hope. Temperatures have begun to rise and it is beginning to feel springlike. On arrival I noted a sporadic hatch of LDO’s and with some very careful observation it was possible to find evidence of feeding fish in the riffles. Not too many but more than enough to pique interest and occupy the mind.

On with the stripped quill dun and into the river to start stalking the rising fish. It seems funny now but for my first few seasons of river fishing I actively ignored riffles and ‘busier’ stretches of water as I felt that there was too much to contend with in terms of managing drag and seeing the fly and as a consequence I managed to convince myself that there were no fish in those spots anyway. So I made life so much easier for myself by concentrating on the smooth glides! Happily I have managed to disabuse myself of this notion. Of course fishing these areas does demand more application (in terms of drag management) and concentration (in terms of being able to see the fly) but the rewards are there for the diligent.

On this occasion a short session resulted in three brown trout being bought to hand, all as a result of having been targeted and cast at. The stripped quill dun is a new fly to me and I have to say that it looks fabulous but my efforts need to be a little more durable and could do with another CDC feather to aid floatation.

Exclusive fishing....

…………available to anybody with a rod licence!

I am happy to report that things are finally picking up. The rather dour river of only a few weeks ago has been replaced by a rather more vibrant and verdant character. Flies are hatching and the trout have thrown off their torpor and are now actively feeding. In short the exact conditions that I spent the close season dreaming of.

Two short sessions this weekend, both on stretches I have not visited previously this season. Both are public access water. Friday evening was a case of getting into the river and seeing what was happening. Medium Olives and Sedges were hatching and the fish were responding with enthusiasm. The fish that were presenting themselves appeared to be actively patrolling the water and moving to intercept flies. But this was a buffet meal and they were availing themselves of whatever was available. To underlne this I had interest in all four of the patterns that I presented and was able to bring fish to hand on the CDC Emerger, the CDC & Elk and the Stripped Quill Dun (SQD). It was a fun session that was brought to an abrupt close when the temperature dropped and the fish simply turned off.

Sunday morning was quite a contrast. Again a variety of invertebrates were coming off the water but on this occasion fish were all high in the water and locked on to the Medium Olive. I worked this out when the CDC & Elk warranted no more interest than a couple of ‘boils’. On with the SQD and presented correctly then there was a sporting chance of success.

 Spotted the first couple of Mayfly this weekend as well so Duffers Fortnight is imminent.