Feedback & Reports

First time on the beat. A big river - it is surprising what a difference being a few miles downstream makes - and, with a nasty downstream wind, was glad that I took the 9 ft rod. Mind you, with so many meanders and being able to fish both banks, the downstream wind was less of a problem that it otherwise might have been. Gin clear water. River pushing through.

Started in the bottom weir and moved upstream looking for the sort of even-paced runs that are usually stuffed full of Grayling on the Lugg at this time of year. In spite of finding plenty of likely looking candidates, it didn't really work out that way although, I picked up fish fairly consistently as I worked up river but, if memory serves, never more than one fish per run. I ended up with around a dozen Grayling - mostly in the 10-12 inch bracket - on Czech nymphs/PTNs/Copper Johns. Found a few fish rising, just above the Bridge mid-afternoon. Switched to a Klinkhammer for a couple of small Trout and a couple of even smaller Grayling before an early finish to beat the rain.

An interesting beat which, under better conditions, should really produce.

Tough going today, tried the obvious beats on the upper section with no joy then moved downstream to some of the newly cleared (to me anyway) swims and roved around for one barbel of 8.12, then headed back upstream at dusk for 2 more barbel and a chub plus one lost to a snag, once again pellet was the bait to catch on it seems.

None.

None.

7 x grayling 10-19 inches, 2 out of season trout 8-9 inches. I spent nearly all the day bugging, a brief dry fly spell after lunch resulting only in a large number of grayling parr from the gravel flats. It was quite a business locating fish of size, but then in late afternoon three very nice fish in succession came from a single hole: 15 inches, 19 inches and then 17 inches. I was duly impressed; I don't see 19 inch grayling every day.

3 barbel caught in the evening, meat and pellet, best 6lb - 13oz.

It had been about 18 months since I last fished Lyepole and fortunately nothing had changed. A wonderful beat with relatively easy wading and a good head of Grayling. Fishing heavy bugs/nymphs, I caught over 20 fish, mostly Grayling, best fish 14" and a few out of season Trout. A good days fishing in the quiet Lugg valley at its Autumnal best.

With the river only about a foot up on conditions that had been kind to us before we were both confident of a good days fishing. K.P had chose to fish for barbel while I opted for a change and targeted the pike. I walked the whole stretch fishing the most likely looking swims and was pleased with the two pike I caught which although only small were very nicely marked and in great condition. K.P did catch four barbel to around 7lb which he had to work hard for, moving swims and changing tactics paying off.

Ideal conditions but sadly not many caught. I had 1 chub early morning then a barbel at lunchtime and a lost fish at teatime. That was the sum total for the day. Moved several times to try and find something to catch. I did not see the barbel bite, a swan decided to fly upriver and would have flown into my line had I not grabbed the rod quickly and lowered the line into the water. As I lifted the rod back up to put back onto the rodrest line started to get pulled off the reel. Thinking it was weed I wound down and felt kicking on the end. Small barbel so I hoped I had found a shoal but no other bites.

Took four rainbows between us all on Mepps Aglia spinners,
2@ 1lb 3OZs, 1 @ 1Lb 7 Ozs and 1 @ 1lb 10 OZs.