Feedback & Reports

Fished 1230-1700, limited rise of Dark Olives but fish not responding to (my!) flies, missed two takes on a Mayfly and a White Wulf on the lower beat, middle beats seemed fairly lifeless.

7 x trout 10-14 inches, 2 x out of season grayling 8-9 inches, dry March Brown and Dark Moorgame spider. Warming up a bit now, with less wind, although rising fish confined to the middle of the day. River also quite low. Flies were a hit of a mixed bag, with a few grannom, olives and two short flushes of "march browns". These last were what interested the fish.
I used to worry about whether we had the real march brown (Rhithrogena germanica) or the late march Brown (Ecdyonurus venosus) or the large brook dun (Ecdyonurus torrentis). You can't really go by the time of emergence, as the march brown, where it is common, is more of an April fly these days, just as the may fly is really an early June onwards fly in most parts of the country. Both names are older than 17th century calendar revisions. Suffice it to say that when I want real entomological advice, I turn to Dave Collins, and we have identified the true march brown from both rivers, by colour, wing vein pattern and thigh markings. My practical suggestion to anglers is that, as the hatch of these things often lasts no more than about 15 minutes and the fish do appreciate them very much, rather than rushing to the car boot for a magnifying glass when you see them, you tie an imitation on and get right to it without more ado!

7 Trout

Quite a warm day at last, even in the river valley, and not much wind! Olives and small flies hatching most of the day, enough to at last interest the trout, although they stopped at about 2pm. Returned 3 trout, all on Para Adams in the glides, 2 at 8" and one cracker at 12".
All in great condition as well.

3 Trout

I didn't start fishing until about midday. No fish rising on this fabulous beat so started fishing French Nymph style at the very bottom. First 3 casts produced 3 WBT, 2x10 inches and one beautiful 17 inch specimen.However, just as quickly as the action started, so it finished. Not one other fish fell to me all afternoon.

3 Trout

8 Trout

Sunny day with a clear lowish river and a downstream wind. Any flat water was difficult as the fish saw me coming from a mile away (I'm not very skilled) so the streamy/rapid sections were more productive. 1 very healthy trout with beautifull markings on a GRHE and 2 accidental grayling, both big males of about 2lbs also in fine condition. Sitting still under a tree I was able to watch trout up to a pound cruising in groups of 5 or 6 at the very bottom end of the beat in shallow water.Catching them was another matter. Good variety of types of water and plenty to keep you interested for a full day, thanks.

1 Trout, 2 Grayling

Nice setting, no fish caught.

Location perfect, river perfect,weather perfect, fishing not so good, no rise of fly or fish.

We enjoyed a lovely days fishing, weather couldn"t have been any better. One wye springer caught, 20 lbs on a cascade from The Gabions pool.

1 Salmon

No catch water very clear, no fish seen on surface or anywhere else, but relaxing day.