Articles

            The River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Association held their AGM at The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel last Friday. Chairman Andy Grey reported on a disappointing season in 2024 with salmon catches the lowest since 1952. The Environment Agency statistics showed a consistent number of rod hours over recent seasons with an estimated 0.18 salmon per licence holder if my notes are correct. A month into a new season and no salmon have been recorded from the Taw. The Torridge has done rather better with three salmon recorded. http://www.halfmoonsheepwash.co.uk             The environment was as always at the top of ...

THE TEIGN BOOK THE STORY OF THE RIVER TEIGN RESTORATION PROJECT AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE CATCHMENT NEIL YEANDLE with photographs by Mike Rego             Rivers inspire with their unique histories as they flow through our green and pleasant lands and it is anglers who are amongst those with the deepest connection and passion. This is evident throughout the pages of the Teign book written by Neil Yeandle who has produced a very comprehensive and informative book on this fascinating and beguiling river.             Neil is a lifelong angler whose connection with the Teign commenced when he moved to the ...

Full Report from Bulldog Fishery Heavy frost bright sunshine and an Easterly wind Everything you DON'T want for a days fly fishing... However, the anglers that fished the postponed February fly comp today took on the challenge! First to hook up on one of Bulldogs finest hard fighting rainbows was none other than Mr Denis Ives, a mer 12 seconds after the starting horn! This puts Denis in second place on the wall of Fame for fastest hook up in a comp! Many fish were hooked and landed throughout the morning with some truly heartfelt moments with some of the ...

A NEW SEASON UNDERWAY AT WONDERFULL WIMBLEBALL The Exmoor landscape glistened with frost as the sun climbed in the clear sky.  I negotiated the icy roads on my way to Wimbleball on the last day of metrological winter. A veil of white mist hid the reservoir from view as I approached with not a breath of wind.             Several anglers were already at the water’s edge and had enjoyed early success. I was meeting with my good friend Jeff Pearce who had assisted with the launching of several boats offering advice based on the previous days opening. I had already ...

March 1st and the commencement of a new salmon season on North Devon’s Taw and Torridge. I joined members of Barnstaple & District Angling Club at Newbridge to celebrate the occasion at their bankside hut. Warm spring sunshine brought smiles and optimism a contrast to last season’s start with a raging torrent of dirty water combined with hail and thunder. A Hang glider drifted high above in a clear blue sky. We chatted warmly of seasons gone and those who had walked the river banks at this very spot. It was good to share the spring day with a band ...