15 Mar 2026

THE ARUNDELL WEST COUNTRY TROUT FESTIVAL

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

The Fly Fishing community gathered at the Arundell for the first day of the West Country Trout Festival on March 14^th the eve of a new River Fishing season. It proved to be a highly enjoyable day of learning, socialising and tackle browsing. My mind is overwhelmed with images, thoughts and plans for a new season so rather than try and report on the day with long winded narrative I will simply post images and relevant captions with links to relevant websites.

DAVID PILKINGTON

David Pilkington got the talks underway enthralling the audience by reading an extract from his highly anticipated book that reflects upon a lifetime at the water’s edge. His narrative tells of social change and declining salmon runs interspersed with rich and relevant humour.

WILD TROUT TRUST

David Oakley – Glimpses into Wildie Waters

David Oakley delivered a fascinating and informative talk on the work of the Wild Trout Trust. He highlighted the many issues that impact upon our rivers including; Agricultural pollution, Physical modifications, Waste Water, Urban pollution, Invasive species, Abstraction, Hydro and global warming.

He outlined the benefits of wood in rivers, The renaturalisation of rivers after years of misguided abuse. The importance of shade and the return to natural wiggling and meandering water courses.

https://www.wildtrout.org

Fowey Rivers Association

Jeff Pearce presented ‘Echoes of the Run: Can salmon still thrive in our South West Rivers? Jeff has lived close to the River Fowey for much of his life and has an intimate connection with the river and its fish. He explained the sad plight of the salmon and the issues that threaten their survival as they migrate from high on Bodmin Moor to their Ocean feeding grounds and back to their birthplace.

Jeff showed the vital work being undertaken on the River to give the sea trout and salmon a fighting chance.

The impact of Colliford and Siblyback Reservoirs was highlighted along with the hatchery that is being used to compensate for the loss of vital spawning grounds.

Click on links below for more info: –

Home Page

https://billparrydavies.vhx.tv/products/tidal-reach

SOUTH WEST RIVERS ASSOCIATION

William Entwisle

Discussed the expansive strategies being developed by SWRA, including their sea trout and salmon action plan and smolt augmentation initiatives. I missed much of this talk but picked up at its conclusion as William talked of a Noah’s Ark to help salmon to survive as the destructive fishing industry is regulated via international agreements.

ALEX JARDINE

Alex emphasised the value and unique importance of English Chalk Streams. There are 210 chalk streams across the world 160 of which are in England with the others in France. The delights of fishing throughout the seasons were described with tactics and approach outlined with in-depth analysis of the trout’s view of the world.

https://www.aardvarkmcleod.com/water_type/chalkstream/

CHARLES JARDINE – FISHING FOR SCHOOLS

*Charles sketches various nymphs that are vital indicators of river health*

Charles is a gifted teacher and introduced his inspiring Fishing for school program with vigour and passion. The bugs life world of River Fly transfixed the audience and introduced the universal value of Latin across the scientific community. He explained how viewing the abundance of life in rivers linked to art and broader learning. Full details of Fishing For Schools can be found at :-

https://www.countryside-alliance.org/fishingforschools

NIGEL NUNN

What we Observe

Is not nature itself,

But nature exposed

to our method

of questioning.

Werner Heisenberg

From Charles talk of Latin and life within the water we moved on to a little psychology as Nigel Nunn introduced his world of fly tying. Asking; How trout see things and why they take a fly? Nigel’s non symmetrical scruffy flies are designed to give the illusion of life. A great deal of thought, observation and experimentation is behind the designs of Nigel’s creations that tempt wily trout across the globe.

Nigel related to the names of some of his flies an example being the Gypsy Queen a vibrant pink and green fly, alegedly named after an Irish saying:-

Pink and Green

Should never be seen

Except on the back of a gypsy queen.

Nigel agreed with my comment that one of the most important factors in fly choice is Confidence and belief in its effectiveness.

https://www.nigelnunnflies.com

Lessons in fly dressing from Nigel Nunn and Julie

DOMINIC GARNETT

Dom talks coarse fish on the fly the new frontier; exploring a wide range of West Country venues suggesting that Fly Fishing offers opportunites to target many species not tradionally targeted with Fly Tackle. Species targetted by Dom included perch, Rudd, pike, carp, bream, roach, chub and even huge catfish.

LAKESIDE

*The bench tells of recent heavy rainfall*

*Alex Jardine gives a casting demonstration*

IN THE COCKPIT

Jeff Pearce and Nigel Nunn creating tempting flies with a dash of banter and a cheery grin.

*Jeff Pearce and Nigel Nunn swap tales and create tempting flies*

*Martins Minnows for streamer fishing tied by Jeff; these will be swimming in North Devon Rivers over the coming months*

BREAK TIME

*Sharing tales over pasties and coffee in the Deli*

EXHIBITORS HALL

Exhibitors host a multitude of stands in the Tamar Room. Quality tackle, flies and holidays to tempt both angler and trout!

*HANAK – Display top quality fly fishing tackle range that included rods, reels, apparel, hooks and terminal tackle.*

UNIQUE FLIES Offer fine quality barbless flies for river and lake

JS Patch Fly Fishing

All the way from France

The Wild Trout Trust

Casterbridge Fisheries (River Frome)

The River Frome home of the UK’s biggest grayling and stunning wild chalkstream trout.

*John Grindle ( Left) and John Aplin (Centre)*

Homepage

Alex Jardine and David Pilkington in discussion

Veniards & The Fly Emporium – Fly Tying materials and accessories at their finest.

https://www.veniard.com

Wimbleball Reservior Fly Fishery

Picaris The UK Distributor of Peux Fly Fishing, Fasna Fly Fishing and Diamond Back Fly Rods.

Home

The organising and coordinating of such of an event takes months of careful planning and behind the scenes work. James Christoforou, Lewis Hendrie and all at the Arundell are to be thanked for their efforts.

15 Mar 2026

THE INTRIGUE OF A PRIVATE LAKE

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

Over the years I have often spoken with Lewis Hendrie at various fishing shows and events across the West Country and it is always apparent that we share a deep passion for angling. So when Lewis suggested a fishing trip on a lake or river it was too good an opportunity to miss and a date was set. As is often the case natures script doesn’t always cater to our own desired narrative and our plans for the day would have to fit the weather to some extent.

The plan was to potentially split the day into two sessions seeking an end of season grayling on the River Exe or fishing on a Private Lake. On the eve of the fishing day the weather men’s prediction of gale force winds and driving rain failed to dent our enthusiasm and we arranged to meet at the White Horse Inn, Exford with our options open.

https://www.exmoor-whitehorse.co.uk

A warm seat in the pub beside the fire was a good starting point for the day and we chatted fishing in depth over a hot coffee. Lewis has been Fly Fishing in the West Country and beyond for many years and is a respected fishing guide and tackle consultant who is part of the Hanak UK team.

https://www.hanak.eu/en/about-us/company-hanak

Lewis writes:-

Basically the initiative behind Team Hanak UK is that we run workshops around the country that are free to all as an incentive to try and encourage younger people and more people into the sport of Fly Fishing. With a platform hosted by some of the best Fly fishers in the industry (that make up the Hanak uk) team we are able to provide the highest level of knowledge, advice and demonstrate a series of presentations and method displays to help people along their Fly Fishing journey. With an incredible team that are more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge and even give away their trade secrets to help all those that attend. I’ve been a level two qualified coach for 19 years but guided under the influence and watch of Nick Hart as an apprentice guide for a period spanning 20 to 21 years.Within the workshops that we run we incorporate brands that we have tried and tested and are completely behind due to the quality and durability of their products. This way the workshops aren’t biased to an individual brand although we fly under the Hanak UK banner because all of us absolutely love their range.

Lewis has competed at National, European and World Level. Fishing one World Championship, two European Championships and is multi capped at Home International level. He represented the England youth team from 13 to 19 years of age and has represented at senior level since.

The Fly Fishing world is changing at a rapid pace at present with new techniques being adopted by the fly fishing fraternity. I am presently reading Theo Pikes informative and thought provoking book – River Trout Streamer Fishing. We discussed the potential of these methods and Lewis fully endorsed how effective streamer fishing can be on UK rivers.

I told Lewis how my own fishing has been stifled to some extent by long standing traditions and how frustrating this can be. I recalled a discussion last year with the late author of the book ‘Gently Down the Stream’. Nicholas’s opening greeting to me was, ‘Are you an upstream or a downstream man’? To which I replied after a moments pause; “ I cast to where the trout lie”. A reply that Lewis related to as we went on to discuss the rapid development of fly fishing and how it can be applied to our local rivers over the coming season.

Fully charged with enthusiasm after an hour of fishing dialogue that evaporated all too quickly, we headed for the intriguing Private Lake that nestles within a moorland fold that is part of a Country Estate. It is always exciting to head to a new venue and Lewis fired up the anticipation as he described the very special brown trout and spartic trout that swim within its waters.

We arrived at the entrance gates and Lewis asked how good my car was on soft wet ground? My mind raced back to a near stranding close to a local river and I suggested caution. No problem replied Lewis let’s take mine it should be Ok; more of that later the eagerness to get fishing was strong and overruled the caution of common sense as we were to find later in the day.

And so we bumped our way down the track to arrive close to water’s edge. The lake undoubtedly had a unique character and despite the howling wind and driving drizzle it held a certain beguiling beauty. The onset of Spring seemed far away on this wet wild, windy and inhospitable day.

We tackled up eagerly with Lewis urging me to commence fishing from the first platform that offered some shelter from the conditions. I had elected to start off with a floating line and a long leader with gold-head black-lure on the point. No finesse required using these tactics and I opted for 10.5lb fluorocarbon leader.

I deduced that the water wasn’t deep as I peered into the peat stained lake and put a line out across the wind ruffled surface. I just love the anticipation of casting into unfamiliar waters hoping to unlock the mysteries of the lake.

https://www.fishpal.com/england/devon-cornwall-somerset/bradleypond/

I paused and allowed the fly to sink before commencing my standard erratic retrieve. Third cast and wallop a good fish hit the lure and a flash of orange flank was momentarily glimpsed before the hook hold gave. It looked and felt like a good fish, they so often do when they come adrift.

Confidence was fully charged now and a couple of casts later I connected again and this time my prize came begrudgingly to the waiting net. Lewis bounded over sharing the joy of success and keen to capture the image of this beautiful brown trout.

It wasn’t long before Lewis was connected to his own prize and I dropped my own rod to rush over and capture his triumph.

From this point in the day we could both just settle into the routine of fishing in the moment far from the troubled wider world. Birdsong resonated despite the gale force wind and driving rain. Each cast brought expectation and hope; it was good to be alive.

Another brown trout seized my lure and we admired its silver hued flanks so different than the first two fish we had tempted. The diversity of the brown trout gene pool is amazing and my mind drifted back to a fascinating talk delivered by Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust a few weeks ago. Whilst these fish were not true wild fish their beauty was undeniable and their behaviour by now undoubtedly as if wild.

We both moved around the lake searching the water and I lost another good sized fish after a brief connection but it seemed as if the lakes inhabitants had switched off. Lewis and I are both persistent souls so whilst a retreat for a pub lunch at the White Horse Inn seemed sensible another cast or ten was required.

It was close to 3.00pm before we actually headed for lunch but our earlier haste to reach the water brought a problem for the wet and slippery slope was not negotiable and so we had to walk to my car a few hundred yards away. The walk was eased by an exceedingly strong tail wind.

Dinner and a hot coffee were indeed a welcome interlude as Lewis darted to and fro gathering delivery’s for the forthcoming West Country Trout Festival at the Arundell.

Late afternoon and a couple of hours daylight remaining it was back to the lake after seeking help from the adjacent stables. Fortunately we came upon a friendly soul who cheerily agreed to bring over a tractor when her duties at the stable were completed.

Lewis and I arrived at the lake expectant with renewed vigour. I swapped my floating line for an intermediate and once again began to search the water. I savoured the stark landscape and tried to picture the lake in a few weeks’ time as the delightful symphonies of Spring and Summer would once again fill the air. Skylarks, cuckoos, swallows and chiff-chaff would surely sing and vivid blue damsel flies will flutter around the margins as speckled trout slurp flies from placid waters.

The trout proved elusive, the rescue of the van went without issue and the light began to fade from the day despite swapping my polaroid’s to my standard lens. The bare trees danced in the wind, rain lashed across the water and we both walked towards each other acknowledging that it was perhaps time to go after just a few more last casts.

Wet waders and waterproofs were slung into vehicles and we both shared a cheery farewell for despite the weather we had enjoyed a great day at the water’s edge and vowed to do it all again before too long.

2 Mar 2026

JOHN BAILEY AT THE ARUNDELL

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

The Arundell Arms is a 300 year old Coaching Inn set in West Devon that is at the heart of the West Country Fly Fishing Scene. The Arundell has a rich fishing history and has hosted many influential anglers and gifted literary scholars during its history as one of England’s precious country hotels.

On the evening of February 28^th Pauline and I joined with friends to listen to a talk by the well known angling author John Bailey who is also the lead angling consultant in the popular BBC Two series, Mortimer & Whitehouse : Gone Fishing.

I have many of John Baileys angling books and my favourite is ‘Travels with a Two Piece’ published in 1985. The book takes the reader on a journey around the UK with John and his trusty vintage split cane fly rod. Within the pages of this delightful book are stories of fishing in the West Country with particular relevance to the Tamar and its tributaries. The magic of night fishing for the wily sea trout of the Lyd are encapsulated in this pleasing prose from the book. “ The pool lies under the gloom and disorder of Gathered Wood. There is a silence there, enough to hear the small brown trout moving on the shallows, so silent you fancy you hear the moon above slowly spin in the sky, the owl float in the air or the mists actually rise from the meadow dips. There is a magic in the very earth this night.”

In the forty odd years since these words were written much has changed in this world and yet the rivers still flow and anglers still fish these waters hoping to connect with the wild fish that swim within.

In 2025 John revisited these waters as part of the Gone Fishing Team and his talk described in detail the processes involved in the production of this highly popular program its vital human element and the dynamics between its three main characters, Bob, Paul and Ted the dog. The entertaining and informative talk was delivered with a liberal sprinkling of humour. The genuine warmth and honesty of the show emphasised throughout.

There are many who watch Gone Fishing who are not anglers and yet they are entranced by the adventures of Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as they cast their lines into waters across the UK and beyond. The program focuses on wild fish from wild waters a factor that is undoubtedly a reflection of John’s passion for such waters.

I expressed to John my belief that one aspect that makes the show so popular is that it relays the joys of companionship at the water’s edge and doesn’t actually take the fishing too seriously. For whilst John is a dedicated angler like myself many non- anglers would fail to grasp the depth and passion involved.

Wild rivers their value and the value of wild fish was discussed in depth along with the complex links between angling the community and the environment.

The impact of a changing society upon angling for young people was debated at length. I’m sure that many in the audience related to a time when children would fish alone and learn for themselves. Both John and myself could relate to a childhood spent at the water’s edge wandering free without fear in what is now a distant age. Few of today’s youth are likely to enjoy such freedoms.

*Daffodills beside the wild waters of the Lyd*

*A place to rest and watch the waters flow*

The Arundell is a special place steeped in history and a tranquil oasis from the troubled world in which we live. After a delicious meal my wife and I retreated to the reading room its shelves abounding with angling and countryside titles in keeping with the hotels essence. There have undoubtedly been many interesting conversations within the timeless comfort of this room.

Below future dates for the diary :-

22 Feb 2026

Club Record Conger – In Testing Conditions

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Combe Martin SAC member Kevin Legge has smashed the clubs conger record with a fine conger scaling 37lb 14oz. The big shore caught eel is a new personal best for Kevin who has landed several eels over thirty pounds fishing North Devon’s remote and craggy shoreline over a fishing journey that has already stretched over four decades. Kevin’s enthusiasm and dedication is recognised by fellow club members.

The fish was tempted using Channel Squid and landing the eel was very much a team effort with his good friend Damien Close of Weston Outcasts assisting in landing the eel as a big sea surged against the rocks. A cool head and confidence in strong tackle undoubtedly ensured a successful conclusion in testing conditions.

2 Feb 2026

Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Fishery Focus, Game Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026

Many thanks to Tom Early for his report on the competition below ;- My own account follows

Our latest fly fishing competition at Bulldog Fisheries took place on the 1st of February 2026, and on arrival the conditions looked absolutely perfect. Overcast skies paired with still air set the scene nicely. Over a cup of tea and a bacon roll, plenty of fish were already showing, rising steadily along the far bank. Much of the early conversation centred around the recent stocking, with Nigel and Tom boasting of monster browns that had been introduced — excitement levels were high before a line had even been cast.

Following a quick peg draw, keen anglers made their way to their designated spots, patiently awaiting the starting horn. When it sounded, the ‘stocky’ rainbows came hard and fast during the opening hour of the competition.

Then came the first real moment of the day. Out on the point, with his rod bent double and a huge splash at the end of the line, it was clear Dave Chapman was connected to something special. After a lengthy fight and some expert netting from his son Freddy, the first big brown of the day was landed. Weighing in at just over 11lb, it was a cracking fish and gave Dave’s total weight a serious boost.

As the day went on, the rain arrived — heavy at times — and the fishing followed a familiar rhythm of sudden flurries and quieter lulls. There were moments when multiple anglers were playing fish across the lake at once, followed by brief pauses before the action fired up again.

Big browns continued to make an appearance throughout the day, particularly for Andrew Facey — quickly earning him the nickname “the man of many browns”. Fish after fish came to the net, including a double-figure brownie and a second biggen not far off, prompting a running joke that he’d soon need a wheelbarrow to carry his fish bag.

Just before lunch, the biggest fish of the day decided to show itself. North Devon Angling News editor, Mr Wayne Thomas, found himself locked into the battle of a lifetime. When the fish was finally landed, it was nothing short of spectacular — fin perfect and a prime example of what Bulldog Fisheries is capable of producing. Weighing an incredible 13.7lb, it was not only the largest brown taken from Bulldog’s waters in several years, but also a brand-new personal best for Wayne!

By lunchtime, anglers were soaked through and thoroughly hungry, so lunch was very welcome — cheeseburgers and chips all round!

Competition Results

1st Place: Andrew Facey – 5 fish, total weight 29.4lb

2nd Place: Dave Chapman – 5 fish, total weight 23.10lb

3rd Place: Chris Dunn – 6 fish, total weight 22.13lb

Biggest Fish of the Day: Wayne Thomas – 13.7lb Brown Trout

Many fish were landed throughout the day, including multiple Spartics and browns in the 4.5lb to 6lb range.

Overall, this was definitely one of the better competitions we’ve held. It’s always great to see everyone enjoying the venue, and knowing that our hard work is appreciated makes it all worthwhile

Onwards to the next one

The Cultivation of luck

Those big moments in angling are often the result of a bit of luck and there are many sayings used in relation to the luck factor. ” The harder I try the luckier I get” is perhaps one of the biggest in angling. Chatting with Nigel about the carp lake I pondered upon the investment of time when he commented on an angler having caught one carp in eight days fishing. Carp fishing by its nature is a discipline where the amount of time spent on the bank can be seen as hours invested results in success.

Fly Fishing and in particular competitive fly fishing is time constrained meaning that the decisions made on the day within a strict time frame are perhaps more focused. Thinking back over my many years at the water’s edge many of my personal best fish can be attributed to a big slice of luck that has to some extent been cultivated.

The big brown trout I caught during Bulldogs February Competition is a good example. I had started the day in peg 10 determined by a random draw. As is often the case the first twenty minutes are often hectic with the fish seizing anglers offerings with gusto. I capitalised on this early spell banking two rainbows though I could and should have done better as numerous fish came off after a few seconds of brief connection. A lesson that I have learnt is that in a competition keep at it if the fish are playing ball for they will often switch off quickly as a result of angling pressure.

The competitive format is that every twenty minutes the horn is blown and all move two pegs along. The next three moves resulted in just one fish for myself and by late morning I had still to catch that fourth fish to complete the morning quota. Colin Combe a friend from Wistlandpound angling Club had come for a chat and we talked of previous successes at various lakes. Fly choice is a widely debated topic amongst fly fishers and we both agreed that Bulldog Trout seem to respond to larger lure patterns. My own favourite is an olive damsel whilst Colin reflected upon recent success with a cats-whisker. Now I know the cats whisker is a very successful fly but it is not a fly I tend to use often.

Half an hour or so later I was fishing the point a good peg but success was eluding me. It was by now lashing with rain and there were only three of us left on the striving for that fourth fish whilst all other anglers chatted in the warmth of the hut beside a roaring woodburner with hot drinks and biscuits. Tom walked over and perhaps taking pity upon us told us we could fish where we liked during the last twenty minutes.

I took the opportunity to walk ten yards to peg ten where I had started the day. I carefully tied on a catswhisker and checked the hooks bend for it was a fly that had resided in my fly box for quite a while. I cast the fly to what I perceived was the hot spot and after two tweaks of retrieve all locked up as a big fish hit the fly. Five apprehensive minutes or so later a big beautiful brown trout slid over the rim of the net.

It was a very lucky cast destined by being in the right place at the right time with a fly at the lines end that tempted the trout. In a stocked Stillwater big fish are no wiser than small fish. If there is any skill it is in the landing of the fish as a big fish can break free as they often do. Checking those knots, hooks and removing those line weakening wind knots are key to capitalising upon luck.

The burger and chips went down well as we chatted of fishing, country sports, healthy eating, cooking, local meetings with rock stars and a wide range of wider topics wisely keeping clear of politics and other contentious issues.

The afternoon session proved harder going with most struggling to complete their six fish limit. I did add another brown trout of a couple of pounds and lost a good rainbow of perhaps four pounds when the hook pulled. Chatting later it was obvious that the trout were nipping at the tails of the flys without fully committing.

It was cheery bunch at the weigh in as the days catches were admired and memories captured before heading home with plenty of trout and prizes.

22 Jan 2026

SOUTH WEST FLY FAIR 2026

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

2 Nov 2025

A Danglers Diary – October – 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

October has to be one of my favourite months to be at the waters edge.

Roadford Lake – Brown Trout Masters 2025

Pleased with runner up for 2025

Grey Mullet in local harbours –

Tuna two estimated at 300lb

The days takes it toll

Chasing memories these giant fish are perhaps the ultimate in British waters very much a team day out with mates with all credit to the skipper Dan Margetts and John McMaster. The day was like a sea safari with dolphins, sea birds diving into bait balls and of coarse huge fish to test tackle and stamina.

A few hours spent casting for Autumn salmon with my good friend Jeff in deepest Cornwall before heading home.

Back to normal with a plague of North Devon dogfish

Better fish are there if you can get through the dogfish

Kevin with one of three small eyed he landed. Good to catch up with a fishing buddy of close to fifty years.

Proud to have an article in the last edition of Fly Culture Magazine

Something to read on those cold Winter nights. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/10/28/35531/

(Above) Grandad takes new generation to the waters edge.

I end the months chasing hard fighting rainbow trout at Wimbeball and enjoy success with a pristine fish of close to 5lb.

31 Oct 2025

An Autumn Day at Wimbleball – Exmoor’s Premier Trout Water

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

It had been too long since my last visit to Wimbleball Reservoir and on arrival at the lake shoreline I was shocked to stand at top water level and gaze at the distant boat launching pontoon far away at the water’s edge.

The lake now at less than 30% capacity demonstrates the impact of a dry spring followed by a long dry summer. The recent Autumn rainfall has had little impact so far and we can only hope for a very wet winter to restore the reservoir to full before next Spring. Abstraction from the River Exe will be key for Wessex and South West Water in achieving this goal for the lake is a shared resource that provides water across Devon and Somerset. I believe there are plans to build a new reservoir adjacent to Cheddar Reservoir that will take some of the load off Wimbleball but this is several years away.

There was a brisk North West Wind blowing which would undoubtedly influence where to fish. After loading the boat I headed up to Bessom’s an area that had been producing and is often productive at this time of year.

The road bridge stood high and dry a stark indication of the low level already mentioned. Autumn leaves in shades of bronze stood as a backdrop to the scene. It was indeed well worth visiting the lake to witness the banks revealing scars from its living past before the huge concrete dam held back the River Haddeo that joins the River Exe a mile or so below Dulverton.

The water at this shallow end of the lake was rather murky as a result of recent rain. I thought this could be the reason I could get no action as I searched the water with my flies. I headed to the dam end of the lake and passed the two other boats fishing the lake. I enquired as to success to be told that they too were struggling to find the fish.

I ventured into the deeply wooded Upton Arm hoping to find some shelter but the North West Wind seemed to be increasing in strength making fishing difficult. It was fascinating to explore the steep slopes with the rotting roots of tree’s an eery testament to the valley that was flooded in the late 1970’s.

I felt slightly ill at ease alone in this secluded area and decided to head back up to the dam area where I found more sheltered water. After half an hour or so I still failed to connect with any of the lakes trout. I was using a sinking line with a damsel nymph on the point and a black cormorant on a dropper. This was a combination I felt confident with and my gut feeling was to stick with this and search for fish.

I headed back up the lake again trying the shallow end. It was one of those days when things just seemed hard going. Those days when the wind catches the fly and it ends up stuck right in the middle of your back forcing you to disrobe to remove it. The fly you have just selected and put on the seat blows off into your fishing bag resulting in five minutes playing find the fly.

Deciding on another move I pulled the starter rope to be met with a brief splutter and total engine seizure. Looking over the back of the boat I spied a short length of rope wrapped tightly around the prop. It was impossible to remove the rope in situation so I had to haul the outboard on to the boat. The rope was solid and there was no way I could untangle it. All I had on me was a pair of line snips totally inadequate for cutting the rope free. Fortunately a friend of mine was within hailing distance and was able to assist cutting the rope free with a pair of robust garden scissors. A valuable lesson was learnt; always carry a knife in your fishing bag just in case you need to cut yourself free. Luck was to some extent on my side though for if this had happened whilst in the Upton Arm my days fishing would undoubtedly have been ruined. As the long row back against the strong wind would have been challenging to say the least.

Persistence will generally pay off and I headed to the North shore where I found better clarity and deep water close to the bank. I stuck to the same fly combination and was encouraged to see anglers in another boat enjoying some success as their rods flexed as a fish splashed in the water.

I felt a momentary tightening of the line that injected a degree of optimism and belief. Five minutes later there came that delightful tug on the line as a rainbow trout devoured one of my offerings. The fish fought hard leaping from the water and giving numerous strong runs that tested both tackle and my nerves.

I was relieved to pull a splendid rainbow of around 4lb 8oz into the net. It had taken the black cormorant on the dropper and I noted that the barbless hook was held by just a sliver of skin in the side of the mouth. I noted that it was now cloudy with light drizzle, the wind had dropped and it was undoubtedly a couple of degrees warmer. A brace of rainbows followed in the next half an hour and with the light starting to fade I called it a day contented with success on a hard day.

These hard days are often more rewarding than those days when fish come easily to the lures.

As I drove away in the fading light a barn owl glided close to the road and I slowed down to watch it settle on an old farm trailer. The privileged sight of this ghostly bird still lingers in the mind as I reflect upon the day fishing Exmoor’s premier trout water.

28 Oct 2025

FISHING WISDOM – By Dominic Garnett

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

FISHING WISDOM

A Miscellany of Angling Anecdotes, Facts and Folklore.

By Dominic Garnett

GMC Publications. ISBN 9781784947200

Dominic’s latest book delivers an array of wisdom and comment in his unique and at times quirky entertaining style. The book strips angling back to basics in the first few chapters adding clarity to tactics that will sharpen any anglers approach to the varied waters into which lines are cast.

The design of the book certainly oozes tradition and it is in many ways a timeless tome packed with information for anglers making their first tentative casts or reflecting upon a life time searching for that connection with those creatures that dwell within a fascinating and mysterious realm.

Dom is a multi-discipline angler like myself and I can relate to much within the book and found myself benefitting from the straight forward analysis of angling. It also stimulated my own thoughts on why we fish and its wider benefits.

As those darker winter nights approach it is a book well worth delving into deserving a place on any anglers bookshelf. My own personal favourite section is perhaps the Fishing and Culture section that celebrates anglings rich history and mythology.

It is a book that will never become outdated for its key themes are the timeless essence of angling through the ages.

Dominic Garnett ( Right) with a rare comber caught off Looe in Cornwall

21 Oct 2025

Fluff Chuckers / Arundell Grayling Cup 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

*Overall Winner of the West Country Grayling cup was Roger Truscott and also winner of the biggest fish of the day with a fine 45cm fish*

Overall winner Roger Truscott

Biggest fish of the day. Roger Truscott

Winner of Morning Session Gary Brazier

Runner up Rodney Wevill

Winner of afternoon session Ozzie Gough

Runner up. Graham Alcock Smith

Many thanks to Ozzie Gough for his account of the competition below :-

We had an early meet at The Arundell hotel on a cold but thankfully dry autumn day. Meeting with both new and old faces, who had the same keen expression upon their faces. And after a lovely bap we split into groups and sessions, Everyone geared up and hit the river. I pulled home beat for the afternoon session and was paired with a lovely chap named Philip Hoskins. After conducting Philip for his AM session I quickly realised it wasn’t going to be an easy session at all with Phil covering the water thoroughly and only managing a few small par and a lovely but out of season brownie of about 25cm. I geared my self up with 2 methods-euro nymph and Clink’n’dink. After covering water with reasonable efficiency and missing a few bites and with the clock running down. I dialled down my gear for simplicity and with the goal of 1 good grayling I put on a heavier self tied nymph to try get down to the bottom of the pool and after a few casts I got into my first scorable fish which was a lovely 30cm grayling which massively boosted my confidence after a lost grayling and an OOS trouts. After that with not long to go I covered a few more pools but to no avail. We headed up to the hotel as the rain began to come down and met with other anglers and realised the day had been a real struggle for the majority catching a fish or unfortunately blanking. However 1 man did extremely well and landed a 45cm grayling on his first ever session targeting them, so well done Roger and congratulations on winning the event . I was extremely pleased to get second place and was privileged to be a part of the event. A massive thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work setting up such an incredible event. And I cannot wait for the next one.