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.
The environment was as always at the top of the agenda with the association working extremely hard with the North Devon Catchment Partnership to help raise funding for habitat improvement and enhanced water quality.
Members raised their concerns regarding water abstraction and pollution incidents with the EA officers. It was very apparent that the Environment Agency is understaffed with hard working ground staff covering a very wide geographical area. Agricultural practices and sewage overflows are undoubtedly the main concerns and progress is being made in combatting the issues via education and fines for breaches of consents. The Environment Agency officers present emphasised the importance of reporting any pollution concerns via the EA hotline number 0800 807060. Anglers are very much the eyes of the river and play a vital role in raising awareness.
The number of Environment Agency Fishery officers in Devon now stands at two a reduction from over twenty employed recalled one North Devon water bailiff present at the meeting. Whilst the issues facing rivers have changed to some extent over the decades and focus has moved more towards environmental protection it is obvious that political priority is not on the health of rivers. Observations of local sewage infrastructure indicated that there has been no significant upgrade in the capacity of some rural sites despite extensive housing development. South Molton being a good example of this.
The dedication of local environment officers including Sam Fenner and Harry Chance was noted with those present at the meeting eager to share their observations on the river and its many issues. There is a great deal of work being undertaken to work with farmers to ensure compliance and improved working practices to reduce soil run off and silage spills.
The association are working with scientists to gather vital data using EDNA technology to help build a picture of migratory fish locations including shad, salmon, sea trout, eels and lamprey. This will enable targeted investment over the coming years.
The Torridge Rivers Association held their AGM at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash the previous week where the environment was also high on the agenda. The main focus was the associations salmon hatchery that has successfully raised 33,000 swim up fry. These fry have now been stocked out into strategic areas of the Torridge river system.
The RTFCA welcomes new members and has launched a Facebook page and new website to help promote and engage. https://www.rtfca.co.uk
The first round of the Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters was held today at Colliford Reservoir on March 29th.
The day started bright, breezy and warm and a good entry of all abilities ready to tackle the browns.
The temps dropped as the day went on and the winds gained momentum.
The fishing was a little tougher than on recent days, with lots of hook up only for the fish to come free before being landed.
The Cornish brown trout master, 2024 Brown trout master and Colliford specialist Roger Truscott was clear favourite at the start, but there where a few knocking on his the door at the end of the day.
Roger ended up winning the day with 8 fish and a total length of 293 cm, John Huckings new to this years competition a very close second with 8 fish and a total length of 286 cm.
The Fluff Chuckers Tankard for biggest fish going to Keith Burnett with a stunning fish of 46 cm and also new to this year comp Steve Lawes runner up for largest fish.
A total of 52 fish to the net and several fish between 40cm to 46 cm making it a very good day.
A big thanks to Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust, Turrall Flies, YETI Europe, Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room for your continued support with these events and a special thank you to Andrew Gooding for the loan of the measure gutters.
1 Roger Truscott 293cm Series points after first round 1
John Huckings 286 cm 2
3.Keith Burnett 240 cm 3
4.Steve Lawes 189 cm 4
5.Wayne Thomas 152 cm. 5
6.Steve Retallack 141 cm 6
7.Simon Peters 99 cm 7
8.Rodney Wevill 76 cm 8
9.Matthew Woods 68 cm. 9
10,Kevin Sellar 62 cm 10
11.Pete Williams 60 cm 11
12.Richard Adeney 59 cm 12
13.Philip Hoskin 52 cm 13
14.Ben Elliott 0 14
It hardly seems possible that another twelve months have passed since I joined the Fluff Chucker’s at Colliford high on Bodmin Moor. Fortunately I had learnt a valuable lesson that despite the favourable weather forecast it gets cold up there on the Cornish highlands. It seemed relatively mild and with a light breeze I pondered for moment before donning a thick fleece under my fly fishing vest and waders. Familiar faces were gathered around Rodney Wevills car as we collected our measuring gutters and received our goodie pack from sponsors Turral Flies.
We all headed eagerly to the water’s edge with competitors heading to their favoured areas. I had a cunning plan to head to where I had fished before and with a gentle breeze blowing into the bay I felt sure a few fish would be present close in. I had set up with my new Snowbee Floating Line and leader with three flies. A black bead headed tadpole on the point, Black spider on the middle dropper and a black and red Zulu on the top dropper a combination that I would have confidence to fish most days in early spring.
The first hour proved difficult as I searched the water contacting a decent trout after ten minutes that threw the hook after a few seconds and a spectacular somersault!
A short while later the line again tightened and for a second or two I thought I had hooked the bottom; that slowly started to move followed by a glimpse of a thick spotted flank that erupted from the water in a flurry of spray! This was a beauty I thought but elation turned to despair as the hook hold gave way the big brown trout disappearing from whence it had come. Another tale of the one that got away added to life’s toll!
The leader was left tangled requiring a re-tying. This was not a brilliant start, then the wind started to strengthen and I nearly lost my cap the fastening button failed. I pulled my buff up over my cap and soldiered on as the wind picked up. I persisted for a while but no more takes followed and a move seemed a good idea. I walked a half a mile or so to an area I had caught from on my last two visits.
First cast and I hooked a trout that came detached after a brief leap from the lake. Fifty yards further along the bank and I hooked a brown trout of 36cm. Two casts later a beauty of 42.5 cm was safely in the net. Things were starting to come right and I fished on now with renewed confidence.
The wind was by now strong and bitter cold with the sun hiding behind grey clouds making it a rather bleak and inhospitable environment.
I added another small brown before deciding to head back to where I had started the day adding another two trout to end the day with five trout. In truth I wasn’t to disappointed to reel in at 5.00pm and leave the cold water behind for a while.
Back at the end of competition meet up Rodney worked out the results and I listened as tales of the day were told. The cold wind had resulted in widespread chilling to the bone, slip and trips, bloodied fingers from stray hooks and plenty of tales of escaping trout. All agreed through chattering teeth that it had been a great day and that the next event is eagerly awaited.
Many thanks to Rodney Wevill for allowing me to reproduce his Facebook write up on his recent trip to Wistlandpound
I was surprised how low the reservoir is so early in the season. This gives more open bank to fish but is perhaps concerning for the summer ahead.
Bright sunshine and gentle breeze on the edge of Exmoor and Wistlandpound Reservoir today.
Very little rising and probably a little too bright for the Browns.
What a beautiful place this is, I said I would get back up here when I last fished it two seasons ago with Wayne Thomas .
I found it a little bit harder this time, but with a bit of walking I found some fish and a few missed and lost.
These are all resident fish and was happy to find one reasonably fish plus a Rudd that couldn’t resist the tadpole.
The Browns up here are. Totally different colour to the ones down on Fernworthy, Roadford and Colliford far paler and silver.
Not being a stocked Reservoir Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust only charge about half the price of the other Brown Trout waters making this a real bargain in the most stunning of locations, I will try to get back up when they are taking off the top more readily.
And for once I couldn’t give a bugger that it’s to bright, we need some sunshine.
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 West Country in 1988. He became a member of the Lower Teign Fishing Association in 2001.
‘As a keen sea trout angler, he soon fell in love with the Teign, although night time angling and work were never a great combination. After setting up a business Partnership, and later his own company in 1988, he was fortunate enough to be able to retire in 2011, leaving him more time to pursue his passion for angling. Neil has served on the Lower Teign Fishing Association for many years and as secretary of the Teign Angling and Conservation Association since 2013. He volunteered to write a book as part of the River Teign restoration Project and this is the fruits of his labour.’
Passion and dedication to the river Teign the environment and of course its fish are apparent throughout the pages of this book. I was encouraged to write a review of this book by Roger Furniss, Chairman of The Teign Angling and Conservation Association. I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity and as an avid collector of fishing books it was a task I relished.
The Teign book is far more than a fishing book for it delights and informs readers with an evocative story of the river and its tributaries. The full life and extraordinary cycle of salmon and sea trout is explained in detail and enhanced with the colourful illustrations of Robin Ade . The fascinating natural history and man-kinds impact over the centuries is fully documented as the Teign plunges from the rugged heights of Dartmoor to the estuary at Teignmouth.
The book contains a wealth of photographs taken by Mike Rego and many others donated by many interested parties. These images are a valuable addition to a rich and informative text.
I have yet to fish the River Teign though I have developed a close interest in the river after reading of its fish in several books and articles over the years. My wife and I have also walked the banks of the Upper Teign as it flows through the deep wooded gorge below Castle Drogo and stayed close to the river during a short break at Chagford during the summer of 2024. I glimpsed good sized trout lurking in the sunlit waters that had that beer stained colour that always adds a sense of depth and mystery.
The steep and wooded gorge below Castle Drogo
I also enjoyed some success whilst fishing at Fernworthy Reservoir at the head of the South Teign.
I have long held the belief that each river has a distinct and unique character undoubtedly influenced by its history and geological location. This belief was fully endorsed as I devoured the contents of this comprehensive account of the Teign. The stories and accounts of angling trips entwined with folklore and superstition add an entertaining and intriguing dimension to the book.
The fact that a rivers life spans millions of years is told within the pages and it becomes increasingly apparent how mankind’s hand has impacted in recent history. The key purpose of the Teign Restoration project is to raise awareness and engagement with the public in regard to the catastrophic decline of salmon and sea trout.
The sad story of salmon decline in the book is one that is replicated across the West Country and the Teign’s anglers have certainly shown determination to do all that they can to try and reverse this decline. The gathering of vital data over several years via walkover surveys, redd surveys, electro fishing surveys, river fly surveys, tagging projects, piscivorous bird surveys, in river works and temperature logging has provided an in depth knowledge of the rivers vital habitats and interconnected eco system. This data is used to channel effort into habitat improvement ensuring that work is invested wisely.
In addition to all of this work a salmon play, Our River Poetry competition and an exhibition at Castle Drogo have helped to engage with an audience far beyond the angling community.
The book is a celebration of hope for the future and how anglers and conservation bodies can work together. The Teign is a beautiful river its journey from source to sea through a vibrant landscape deserves to be told and this book gives a fascinating insight into a river as a living part of the land in which we live. After reading the book I am inspired to explore the rivers valley and maybe even search for those stunning fish that haunt its mysterious shaded pools.
The 2025 trout fishing season got underway on rivers across North Devon on March 15th and with rivers in prime condition it was good to see that several anglers had enjoyed success as I glanced through my social media accounts.
Whilst I would have enjoyed a day on the river I was privileged to have been asked to be guest speaker at the Taw Fishing Club’s AGM at the Fox & Hounds Hotel at Eggesford.
The Taw fishing club was established in 1912 and is a flourishing club of predominantly wild brown trout devotees. The AGM signals significant change with long standing and hard-working Chairman Professor Gordon Murray standing down after several years of sterling service. In his passionate closing speech Gordon gave his thoughts on the past present and future of the club emphasising the need for younger anglers to gradually replace the aging dynamic of the club. The club is at present in a very healthy and robust state with five miles of excellent trout fishing.
Conservation of the river and its eco system were key throughout the AGM and as I attend numerous such meetings across Devon I realise just how big a part anglers play in helping to maintain vital habitats across the region. There was also conversation about how we need to work with other interested parties to protect our rivers. Surfers Against Sewage and Wild Swimming Groups have certainly done a great deal to ensure that rivers are now higher on the political agenda and we should give them credit for their success where we have sometimes failed to get the message across.
My own talk was delivered to an attentive and polite audience with a degree of trepidation for following Gordon Murray a well-respected and eloquent speaker was a little daunting. My bullet point notes are included below :-
Notes for talk
Thank you for asking me to talk today at the start of a new trout and salmon fishing season; hopefully I strike a cord with members and stimulate some thought and discussion
I didn’t intend to write many notes but I have ended up with a couple of pages! So much for the intended free ramble…
So onto my life of Fly Fishing and rivers
I remember fondly where it all started: – As a child fishing the tiny River Umber in Combe Martin . Worms, bread, soft cheese and grasshoppers. Freedom, those crimson spotted wild brown trout were abundant’ There were even the occasional large sea trout. The valleys stream were full of life brown trout and eels.
I guess many here have similar memories of younger days at the water’s edge?
From trout and worms I eventually progressed to Fly Fishing and despite what some may think the method is often far more effective at deceiving the fish.
Before I talk more of my Fly Fishing thoughts I will reflect upon our rivers.
I often think of rivers as the arteries of our living planet and their health is vital to us all not just as anglers.
I always relish exploring new rivers and I believe that each river has a unique character established over millions of years with history and geology influencing each river. Sadly in recent years mankind has generally been a destructive force.
Many of Devon’s larger rivers embark upon their Journey high on Dartmoor or Exmoor often within a relatively small area. The Taw, Torridge and Tamar all sharing sources just a few miles apart. The Exe and Lyn sharing sources close together on Exmoor yet the rivers meet the sea far apart sometimes on different coasts. Whilst the Twin rivers Taw and Torridge follow their own routes eventually converging at the Taw and Torridge Estuary.
Both rivers are very different and even the fish within are vary with their own unique DNA.
I recently obtained a copy of The TEIGN BOOK – The Story of the River Teign Restoration Project and other aspects of the Reading this book has certainly made me aware of how a river is impacted upon by many factors.
I would also note that whilst we think of our rivers being in a poor state now many were impacted upon by significant pollution in the past from mining and untreated sewage etc. In many case they recovered but it could also be that many pharmaceutical chemicals that leach into our waterways are more sinister than we think.
An article in the Spring Trout and Salmon Magazine by Uli Zellweger highlights the issue of Tick and flea treatments on dogs that end up in rivers having a devastating impact upon insect life.
I caught my first salmon from the River East Lyn in 1981 a time when these iconic fish were relatively abundant. Now we are talking of their potential extinction in West Country Rivers within a couple of decades…
In the past fifty years we have lost an estimated 50% to 70% of insects and between 1970 and 2014 we have lost an estimated 60% of wild vertebrates. Data is often suspect but surely our own eyes and memories tell us a story.
Cast your minds back and remember clearing smeared windscreens of insects? Not an issue these days is it but … Shifting Base Line Syndrome perhaps masks the decline over time. Each generation calibrating to its own sense of normality. Fifty years and a doubling of the world’s population; we certainly need to get the natural world higher on the political agenda!
Angling is great for connecting with nature but we have to accept that young people need to garner that connection with rivers and nature and this could via so called wild swimming, canoeing or simple exploring. With luck they will perhaps become anglers somewhere along the line.
We all know about the sterling efforts regarding conservation by angling clubs and wildlife trusts etc. But there is a worrying divide between many within Country Sports and a growing urban country divide. We need to focus on common ground perhaps? On a controversial note we have a government that plans to ban fox hunting yet is determined to build, build, build and to grow the economy with scant regard for nature.
I am often dismayed at the way success is measured by GDP. Can we continue to push for growth at all costs?
Enough of politics let’s get back to fly fishing.
I recently attended the Dulverton Anglers Association AGM where I was privileged to meet author Nicholas Fitton whose book “ Gently Down the Stream” Has recently been published. I asked him to sign my copy and we had a good chat about fly fishing and fishing. I was shocked a couple of weeks later to receive the very sad news that he had passed away suddenly as the result of a heart attack. A stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of relishing every moment.
Nick challenged the upstream dry fly purist within the pages of his book and my eyes were opened further when I attended a Euro nymphing tutorial at the Arundell a couple of weeks ago.
James Christoforou and Lewis Hendrie gave a fascinating demonstration on using tungsten nymphs to search the river. The use of wiggly worm patterns drew comparisons to LRF fishing techniques. Perhaps these new approaches will encourage a new generation to embrace fly fishing?
There is a balance between new tactics and long standing tradition and it is perhaps for each angler to decide?
There is no doubt in my mind that the ultimate delight is to see a wild brown trout slurp down a well presented dry fly but as fly life dwindles and trout lurk deep should we deny ourselves the opportunity to enjoy a well bent rod?
For our pastime to continue we need clean rivers and young anglers ensure it continues. Key to this is perhaps the Angling Trust but many in today’s society do not join holding a what’s in it for me attitude to life.
We are very lucky to share a passion for angling and as a new season starts let’s look forward with a sense of optimism for we must relish and savour what we are so fortunate to still have access to.
What are everyones thoughts here?
After a moment of silence I was relieved when the membership embarked upon a lengthy discussion stimulated by my rambling delivery. I sincerely hope some of the ideas generated will sow seeds for future generations to immerse themselves in this wonderful pastime.
At the Arundell Arms opening day was celebrated in style with a gathering of keen anglers enjoying conversation, complimentary coffee and bacon rolls before a traditional toasting of the river. Several beautiful wild brown trout were tempted by anglers despite the cold North East wind.
Meet in the tackle shop for complimentary tea, Coffees and a bacon roll followed by a day learning about fishing, fishing and then a film on the fish. All at one of the West Country’s most revered Country Hotels THE ARUNDELL located on the Devon Cornish Border. A great agenda for a day for sure, what’s not to like?.
Early March and grayling and nymph fishing tactics were top of the agenda. Though an early salmon from the River Torridge headed the early discussion as anglers from far and wide chatted over warm drinks. The tackle shop provided plenty of quality products for the fly angler and I took the opportunity to buy a few heavy nymphs as recommended by James Christoforou and Lewis Hendry. Our expert tutors for the morning session.
Spring sunshine soon cleared the early frost and mist from the rolling hills and valleys revealing a bright blue sky and roadsides brightened with yellow daffodils and primroses.
Close to twenty anglers were booked into the mornings tutorial on Euro Nymphing tactics and after a lengthy time of chatting and mingling we head for the river some of us enjoying a pleasant stroll the river situated half a mile from the hotel whilst others jumped into cars and Landrover’s.
Team Arundell – David Chapman, David Pilkington and James Christoforou
We all gathered beside the River Lyd that was looking in fine trim; its clear water glistening in the bright morning light. The Arundell team was headed by James Christoforou accompanied by fly fishing guru Lewis Hendrie and long-time Arundell stalwart and much respected David Pilkington.
Daivd Pilkington
James waded out into the clear waters and started to explain the basics of modern Euro Nymphing. It was explained that Euro Nymphing is a phrase coined to describe a range of nymphing tactics created primarily by anglers from Poland, Czechoslovakia and France. The technique basically embraces the use of long light rods paired with a very light line and heavy nymphs that are propelled into the river using their weight instead of the line as is the case with traditional fly fishing.
The approach to the river is vital if success is to be enjoyed the first objective being to get close to the fish without alerting them. Slow and low was the motto; a useful tip being to use knee protectors available from builders merchants to protect those knees and expensive waders from wear tear, brambles and barbed wire.
Protection for those knees and expensive wadersExecuting the bow and arrow cast
Which fly?What Knots
Getting a bit deep !
Lewis Hendry followed on bringing even more in depth advice on tactics frequently driving home points already made earlier by James in his own enthusiastic and unique style.
Lewis Hendrie delivers a wealth of valuable tips
Take a note of where the light is shining from, read the water to guess where the fish lie and pause to look around for those fly hungry trees.
The intricacies of sight leaders, nymphs and how to present them were explained with passion, humour and clarity. The main thrust is that tradition is largely forgotten in this refreshing and enlightening approach to catching trout, grayling and even salmon and sea trout.
The key is to present the nymph to where the fish are lying, into the taking zone, offering an easy meal a tactic that can very often tempt a big wily fish lurking in the deep waters of the river when traditional dry or downstream wet fly tactics pass over the fish.
I personally found the whole tutorial enlightening picking up various tips as is always the case when hanging around with highly experienced anglers. It was also very reassuring to learn that my own tactics were pretty sound even if my delivery sometimes goes astray. Though we were assured that even they get hung up in the odd branch and that losing the occasional nymph to a snag on the riverbed is par for the course if you are searching for the feeding zone correctly.
Wiggly worm nymphs jigged deep are far from traditional tactics and those from an older generation would undoubtedly frown upon these tactics that I felt had much in common with LRF fishing tactics. There are undoubtedly those who would say it’s not cricket but if we want young anglers to come into the sport perhaps we need to adapt and learn fun new tactics.
Lunch time and my friend Jeff Pearce and I headed back to the Arundell to enjoy a coffee and cake from the deli before heading off to beat 3 on the River Lyd for a couple of hours late afternoon fishing.
It was a joy to walk across the fields to explore the River and try to locate those hot spots where the grayling dwell. Inspired following the mornings tuition we sent our nymphs plopping into deep pools and promising runs.
The afternoon sun illuminated the bankside trees, spring flowers and the bright clear sparkling waters are a perfect tonic to this increasingly troubled world.
I watched my bright orange leader, it stabbed down, I lifted the rod and a good sized grayling splashed and twisted in the strong current. Sadly it came off after a few seconds but at least I knew I was doing something right.
We left the river as the sun slowly sank and returned to enjoy a delicious meal in the bar before heading to the Tamar room to watch the film.
The angling world is undoubtedly a very connected community I observed as we chatted with fellow angling guests. Plotting future excursions and debating various aspects of this fascinating piscatorial world.
Close to forty assembled for the showing of Jack Perks acclaimed film Britain’s Hidden Fishes.
“Britain’s Hidden Fishes” is a not-for-profit documentary by Jack Perks, a renowned British Wildlife videographer. This captivating film explores the fascinating underwater world of the UK. From chalk streams to the open sea, the documentary shines a spotlight on some of the UK’s most overlooked and underrated wildlife, fish.
Narrated by Jeremy Wade ( Of River Monsters), Britain’s Hidden Fishes was filmed over two years to capture never-before- seen stories, behaviours, and footage of British fish.
The film is undoubtedly an outstanding insight into the precious and spectacular world of UK fish. It is hoped that the film will eventually be shown on mainstream television where it deserves to be aired to a far wider audience.
The talk was followed by an enlightening question and answer session with Jack Perks whose passion for fish and fishing was plain to see.
Himalayan balsam (HB) is a widespread and damaging invasive non-native species (INNS) which grows rapidly each summer in dense monoculture stands, especially along riverbanks, and shades out deeper-rooted native species before dying back in winter. Bare soil is left without perennial root structures to stop soil from being eroded and dumped into rivers as silt (one recent study suggests a rate of 10 tonnes per km per year). This smothers gravels, invertebrates and fish eggs, and threatens salmon and trout populations in particular.
HB infestations also cut off access for angling and other activities and worsen damage from other INNS (e.g. making riverbanks more vulnerable to collapse from signal crayfish tunnelling).
Look out for for further posts on DAA 2025 initiatives relating to Himalayan Balsam.
Dulverton Anglers Association AGM was held on Friday, February 21st in the Anchor Inn at Exebridge. I have been a member of the club for a couple of years and have enjoyed a few pleasurable days exploring their extensive waters on the Upper Exe and its tributaries.
The club is a long established one and its committee undoubtedly hard working and committed to providing good fishing, protecting the environment and nurturing a friendly network of anglers. The AGM was conducted in a calm professional manner with those friendly moments of warm banter that make all feel welcome and relaxed.
It is fair to say looking around the room that the majority of members fit the expected dynamic of a fly fisher pursuing the gentle art. Most with a few exceptions are of an older generation with greying or thinning hair with the occasional ache and pain. There is however no lack of passion for the river environment its fish and the desire to cast a line. I state this ageing dynamic as there is often a debate around the future with a lack of younger generation anglers. More on that later.
Catch returns show that brown trout and grayling fishing remains good with no significant concerns. The acquisition of Old Woman’s Beat is a significant milestone for the club and its first season saw many members fishing this historic beat. Over 250 brown trout were registered, close to 90 grayling and one sea trout. It is sad that no salmon were caught as this was once regarded as one of the prime salmon beats on the Upper Exe. Sea trout have never been a significant catch on the Exe system which is strange as the river shares many characteristics of other West Country Rivers that still boast good sea trout runs.
Old Womans Beat
One member present was Nicholas Fitton who has recently had his second book published, ‘Gently Down the Stream’. The Forgotten Art of Downstream Wet-Fly Fishing. ( his first book was ‘In Search of Wild Trout , Published in 1992) I asked Nicholas if he would kindly sign my recently purchased copy of the book and he duly obliged. His opening question to me was; Are you a downstream or upstream man? I replied that I cast to the fish where they lie be that upstream or down. In many of our wild rivers with overhanging tree’s there is surely no room for dogma and outdated tradition.
In so called liberated days it is perhaps strange that many still hold onto traditions of the past. It is perhaps a contradiction in stating this that I admit to a great fondness for angling literature from the early days of the last century and savour the words of some of the sports greatest writers. H T Sheringham, George A B Dewar, Sir Edward Grey, E. A. Barton, G.E.M Skues and of course F.M. Halford. These great writers hale from what was perhaps the golden age of angling when fly fishing traditions were established.
We chatted at length about fishing and Fly-fishing and reminisced about a time when we were young and commenced our angling journey. Freedom to explore the countryside and fish are common themes I have discussed with many anglers who shared those same decades. As young anglers we of course followed no rules drifting worms to catch wild trout and only learning the delights of fly-fishing as we progressed. I sometimes wonder if we should have open stretches of rivers where junior anglers can fish without the restraints of rules. Young anglers are the future and it is imperative that we engage them in fishing and nature. In the old days I feel sure the keepers of the river would occasionally turn a blind eye to the young child flicking a worm or knub of cheese to trout. Primula soft cheese worked for me, along with grasshoppers and flakes of mothers pride.
I am looking forward to reading Nicholas’s book and learning more of the art of downstream flyfishing. ( Will write a review on the book on here in due course) The complete fly angler will surely be adept at all methods dictated to by the flow of the water and the ways of the trout.
The official meeting business was followed by a talk from Angling Trust representative Alex Van Wienen who highlighted the many services, avenues for advice and funding the Angling Trust offers to member clubs.
A delicious and plentiful buffet was provided to close the meeting the remains of which fed the associations habitat working party the following day as they cleared paths of debris on one of their beats in accordance with the landowners wishes. The association organise various working parties throughout the year and plans to work with the Environment Agency later in the summer to help tackle invasive Himalayan balsam.
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 set up my Snowbee Diamond 2 Fly Rod #7 4-Piece – 10′, in combination with a 7wt, Intermediate line with black lure on the point and small diawl bach on a dropper. This was my go to set up early season and I was to use this throughout the day. I had a few casts in the boat bay whilst Jeff continued to assist arriving anglers with the boats.
The mist was lifting quickly as late winter sunshine quickly warmed the air. The lake was mirror calm only the departing boats rippling the waters. I captured a few images of the scene and poured a coffee. It was good to be back at this jewel in the crown of West Country Fly Fishing.
This was day two of a new season and anglers the previous day had enjoyed most success fishing from the bank. The most successful flies were undoubtedly black and green perpetuated by the fact that most anglers choose this pattern early season.
Jeff and I had a cunning plan to utilise our boat to move around beaching the boat at promising areas and fish from the bank. Our first point of call was Bessom’s an area that gives access to reasonably deep water. I was full of optimism and belief but the first hour passed without any connection to the lakes residents.
Jeff was first to connect tempting a typical hard fighting rainbow on a black booby fished deep and slow. Despite lack of success I persisted casting out and working my lure back slowly inch at a time with the occasional speedy twitch and pause.
Persistence and belief generally pay off and suddenly the line zipped tight and I enjoyed the delectable throbbing of life transmitted through the line the rod absorbing the feisty rainbows attempts to shed the hook.
We spent another hour or so catching another six rainbows the best around 3lb 8oz. Whilst we could have stayed and caught steadily we decided upon a change of scenery moving to Cowmoor and an area of bank that has been cleared to allow easier access and plenty of room for the back cast.
It didn’t take long before the rods were bending and reels singing as rainbows hit our lures treating us to acrobatic antics as the fish leapt cartwheeling on our lines end. Jeff had by now changed over to a similar set up to me and tempted fish on a regular basis. We ended the day on fourteen trout averaging 2lb 8oz the best probably 3lb 8oz. Jeff lost what felt like a big fish of which many have been stocked the best topping 10lb.
The day will be remembered for the warmth of the sun the beautiful scenery, good company and of course those hard fighting full tailed Wimbleball rainbows. In many ways it was another perfect day that ended all too soon.
Opening Day Report from Wimbleball Fishery.
Seven boats and twenty-nine bank anglers attended opening day on Thursday. Some great catches were had, pictured was Simon Peters, from the bank at Cow Moor the fish were cruising the bank, you’d get 1 or 2 quick succession then it would go quiet for a while, ended up with 15 fish between two anglers, including pictured one around 5lb.
Peter Duckett had 3 right off from by the flagpole.
Anthony Cartwright had a great day on Friday fishing the bank from Ruggs, catching 16 fish on a mixture of floating lines with lures to shooting heads and boobies. Picture of decent fish in margin by rod, not far off 10lb.
Kieron Jenkins with the best of a 21 fish total from the boat saturday, with most fish coming from Bessoms with some lovely overwintered fish from around the Pontoon.
Best method was fishing di7 and two boobies (pink and black) slowly at depth. Plenty of positive vibes from anglers, bank seemed to outfish the boats weather was so different from previous seasons and the cold temperatures with bright sunshine put the fish down a bit but some still caught on floating lines and diawl bachs! Get those online returns in, as at the end of the month Wimbleball admin will pick a random catch return for a free take 2 fish then catch and release ticket.
http://www.halfmoonsheepwash.co.uk
