River Fly Box

ESF issue 2

2012-01-27T23:30:00.003Z

Eat-Sleep-Fish ezine... what's it all about? from Jim Williams on Vimeo.

Issue #2 of Eat, Sleep & Fish is now available: here!

~Dave

CDC Quill Emerger

2012-01-20T21:14:00.000Z

Another 'Quill' offering; this time one of my favourite CDC emergers:

Full tying sequence will be on the River Fly Box very soon.

~Dave

Olive Quill

2012-01-15T14:26:00.001Z

A useful little olive pattern - this suits early season hatches of Large Dark Olives when smaller sizes often seem to be taken in preference to larger offerings.

Hook: Partridge SLD #18
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, grey
Tail: Coq de Leon
Body: Quill, dyed olive
Wing: CDC, tips tied over eye and then folded back.

~Dave

BFFI 2012

2012-01-10T22:17:00.002Z

The 10th British Fly Fair 23rd and 24th June 2012

BFFI 2012

~Dave

2012-01-06T20:17:00.000Z

A Fresh Sea-Trout

Just looking back through some of last season's photographs and stumbled across this beautiful sea-trout taken early in the night.

~Dave

The River Anton

2011-12-30T21:02:00.000Z

Too much festive endulgement can be best resolved with a little grayling fishing and with the promise of a spell of warm sunshine, myself and Nick made our way to the River Anton, a tributory of the majestic River Test.

Cloud cover was fairly heavy as we arrived at first light. Chatting over flies, leaders and rods really started to get the imagination fired and anticipation of sight fishing for some of the river's larger inhabitants had begun.

The impressive River Anton - in apparently Autumnal colours

Tactics were to start with longer rods and heavy bugs, starting at the bottom of the first beat and making our way upstream. Nick was armed with the French leader and a Bi-Colour mono indicator. I stuck with the hi-viz fuled leader and a shrimp pattern.

Nick fished the French leader whilst keeping off the skyline

Whilst there were a few fish about, sight fishing was tricky due to difficult light condtions. Indeed, we really needed a break in th cloud to help us locate our target. In the meantime, a stealthy approach and running the flies through likely runs seemed the best tactic. It wasn't too long before Nick made forst contact - albeit it a small fish.

First blood to Nick!

Trout were evident in numbers and they were very active. There were redds on display too and fish were clearly in the midst of spawning.

Notice the bare gravel - the redds cleaned by the trout for spawning

Eventually a size 18 Tungsten bead PTN was seized by a small grayling and my first fish came boucing to hand. Cloud cover was remaining and it was making fish location a real challenge.

First fish of the day for me!

The wind was picking up by mid-morning and we had not been treated to the brighter conditions promised on the weather forecast. Despite this cooler breeze, a few Large Dark Olives were showing themselves -offering some hope of better sport as the day moved on.

Olives were starting to hatch despite the cool breeze (Gale?)

An unsettled band of weather started to move through with string wind and some rain, making delicate presentation of the fly more challenging. Using available bankside vegetation was essential to conceal our presence and also reduce to the effect of the poor weather.

Nick makes the most of bankside cover - a location that produced several fish for him

However, brighter skies were following the storm and soon the wind had dropped and the temperature rose slightly - enough to get the fish a little more interested in our offerings.

Brighter conditions followed the strom

Nick stuck again with a bigger fish this time - in need of the net - and a sigh of relief that the day had produced a quality fish.

Nick reaches high and slides the net under a super grayling

A change of fly was enough for my first decent fish of the day. A dogged fighter, I was pleased to put the net under a 1lb 8oz grayling - in fine condition.

A stunning 1lb 8oz grayling graces the net

Another fish graced my net shortly afterwards, this time tipping the scales to 1lb 10oz. The switch had been flicked and as I landed this beautiful fish, Nick also hooked a decent grayling just downstream from me.

1lb 10oz of Anton 'lady'

But it was the next drift through that really produced the goods. A delicate movement on the furled indicator saw the rod cushion the dives of a bigger fish. Slipping the net under the fish and I was sure we had a decent 2lb+ fish on the bank. Indeed, the scales slid to 2lb 2oz - and what a prime conditioned fish it was too.

Tipping the scales at 2lb 2oz, the smile says it all

The Anton leviathan is returned

A few more fish followed from this impressive river. In less than ideal conditions we managed to connect with some really fantastic fish and really blow out those Christmas cobwebs.

Now how about a 3lb fish? Happy New Year!

~Dave

2011-12-29T15:40:00.000Z


The beautiful colours on a grayling's dorsal fin.

2011-12-26T20:57:00.000Z

Keeping off the skyline

2011-12-24T16:57:00.002Z

A 'wiggle' cast in the making

A very happy Christmas to everyone. Here's to a peaceful time with family & friends.

Best wishes,
~Dave

Gammarus imitation

2011-12-21T21:10:00.000Z

I had promised a tying tutorial for a Shrimp (Gammarus sp.) on the River Fly Box. At last, here it is:

Tying instructions are here.

It is a really simple pattern to try out. I'd love to hear how it works for you.

~Dave

2011-12-18T14:56:00.000Z

Barrio Fly Lines

2011-12-17T20:25:00.001Z

I have been using Barrio Lines a lot this last season... here are some more for testing this weekend.

Unbelieveble performance and value: Barrio Fly lines

~Dave

Eat, Sleep, Fish... a new E-Zine

2011-12-13T19:41:00.001Z

Eat, Sleep, Fish...
A little stroke of fly fishing genius. The brain child of Pete Tyjas.

Enjoy!

~Dave

Outlander Fly Tying Bag - Review

2011-12-09T21:31:00.002Z

If you’re honest with yourself, how much of the fly tying materials you own gets regular use? How many necks and capes have you purchased that rarely get looked at, let alone a hackle selected and actually used? How many spools of thread do you own that never even come near to a bobbin? You probably don’t even know which beads, shell backs and hooks you actually own!

It’s not about ‘needing’; it’s an uncontrollable force that compels you to want more. As most fly tiers know, the range of materials you accumulate just continues to increase. As a result, travelling with fly tying equipment can be a frustration. Whether tying at shows , club demonstrations, teaching fly dressing or just fly tying away from home, there usually comes a time where you just cannot find that specific pack of feathers or that particular skin. Having tried for years without, it seemed time that I invested in a bag designed for the purpose of carrying materials – and the ‘Outlander’ bag, from fishing tackle supplier, Fishtec, has been a huge step forward.

Toughened plastic wallets - eight in total

This is a well designed and sturdy bag. Well made with stitched seams, you have every confidence in it keeping you kit safe. It’s pretty big too: 50cm x 40cm and with good depth. A clean, neat design, the bag looks good with its brown fabric exterior and tertiary coloured motif. With an external, zipped pocket, it certainly looks the part from the outside.

Plenty of room and storage in the Outlander bag

Open it up and you are presented with a range of storage wallets. I must confess that filling the bag was really quite therapeutic – like a spring clean and a chance to really question ‘when did I last use that?’. At either end of the bag there is an open space for materials with a fabric cover. I found this perfect with one end holding a range of capes, necks and game skins. I could easily fit a couple of dozen of these in this area. The flap then pulls over and everything is secured with an adjustable strap and buckle clip. The other end houses rabbit and squirrel skins and a range of dubbing boxes. The pull-over flap on one side is actually a breathable zipped bag. Ideal for bulkier boxes of hooks, UV torches and beads.

In the middle of the bag is a large, padded dividing board with 4 toughened plastic, zipped wallets on either side. Each bag can hold a good amount of materials. I chose to divide my materials up: for example specialist feathers, Coq de Leon, Shell backs, Synthetic strands, Wing post materials etc. Usefully, this whole middle section is held in place by a tough Velcro strip – and therefore it can be lifted completely out of the bag

Plenty of room for all sorts of capes

The padded bag that keeps your vice safe and gives you even more storage pockets

A padded bag is also secure along the main bag’s Velcro spine and this is ideal for storing your fly tying vice safely. The range of pockets on the outer skin of this padded section is perfect for holding packs of hooks and magnetic hook boards. Each section of the whole bag seems to lie neatly upon the next.

Safe cushioning for your vice

Skins and dubbing boxes easily fit in one end of the bag

Both end spaces have secure clips with adjustabke straps - keeping everything in place

There’s easily enough space to house a few spools of thread and your tools too. Longer feathers, such as ostrich, peacock and pheasant tails centres can fit in the bag. In fact, it holds a surprising amount of kit.

I travel a lot with my fly tying materials. Whilst this bag hasn’t yet been overseas with me, I have every confidence in its design. A tough and reliable design, I have no hesitation in recommending it. The fact that you get change from £50 make it a no brainer! Highly recommended.

The Outlander fly tying bag is available from Fishtec.

~Dave

My new favourite toy!

2011-12-03T14:46:00.001Z

Over the past few years, there has definitely been an increase in demand for longer rods when targetting trout and grayling in running water. The control that the extra length affords you is unquestionable. The popularity of French and Czech Nymphing styles have acted as a catalyst for these longer rods' popularity. I have been using longer rods for nearly all of my fishing; all except the very most tree-lined and overgrown streams. For nymphing, a 10'4" #3 rod has been put through its paces - and I am without doubt my catch rate has increased due to the better fly presentation, hooking potential and better take indication. So when a Maxia MX4 10' #2 rod arrived here this week, I was itching to get out and get a feel for it.

The build quality is very high, with the blank sporting carbon-wrapped guides and matt, stealth finish. Cork is high quality with a solid up-locking and ported reel seat. When nymphing, holiding the arm outstretched whilst tracking flies through a run is often essential. So fatigue can play an issue. This rod is whisper light but remains stiff and very much tip-action. Balance is essential and my older style Orvis LA1 reel balances the rod perfectly.

The perfect balancing act:

With the recent (and very welcome!) rain, my first view of the river tumbling beneath the Bridge looked promising. We may be some way off proper levels, but at least there was a healthy push down the weir pool. There was a slight stain to the water - certainly very inviting. I am always happier approaching the river when targetting grayling when there is the sound of crisp frost under foot. Not today! There ground was very soft and in places, thick with mud. I started by flicking the nymphs into a very promising run, working the flies through the foam line. It wasn't long before the hot orange tip of the furled leader flickered and then stabbed fowards - a neat lift being met with the bouncing rod tip and a small grayling showing itself.

Starting fly choice was a slim, heavy-weight caddis imitation and a pink-beaded biot nymph:

Each pool and run was finding plenty of small fish. The delicacy and accuracy of this rod was immediately obvious. The nymphs could be flicked onto a penny piece. When lifting into takes, the rod tip was immediate and highly effective. A quick turn of the wrist easily set the hook - and although it is a stiff rod, the soft tip forgave every twist and turn of the fish.

However, finding the better fish was proving rather difficult. Indeed there were times the fish seemed to be getting smaller and smaller:

Moving up through the next pool, several very quick takes resulted in a small but very pretty out of season brown trout.

Time was short today, but what a pleasure to be out on the river and casting with such a delightful rod. Lots more to tell soon - watch this space!

~Dave

2011-12-03T08:54:00.000Z

Taking some new maxia rods for a swim later... grayling beware!

~D

2011-11-26T17:00:00.000Z

I have just been taking the photgraphs for a tutorial of a Gammarus pattern I have been using this year, More details soon, but here's a little taster:

~Dave

Spiders for winter grayling

2011-11-12T19:30:00.000Z

Whilst it may be unseasonably warm, the effects of Autumn are certainly upon us and we are being treated to a display of colour which is worthy of note. This is quite possibly my favourite time of year; but it is the first few frosts that really get the grayling fishign under way. At least we have had a little bit of rain which has brought the river's levels up - albeit still way off where they should be.

Once the cold weather is with us, the grayling tend to shoal together and locating them with heavy bugs can be highly effective. However, fish are willing to rise even in the coldest of weather and looking through my notes I can see many occasions when I have found rising grayling right into the depths of winter. Indeed the dry fly is a very realistic option.

At times, I have also found spiders to be very effective. Fished just under the surface or deeper with a sacrificial nymph, they can really be of interest to the grayling. Here are a couple of of generic spiders that I use for the 'ladies of the stream'. Working well in both coloured water and gin clear rivers following heavy frosts, they are certainly more than just a last-chance approach. Perhaps not for the purist, but I urge you to give them a go:

The Hook is a Partirdge Classic spider in #14 and #16. The thread is Roman Moser Powersilk in hot pink.

~Dave

Snipe & Purple

2011-11-05T20:29:00.002Z

The Snipe & Purple - I like to carry two subtle variants:

The Traditional

The 'Short'

~Dave

Coq de Leon Wets

2011-10-29T20:59:00.002+01:00

A couple of favourite wet flies: tied with Coq de Leon hen hackle:

Without the peacock herl thorax:

Tied on the Partridge Classic Spider hook.

~Dave

2011-10-26T20:12:00.000+01:00

The thunder clouds roll over behind: whilst holding 10 feet of carbon at arms length may sound like madness, these unsettled condition are stirring things up on the river.

Some huge caddis were fluttering about apparently unmolested - but nymphs were being targetted amongst the deeper pools:

2011-10-24T21:35:00.002+01:00

I have been waiting in anticipation for the new Partridge 'Classic Spider' hook. First efforts just had to be the Partridge & Orange - tied very sparse on a size 14:

~Dave

Addition to the RFB: The Foam Beetle

2011-10-18T19:55:00.003+01:00

The River Fly Box: Tying the Foam Beetle

This addition to the River Fly Box has been a long time coming. It's a superb little pattern that has served me well. I have huge confidence in its ability to move even very picky fish ~ add to that the simplicity, it is a top pattern in my fly box.

I hope the tutorial helps and that you also find success with the pattern. Not confined to running water, this also works well when fished loch style, pitched in front of rising fish.

The River Fly Box: Tying the Foam Beetle

~Dave

2011-10-15T19:20:00.003+01:00

Mid-October - surely that means crisper, colder mornings and the anticipation of more rain fall helping to return to more healthy river levels? I managed to get to the river - more in search of grayling than with an aim to finish my trout season. Armed with the longer rod and couple of nymphs, my gut feeling was one that searching the deeper gutters and runs could provide some good sport, despite the desperately low levels.

However, whilst peering into the first pool, my attention was turned to a rising fish in the next which shattered the surface. No need to wait too long before it showed itself again, followed by another good rise in the tail. With the sun directly behind me, the only way was to creep slowly into position, using the higher bank to avoid casting a shadow. Off came the nymphs and tied on was a foam beetle with pink sighter. Casting over the shoulder I plinked the fly into the tail and it was savaged immediately. The rod's bend said it all, but all went quiet as the hook hold failed. Was that it, or would that first fish further up the pool oblige? After seeing the fish show again, an accurate, slack line cast was needed to land the fly in the small foam line. Shortly after, a beautiful, sizeable brown trout lay in the net:

Another fish followed; my 2011 trout season had ended on a high. Now where are those cold snaps and grayling flies?

~Dave

2011-10-10T21:12:00.000+01:00

~Dave

2011-10-07T21:53:00.000+01:00

~Dave

2011-09-29T21:08:00.002+01:00

Pre-laid ballast for Czech Nymphs:

Olive shell back:

Dark red shell back:

All are tied on Partridge CZF Fine wire #14 and #16.

~Dave

Hard day at the office...

2011-09-25T19:53:00.004+01:00

September can go one of two ways. Trout feeding hard in preparation for the spawning season and colder months ahead; or tough, spooky, fickle fish that seem to sense your every move even before you've made it. Being a small stream, the Wellow can really test your skill and your patience, especially when faced with less than ideal conditions.

I was introducing Dennis Suehr to the river and, although it was tough for the most part, being on the stream was, as ever, a pleasure.

Dennis searching a likely run under the trees. Fising the 'duo 'seemed to be the best method for exploring the foam lines in the absence of any consistent rises:

The water clarity was superb and this gem of a stream was showing off all of its chalkstream-like characteristics:

The rain just seemed to be becoming more and more intense (was that forecast?) and the spotting rises was tough. But the water remained crystal clear and the levels good. But it just wasn't enough to really get the fish in confident feeding mode. Searching the likely runs and pools, it was encouraging to see some fish making the most of the odd crane fly dribbling across the surface. These fish were easy to put down, even with the most delicate of casts.

Alongside a few olives, stonefly were showing themselves. But were the fish really going to lock onto them?

I tried my newest Gammarus imitation amongst some deeper holes. This juicy, translucent heavy weight is superb and will be on the River Fly Box soon:

~Dave

2011-09-21T20:26:00.003+01:00

The Wellow on Sunday: pristine, inviting water. However tough fishing for wild brown trout.

Is that the start of the grayling season I sense?

~Dave

Small Stream Success - Ten Top Tips

2011-09-17T19:40:00.004+01:00

Follow the link to find my full 'Fly Fishing Point' article on the Small Stream Success.

Fly Fishing Point: Small Stream Success

~Dave

2011-09-16T19:57:00.003+01:00

The warmer air seems to have kept the fish interested in feeding right into the darkness. Small perhaps, but this pretty brown trout was sitting in just six inches of water feeding confidently as the light disappeared. A beetle imitation was it undoing - a fly that has been catching me plenty of fish of late.

~Dave

Terrestrial Patterns - part 3

2011-09-10T11:33:00.002+01:00

Brown trout relish the offering of terrestrials. Using a suitable imitation gives you a great chance of success, even in the absence of any decent hatch:

I hope the last few entries to the blog have inspired you to tie and fish some terrestrial imitations.

~Dave

Terrestrial Patterns - part 2

2011-09-07T21:37:00.003+01:00

The terrestrial-imitations fly box has holds just a few trusted patterns. Choosing which to use may be a little more complicated than when identifying what is hatching. But careful observation will often help you make the right choice. Are there aphids about? Are the fish rising under leaf filled trees? Are there explosions of ants? Are the fish rising persistently? Remember that fish are opportunistic and will rise to even the odd offering that passes over-head... be that a steady trickle of aphids or a one-off fallen caterpillar.

The odd off-target cast that catches the leaves (does that ever happen..?) may pay dividends as you induce a fall off aphids as you free your fly. It has happened!

So here are a few more patterns that can produce the goods when the fish are feeding on terrestrials:

Aphids
Tie them small; my preference is for a #28 and #30 and have been really favouring the dual fibre thread called Hends Synton. Neat compact bodies with good colour can be achieved even in the smaller sizes:

Ants
There are plenty of patterns suggested for ant imitations, but a CDC wing makes a good sighter for this imitation, whilst allowing the body to pierce the surface film. I like the Varivas 2200BL-B for these patterns:

The Super-Pupa
This pattern was originally produced from the vice of Lennart Bergqvist and was devised for use when sedge were taking to the wing. However it is a devastatingly effective pattern and works well even when the fish are taking terrestrials. I first came across the pattern when I was handed a version by Johan Klingberg whilst tying next to him at the British Fly Fair a couple of years ago. A simple palmered hackle with the upper and lower hackles trimmed, this pattern seems to suggest everything and nothing:

The 'FP': Fully Palmered
This is very similar to the superpupa, but simply leaves the palmered hackle in place. This is a superb pattern. It takes fish dry, wet, upstream and downstream. Simple to tie, it just requires a sparse dubbing and a Rooster hackle palmered through the dubbing. I also prefer to trap the hackle in place using my tying thread - rather than using a more traditional ribbing material:

Perhaps the fish see the 'FP' with its generic shape as a spider, beetle of small caterpillars:

Big Klinkhamer
I know I have already mentioned the Klinkhamer in part 1, but it warrants another picture - this time in larger sizes. A black / peacock Klinkhamer in larger sizes will often induce a fish to take even when your other offerings have been ignored. An essential addition, I prefer the pink wing post and in larger sizes value the Partridge Klinkhamer and the extreme versions too:

As ever, fly choice is always second to good presentation. Make sure you aim for accurate casts and drag-free drifts.

~Dave

Terrestrial Patterns - part 1

2011-09-03T10:03:00.005+01:00

September can be a great time to pursue brown trout and it's also the the time I really start to think about targetting grayling. However, the end of August and on into the new month can be lean pickings when it comes to fly hatches - which in turn, can make finding feeding fish a little more tricky. Sure, you can fish a nymph, but before you open the nymph box, try a terrestrial pattern.

Take a look at the bankside flora and you'll find that it is (and has been for the last few months!) literally crawling with insect life - some of which will find itself falling onto the surface, directed down the food lanes and ends up as a decent meal for a stationed trout. Here are a few of the patterns that sit in my terrestrial fly box and have found me some success:

The Hawthorn Fly
Whilst used as a Hawthorn fly imitation early in the year, this imitation continues to bring success right through the summer (and Autumn) months. It's a simple tying with Pheasant tail fibres knotted for legs and a folded CDC wing. I prefer a curved hook - with my preference being for the Varivas 2200BL.

The Procter Beetle
A brilliant, simple pattern that I picked up from Paul Procter. Whilst we usually aim for our artificials to land on the surface gently, this foam backed beetle lands under the leafy bows with a resounding 'plop' - and this can be part of the attraction. The fish respond well to its dark outline and silhouette. My preference is for a pink or orange tag so it is clearly visible on the water.

This has become a favourite pattern of mine when rains brings the water levels up and the river is carrying some colour.

The Klinkhamer
OK, this works in most hatches, but a small, black version can take some beating if the fish are feeding on terrestrial patterns. I prefer it tied in a #22 with an orange wing post. Again, the Varivas 22ooBL takes some beating for this small offering.

A tying sequence for tying the Klinkhamer can been here: River Fly Box - Klink

~Dave

FFP Gallery Contest

2011-08-31T17:44:00.004+01:00

Take a look at the Fly Fishing Point Gallery competition... this has to be one of the best line up of prizes I have ever seen - and you just need upload a gallery of your own pictures to stand a chance of winning.

A sneak preview of the competition can be seen here: FFP Galleries

Full details and guidelines to the competition are here: Gallery Contest

~Dave

The River Eden

2011-08-28T21:06:00.004+01:00

Wednesday found me making the drive from West Yorkshire back up to the Lake District to fish the River Eden. I was in good company too, meeting up with big-trout expert Paul Procter. He knows the river very well, so I had every hope that one of us would latch into a good sized, wild brown trout.

Paul's ability to spot and stalk fish is really something to experience and, within minutes of tackling up, he had spotted a huge trout. Although this fish didn't oblige and it was a real reminder that when faced with large, wild fish, you are faced with many obstacles. These fish are large for a reason and will melt away at the mere hint of something unusual.

This is a game of watching and searching, keeping well back from the river and off the sky-line. Observation is key. As we approached some promising water, Paul made contact with a lump.

Paul slides the net under a large, wild Eden Brownie

2lb 10oz of pure wild Brown Trout

Whilst I would have loved to have latched into such a specimen, it was a delight to watch this fish be caught and landed. We covered alot of water and found some very good fish feeding, but the weather was against us and, whilst we hooked a few smaller fish along the way, we were forced to leave the water early. The hunt for big fish is an absorbing and the time seems to disappear all too quickly. A great excuse to return soon.

~Dave

2011-08-27T11:34:00.002+01:00

Next was a short visit to the River Calder, a major tributory of the Ribble. This is a very pretty river, alternating between fast riffles and long deeper slow glides. The weather had been unseasonably cool, supressing any decent hatches. Even the caddis were slow to show and the fish were equally less willing. However, the river was holding its tea-stained appearance and I was confident of finding a few fish. Indeed it was a grayling from some faster water that kicked things off.

A change of fly was needed before approaching some very promising water. Whilst there were very few rises to be seen, the river is rich with some very tempting lies.

The net was slipped under some very pretty trout. Notice the dark colouration and apparent lack of red spots:

Trying to keep off the sky line, a cast is made just into the foam line above a weir pool:

~Dave

2011-08-26T19:38:00.002+01:00

August, Summer: Hot sunny days & warm, balmy evenings..? No way!

Having just spent a week flitting between Cumbria and Yorkshire, I can definitely confirm that 'warm, balmy evening' were non existant. Not that it stopped me from exploring a few rivers, but perhaps it limited the chances of finding decent insect hatches and frenetically feeding fish.

My first casts were made on the Hebden Water, a tributory of the River Calder. This fast flowing, boulder strewn and over-grown stream is a challenging environment for the trout.

The Hebden Valley: mist tracks its path through the woodland:

Small dry flies fished on a short line was the order of the day. Fast short drifts allowed all the likely pockets and riffles to be explored:

Small trout were in abundance, willing to snatch the offerings. Dry flies pitched in the slack water behind the boulders were met with instant results from small trout. What they lack in size was made up for by their impressive, caramel coloured flanks:

~Dave

2011-08-18T14:02:00.005+01:00

Sea trout can be fickle creatures, preferring to make their migratory run under the cover of darkness. Anticipation was high last night as I waited patiently with Nick Steedman for the last of the light to disappear before making our first casts. Hearing fish jumping heightened our expectations. Conditions couldn't have been better and it proved to be a productive night's fishing. Mission number one was to get Nick a his first ever sea-trout.

Ready for action

I was delighted to hear a shout from Nick within just a few minutes that a sea trout had taken his fly - his own pattern tied on a single. Mission one accomplished!

Nick's first sea-trout

The cloud cover was clearly playing to our advantage and Nick's fly proved successful again very shortly. A slightly bigger fish this time, it was keen to put on a display before gracing the net.

Nick was soon to find success again; it was starting to become quite a night's fishing for him! I was finding some interest with small tube flies and hooked a fish in some very inviting water in the head of the pool. Luck was not on my side though and it parted company... for me this was becoming the story of the night as I had lost several fish.

As the bright moon started to shine through, the river became quiet and fish's interest in our flies seemed to diminish. As the clock turned 2am, and just as I was thinking of retiring back to the car, my fly was gently plucked just as it was swinging to the dangle. After a few lost fish and spirited fight, I was well pleased to see a decent fish lying in the net.

At a little over 2 pounds, it was a well conditioned fish. There was a little red in the adipose fin bringing into question whether this was a sea-trout or a brown trout. Either way, a decent anjd very welcome fish.

Identifcation was also tricky on Nick's last fish of the evening. Possibly a brown trout this time with its red dots and coloured adipose fin, it was a fine fish:

A great night's fishing... which makes the 4am drive back seem rather more palatable.

~Dave

2011-08-12T21:11:00.005+01:00

The estuarine waters that feed tha Hampshire Avon and the River Stour in Dorset, offer rich pickings. The wealth of fishing opportunity in unquestionable - there are bass, mullet, sea trout, salmon and no end of coarse fish throughout the system.

Darkness falls on Christchurch harbour, looking up the River Stour:

Christchurch harbour is a special place to me - as a teenager I spent many hours fishing for mullet - both thick and thin lipped. There were salmon and sea-trout to be seen jumping too. So the chance to revisit this area was snapped up. Both myself and Nick Steedman headed South with the anticipation of mullet and bass in the afternoon and the challenge of sea trout after dark.

Nick hooked a very big fish on the spinner which soon parted company. After landing a school bass, it wasn'lt long before he hooked up again into a decent mullet:

... and safely in the net:

The mullet were keen to put in an appearance and it was clear there were significant shoals of fish moving in front of us as this tidal area flooded. I managed this fighting fit specimen:

As the light faded, mullet moved into the shallows, bow-waving around. They weren't interested in the fly though. Throughout the evening, sea trout were jumping, raising our hopes that after dark we may find some fish further up the river. We were even treated to a display of jumping salmon - one fish was easily into double figure weight.

Resting the water and avoiding the likely sea-trout lies earlier in the evening paid dividends though. After a solid take on a small tube fly and a superb fight, I was relieved to land this beautiful fish:

A great evenings fishing. The sea-trout itch doesn't go away easily though.

~Dave

2011-08-10T11:01:00.003+01:00

Yesterday afternoon, Jim Hewes joined me for some casting tuition. With some fishing already under his belt, we were able to work on understanding and controlling loop size. It's always really interesting to examine the huge effect body angle has on the success of casts. Tiny changes in stance can make huge changes in the cast.

There had been a few fish rising whilst we had been roll casting in the river, so Jim made a few casts at the end of the session with an emerger pattern. He made contact in just a few casts with a pretty wild brown trout. Well done Jim - A fitting end indeed!

A perfectly formed wild brownie:

~Dave

2011-08-02T11:49:00.002+01:00

A sedge imitation proved too tempting for this lovely grayling:

~Dave

2011-07-31T10:47:00.001+01:00

Evening sedge fishing can be really productive:

~Dave

2011-07-29T08:40:00.002+01:00

A delightful but tough afternoon and evening on the Wylye. Starting condition were perfect, but an increase in cloud cover, an increasing breeze and a slight drop in temperature was enough to put the fish off. When the cloud broke and the sun shone through, the fish started to show interest again:

There were small grayling willing to play ball, happily rising to an F-Fly.

There were plenty of Mayfly (Ephermera Danica) fluttering about - this river shows late trickles of the large specimens. There were lots of nymph shucks floating down:

A loop emerger tied on a Partridge 15N 'Gold' did the business with some very selective trout:

Allowing plenty of slack line into the leader helped to overcome some tricky currents. I was pleased to put the net under a nice grayling:

My sincere thanks to Roger Fagan for the invitation to fish this beautiful part of the river. Challenging fishing makes the success you do have even more rewarding.

~Dave

2011-07-21T21:12:00.004+01:00

As hoped, the recent rainfall has had a very positive effect upon the rivers and Thursday saw the stream in fine condition. There was plenty of water pushing through and livening up some of those skinnier runs which have been in so much need of the rain. Fish were rising as I watched from the foot bridge and the prospect of finding some feeding fish was very high.

When Nick S joined me, he spotted a good fish lurking beneath the bridge. Anticipation was high with plenty of BWO duns and spinners and caddis taking to the air. Whilst I successfully managed to miss the first few fish I rose, we eventually started to make some positive contact. Whilst we started with smaller fish, it wasn't long before we were to experience a small stream red letter day:

Nick's first fish was a super fit specimen - a fine fish from a very skinny run:

Taking cover, Nick approaches a very enticing run. Take note of the water clarity - despite the rainfall, the river was crystal clear. Fish were spooky, but were willing to rise.

Nick makes a cast into some shaded water:

As I stepped up to fish the next run, I lifted into a very positive rise and was met with a healthy bend in the 1 weight rod. I risked my chances of landing it by commenting to Nick that it could be my best Wellow fish of the season. Luckily, depsite its eagerness to get amongst the submerged roots, I slipped the net under an exceptional brown trout.

In a stream of this size, such a specimen is a fish of which to be proud. I was exactly that.

It was pleasing to see such quality fish and these 12"+ fish are a wirthy prize - and it's easy to go a whole season seeing just a couple of these larger fish. However, beyond our bet expectations, Nick met equal success just around the corner. The fish we had spotted under the bridge rose. Nick covered it with his first cast - inch perfect - and a classic take saw Nick hook another beautiful fish.

We both managed several fish - but to both succeed with such larger fish is a very positive sign and really champions the quality of these streams and their potential. We carried on fishing a few runs, but as the light faded, I am pretty sure we were both satisfied with an extra-ordinary evening's small stream visit.

~Dave

Induce your own!

2011-07-16T21:59:00.003+01:00

We have had some heavy rain roday and I had thought the chances of getting on the river was pretty slim today. But there was a decent break in the weather and I slipped out for just an hour before the sun disappeared.

I started with the nymph and managed to hook a decent grayling in some very skinny water. Perhaps that was my undoing, cause after a good few pulls, its twisting and turning earned it its freedom. There were no rises showing, but there were steadily a few caddis fluttering. So, on with a CDC caddis imitation, and I had three takes in three casts. Small fish hitting the fly hard - but nonetheless, they rose to an imitation when they were apparently disinteredt in the natural. I guess they were waiting for them to start appearing on the surface.

Always worth a shot as the light fades.

~Dave

2011-07-12T19:41:00.002+01:00

Get those tiny dry flies out, the fish are smutting! If you are faced with those tricky, dimpling rises to apparently nothing, then there's a good chance they are either taking tiny midge rf quite possibly terrestrials. Tiny beetles, ants or aphids are a definite choice and it's worth offering the fish something smaller to tempt them.

Fishing tiny flies may not be fill everyone with joy, but they really do work. I am finding success using Varivas hooks - sizes #27, #28 and #30 all have a place. Don't worry - even the fine wire hooks will hold!

CDC is useful for suspending these tiny offerings, but a pattern sunken will also work well, watching the leader for takes. Those surface bsed offerings should be in the surface film.

~Dave

2011-07-08T22:43:00.002+01:00

We have had some 'big' rain today... from the driest warmest April to what must (surely?) be the wetest June and July. Things are starting to liven up!

~Dave

2011-07-03T21:03:00.002+01:00

Warm, summer evenings are often an invitation for some spectacular fishing - especially when faced with a fall of spinners. The air is just filled with them at the moment, and whether they fall to the surface spent or crawl down vegetation and tunble down through the current, both brown trout and grayling will make the most of the opportunity:

A dedicated spinner pattern for tough times: tied on a #28

Useful for fish taking sunken spinners, this tiny spider tying has a wire ribbed body:

Although imitating a different stage of their life-cycle, a paradun can also work well durng spinner falls:
There are some nice synthetic materials which can be used to hint at the glistening wings of the spinner:

~Dave

2011-06-27T21:35:00.003+01:00

I have been trialling a Hends French Nymphing leader over recent weeks, searching skinny water with tiny nymph patterns - a super effective method for finding success with spooky fish. I aim to put a full report together in the near future, but for the time being, let's just say I'm impressed by the Camou nylon leader.

A lovely brown trout, falling to the subtleties of a French leader fished micro-nymph:

The weekend of the 18th and 19th of June saw the British Fly Fair 2011 at its venue and time of year. I had the pleasure of tying next to Sea-Trout expert (and all-round fish-bum) Steffan Jones.

Steffan was a pleasure to watch tie and he talked me through several pattern, including some clever mounting solutions for fly trebles etc. Here are a couple of his flies. The first being a fly he uses early in the evening and often on the dropper later in the night:

... and an altogether larger offering for fishing in the dark:

Infact, I've started to get the itch to get out sea-trouting. Roll on July and August!

~Dave

2011-06-03T21:34:00.004+01:00

How to deal with with today's less than ideal conditions?: the reading on the car was suggesting it was over 31 degrees. The nymph seemed the obvious choice and I tackled up with a 10' 4" rod with the plan to switch between French and Czech nymphing styles. A tungsten beaded PTN on the point and an 'S-Loop' emerger on the dropper hopefully allowed me to cover the water efficiently.

It wasn't long before the furled indicator flickered forward and the rod tip bounced into the first fish:

Clear, warm water allowed for some sight fishing. It is always pleasing to be able to watch a fish move to your nymphs. The longer rod gives superb control over the line and allows a near perfect drift of the nymphs.

The PTN tied with a tungsten bead and a with copper wire in place of thread gives a highly effective nymph that gets down quickly to the right depth. An induced lift persuaded several takes - not that they all stayed on though!

My last fish of the day was an absolute power house that grabbed the PTN just as I started the lift. From a deep pool, this fish had a superb paddle-like tail:

~Dave

2011-05-31T18:58:00.003+01:00

There's a band if high pressure headed our way over the next few days. The effects are already evident as the wind had dropped and the sun had crept out as I made it down to the river. The fish were locked on to a decent hatch of Caddis alongside plenty of midge:

~Dave

2011-05-30T21:32:00.004+01:00

We really have been faced with some tricky weather in recent days and when you are targetting spooky fish sitting in shallow water, presentation is key. This is made all the more tricky with a tough breeze swirling around you. But persistence gives you the chance to locate the fish and a well placed slack line cast, avoiding drag, gives you every chance of success.

The orange posted Parachute Emerger worked its magic quickly. It may not match the natural exactly, but the bright post allows you to easily watch the progress of the fly through the foam lines.

When the fish are seldom coming to the dry, a quick look under the stones gives you some clues as to their liley food source. There were plenty of Blue Winged Olive nymphs (Serratella Ignita) for the picking:
... alongside plenty of cased caddis. Gauging size is all important:

Stonefly nymphs were less common, but still worthy of an imitation or two:

A change to a CDC Parachute emerger sorted out the more fussy of fish. Small, perhaps, but still very welcome:

The pearly emerger - this fly sits perfectly in the surface film and, I am sure, the peral butt suggests a shuck. Wtahcing a fish head an tail over the fly is very satisfying:

~Dave

2011-05-27T21:52:00.003+01:00

The welcome rain had coloured up the river slightly when I visited tonight, but it has done little for the levels. There was that uneasy sense that the river was quiet and although the occassional fish showed themselves, it was tough conditions. A tricky and persistant breeze required some careful casting and although I lost a good fish to the nymph, it was returning to a Klinkhamer that found success:

Perhaps the very best of the mayfly has passed, interupted by some very strong winds over the last week. Keeping an eye on the forecast will be key: some settled weather will be essential, but we continue to be in need of some steady rain.

~Dave

2011-05-21T19:35:00.002+01:00

A bright, windy day full was full of promise at the river today. There were plenty of Mayfly fluttering through the air and enough of them sailing down the river and being blown off course to give the fish some easy pickings. Sure enough, there were a few being targetted, although the fish were not taking full advantage; mayfly managing to travel considerable distances and full of commotion, but remaining untouched.

A quick check of the cobwebs on the fence told the story of yesterday evening's spinner fall:

I tend to use a #1 or #2 set up when tackling smaller streams with the dry fly. However, when the Mayfly are on the card, I often step up to a #4 and tpday was an opportunity to test out a recent purchse: A Barrio GT90 WF#4 line. A supple, cream coloured line, I was looking forward to putting it throught its paces.

I made the first casts over grass to get a general feel for the line. Impressive to say the least, it loaded the rod (A Scott E2) very nicely even with a shorter line out. Extending the line, the cast became smoother with neat, tight loops. Hugely responsive and well balanced, I was really looking forward to getting in the river and making the first few important presentation casts.

The GT90, as with the GT140, has an almost continuous rear taper. Great for aerialising lots of line. OK, so not that important for fishing smaller streams, but this line allowed even a chunky mayfly pattern to be delivered positively and accurately every time. In addition, the line allowed very gentle presentation.

For more info on the line, click the link: Barrio Fly Lines

There were plenty of duns fluttering, but spinners started to show. Here a male spinner dries its wings:

Whilst the fish were showing an interest in my May fly imitation, several fish were coming short. A change of size seemed to make little difference, but it was seeing a fish chase an ascending nymph and shatter the surface as it did so, that I made my choice to switch to the nymph. Mayfly nymphs are considerable specimens and a large imitation fished slowly and with an induced lift can work wonders.

Eventually, a decent fish turned on the nymph. After a few scarey moments as the fish made every effort to find the roots, I slide the net under a fine brown:

At 17" it's my best fish of the season so far from these small rivers. The nymph found favour amongst a decent Mayfly hatch.

~Dave

Studying Form

2011-05-21T09:07:00.003+01:00

~Dave

2011-05-07T19:13:00.004+01:00

If keeping a fly fishing blog needed justification, heading up the main reasons must be the fact it is an active diary. It is an invaluable tool to compare weather conditions, fish activity and hatches. The fact you can quickly recall your findings from 12 months ago is turning out to be a real help to my fishing. The fact others read and (hopefully) enjoy your journey is the icing on the cake.

As records suggest that April 2011 may have been the warmest on record, it is no suprise the seasons seem to be a little confused. Comparing last year pictures, it is obvious we have very little water in the rivers in comparison - obviously the lack of any significant rainfall for the last few weeks is cause for concern.

I fished this afternoon for a short time and was greeted with several May Fly duns (Ephemera Danica) peeling off the water. Alongside, it was pleasing to see a few Yellow May Dun (Heptagenia Sulphuria). Looking back at last year's records and I spotted my first Danica on May the 23rd: Recall here.

As I type, there is some very welcome rain tapping on the window. Perhaps this will freshen the rivers up a little and persuade the fish to look up and turn onto the early May Fly pickings.

~Dave

2011-04-29T20:57:00.001+01:00

~Dave

2011-04-25T12:56:00.004+01:00

Temperatures are due to drop a little next week, and due to the clear skies, it is forecast that there will be a few frosts. The Wellow yesterday evening seemed a little still with very few fish showing themselves, and I wondered if this was a change in air pressure creeping up on us earlier than expected. Looking at the sunshine today, perhaps not. The River Chew was certainly more forgiving this morning. Faced with these less than ideal conditions, it is worth keeping your options open, choosing the 'Duo' ( New Zealand style, nymph and dry fly).

Easter Sunday evening, on the Wellow:

Vince makes a cast into some deeper water.

Eventually, a fish fooled by the size 18 tungsten PTN, comes to hand:

A fighting fit, wild brown trout:

Fishing the River Chew this morning for just an hour or so, it was a slightly different story. Although there were only a few fish willing to rise, they were clearly feeding well and the duo worked its magic again, finding fish in all the likely looking haunts.

A good, solid lump that was eager to take me into all the roots ~ a healthy bend in a #1 rod...

Another beatifully marked fish, this time falling for the dry fly:

The tungsten PTN was working well, getting down the to fish quickly:

Another fish on the dry fly, this time an example with a paddle like tail:

~Dave

2011-04-22T07:35:00.005+01:00

April? Really? It feels more like the middle of August with high temperatures and low flows on the rivers. These conditions are tricky; usually some heavy flies on a short line pitched through the deeper runs are the order of the day during these early weeks of the season, but the last few days have seen the need for dry flies and small nymphs, cast to targetted fish. Spooky ones too - they simply will not tolerate any disturbance - and when you see a few fish bolting downstream of you, depsite your deftest casts and subtle foot steps, the thought must cross your mind of how many have dispersed upstream and just skewed your next pool? Challenging!

However, it would be all too easy to wait for better conditions and I have had the pleasure to fish and chat with some super characters this week. Plus we caught a few fish:

A tough evening with Nick S on Wednesday, but we both managed a couple of fish each and moved many more. Fish were taking midge and it was a Shuttlecock emerger (#18) that did the business:

Nick takes a fish as darkness begins to fall, and the fish grew in confidence:

Another well marked wild fish for Nick:

A small fish for me to an emerger:

Nick casts into a likely looking run. Incredibly, many of the typical spots seemed devoid of fish; the brighter conditions forcing them to seek sanctuary in the deeper pools:

Crystal clear waters:

Thursday was a 'Let's Tackle Cancer' charity day with myself and Vince Brandon guiding Peter Anderson and Pete Tyjas in some very tricky bright and warm conditions:

Peter Anderson makes a great cast into a bubbling pool:

The end of the beat found a fish for Peter just before lunch:

Pete Tyjas hooks a lump and that flexes his cane rod:

Pete extends to het the line off the water as he guides the duo through a fast, deep pool:

A small fish for me (by accident!):

Pete T throws a nice cast into some very glassy water. Nice loop Pete! Narrow enough for you?

A great couple of days. Thanks to all.

~Dave

2011-04-15T09:23:00.004+01:00

Grannom were hatching well yesterday afternoon and there were plenty of fish responding. Starting fly choice was an F -Fly and this produced immediate response and a few fish to hand. Fish were rising quickly to the fly and I missed a few takes, prompting me to move to an emerger style - tied on a Varivas 2200BL hooks - alternating between size 18 and 20 patterns. Although smaller than the natural, they were confident to rise to these offerings.

An emerger-style was required to convert the missed takes into successful hook-ups: Plenty of slack was required in the leader to prevent drag. Any hint of unnatural movement in the fly rendered it ignored. Progressing up the stream, I reached faster, streamier water. With so many fish moving to naturals, it was difficult to see takes to my fly, especially amongst the foam lines - and the fly need to be in them to be accepted. So it was a switch to a Hi-Vis balloon caddis (pink sighter) and this continued to bring the fish up:

It is encouraging to see plenty of flies hatching and the fish responding. We are being treated to some decent weather at the moment, and with fish hungry after a cold winter, we are being treated to some really enjoyable sport.

~Dave

2011-04-14T10:53:00.005+01:00

I spent a couple of hours spent on the river yesterday taking Paul, a newcomer to fly fishing, through the basics. He's jumping into the deep end by going on a fishing holiday this weekend. He progressed really quickly, picking up all the key points and I was delighted that he was making such great casts in such a very short amount of time. Here he is going through the roll cast routine:

Good luck Paul - I am looking forward to the pictures of the fish on your return!

The rain and colder weather clearly hadn't put the fish off too much. Whilst practising, there were fish rising throughout the pool. If darkness hadn't crept up so quickly I'd have slipped back to make the most of the evening rises.

~Dave

2011-04-13T09:59:00.004+01:00

On Monday I had the pleasure to deliver a tying presentation to the Herfordshire branch of the Fly Dressers Guild. A motivated group they are too and I was delighted that they took such interest in the 'Small dress, big catch' evening, where I demonstrated the tying of simple, imitative river patterns.

I had decided to make the most of travelling up to Hertfordshire and found myself fishing the tiny chalkstream, the River Ver:

A tricky head wind made presentation tricky at times. The secret was to take your time with these fish, watching them carefully and slowly gettying into position before making the first casts. After a few spooked trout left a plume of silt, I eventually found a fish holding mide stream, quatering and picking off nymphs as the trundled past. The occasional rise gave hope for a little dry fly sport, but nymphs seemed to the best bet for success. A small shrimp pattern pitched well ahead of the fish seemed to do the trick. Watching the fish turn to take the nymph meant timing the lift perfectly was essential.

Whilst many of the fish were palm sized, careful stalking and peering into the darker pools found a much larger specimen, easily pushing 2 pounds. Indeed, on closer inspection, its bigger cousin was holding in the flow next to it. Tackling these larger fish in such small rivers is never easy, especially as they are easily disturbed.

Nothing there?:

Holding mid flow was a prize brown trout:

A V Caddis pitched above and allowed to sink so it drew past the fish provoked immediate interest. The fish twisted to the side an picked up the bug. At first it kited downstream, seemingly a little unsure that it was hooked. But a sudden darting upstream left my reel singing, a cloud of spray and then all wetn slack as the superb fish parted company. I guess you can't win them all.

Thanks to the Hertfordshire FDG. I will be back to tackle this stream again.

~Dave

2011-04-10T21:07:00.008+01:00

With the temperature forecast to be a very unspring-like 20 degrees, I headed to the river a little earlier. There were plenty of caddis hatching and a few Large Dark Olives taking to the wing. Changing flies ensured the fish were willing to rise to the dry. Covering a persistent rising fish, I was suprised when my first fish of the day was not the trout I had expected, but an out of season chub:

Making my way up the stream, there were plenty of rishing fish and it wasn't long before the first trout can bouncing to the net.

Some big cased caddis: Finishing the morning with a better fish:

2011-04-09T21:44:00.002+01:00

Unseasonably warm weather gives us crystal clear water, but fish obliging to a carefully presented dry fly.

~Dave

The 2011 season starts

2011-04-02T20:52:00.003+01:00

Just an hour spent on the river this evening and I was lucky enough to find a few fish. They were rising to the midge that had been plentiful in the air all day. So the first few casts of the season were with the dry fly. Third cast and a perfectly marked brown trout took my size 18 F-Fly.

~Dave

2011-03-27T09:32:00.002+01:00

Teaching a casting lesson on the banks of the river yesterday gave some exciting prospects for the start of the season. There were plenty of Large Dark Olives hatching and there were even a few fish rising to intercept them.

Not long now before we are back in business!

A few imitations suitable for early season dry fly sport:

~Dave

2011-03-14T21:21:00.003Z

So the grayling season is leaving us an anticipation for the trout season is looming. Is it spring yet? I think it is.

~Dave

Hanak Czech Nymph Micro Spiral Indicator

2011-03-06T20:42:00.007Z

Whatever you use to tell you the moment when a fish has inhaled your nymphs, indicators are essential for consistent and successful nymphing.

Delivered to me this week was the Hanak Competition Czech Nymph Micro Spiral Indicator. Made from bi-coloured monofilament, it is yellow blending into red. The colour change being exactly in the middle of the spiral. Stating 40cm on the information, it is actually 45cm, with the spiral being some 2cm in length before being stretched.

The spirals are really tight and small. Probably just 1mm in diameter;

The ends of the nylon are left free - this allows you to choose how you incorporate it into you leader. Perhaps a blood knot or water knot may suit you. My preference was to tie a 2mm ring to each end:

A successful indicator must meet the following brief in my view:
1) Easily visible from distance and in different light conditions
2) Doesn't tangle and requires little maintenance
3) Doesn't interfere with the tip guide
4) Is sensitive enough to detect the most subtle of takes
5) Durable

My concern when attaching this leader was whether, after some casting and hopefully hooking a few fish, it would straighten too much and be rendered useless.

When a fish is hooked, the spiral indicators will straighten. It's really important that the coils return quickly and do not tangle. So how about this one? Pulling the spiral and making the indicator completely straight required a little tension. This was certainly sensitive. But when I let go, the coils sprang back into shape and no sign of any tangle. Perfect!

It was a sunny day. The varied light on the water would certainly test the indicator. So, with and 10' 4" #3 rod set up, the indicator placed about 6' above my point fly and a dropper of a couple of inches, I was ready to really test its effectivenss. As I started making a few casts, the spiral indicator was easily visible, whether the background was bright reflected light of darker shadows.

When the nymphs touched the bottom, the indicator opened. Getting into a casting rhythm and searching the water with a Pheasant tail on the point, it wasn't long before the indicator twitched and stretched open.

A small grayling came bouncing to hand. Three casts later the spiral widened and a quick flick of the rod was met by the thump of a better grayling. The spiral indicator was certainly doing its job ~ and well.

So after a couple of hours' fishing, how did the indicator fair?

Detecting takes was simple and effective. It's very sensitive and allows you to pick up on even the smallest of interuptions of your fly. You can even sense when the current changes - just slight adjustments in the spirals.

Sure, it does stretch and the spiral widens and lengthens during fishing. The spiral length was about 6cm and 3mm in diameter by the end. But that is perfect for me and certainly didn't upset the effectiveness of bite indication.

So an impressive product. Certainly when faced with delicate takes these will help you make contact with the fish. Useful for Czech style nymphing and the longer leader French nymphing, this is a useful tool.

Highly recommended: the Hanak Competition Czech Nymph Micro Spiral Indicator

~Dave

2011-02-25T19:05:00.005Z

With rain forecast for this afternoon, I thought I'd seize the opportunity to get on the river in search of a few grayling. We've had so much rain that, even with the drier weather yesterday, the water was carrying the colour of well-brewed tea. Not a bad looking colour to be fair; hopefully enough to give the fish some confidence to feed in the shallower runs and pockets.

Success came fairly quickly as the leader tip darted forwards and a stuborn, out of season brownie fell to a bug trundled along the bottom. It parted company quickly and thankfully it had not thrashed about too much. Another few casts and the leader lifted again. This time a lift was met with that typical roll of a grayling, a flash of silver flank and some dogged pulling:

The river is literally full of life. The Rhyacophila larvae are a main-stay of food for grayling and trout. It's good practice to turn a few stones and check that your imitation matches the natural. It's also good to see the good health levels of the stream. These indicator species are vital early warning signs of problems.

There's alot of variation in the size of the food on offer. Here you see a Rhyacophila larva above a much smaller larvae. Remember, sometimes you can take fish on a #10; other times they demand a #20. A decent imitation fished through each run is likely to bring some success.

This small piece of submerged bark must have had several hundred specimens on it. The fish's larder!

... and a cased caddis showing itself. Note the green head:

A useful imitation of the cased caddis:

Plenty of fish were willing to take. None of them huge, but on long, light rods, they give a good account of themselves:

A better handful:

The forecast was spot on too. The rain started to fall and the river started to colour a little more. Mind you, Spring is in the air and it's good to be on and in the water.

~Dave

2011-02-22T19:39:00.004Z

The Large Dark Olives were pealing off the river today, making the most of the milder weather. Certainly seeing the duns fluttering through the air gives you the sense that spring is here and that can only mean one thing... the trout season is just around the corner...

Large Dark Olive Dun (Baetis Rhodani)

But, in search of the grayling today, there was nothing showing at the surface, so it was a caddis pattern on the dropper and a constant changing between PTNs and beaded nymphs on the point. The heavier caddis / shrimp pattern was helping to get down to the fish, especailly in the faster water. However, it was also the prefered choice of the fish.

A welcome grayling on the the heavy weight bug took in faster streamy water. The short-line approach worked a treat:

Another falls to the heavy bug:

Even a few out of season trout showed an interest in the pattern:

Working the water methodically gave plenty of takes and the grayling were gathering in fast and quite shallow water. The warmer air temperatures and recent rainfall has seen the rivers in fine condition. More rain is forecast which may put a stop to sport for a few days... so I'm watching the clouds.

~Dave

The reliable GRHE

2011-02-21T21:03:00.004Z

It's one of those answers to the 'If you could only carry half a dozen flies...' question. It may have started life as a dry fly, but the Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear makes a very fine nymph. A good early season searching pattern, with a decent tungsten bead it can make its way through the deeper channels and runs where the fish will be lying.

On the RFB tutorial, I am using a Varivas 2120WB hook. The wave barbless has an interesting profile, especially at the point, but I have been impressed by its hooking capability. I have several friends tying their dries on them too.

Keep things simple: A black or gold coloured tungsten bead and I like just three (or so...) turns of the gold rib.

I like to the hare's mask to ensure there are plenty of spikey, buggy guard hairs that give this fly its pulling power.

~Dave

Shell Backs

2011-02-12T18:02:00.003Z

Getting a neat, well balanced profile can be tricky with Czech-style nymphs. Here's a short sequence from the River Fly Box showing how I approach tying in the shell back for both Czech Nymphs and Shrimp (Gammaris sp.) patterns.

1) With the ballast in place (flat self-adhesive lead) I tie in the shell back, protruding over the eye.:
*Note* The shell back needs to be tied in so the side you want showing uppermost on the finished fly is facing downwards when tying it in.

2) Dub the fly from the eye to the bend. The thread should be hanging behind the dubbing at the bend end of the hook:

3) Pull the shell back over the fly and secure at the bend with two tight wraps:

4) In open wraps, bring the thread towards the eye, pulling down to give the segmented effect in the shell back. I'm using Moser Powersilk 10/0 here -which is very strong thread):

5) When you finish the ribbing, build a small head behind the eye, whip finish and varnish. Trim the excess shell back from the base:

I hope this helps. Full tutorial can be found here: Czech Nymphs / Gammarus

~Dave

2011-02-06T20:39:00.002Z

A new forum to occupy your time... this time dedicated to the lady of the stream:

Fly Fishing Grayling Forum

~Dave

2011-02-01T19:25:00.000Z

A few more delicate dries:

~Dave

Slim & Sparse Imagos

2011-01-22T22:07:00.002Z

Underdressed spinner patterns can be deadly effective, especially during warm evenings. CDC is the perfect material to help achieve the effect. If you find they tipple under the surface, worry not... just watch the leader for any hesitation as they work very well sub-surface.

~Dave

2011-01-16T21:47:00.002Z

I have added a new page to the River Fly Box about tying with CDC.

River Fly Box: Tying with CDC

~Dave

2011-01-15T20:11:00.002Z

Rising fish striking at duns as they float down the current seams is the holy grail of many a river angler's season. Either a well placed paradun or a CDC Dun will usually be my choices. The paradun will sit a little lower in the surface. The CDC helps an imitation to float onto the surface. Here's a little example with two CDC feathers tied in for the wing (as opposed to the fibres being spun in a split thread). Microfibbets for the tails here, although a version with Coq de Leon may be my prefered choice for very glassy glides in crystal clear water:

~Dave

2011-01-14T19:50:00.005Z

So, did you watch it? All three episodes about the state of our fishing Industry? I thought I was pretty clued up about the problems our fish stocks faced and the issues involved. It seems it was worse tham I thought. Considerably worse.

So, a moment away from my usual blogging manner, and a step aside from fly fishing and tying. Please take a look and support this cause... it looks as though a difference could be made. It certainly needs to be. Sign Up.

~Dave

2011-01-11T22:00:00.003Z

OK, we're a long way from spring, but once you get into January, I can't help but start to think about longer days and a little more sunshine. There are even a few bulbs springing in the garden, and then thoughts turn to April and the start of the New Season. Over the bridge, and the season is even closer. So my thoughts turn to tying dries and small nymphs rather than heavier bugs. The thought of chucking neat loops with a 6' rod rather than swinging Czech Nymphs with a 10 footer... it doesn't seem that far away.

I'm sure we still have a hit of snow to reach us before Spring starts properly. But it's the anticipation isn't it? Sure there are more Grayling to be targeted first and a few casting sessions are starting to book up. However, I can already sense the enjoyment from that first trips of the season.

In the meantime, and between sessions at the vice, whet the appetite with the supreme photographic skill on display in Catch Magazine. Enjoy!

~Dave

2011-01-01T20:27:00.003Z

A new year on the river bank, swimming heavy bugs for grayling whilst Malcolm double hauls his pike fly into a likely looking pool.

~Dave

2010-12-30T20:20:00.008Z

It was a rather misty day on the River Test at Wherwell today. Fishing was with Peter Anderson, Vince and Tony. Starting the day with small nymphs we worked our way upstream, pitching the nymphs through all the likely looking runs. With a niggling breeze pushing downstream, it took a little while to find the fish in a feeding mood. Eventually we located a few fish - and there were some substantial grayling amongst them including a couple over the 2lb mark. With a hatch of Pale Wateries and Large Dark olives beginning to show, it was an out of season trout taking a partidge and orange on the dropper that gave me the first hook up of the day. It wasn't long before the first of the grayling found its way to hand. With a larger shrimp pattern on the point and a spider on the dropper, the fish were a little more willing to take the fly. Perhaps the wind had eased because sighting and targetting fish was the way forward.

One on a pale beige shrimp:

Lunchtime seemed to creep up on us - it's amazing just how much time can be absorbed trying to tempt fish you can see to take your offering. On the way back to the car park, we bumped into Charles Jardine who was fishing in a French Nymph style - long leader, tiny nymphs and pin point precision casting.

Lunch was a short affair as we wanted to get out and tackle some of the lower beats. This was skinnier water and a few fish were persuaded by the spider again. Further, a CDC & Elk on a dropper produced a fantastic rise and a nice fish too.

The furled leader worked well in the latter part of the day, presenting small nymphs and spiders upstream with super turnover and indication. The hot orange tip section is so highly visible and shows every subtle movement of flies and the takes.

We returned to take a chance at those better grayling before it became dark. The temperature had dropped and the day was becoming a little darker as the light faded and the mist began to return.

It was Vince that made the final contact of the day with a lovely grayling taking his own small GRHE variant. Well done! That was the last cast - a fitting end.

Vince puts the net under his last fish of the day:

So that's this year's fishing account closed. It's been a great year all round. My thanks to those I have had the pleasure to fish, cast and chatter about all things angling with this year. I hope we do it all over again next year, but even bigger and better! Roll on 2011.

Happy new year!
~Dave

2010-12-26T09:12:00.007Z

Grayling are beautiful fish, extending the fly fisher's callender and offering a real challenge too. At times they are willing to let you wade amongst them, snaffling up any fly that happens to pass by. The next day they can be really spooky, tolerating little in the way of disturbance or, indeed, anything that appears to be against the norm. They can mouth and reject a fly in seconds I am certain they take and refuse nymphs and bugs far more readily than we are aware. If they are willing to move to a dry fly, they can ascend and return in split seconds leaving you bewildered that there was even a rise.

Now, return to the nymphs. You'll read lots about grayling coming to heavy bugs, often brightly coloured and fished as a team. True. However, when they are a little more suspicious, it is the thinking angler that will be successful, choosing to adapt their fly choice and aim for something a little more imitattive. The Pheasant Tail nymph takes some beating under these circumstances. But even then, a little colour can help add a little something extra. Here's an example of the PTN tied with a red hotspot - just holographic tinsel tied behind the thorax. Another dimension to the fly box; improved chances of success:

Hook: Partridge BIN #14
Thread: Powersilk, 10/0 olive
Tail & abdomen: PT fibres
Thorax: Rabbit
Hot-spot: holographic tinsel, red
Wing buds: PT fibres
Legs: Tips of the PT fibres from the wing buds

~Dave

2010-12-22T21:06:00.007Z

I did start to wonder if the more sensible option should be to cancel my planned trip due to the extra layer of snow we had been dealt on Monday. However, when I reached the Kennet, it was a truly magical experience. Barn Owls were flying in search of food during the day and a pair of red kites were circling above. Superb sights at anytime of the year, but in a wintery-wonderland, it was something special - albeit the fishing was VERY hard.

The day's success was always going to be decided by whether the fish could be found. The water was low - especially with so much being locked up on the ground. So it off to the deeper runs with a short line and heavy bug; a lighter S-Loop nymph on the dropper.

One for the dropper:

Dropping the bugs through a likely looking run:

It was hard to find them. The odd nudge of the indicator suggested there was life down there. But it was only small fish willing to put in an appearance.

Infact, it was strangely out-of-season trout that were easier to find - I spotted the odd lunker holding mid-stream.

Despite switching between the short line technique and the duo, the bigger grayling proved somewhat elusive, it was good to be out and a pleasure to practice technique amongst such stunning surroundings.

I have been using furled leaders in recent weeks and have been kindly made some to my exact specifications. The turnover is superb and the sensitivity of them hard to beat. In conjuction with a 10' 4" #3 rod, every twist and turn ot eh nymphs could be felt. The furled leader, with a 12" hi-vis section, allowed me to monitor exactly how the flies were behaving.

I have added black markers throughout the leader so it is visible in all lights. Every movement is clearly visible:
So sensitive is the leader, it reminds of a swing-tip in coarse fishing - only even more responsive to takes. I'll give more details soon about the leaders I've been experimenting with.

This was my last session on the river before Christmas. I hope there are more grayling to report before the new year!

A welcome stop to grab a warming coffee:
Enjoy your festive weekend.

~Dave

2010-12-19T18:53:00.003Z

Despite the Arctic-like conditions we are facing again, grayling will still take a thoughtfully presented fly. The fish will certainly be more tightly shouled, with the better fish taking up the prime lies and smaller fish jostling for position. Getting a fly to these larger fish can be a little more luck than judgement at times.

Here's a pattern which can persuade a take, especially in very clear water. A very slim profile, with very little dubbing ensures the fly is streamlined enough to cut through the water. Two tungsten beads give the the ballast - and on a #14, my preference is for a 2mm and 2.5mm bead slotted together. Note that the second bead is tied on in 'reverse' so that the counter-sunk base sits over the first bead.

The hooks are Partridge YK4G #14

~Dave

2010-12-17T19:21:00.002Z

New venue, new dates and a new time of year. I am delighted to have been invited onto Fly Tyer's row again in 2011.

More details here: British Fly Fair International 2011

~Dave

2010-12-11T10:48:00.002Z

I spent the first part of the week at the lower end of the Wye Valley. Take a look at the ice rafts making their way down stream.

~Dave

2010-12-05T22:10:00.002Z

Whilst I had to cancel Saturday's planned trip, I have just made some fresh arrangements to get out and tackle the grayling amongst these cold and wintery conditions. Reports soon!

Walking today saw a frozen Chew Valley Lake in all its glory:

~Dave

2010-11-28T19:13:00.001Z

~Dave

Uffe's Killer

2010-11-26T19:25:00.006Z

Superb fly tyer, real ale connoisseur and good guy, Sweden's Ulf Hagstrom has just had an article published by Hatches Magazine. It includes a tutorial for tying the Uffe's Killer.

This fly looks simply great and has a awesome profile. Changing its size allows you to match all of the up-wing duns you'll find on our waters.

Enjoy the article here: Uffe's Killer - Hatches Magazine

Nice work Ulf.
~Dave

In the pink

2010-11-24T19:30:00.003Z

Pink is a great attracter for Grayling and I have regularly found pink flies to out-fish more sombre patterns - Sometimes in coloured water, but also in crystal clear but very cold water.

Here's a version of the tungsten back shrimps, bringing a splash of colour to pattern:

These shrimp imitations fish 'upside down':

Hook: Partridge YK4G #16
Thread: Moser Powersilk 10/0, olive
Underbody: Hare's mask, light
Legs: Grey squirrel
Ballast: Tungsten shrimp back, pink

~Dave

2010-11-20T09:24:00.002Z

Fast, deep water calls for heavy flies, especially when targetting grayling. As the temperatures start to decrease, the need to get down to the fish increases. I enjoy fishing heavy bugs. OK, it's not summer-evening dryfly fishing, but trundling (sometimes dredging!) bugs through the flows and watching the leader hesitate as the flies are picked up can be alot of fun. Further, it can be very, very effective.

Over the last couple of seasons I have been using tungsten backed shrimps for some of my fishing. Whilst they are not suitable for every situation, they allow you to get deep with a very suggestive imitation. Even a small fly packs the weight - and the larger versions - well they are nothing short of a depth charge. Kick sample the rivers and streams you fish and you'll find the average freshwater shrimp (Gammarus Pulex) is actually pretty small. Therefore, these heavy weight shrimp backs have a place in any river fisher's fly box; especially those early season and grayling fishers.

Hook: Partridge YK4G
Thread; Moser Powersilk 10/0, olive
Legs: Grey squirrel
Ballast: Tungsten shrimp backs.

These are also well worth a swim with pink or olive tungsten backs.

~Dave

2010-11-13T18:54:00.004Z

Whilst a sparsely dressed paradun is my preference for those fish taking duns, I am increasingly carrying traditionally hackled patterns and finding success with them when all else fails. Further, some sort of wing seems to be essential and playing around with the colour, size and material allows you to explore the effectiveness of this style of dressing.

Possibly my favourite, a CDC wing can tied without a hackle, but for faster, more boisterous water, the addition of a hackle is useful:

A Poly-yarn loop wing has also served me well this year:

The wing here is tied using 'DNA' in olive. This is the same material used for the spinner wings in the previous post. Tied in and looped through the hackle, this is a useful version for those flies that are riding the surface waiting for wings to dry:

A short session at the vice allows a few variation to be produced. When tyying several patterns in a session, it's a good idea to keep them ordered in a compartment box before adding them to the main fly boxes:

~Dave

Sunken Spinner

2010-11-03T20:52:00.002Z

Fished in the surface or allowed to sink, sparkling wings can be very attractive when imitating spinners:

If the fly sinks, or you choose to fish it wet, make sure the first few feet of the the leader beynd the fly line a lightly greased. Any twitch or hesitation should be met with a lift.

~Dave

The Little Avon with BIG potential.

2010-10-28T19:20:00.006+01:00

As a youngster, there was a river I used to peer into and watch the trout feeding below a bridge. A couple of decades on, and I finally fished it... but with a fly rod in search of grayling. My thanks to my host, Peter Anderson for his kind invitation to sample an absolute jewel of a stream in South Gloucestershire.

We started the day with a quick look at the water. Nicely coloured and at a good level, prospects were good. It was pretty mild, but there was a brisk breeze. Peter kindly let me fish the first beat, and with a couple of casts, trundling a cased caddis through the runs, I connected with a fish.

A couple more takes followed, although keeping on the hook was somewhat easier said than done. The fish were very forgiving of our presence and even with the shorter rod, short lne nymphing was perfectly possible. Despite some fantastic looking water though, the fish were not fully playing the game. We were having to scratch a little.

Perfect to look at, this run suprisingly didn't deliver:

We split for the latter half of the day, and I picked my way through some lovely looking water, this time with the 10' #4 rod. This gave me the perfect control. A few fish obliged; changing to two flies helped: a cased caddis and a shrimp pattern.

Look at the tail (paddle!) on this beauty:

After a few more takes (and a few more lost fish...) I found a few rising grayling. With initially little sign of fly activity, it was a #20 CDC Shuttlecock that brought the fish up - and some great rises too, watching the fish appear from the depths and assault the fly!

It soon becamce apparent that there were a few spinners about - checking the spiders' webs can be a superb way of identifying the hatches.

A crumpled Pale Watery spinner. Note the length of the tails:

Pale Watery (Baetis Fuscatis spinners were evident. However, these spinners crawl down into the water to lay there eggs, meaning a well presented spider pattern is often what is called for. However, perhaps for another day.

Peter had caught some superb fish and certainly knows his way around this little stream. And what potential it has.

Some handsome grayling for Peter:

A good sized, out-of-season Brown for Peter, carefully released in the water:

~Dave

2010-10-27T16:15:00.003+01:00

Faced with a sunny and suprisingly warm day, it seemed an ideal opportunity to check out some new water - with some potential for winter grayling and perhaps a venue to introduce people to fishing small streams. As said in battle, 'Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted' and certainly it is true for visiting rivers too!

There were a few feeding fish, but with high banks and a following sunshine, getting close to see what they were was just not on the cards. Still, encouraging to see and gets the rod arm twitching for a imminent grayling venture on a new river... watch this space!

~Dave

Cold Weather Dry Fly

2010-10-26T19:53:00.009+01:00

So we've seen the first frosts of autumn / winter, but don't be in too much of a hurry to get the heavy-weight bugs out when targetting grayling. There's still a good chance of seeing Large Dark Olives (Baetis Rhodani) hatching and fish turning onto them, chasing the emerging nymphs and the dun.

For the emerger, you could do worse than trying the CDC Shuttlecock. Simple to tie and super-effective!

(Tied on a Partridge SLD #18)

When the duns are on the surface, floating down the current seams, the colder weather can sometimes mean they take a while before taking to the wing. Dun patterns worth a try include:

(Tied on a Partridge SLD #18)

(Tied on a Partridge SLD #16)

~Dave

2010-10-24T19:05:00.005+01:00

Well this has to be the longest time lapse between posts since I started the blog! So my apologies!

The end of the trout season has come and gone and thoughts start to turn to the prospect of some grayling. Certainly there are a few dates on the callender already (one in just a few days...).

It's been a great season, although I have made it out far less than I had planned (will that ever change?). The most memorable trip for me this past year was a visit to the Derbyshire Wye.

A cracking wild rainbow, and my 'fish of the season':

Dave Smith lands a magnificent grayling:

I've also had some great fun targetting fish with the 10' #4 rod and small nymphs and dries this year:

The British Fly Fair International just seems to have crept up this year and I sit here typing with less than a week to go before it begins. I truly think it the best of all the shows and well worth a visit - as indicated by the good number of international tyers, and indeed visitors, that make the effort for the 2-day event.

I'm looking forward to catching up with many friends and being amazed by the wealth of skill and talent on show. If you are visiting, please come over and say 'Hi'. Not only is the show an exhibition of great tying, there is also the opportunity check out some fantastic tackle. This year, for the first time, Mark Leggett will be present at the the show with the Alternative Tackle Company. With quite a specialist range of rods and reels, it'll be sweet shop time.

Check out the site and make sure, if you're at the show, you check the stand out.

~Dave

2010-10-09T19:59:00.003+01:00

The Partidge Klinkhamer hook, in gold, is the perfect addition to the caddis imitations in the fly box:

How much difference does hook colour make? A variable worth further investigation...

~Dave

Parachute posts

2010-10-01T22:14:00.006+01:00

Following a recent demo, I thought I'd highlight the technique I use for tying in a wing post for a parachute hackle.

With your post material, 'pick up' the hanging thread. Allow it to sit on the top of the fly:

Now turn the post through 90 degrees - as though you were tying the wings in the 'spent' position. Here you are looking down on the top of the hook:

Pull both sides of the wing downwards, either side of the hook:

Then, holding the wing together and under tension, swing the wing up to the top of the fly. It should now be in the perfect position as a post for the parachute hackle. Make thread wraps either side of the post and then just two or three wraps around the post - no more though!

Choose your thorax dubbing and make wraps either side of the post. Start to build a small, neat thorax. Take the dubbing to behind the eye and complete the thorax. The thread should finish next to and behind the post.
From now on you should only make thread wraps around the post:

Select the hackle you want. Strip the fibres from the last inch of stem. Offer the hackle feather up to the base of the post. Catch it in with two wraps of thread around the post:

So why choose this technique over more traditional methods? Well doing it in this way allows me to produce:

1) A durable hackle.

2) A neat thorax.

3) No unnecessary build up of the body (often a danger when tying the post in first and under the thorax / dubbing).

4) The wing is in the perfect position with no need to add extra thread wraps to get it in position.

You can see the full tying sequence here:
River Fly Box: Tying the parachute emerger

The same approach is also used here:
River Fly Box: Tying the paradun

If you've not tried it, give it a go and experiment.

~Dave