Depth Charge

Autumn colours have started to creep in and whilt the dries are still persuading a few fish (I lost a cracking fish at Chew Valley Lake last weekend...), I can't help but get the feeling that we'll be heading deeper for the fish in only a few more weeks. So as the river bugging box starts to get the overhaul, here's a favourite for those deeper pockets.



Hook: TMC 2487 #14 - #20
Bead: Tungsten 'Nymph-head'
Body: Copper wire
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, orange
Thorax: Hare (split thread)

~Dave.

Simplicity

Spiders are great fun to fish, simple to tie and hugely effective. I've had some good success fishing them 'washingline style' - a dry on the point and a spider on the dropper. This slightly palmered hackle (Stewart style) allows it to ride that little bit higher:



Hook: Kamasan B175 #16
Thread: Pearsall's silk #5
Hackle: Grizzle, olive hen (Ewing)

~Dave

A style of emerger I have posted several times, but here's a version with some argentinian hare sent to me from the Fly Tying Boutique. It dubs beautifully and makes a really interesting and busy thorax region that could suggest struggling legs or damp wings:



Hook: B100 #14
Thread: 14/0 sheer
Nymph shuck / abdomen: Porcupine quill
Thorax: Argentinian hare
Wing: CDC, natural

~Dave

700 Teeth by Ulf Hagstrom

Please do take the opportunity to visit this great site set by Ulf Hagstrom, dedicated to pike fly-fishing.

Another great resource; pike fly-fishing can produce some stunning sport. Take a look and enjoy: 700 Teeth.com


Fly-caught Pike from Chew Valley lake, DW

~Dave

Back to old tricks

Well eventually I have made it back online and can start to post more regularly. House moves always seem to take longer than you think and now the computer and tying bench are back in action, we're back in business. Sorry to those that have visited the site and found such a shortage of updates. Fishing has been hard recently and nearly all my trips have stuggled to find the fish moving and feeding with any real enthusiasm. Warm September weather apparently beckons (ever hopeful) and the fishing will improve!

I thought I'd share a couple of flies I was recently sent from a swap. So Ray (Letumgo) and Vern-o if you're reading this, thanks very much guys - stunning flies! A little bigger than some of the flies I use, so these are set for the display.

Copperstone Blonde, size 4. Tied by Ray 'Letumgo' Tucker


Golden Stone, size 4. Tied by Vern-o




More soon...

~Dave

A long time since my last post, I have been busy moving house. Kept away from the computer and the rivers, I was amazed to see the river in full summer bloom. The balsam has frustratingly gripped and the tree canopy is full. It's amazing how the river changes in character so quickly. Water levels are good though - almost a spring flow. I have managed a couple of visits, both proving hard to find fish. Fishing into the darkness seems the best options for finding some sport. Tiny flies and a stealthy approach are a must.



I hope to be posting again soon and reporting some summer success. In the meantime, I was delighted to see Fly Fishing and Fly Tying magazine publish my article about the my V-Caddis in their September issue.

Enjoy the summer fishing and potential caddis bonanza.

~ Dave