tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55835276796769719462024-02-07T20:48:54.443+00:00Mick's Fly Fishing DiaryFly Fishing on the rivers and streams of Mid-Wales and the Welsh MarchesSabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-22375694993237836022013-03-05T08:59:00.001+00:002013-03-05T08:59:59.390+00:00Brief But BeautifulA short trip out on the upper reaches of the River Wye last Saturday reminded me that the long, warmer days of spring are just around the corner.<br />
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Although it was a cool start the sun pretty much shone all day radiating its warmth...something that has been somewhat lacking for many months.<br />
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I opted to fish the duo, probably not the best method under the circumstances but I really just wanted to cast a fly line as opposed to fishing my preferred long leader method I mostly employ over the winter months.<br />
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With a very low, clear river it was tough but a joy to spend a couple of hours casting a line in some stunning scenery with the sun shinning on my face. Farewell winter Grayling...roll on the rising Trout!<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-59436761320108048612013-02-04T00:13:00.000+00:002013-02-04T00:15:06.003+00:00 Back On TrackOK...I know I've been a little quite with blog posts lately but to be honest I've had little to write about.<br />
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The last month or so has felt like a 'close season' with circumstances making fishing a bit of a rarity with only the odd occasion where I've had a chance to throw a fly into some flowing water.<br />
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So Sunday felt like I was being spoilt with a full day out with a friend fishing on a fairly high and fast flowing River Irfon.<br />
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Things started very slow for both of us without a single fish to account for in the first couple of hours, but a move further downstream and a change of flies started to pay dividends and although it was still tough going at least we were finding some odd nice grayling which were hard fighting in the strong current.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A deep fat grayling which registered 3lb+ on my 'little samson' scales</td></tr>
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Although conditions were far from perfect it felt good to be out again and hopefully if the weather gods are kind it would be nice to thing I could enjoy a few more days like this before the grayling season comes to an end.<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-56334571498529655742012-11-11T23:27:00.001+00:002012-11-11T23:28:33.766+00:00River Irfon Finally Came GoodAnother untimely downpour on Friday brought the river levels back up and out of action for any fishing on Saturday but as often with these Welsh spate rivers they do drop extremely quickly without further rain.<br />
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By 1.30pm Sunday I was slipping into my chesties and piecing together my 10' #3 Greys Streamflex in anticipation of finding a few grayling on the lower River Irfon which had now dropped to a level that I would consider ideal for this time of year.<br />
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I found fish very quickly and although the temperatures had dropped over the weekend the grayling were well spread out and most of the likely spots I dropped my nymphs into produced a fish or two.<br />
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The river came good just in time for me to enjoy three hours of quality fishing and even the odd flurry of hatching olives bringing fish to the surface.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-52286970812908011082012-11-06T20:25:00.000+00:002012-11-07T09:01:29.218+00:00Redington Sonic-Pro Zip Front WadersI had all but covered my old waders inside and out with Aquasure in an attempt to get some extra mileage out of them, but with winter looming and the realisation that maybe they had just come to the end of their life I recently bit the bullet and started looking for some worthy replacements.<br />
I was looking for a pair of stockingfoot, breathable waders in the 'mid-price' range, I also wanted zip front because having worn zip front waders for the last few years I find that they are much easier to get in and out of and are great for those times when you have drank just a little too much coffee in the morning! I must also add that I have never had a zip fail and let in water.<br />
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After shortlisted a couple of options I opted to go for the <a href="http://www.flyfishusa.com/apparel/redington/redington-sonic-pro-zip-wader.htm">Redington Sonic-Pro Zip Front Waders</a>, there were a few deciding factors but the main reason was that they 'ticked all the boxes' and most of the reviews I read on the internet could not praise them enough.<br />
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I also decided to purchase direct from the USA due to them being on offer by one of the US retailers. There is of course carriage and import duty charges to add on to the sale price but there was still a saving in comparison to prices from retailers in the UK.<br />
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Having now had them for a few weeks I can report that initial trials have been very positive, the comfort/fit of the waders is extremely good and the addition of two front zipped pockets and two hand warmer pockets are very welcome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Stitchless' Sonic Welded Seams</td></tr>
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My waders do tend to get some extensive rough treatment during their life but I'm hopeful that the Sonic welded seam technology on the Redington waders enable me to enjoy a couple of seasons of leak free wading before they need replacing, it has always frustrated me how little expectation we have come to accept from such a high value piece of equipment, maybe this technology is a step in the right direction...I will let you know in a couple of seasons!<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-66212166873288609732012-10-29T13:25:00.002+00:002012-10-29T18:26:47.185+00:00Chills And Thrills On The IthonTaking a peep out of the window on Saturday morning it was obvious the forecasters had got it right, the sky was cloudless and the car was white over with frost. The first hard frost of the year so on went the thermal layers before setting out to the river.<br />
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I'd planned returning to a Wye and Usk Foundation beat I hadn't fished for several years...<a href="http://www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/r7-disserth.php">Disserth</a> on the River Ithon, not much had changed since my last visit and I worked my way upstream fishing a duo of tungsten flies on a long leader.<br />
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The autumn colours on the trees combined with the bright sunshine was breathtaking and photos can never really do it justice.<br />
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Fishing however was a bit of a struggle and I ended up walking away empty handed from pools that looked like they were going to yield a few fish.<br />
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Three grayling (and a couple of OOS brown trout) taken on nymphs on the way up and a switch to dry fly on the way back down produced three more which was much more satisfying to catch.<br />
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On Sunday I meet up with a mate and we headed a little further upstream the Ithon on some private water. It was a far cry from the cloudless skies of Saturday and for much of the day it rained and the cold wind chilled any exposed parts of the body very quickly.<br />
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But the fish were definitely more responsive from the previous day and a combination of long leader/nymphs and dry fly brought some nice fish to the net for both of us with a couple of the grayling getting close to personal bests. We were also treated to a sporadic rise which lasted for 1/2 an hour or so and although we nailed a couple of the fish it was obvious they were tuned into something specific and were not interested in much we were throwing at them!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last fish of the day and also the biggest one to make it to the net!</td></tr>
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With the clocks going back one hour and gloomy overcast skies it all got dark very early, fortunately the long retreat back to the cars did at least circulate the blood and bring some feeling back to the fingertips.<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-88451286260214133582012-10-08T23:40:00.000+01:002012-10-09T08:49:30.557+01:00Effort/Reward Ratio...Not Always ObviousThe last few years I've dabbled with casting the odd salmon line out on the off chance that I could be one of the lucky few who manage to connect with one of these magnificent migratory fish that enter the Wye system each year with just one purpose...to ensure the continuation of future generations.<br />
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I have likened the process of salmon fishing to that of a coarse angler who is in pursuit of a big double figure carp...a lot of invested time for what seems like a small return.<br />
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But my way of thinking has changed quite considerably, I've learnt that for me a major part of the appeal of salmon fishing comes from the casting process and trying to deliver a worthy cast when using a heavy line, big fly and a double handed rod.<br />
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I'm still very much a novice at it all but after spending many many hours of effort this season trying to improve my techniques I got my small reward on Sunday when I connected with and landed my first salmon of the season which came from a pool on the River Irfon near Builth Wells. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Successful Fly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCmEgwxqXTENB5uWL3oE2P6VnGoP9C_lmMK20XtA5bhlZmN3jvd_Q65HV597_j72ujjPZLYoQ8kSHvy3AWiiUfTfDboeHhEVHKiIJSL6GgRKFZC5i4ZeY7-yEMaJOqOjJZD1Q8K-SWcyE/s1600/2012-10-07+16.21.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCmEgwxqXTENB5uWL3oE2P6VnGoP9C_lmMK20XtA5bhlZmN3jvd_Q65HV597_j72ujjPZLYoQ8kSHvy3AWiiUfTfDboeHhEVHKiIJSL6GgRKFZC5i4ZeY7-yEMaJOqOjJZD1Q8K-SWcyE/s400/2012-10-07+16.21.00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From This Pool</td></tr>
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With only a couple of weeks left before the season ends it is likely to be my one and only fish, which on the surface would seem a wasted exercise for the amount of time put into catching it but the learning process together with the anticipation I've experienced means that I'm sure to be doing it all again next season.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-73891998739401595732012-09-17T22:01:00.000+01:002012-09-17T22:08:36.378+01:00Summer Over...Thankfully!The weather at last seems to be settled into what we expect for this time of year and river levels last weekend were perhaps a little low but with the implementation of a little more stealth than normal fish were definitely on the lookout for an easy meal.<br />
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On Saturday I headed off to the River Ithon and had the company of Steve...a mate who I used to fish alongside during my old coarse/match fishing days.<br />
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A midday start and a brisk walk down the river and we were soon connecting with some fish but the larger fish that this river holds were definitely very wary and not really showing themselves.<br />
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Both of us fished our way up fishing the duo style (Klinkhamer on a dropper with a small weighted nymph 18"-24" below). Persistence paid off and we had both ended up netting a couple of good quality fish along with the smaller ones, arriving back at the car with our lungs filled full of pure Welsh air and the scent of freshly baled hay from the fields...and of course the odd whiff of manure here and there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This quality trout eventually calmed by Steve after putting on quite an aerial display! </td></tr>
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On Sunday I spent a few hours battling the much stronger winds a little further south on the River Irfon, a totally different river with faster flows...a true upland welsh river originating from the Cambrian Mountains.<br />
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The fishing was again a case of an extremely stealthy approach to get the best out of it and fishing was much tougher than the previous day.<br />
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All in all it felt like a good weekend to be out fishing and as I posted on this blog last year...I just love Autumn fishing...especially the back end of the trout season.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-28206238853610617022012-08-13T13:34:00.001+01:002012-08-13T13:34:37.247+01:00Upper WyeBack up to a very pretty part of the Upper Wye just below Rhayader which again did not disappoint. <br />
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The upstream breeze which is a rare occurrence on this part of the river made casting and fly presentation so much easier and although there were no fish rising I soon found some quality fish willing to take my nymph.<br />
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There was very few upwing flies coming off the water but as usual for this time of year there was quite a few small sedges skimming just above the surface, my nymph of choice was a #16 GRHE with a 2mm tungsten bead attached to help get it down in some of the fast turbulent water often found on these boulder strewn sections of the Upper Wye system. I find the Hares Ear nymph a good choice when there are sedge flies hatching and is my usual 'go to' fly in these situations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much Chewed #16 Tungsten Head Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph </td></tr>
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As I have mentioned before..what this part of the river lacks in quantity it certainly makes up in quality, many of the resident fish here will put a hefty bend in the rod and give you some heart stopping fights amongst the boulders.<br />
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The weather, location and the abundance of wildlife seen pretty much made for a perfect days fishing and to have near enough a mile of river all to myself I returned home feeling more than spoilt.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-74471949714453516162012-08-07T00:02:00.000+01:002012-08-07T00:02:22.941+01:00Rain Stops PlayWell it's sods law...I head down to one of my favourite rivers and find it looking in excellent condition and the fish in the mood for a bit of a play then after an hour or so of some hectic fishing the heavens open and duly empties it's water reservoirs right on my little patch!<br />
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The grayling and trout were readily taking both nymph and dry but an hour or so of relentless heavy rain soon filled up the little feeder streams and gushed chocolate coloured water into the river (a familiar consequence of lowland rivers) totally wiping out any chance of continuing fishing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the rains come and 'game over'.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many of the feeder streams pouring in its coloured water.</td></tr>
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With the majority of the river trout season well behind us lots of new waters I'd planned to fish this year will likely be 'put on the shelf' until next season unless things settle down well before 30th September.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-61397924930187681452012-07-23T17:59:00.000+01:002012-07-23T17:59:21.089+01:00Back In The Land Of The GraylingIt's been a while since my last post and the last couple of months must rate as one of the most frustrating periods I can remember. I rely mostly on the weekend to get out fishing and for most of that couple of months the rain seems to have always arrived at exactly the wrong time to flood the rivers for the weekend.<br />
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Well as I write this the sun is blazing and temperatures are well up to mid twenties so I'm hoping we are into a settled spell which will allow rivers to run a bit closer to normal for this time of year.<br />
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I took full advantage on Sunday when the rivers began to fall and myself and fishing buddy Nick headed off to the River Ithon (major upper tributary to the Wye). It was still running quite high and carrying a fair bit of colour but looked fishable when we got to the river.<br />
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Due to the adverse weather of late the water temperatures have remained low and as a result seeing any fish rising is a rare occurrence...such was today and the plan of action was an out and out nymph attack, something on par to what we would normally be doing in the depths of winter!<br />
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We soon located some nice Grayling and were both getting some pretty hefty bends in the rods, they were definitely favouring the faster/streamer water of around 2-3 foot deep and seemed to be well anchored to the bottom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick's 10' #2 almost bend double with a large Grayling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">47cm hard fighting Grayling for Nick.</td></tr>
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Although we had connected with a few trout it was a day for Grayling and plenty of them, the water level and colour had obviously instilled them with a feeling of safety and a willingness to feed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of a few brown trout caught on the day</td></tr>
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I switched flies a few times during the day but I found that heavily weighted (tungsten beadhead) nymphs in the #12-#14 sizes worked best.<br />
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This current spell of warmer weather should now bring the water temperatures back up and induce more surface activity and the dry fly box may soon be re-opened!Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-48893220253977215212012-06-25T10:23:00.000+01:002012-06-25T10:23:17.673+01:00The Wettest Draught On Record!At the back end of March I was posting about how many of the rivers I fish were in desperate need of some rain to bring the levels back up...well all I can say is - be careful what you wish for!!!<br />
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The draught warnings imposed on many counties are a thing of the past and have been replaced by flood warnings making river fishing a bit of a lottery.<br />
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The main problem for me is that over the last few weeks the heaviest rain had fallen at the back end of the week which pushed the spate rivers up instantly and although they normally drop quickly they always seemed to stay too high over the weekend leaving me frustrated.<br />
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Last weekend I headed for the Elan Valley reservoirs run by the <a href="http://www.rhayaderangling.co.uk/">Rhayader And Elan Valley Angling Association</a> to relieve some of the frustration of not being able to fish the rivers.<br />
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With 850 acres of water available to fish the key is to have some idea of which likely spots are worth heading for first. I would imagine even regular long term fishermen here still find fish location a little hit and miss. Much will depend on wind direction as to which bank to head for (no boat fishing available here).<br />
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After a few visits here I'm now starting to get my head around it a little and have a better idea on giving myself a chance to connect with some of the trout which it holds.<br />
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Although there is some stocking carried out the majority of the fish here are natural wild brown trout, a fish of a pound in weight would be classed as a good fish. There are no rainbow trout stocked at the Elan reservoirs.<br />
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I ended an enjoyable afternoon with half a dozen fish (all wild) and a little more knowledge but still longing to cast a dry fly upstream to a rising fish on a river...please!!!<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-31666869641383289622012-05-28T23:44:00.002+01:002012-05-29T08:17:20.322+01:00Getting Wild In North WalesThis trip had been booked for a few weeks and one I was eager to experience, myself and a couple of mates had planned a weekend fishing some of the lakes in the wilds of North Wales.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erw Fawr cottage...base for the weekend.</td></tr>
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Arriving at our base situated in Garreg...a small village close to the foothills of Mount Snowdon on Friday we unpacked and headed straight out to inspect a couple of nearby lakes as possible venues for Sunday as we had set aside Saturday to travel a little further south to spend a day at Tall-y-llyn.<br />
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Talyllyn is a natural 220-acre, shallow, Brown Trout Lake nestling in the southwest corner of the Snowdonia National Park and below the peak of Cader Idris. It has a most spectacular setting and is very well equip to accommodate the many visiting anglers it receives each year with boats and tackle available to hire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and Martin assessing the conditions on our arrival at Tal-y-llyn</td></tr>
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Conditions on this weekend would have been a holidaymakers dream with wall to wall sunshine and temperatures well into the high twenties but for fishing it was not what was wanted at all, we also had to content with some very high winds.<br />
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This 'loch' style of fishing is not something I have had a go at before and although getting used to the pace of the boat drifts with the strong winds took some getting used to I soon felt comfortable with the techniques but there was no doubt today was going to be tough and so it proved with me ending the day with a blank and my boat partners catching half a dozen between them (their loch style experience showing through).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Whitewater' showing as the wind sweeps westward down the valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Pe-y-bont Hotel where we retreated for lunchtime refreshments!</td></tr>
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A rapid retreat to a local pub followed where we deliberating the day and what might be the venue for the following day, Steve had come armed with a portfolio of local waters so we had plenty to choose from. In light of the kind of day we had and the weather forecast for Sunday we thought best not to hire boats and opted to try out a remote lake which is also the source of the Afon Artro.<br />
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Turning off the main road we winded our way five miles up to Llyn Cwm Bychan which could not have been more appealing to the eye with its crystal clear blue water and its mountain surrounds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sight of Llyn Cwm Bychan</td></tr>
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There is no supplementary stocking carried out here and the trout are all totally wild, fishing charge is three pounds which is worth paying just to admire the scenery!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View looking from the eastside car park</td></tr>
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We fished from the banks on the north shore and had to contend with similar conditions as experienced on Tal-y-llyn. The day proved to run a similar course with very little fish action due mostly to the extremely bright conditions, Steve and Martin again proved to be one step ahead of me and both caught a couple of these wild beauties but I was left licking my wounds again and had nothing to show for the weekends fishing other than a few lost fish and a good sun tan...but more importantly I had visited what must be some of the most prettiest lakes in one of the wildest parts of the UK and now have the taste for this unique style of fly fishing.<br />
<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-27044576677361120342012-05-22T08:29:00.000+01:002012-05-22T08:29:52.560+01:00Rock And ReaI must confess to being a bit of a rock music fan and couldn't resist the opportunity to see Black Sabbath make a long awaited return to their hometown to play a warm up gig at the Birmingham O2 Academy on Saturday night in preparation for their slot at the Download Festival, a real treat for any Sabbath fan and for me a night of pure rock indulgence.<br />
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<br />The planned fishing the following day ended up starting a little later than usual due mainly to my body requiring a little longer to recover from such events than it used to (and a few too many celebratory drinks!) but fish I did!...and when I arrived at the River Rea in Shropshire the river looked quite high and coloured but with about 12" of visibility in the water and fish rising I was soon tackling up and casting towards the rises.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite high murky water to greet my arrival</td></tr>
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It was soon apparent that the fish in this small river had lost some of the normal inhibitions they display when the water is lower and clearer and it was just a matter of working out the right dry pattern that would get the better results.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Griffith's Gnat - a deadly pattern when there are small midges buzzing over the surface</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distinct white leading edge to anal fin</td></tr>
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With masses of black gnats buzzing over the water the Griffith's Gnat proved very successful and as I slowly made my way upstream picking off rising fish and throwing prospective casts at likely looking spots I couldn't have wished for a more pleasant and relaxing way to spend an afternoon...and such a contrast to the previous nights events...they do say variety is the spice of life!Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-9662090813441893432012-04-24T22:55:00.000+01:002012-04-24T22:55:21.861+01:00A Step In the Right Direction On The MonnowI got the chance to visit the River Monnow again last weekend and started to get the feel of why this valley is so special to so many. I had only fished it previously during the winter months but on this visit things were definitely on the change.<br />
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Buds and leaves starting to appear on trees, flies hatching from the water surface with one or two trout taking advantage and sipping them off the top...and even the sun radiating some warmth on to my face when it occasionally peeped out from behind the clouds.<br />
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Another thing that stood out was the amount of habitat restoration work that had been carried out along the stretch I fished. There had been many bank side trees felled in a controlled way which allowed them to fall into the shallow river edges creating an instant sanctuary for the small vulnerable fish fry and even for the larger fish which may come under attack from the many piscivorous birds that are often found patrolling our inland waterways. The stems of the young trees are also only cut part way through so they are still allowed to continue to grow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young trees felled and left to grow along the river edges</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old dead branch cut and secured to the bank side which adds cover and diversity to the water flow</td></tr>
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This habitat work which is carried out by the <a href="http://monnow.org/">'Monnow Rivers Association'</a> will reap rewards in securing healthy fish stocks for us all to enjoy in the future.<br />
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Water temperatures still seem to be a little on the cool side so I think it will be a couple of weeks before the trout really kick in, although fortunately there were still a few willing to fall for my duo tactics.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsxwQDWu8Qw/T5cdD0a4r_I/AAAAAAAABVc/l-NOdVOTud0/s1600/IMGP9366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsxwQDWu8Qw/T5cdD0a4r_I/AAAAAAAABVc/l-NOdVOTud0/s400/IMGP9366.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-41229166291091008262012-04-16T23:58:00.001+01:002012-04-17T22:40:11.523+01:00Upper Wye Near RhayaderThe course of the River Wye (Afon Gwy) takes on some beautiful scenery from its source on the Plynlimon mountain to some 215 kilometres where it enters the Severn Estuary, but the upper reaches are where you find it at its most dramatic.<br />
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There are many sections where it travels down steep gradients causes tumbling waterfalls and crashing white water as it flows rapidly over the large boulders and through bedrock gutters it has carved out over centuries of erosion.<br />
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A part of the Wye I sometimes fish below Rhayader runs through some quite rough terrain and creates some stunning scenery but as a consequence the wading is quite treacherous in parts and a wading staff is an essential part of your gear.<br />
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I also think these more dramatic stretches of water are where you can sometimes find better quality fish, I think the high oxygen levels combined with deep gutters for the fish to hide and of course a good food source all combine to produce an ideal habitat for the odd specimen fish.<br />
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<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-60262312795839707042012-04-03T00:57:00.005+01:002012-04-03T08:11:16.835+01:00Grannom Or BustYear after year the Grannom hatch never fails to frustrate me. The height of the hatch is a short lived affair which peaks normally around the beginning of April. The optimum time during the day seems to be between one o'clock and three o'clock and in that time there can be clouds of Grannom literally like a snowstorm one minute then a minute later they have all but disappeared.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The River Wye around Builth Wells</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grannom sporadically hatching in 'clouds'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6EjAR0eaEX1lHI05TUUQLU56hyphenhyphendtRnyPmQBRCeyw0vI_IEFppNOcySaRIBsMucZrmANjcKaqkmn8MZRN_5EsbSh6jAIBqQ-VfcQDPG4qXYR5-XVTd8f51xKqaAAFv9A4hkOg5Q5VwudL/s1600/IMGP7678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6EjAR0eaEX1lHI05TUUQLU56hyphenhyphendtRnyPmQBRCeyw0vI_IEFppNOcySaRIBsMucZrmANjcKaqkmn8MZRN_5EsbSh6jAIBqQ-VfcQDPG4qXYR5-XVTd8f51xKqaAAFv9A4hkOg5Q5VwudL/s400/IMGP7678.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grannom Caddis Fly (Brachycentrus subnubilis)</td></tr>
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The other problem is that when the trout get tuned on to them they become so preoccupied that nothing else will do and the difficulty then becomes working out at what stage the fish are taking them - ascending pupa, emerging caddis or adult. This can change instantly without any apparent reason why. <br />
Last weekend on the River Wye there were times when the fish were very actively taking the flies either on the surface or just below, then without reason they would just stop feeding off the surface even though there were still many flies hatching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bruiser of a Chub gently sipped down my dry Grannom pattern and put a severe bend in my #3<br />
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I'm sure someone out there has a fly pattern that works very well during this hatch but I'm afraid it's one that isn't yet in my box. Sometimes I think I have it nailed and I will tie a fly that catches me a few fish then low and behold they decide it's no longer good enough and refuse it every time I put it over their head.<br />
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Although Grannom carry on hatching after this peak period I have found that the trout lose interest when they only emerge sparsely and quickly move on to something else. The reality is that unless you are able to fish the rivers daily it is hard to get out more than a couple of times during the peak period and therefore lessons are that much more difficult to learn.<br />
<br />Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-24964788856317911922012-03-27T23:16:00.000+01:002012-03-27T23:22:33.678+01:00Only Just Spring And Already Praying For RainA first trip out to one of my favourite Shropshire venues was a little bit of a shock last Sunday. This little river was running at a drastically low level and as a result the flows had become almost static in places that would normally have a good pull of water running through them.<br />
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It's no surprise that under such circumstances the chances of a good days fishing was virtually non existent and added the fact that the water had become crystal clear and there wasn't a cloud in the sky I would have chosen better to return back home and tie some flies for when things get better.<br />
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The only chance for any likely fish was going to be the deeper gullies that ran at the neck of a few of the pools and I did manage to connect with a couple of trout from one or two areas but it was one of those days when I soon realised that I was just going through the motions and as a result the enjoyment level had diminished rapidly.<br />
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We all long for a nice, warm days when we go out fishing and pray that the rain keeps off but I came away on Sunday hoping and praying that we have a prolonged spell of rain that will help turn this little river and many others in this region back to the healthy flows that help sustain the delicate balance these rivers depend on.<br />
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I'm hoping to be back on the Wye around Builth Wells next weekend in time for the prolific Grannom hatches that this river usually gets, but even this Welsh giant of a river is unseasonably low at the moment and will require early morning/late evening tactics to get the best out of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEczFjZ2eSvNonKJiVc2HFnkwI9KaFpTU07tbxzcojvwBGRGLmOZF_hqx0C0_FUe9QPdeNyIivxGYaSJUTcV-wFnaZxw5vg6gY51oYEYiD-Jmz3AQQ818q-zk1FITONHotRoCp-u3imLGG/s1600/IMGP9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEczFjZ2eSvNonKJiVc2HFnkwI9KaFpTU07tbxzcojvwBGRGLmOZF_hqx0C0_FUe9QPdeNyIivxGYaSJUTcV-wFnaZxw5vg6gY51oYEYiD-Jmz3AQQ818q-zk1FITONHotRoCp-u3imLGG/s400/IMGP9259.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recently Tied Grannom Emerger #14</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-55971247338377932592012-03-16T08:34:00.000+00:002012-03-16T08:34:40.151+00:00New Season AspirationsThis winters Grayling fishing has been pretty kind to me with some superb days fishing mainly down to the warmer than usual temperatures. Last weekend on the River Ithon in Mid Wales wasn't exactly one of the better weekends but it did produce a couple of nice end of season Grayling and also my first 'official' brownie to kick off the new trout season.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXucf2th5esteNT-p775HX7X_PxWdQf7EADVx_Flnhyw-F3JhI4Vkl6CE8zuaDyUhZB1viJlXfyitxLCx8KerJBXiBnAFgatIYckX-jOxzZs6nwf1hyphenhyphen1drFeCdfLqtNdbttgIlHSyILVdB/s1600/IMGP9134001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXucf2th5esteNT-p775HX7X_PxWdQf7EADVx_Flnhyw-F3JhI4Vkl6CE8zuaDyUhZB1viJlXfyitxLCx8KerJBXiBnAFgatIYckX-jOxzZs6nwf1hyphenhyphen1drFeCdfLqtNdbttgIlHSyILVdB/s400/IMGP9134001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV8rc0fiG5VhytCqIpE_82ERR5veAYcl6ocQ8SMV41S2QvPymdjDV2-_0zxLl7Dm8YuAYC6D62GfDNfGJbtWWQdcKd-z8DFE6r77Cz8_mjIAbozDOGvu6p-P-G-wmtP7Q-cblqSlzQDnD/s1600/IMGP9115001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV8rc0fiG5VhytCqIpE_82ERR5veAYcl6ocQ8SMV41S2QvPymdjDV2-_0zxLl7Dm8YuAYC6D62GfDNfGJbtWWQdcKd-z8DFE6r77Cz8_mjIAbozDOGvu6p-P-G-wmtP7Q-cblqSlzQDnD/s400/IMGP9115001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Kf09dKoQ_Nyrv0xhtFZqaay0uqMXH6xLUXUlwalyKQxWfOvSPjA77QUhZtsiQkR7FpMDOlx9xEU17jnS34hnuwRsg8cZW8fleDLgrNsa4zZYivYg2hD4-IxbC4R2TGBKPr4UurcTDqR/s1600/IMGP9149001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Kf09dKoQ_Nyrv0xhtFZqaay0uqMXH6xLUXUlwalyKQxWfOvSPjA77QUhZtsiQkR7FpMDOlx9xEU17jnS34hnuwRsg8cZW8fleDLgrNsa4zZYivYg2hD4-IxbC4R2TGBKPr4UurcTDqR/s400/IMGP9149001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair of Red Kites flying low over the River Ithon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsx5kukDATc4-3CAiHTjM0rBbuIdaw-L_Rd70CozNLCAmd3LsLpNQaLa1M_bU-Vyt-gGiNToiQ824lwSWtZChEXh6JbADGhIIu2Gktg5Ehb4OjbI0vcvAVT47aappIw3wrexDz9JH6O3w/s1600/P3110022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsx5kukDATc4-3CAiHTjM0rBbuIdaw-L_Rd70CozNLCAmd3LsLpNQaLa1M_bU-Vyt-gGiNToiQ824lwSWtZChEXh6JbADGhIIu2Gktg5Ehb4OjbI0vcvAVT47aappIw3wrexDz9JH6O3w/s400/P3110022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best from last weekend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So what's this new season going to offer? Well that's a question that non of us can answer with any degree of certainty, but on a personal level I have some definite targets set out for this year which include the following:<br />
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Firstly, I aim to visit some 'new' waters that I have not previously fished and have a list of some nice looking rivers and streams which hopefully will appear in this blog in due course.<br />
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Secondly, for me the ultimate pleasure from fly fishing is casting a dry fly upstream on a small stream in the middle of nowhere to a trout sipping flies off the surface undercover of some overhanging branches, then getting in the perfect cast and watching it take a recently tied pattern...glorious!!! But as this is a rare occurrence I intend to further explore other styles of fly fishing. One style that I am getting to grips with is the recent development of the 'European long rod/leader' approach to fishing which can really prove deadly in the right conditions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpKGFLiVjU0ycgxzctUyr3gKHDPHXSuEWZo4eZhxyyawczivjV_wm9YX1vZczuaUXTP57dz1v0jYV5OsA6gRyQdgkCHZFIoZapzwpyUwGnyfB4vvxTuFE98urAJPLmnPojjsFZVh2jOdd/s1600/P3110017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpKGFLiVjU0ycgxzctUyr3gKHDPHXSuEWZo4eZhxyyawczivjV_wm9YX1vZczuaUXTP57dz1v0jYV5OsA6gRyQdgkCHZFIoZapzwpyUwGnyfB4vvxTuFE98urAJPLmnPojjsFZVh2jOdd/s400/P3110017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing the 'long leader' with my 10' #3 Greys Streamflex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thirdly, Since starting fly tying some three years ago I cannot now imagine not tying my own flies anymore so this year I hope to further my tying abilities and share some of the patterns on this blog.<br />
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A major concern and one of the biggest problems likely to be encountered this year will be the lack of rain which is already causing rivers to run well below normal and with little foreseeable rain I can only imagine some areas of the UK will suffer even more so.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-37732357729952847752012-02-22T00:26:00.001+00:002012-02-22T00:35:01.489+00:00The Molten Mono Method<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Whilst watching a recent Davie McPhail tying video I picked up what I thought was a great way to attach a bead to the top of the shank of a hook as in the style of a Polyfitus Nymph.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wbsN-x-BCA-jjgQWY0FFmVDQfxGrrjf7uSAJBGl7TR2dtFzgglMxlZrsHIRd6hrZPsQ1RNTBNK-_i3BGvjndNbAU3FUNJUfOT6U4eGsXwSWCRFR2Xxn8h9hgACEYKCrJv_TREUHi1f_1/s1600/IMGP9084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wbsN-x-BCA-jjgQWY0FFmVDQfxGrrjf7uSAJBGl7TR2dtFzgglMxlZrsHIRd6hrZPsQ1RNTBNK-_i3BGvjndNbAU3FUNJUfOT6U4eGsXwSWCRFR2Xxn8h9hgACEYKCrJv_TREUHi1f_1/s400/IMGP9084.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polyfitus Peeping Caddis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The idea that Davie uses on one of his many outstanding <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DavieMcPhail/videos">YouTube videos</a> is oulined below:<br />
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1. Double up a piece of strong breaking strain monofilament line (I've used 10lb line on a 4.5mm diameter tungsten bead) then thread it through the non-chamfered side of the bead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc1Yb1c1yuVFhqFtqPisYY-piYL65072Ny5YrBYxIK-jPBcN1BJc0I6NRBlIfpWMzgfXBcymROL78pBcNOXpNOkKtXw01KwwFKKDSBeyogzLCYdU09STySQcCta80BXGzuXwKLqgPbsVJ/s1600/IMGP9056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZc1Yb1c1yuVFhqFtqPisYY-piYL65072Ny5YrBYxIK-jPBcN1BJc0I6NRBlIfpWMzgfXBcymROL78pBcNOXpNOkKtXw01KwwFKKDSBeyogzLCYdU09STySQcCta80BXGzuXwKLqgPbsVJ/s400/IMGP9056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
2. Whilst holding the tag ends in your fingers get a lighter and proceed to slowly heat the ends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Av_KntCvAK4PJJ20ZnFDDjF1_XRrmyQMUPq8k0MDXHY9GNkwVo-s7_tqZPgf7fVAphE3tx8db7_qfcfq9XJ5cIyuipmkHwVVCT_HI0qXJxSoSgg6wbsnjMhO9zASw-F9ai3UUFZDlfSz/s1600/IMGP9062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Av_KntCvAK4PJJ20ZnFDDjF1_XRrmyQMUPq8k0MDXHY9GNkwVo-s7_tqZPgf7fVAphE3tx8db7_qfcfq9XJ5cIyuipmkHwVVCT_HI0qXJxSoSgg6wbsnjMhO9zASw-F9ai3UUFZDlfSz/s400/IMGP9062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
3. Proceed to heat the mono so that it starts to melt in a ball towards the chamfered side of the bead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGKudVs-LI5dBV1o0K4jWTqumF2n4kWiRTdjhyphenhyphenqdPQjCT86H11ZiBGocUOl3CSX_U3TnsES2Zs0KAXe1YYFf7gmlKVV6Fw1wqry0x56F2bGiKf9ojhESaIWJ0gwwKY-0I8mv06mPTmz66/s1600/IMGP9064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGKudVs-LI5dBV1o0K4jWTqumF2n4kWiRTdjhyphenhyphenqdPQjCT86H11ZiBGocUOl3CSX_U3TnsES2Zs0KAXe1YYFf7gmlKVV6Fw1wqry0x56F2bGiKf9ojhESaIWJ0gwwKY-0I8mv06mPTmz66/s400/IMGP9064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4. When there is a large enough molten ball and when it has cooled down to a tacky state (this step comes easy with a little practice) use the back of your thumb nail and press the tacky ball of mono into the bead filling up the recess. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFaPErpy7bnYe4Tm6l-ObQ2hQxUeN-KyAx0Sx0Zak7_D_jMGLe7ZorwzyLBT0iKdPx8DEFcVUnBml7fgw1jwmEYv2v336hIFFH8JYs1vkq7JHXcuUhO4fQ4Ip4dk4XS5SKmGMF0AL9SY-/s1600/IMGP9065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFaPErpy7bnYe4Tm6l-ObQ2hQxUeN-KyAx0Sx0Zak7_D_jMGLe7ZorwzyLBT0iKdPx8DEFcVUnBml7fgw1jwmEYv2v336hIFFH8JYs1vkq7JHXcuUhO4fQ4Ip4dk4XS5SKmGMF0AL9SY-/s400/IMGP9065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. When the mono solidifies you end up with the bead firmly attached with a couple of tag ends ready to tie onto the top of the hook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj5n7ZZ9ekUfNM-CEoIjKAxdwCqe9cVeZlEur2vvVhli7FBfW4tm9vALMzuXS7NLrTE5nt3TaM7RosVsJkidLs5QoMRZszRn844rhskuH9paFFRdBUicFamvHwLfAUlW58F0uqulxXExU/s1600/IMGP9100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQj5n7ZZ9ekUfNM-CEoIjKAxdwCqe9cVeZlEur2vvVhli7FBfW4tm9vALMzuXS7NLrTE5nt3TaM7RosVsJkidLs5QoMRZszRn844rhskuH9paFFRdBUicFamvHwLfAUlW58F0uqulxXExU/s400/IMGP9100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This method of attaching the tungsten bead on top of the hook naturally makes the fly sit in an upside down position on the river bed and allows the bend of the hook to face upward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG4x4yenkt8/T0Q1yhHgAgI/AAAAAAAABQU/J4uzUbbK8N4/s1600/IMGP9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yG4x4yenkt8/T0Q1yhHgAgI/AAAAAAAABQU/J4uzUbbK8N4/s400/IMGP9107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-89052303620773878492012-02-14T00:06:00.002+00:002012-02-14T23:29:48.218+00:00It's Not All About Catching Fish...!!!My first trip out fishing after a couple of weeks of bad weather was a visit to the River Ithon in Mid-Wales on Sunday.<br />
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On arriving at our chosen beat on the river myself and fishing buddy Nick was greeted by a couple of coarse fishing anglers just heading off down the beat with their trotting gear...not what we wanted to see as this beat was barely enough for two angler.<br />
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So it was back in the car and a short drive further downstream to a beat I had only fished a couple of times before early last summer so we had no idea what the winter grayling fishing would be like.<br />
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<em>River as it looked on Sunday</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjtqx9FbBnS8kGvf9bBaUCMeqkknl4tx_doyu08eFfy9sAWvKmYzLXGdTysF3CinG6vWNjnhYbUtTOjvkecXWLl9JFdv-KIfOxtI_-3SL-XOm16471QFDLggrA7mqoW9pXQejubpYNRqk/s1600/DSC00799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjtqx9FbBnS8kGvf9bBaUCMeqkknl4tx_doyu08eFfy9sAWvKmYzLXGdTysF3CinG6vWNjnhYbUtTOjvkecXWLl9JFdv-KIfOxtI_-3SL-XOm16471QFDLggrA7mqoW9pXQejubpYNRqk/s400/DSC00799.jpg" width="400" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em><strong> </strong>Photo of the same bit of water taken last May</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thGFbwq2hz0/TzmhWWnJwyI/AAAAAAAABO0/MbjQgl0VJwU/s1600/IMGP7937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thGFbwq2hz0/TzmhWWnJwyI/AAAAAAAABO0/MbjQgl0VJwU/s400/IMGP7937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The river looked totally different from when I'd last seen it with more than a lot more water running through it, so the set up included a couple of fairly heavyweight tungsten flies to get down quick.<br />
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Although conditions weren't perfect there were pools on this beat that looked like they should have grayling queueing up for our flies...but not so! After an almost fruitless search through the whole length we had only managed to connect with a couple of proper fish which both threw the hook, other than that it was a couple of small grayling which Nick found in a deep pool.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IwAFItEQJCA0wNFaDOp-Ypb8EMr6Begqb0f0h8nTVyr274gp8h-P42uWGr1_Y7n8IJwXq9E7Ptlgtn51ScQu9Ezb7Lo1pwT1LaZWju6kOI-ONn83mbpuYmgfAmjzJZiJrbB1Fc-AHgdc/s1600/DSC00805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IwAFItEQJCA0wNFaDOp-Ypb8EMr6Begqb0f0h8nTVyr274gp8h-P42uWGr1_Y7n8IJwXq9E7Ptlgtn51ScQu9Ezb7Lo1pwT1LaZWju6kOI-ONn83mbpuYmgfAmjzJZiJrbB1Fc-AHgdc/s400/DSC00805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGRCkk0CGScFFhMjf5sUH7ukqfPWbKHw16O9N3EdUsNf7mRLzOFClwpfVuy57T0FW-6FAKU2K6f59rWqSS8NAeZ-_nn0nA1syWEkQ9oaKgj_S5LspFtvqmd20oxzyjsmo9PhoMSyH-F_h/s1600/DSC00804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGRCkk0CGScFFhMjf5sUH7ukqfPWbKHw16O9N3EdUsNf7mRLzOFClwpfVuy57T0FW-6FAKU2K6f59rWqSS8NAeZ-_nn0nA1syWEkQ9oaKgj_S5LspFtvqmd20oxzyjsmo9PhoMSyH-F_h/s400/DSC00804.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Before we headed back home we dropped back into our starting pool where Nick was rewarded with two nice grayling within the space of five minutes, me...I was rewarded with my first blank for quite a while!Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-12698394749374718272012-02-10T14:03:00.003+00:002012-02-10T15:33:56.997+00:00Clothing To Keep The Cold Out<span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing that makes </span><a href="http://www.fishtec.co.uk/Index-Fishtec-Fly-Fishing.cfm" target="_blank" title="Fly Fishing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fly fishing</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> enjoyable is being able to go out in the elements and withstand anything mother nature has to throw at you and still enjoy your days fishing.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhSQ-BfBk_ZYIrw_mN7Hk_0NqiK0eyBB7NlA9r6OmCFknKp5IB0FHcViLC8-uTR4Ou6SGeOIpmQUdkXe06wj06oa-1dlJ4ALhyphenhyphenrl37_kMl5Hqi9Gte7eegDYWRIEuAwUbWL_3owxHc-rS/s1600/090110+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhSQ-BfBk_ZYIrw_mN7Hk_0NqiK0eyBB7NlA9r6OmCFknKp5IB0FHcViLC8-uTR4Ou6SGeOIpmQUdkXe06wj06oa-1dlJ4ALhyphenhyphenrl37_kMl5Hqi9Gte7eegDYWRIEuAwUbWL_3owxHc-rS/s400/090110+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The correct thermal layering is essential when deep water wading in winter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A good set of waterproofs and a well layered construction underneath can keep you warm throughout the day, often leading to you being called everything under the sun as your the last one off the water!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">By layering up I don't mean throwing everything you own on and setting out fishing. Less layers with a good technical performance are more equipt at keeping you warm than 6 layers of t-shirts or 3 pairs of socks. A 3 layer system is the most effective. Base, Middle and Outer depending on the conditions your experiencing. Below is the perfect way to insulate your body to protect you against anything thrown at you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Base Layer</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your base layer is the first layer of your winter protection and is the layer next to your skin. Getting your base layer correct is the key to retaining heat in any weather conditions. A quick moisture wicking material is ideal for keeping your garment from holding moisture such as sweat. This is vital for keeping you warm. It means if you sweat while fishing or walking your base layer will remain dry allowing you to stay warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The ideal base layer materials are merino wool, silk, polypropylene and other various synthetic fibres. If there is one rule to follow - never, ever use cotton as a base layer. It will not matter what you put over the top in an effort to keep warm, you will remain wet and cold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You may wear light-weight, mid-weight, or heavy-weight base layers depending on the outside conditions. Use light-weight base layers for mild conditions and heavy-weight base layers for extremely cold weather conditions.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Mid Layer</strong></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The main purpose of the mid-layer is to provide your body with insulation. Its aim is to trap the warmth coming from your body, by trapping the warm air around your body. So make sure all your items fit correctly or your warm air will escape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tucking your layers in will help too! Your mid-layer goes over your moisture wicking base layer. You may need any number of mid-layers depending on the temperature you are experiencing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A mid-layer should be thicker than a base layer. Again, do not use cotton it simply does not insulate as well as other fabrics. Some good examples of mid layers include a mid weight fleece or polyester.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">You will find using several thinner mid-layer articles, like a vest, sweater or jacket, is better than one really thick and heavy garment. It will provide you with more flexibility if the weather change</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Top Layer</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This should be your thickest insulating layer and your warmest layer. There are many outer layers to choose from. When choosing an outer layer consider the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Temperature - Weight - Style - Purpose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">An outer layer maybe a heavy fleece, a down jacket or soft shell. This is the layer that most people will see and will be in most of your photos when you get home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A shell is your final layer. It is very important as it protects you from perspiration and wind. Essentially it is your water proof, wind proof layer which keeps all of your other layers warm and dry. Again there are many features of shells to be considered - weight, durability, length, warmth and waterproofing.</span><br />
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<img alt="" class="wp-image-5416 alignleft" height="384" src="http://www.fishtec.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/bibnbrace.jpg" title="Airflo Bib and Brace" width="168" /><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It can also be a good idea throughout the winter and the start of spring to use an additional 'bib and Brace' thermal underwear, which can be worn on top of your mid layers, putting the fleece and shell outside to retain the heat produced. These add much needed cold protection to your legs whilst wading in icy cold river, sitting still in a boat or on the bank of a still water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.fishtec.co.uk/buy.cfm/underwader-wear/thermo-skin-bib-and-brace/40/no/55812" target="_blank" title="Bib and Brace Airflo "><span style="font-family: inherit;">Airflo Thermo Skin Bib and Brace</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> has an effective wicking system which effectively transfers moisture away from the skin. The full body thermal suit retains heat from your ankles to your neck, paired with an effective fleece the cold will be sure to stay outside!</span>Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-69068994351433535112012-01-23T09:07:00.003+00:002012-02-07T09:37:20.184+00:00River MonnowI have to confess the Monnow is a river I seldom get to fish so it was a bit of a treat to get a chance to go and give it a go on Sunday.<br />
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All looked good when we arrived and expectations were high...but fishing rarely turns out as you envisage, today was one of those days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5c7yMFmyC0wsQPr8MmT9d9lE8NbLDNNQjUNKJKmpKdBeOsu9Y61lMy0onMcyzeaeTO-1bPdoyHyVUkqkUuUkSQS6fAfmgR7dCTEcMPt1qc9ainN6pNDD4-VK6oY9BXJbXqA6y-sayjjQ/s1600/DSC00777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5c7yMFmyC0wsQPr8MmT9d9lE8NbLDNNQjUNKJKmpKdBeOsu9Y61lMy0onMcyzeaeTO-1bPdoyHyVUkqkUuUkSQS6fAfmgR7dCTEcMPt1qc9ainN6pNDD4-VK6oY9BXJbXqA6y-sayjjQ/s400/DSC00777.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiXNtbupowIQRi7anajvMhacHOsUGZkL013tpr4_10bKCK2Hjr66sLiDxkG8h7b9pFVPtPaFBDvGunTkm-Edj3ibfOGacsfpSCFUH1ep6yuwNnRMuWzWOjYiNjQ2FwqKp4Fu-vHpcDQ0u/s1600/DSC00789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiXNtbupowIQRi7anajvMhacHOsUGZkL013tpr4_10bKCK2Hjr66sLiDxkG8h7b9pFVPtPaFBDvGunTkm-Edj3ibfOGacsfpSCFUH1ep6yuwNnRMuWzWOjYiNjQ2FwqKp4Fu-vHpcDQ0u/s400/DSC00789.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As it turned out the most productive pool of the day was the first one we fished, which just added to the expectation that we had caught the river just right and were in line to catch plenty of grayling.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC6yVPAnOKmJNVPPl1C9clN554tBjQdMWTQH2hPGeXeYcUWVFbQQ54kekr9Zp12iewzAx81EUhCJx_8r0I2iW5XG2RdJMnIkYcTxGzlq_7hYJY4lcOA-ALxpmCVT9BpzP68Um99-lieva/s1600/DSC00786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC6yVPAnOKmJNVPPl1C9clN554tBjQdMWTQH2hPGeXeYcUWVFbQQ54kekr9Zp12iewzAx81EUhCJx_8r0I2iW5XG2RdJMnIkYcTxGzlq_7hYJY4lcOA-ALxpmCVT9BpzP68Um99-lieva/s400/DSC00786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Running a team of three nymphs hard along the bottom using my Streamflex 10' #3 seemed to be the right line of attack but after our initial success we struggled to find any of the bigger fish and although some of the pools looked like they should hold plenty of big grayling we could only connect with the smaller specimens and the occasional out of season brown trout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp7GIp7vbuSmxNWAdiaT8Uw0p1wVcEQhHqMmcR7t53ohptZPJVmZ5qvFnd4EAfj0HHCy8yPYb1TE15unXeeLCAqTOt8pwsue6MLvxH6xHwzQ_2GpL6yoY1BCIB312zLC_rCVWVFz_sPjZ/s1600/DSC00783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp7GIp7vbuSmxNWAdiaT8Uw0p1wVcEQhHqMmcR7t53ohptZPJVmZ5qvFnd4EAfj0HHCy8yPYb1TE15unXeeLCAqTOt8pwsue6MLvxH6xHwzQ_2GpL6yoY1BCIB312zLC_rCVWVFz_sPjZ/s400/DSC00783.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest of the day taken from the first pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We were left to analyse the day over a couple of pints of Hobgoblin in the friendly surrounds of a nearby Inn and the only conclusion we came to was that Hobgoblin is a damn good pint of real ale!</span>Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-62320559637856961722012-01-19T23:15:00.000+00:002012-01-19T23:15:00.321+00:00Little River AvonIt's not often I get a chance to sneak away from work to go fishing but when I had an invite to join <a href="http://walksandfishes.blogspot.com/">Peter Anderson</a> on the Charfield AA waters Little River Avon I just couldn't say no.<br />
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The Little River Avon is a small tributary to the River Severn and is situated in South Gloucestershire, we had arranged to meet at 10am but I couldn't resist getting there a little early a taking a quick stroll down to have a look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUweAxJsk4Kb-EQ9V4aDnjtM9z4kyMRPdwiL2BST8vdaNEFiShxgZ891iufA1w30CsJDyxE5JpWu-m4ONEtPHDntnrhLKd96X1CDF-4-6N8Oqa3R988zr_Lm8CBfmMtoTU5hVAQyId1oQ/s1600/IMGP9011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUweAxJsk4Kb-EQ9V4aDnjtM9z4kyMRPdwiL2BST8vdaNEFiShxgZ891iufA1w30CsJDyxE5JpWu-m4ONEtPHDntnrhLKd96X1CDF-4-6N8Oqa3R988zr_Lm8CBfmMtoTU5hVAQyId1oQ/s400/IMGP9011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This stretch of river is full of bends, riffles, tree roots and deep pockets of water, in places it gets narrow enough to almost jump across and today it was carrying a little extra rain water from the night before and a tinge of colour. It reminded me of the River Clun...a similar sized river I have fished many times in Shropshire.<br />
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When my host and guide for the day Peter arrived we chatted for a while then set off downstream where Peter highlighted the potential target areas which were noted for our return upstream.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUbYNDXEaik/Txif943YbcI/AAAAAAAABNc/iJgLgCPRPbM/s1600/IMGP9019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUbYNDXEaik/Txif943YbcI/AAAAAAAABNc/iJgLgCPRPbM/s400/IMGP9019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1p4yLsE4bgkEZscsdCpNiUmA4v5xuZpXsJBvZaAedh14Rrfvmfqs96pjAgOOJOXWSVC8j6WIoosn91DWJ7kaRMXoHCnNj8n5rX9L1e6R8m8l2-M23CSqXNNJj4qfTKgufEzm7j-lpGer/s1600/IMGP9010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1p4yLsE4bgkEZscsdCpNiUmA4v5xuZpXsJBvZaAedh14Rrfvmfqs96pjAgOOJOXWSVC8j6WIoosn91DWJ7kaRMXoHCnNj8n5rX9L1e6R8m8l2-M23CSqXNNJj4qfTKgufEzm7j-lpGer/s400/IMGP9010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I had decided to start with a short rod with a duo set up, whilst Peter opted for short line nymphing. We started at a lovely looking pool which I was informed held some grayling, so as I set my rig up Peter dropped his nymphs into the flow and within minutes was into his first fish, unfortunately this slipped the hook and a couple of casts later saw another on the hook and quickly into his hand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAjN8NvvFl-thim-2ocVW3oTGXyubcoSSL92PUwuBv8i_0Y75ODvGxascql1_KsV4AHRJOq6lFOcTugn8koNH9N6qc7_xBMlEhXaDurN2zQIqjdAvygz0BBhJ-kghwbmin1k8yzxsad1y/s1600/IMGP9012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAjN8NvvFl-thim-2ocVW3oTGXyubcoSSL92PUwuBv8i_0Y75ODvGxascql1_KsV4AHRJOq6lFOcTugn8koNH9N6qc7_xBMlEhXaDurN2zQIqjdAvygz0BBhJ-kghwbmin1k8yzxsad1y/s400/IMGP9012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This was the sort of start we had hoped for and when I got in and fished up through the pool with my duo rig I was also fortunate to connect quickly with a couple of nice grayling. Early signs were good and we progressed upstream through some nice looking water but finding more feeding fish proved very difficult, a switch to a short line nymph set up brought a few smaller grayling but it became evident that our good start was not going to continue through the day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7ZQ-_DDT9AyTkgVZ1b0E8Ba8GlBA20YYVoABDTShVUoo1IDSOupg2WUXDcsFULP2LX4YiY7Es2xXjxosd1fRSHNFzK12wTzHB5LePP4Ryj2wxFrxeslurnDOelrcsGv01zrOXDKETtNh/s1600/IMGP9016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7ZQ-_DDT9AyTkgVZ1b0E8Ba8GlBA20YYVoABDTShVUoo1IDSOupg2WUXDcsFULP2LX4YiY7Es2xXjxosd1fRSHNFzK12wTzHB5LePP4Ryj2wxFrxeslurnDOelrcsGv01zrOXDKETtNh/s400/IMGP9016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We finished around 3.30pm with a few more smaller grayling knowing that today the river had fished hard but nevertheless it was a lovely place to spend a winter's day where temperatures were close to double figures.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-30309234481303482422012-01-16T08:37:00.000+00:002012-01-16T08:37:11.623+00:00A Fair CopAs we headed through Mid Wales early on Sunday morning I thought my luck was in as I was kindly asked to accompany an attractive young lady to share the front seat of her car!<br />
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It took her no time at all to get down to business and she soon got out her...ballpoint pen and her pad of fixed penalty speeding forms! yep you guessed it...whilst heavy in conversation with travelling/fishing companion Nick I totally failed to keep a check on my speed through a 30mph zone and was duly nabbed by the lady in blue.<br />
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Not the best start to the day but I was still looking forward to spending the next few hours in pursuit of some grayling.<br />
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The Wye tributary we fished was still running a little high and carrying slightly more colour than we would have like but as long as the last couple of days of heavy frost hadn't shocked them too much we still anticipated finding a few feeding fish.<br />
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Well it was certainly a slow start and likely looking spots yielded nothing, but a little further upstream Nick latched into a good fish which certainly tested out his recently built 11' 3wt rod. We had both opted to fish variations of long rod - short line nymphing, switching between heavily/medium weighted tungsten flies to enable us to get down to the riverbed quick in the stronger than normal flows.<br />
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The day continued with us both taking the odd fish as we progressed upstream and we finished with a handful a Grayling each but they were all quality fish with most measuring over 35cms.<br />
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</div>It seems like this was the first days fishing this winter where the air and water temperatures made me feel glad I'd doubled up on my thermal layers, but fortunately we seem to have so far escaped the Arctic conditions which virtually wiped out last years winter grayling fishing.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5583527679676971946.post-12632378255086239552011-12-29T22:59:00.000+00:002011-12-29T22:59:21.979+00:00Making The Best Of ItOK...I know at we are expected to spend a little extra time with our families at Christmas but it’s hard to stop looking at those <a href="http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/riverlevels/120764.aspx">online gauges</a> to check the river levels or in my case walk the dog along the river watching for any signs that herald even the slightest possibility that casting a line is worthwhile. <br />
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Rain has made up the bulk of the weather over the festive period and has left the rivers and streams in the upper Wye system severely full, but a day or two without rain should bring them back down very quickly, such is the nature of these spate rivers.<br />
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On Wednesday I seized my opportunity and sank my waders into the still high and partially coloured river Irfon, the wind was blowing hard and the current was pushing hard against my waders but it was good to be casting a line again.<br />
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I had set up a three fly combination which consisted of a very heavy tungsten nymph on the middle dropper with two lighter nymphs either side, these were fished on a short line using my 10’ 4wt Streamflex with a short lob to get them out in the flow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavily weighted dual tungsten 'sacrificial' nymph</td></tr>
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The method worked well under the conditions and I caught 12 grayling in just a few hours with some nice fish amongst them. The fish took all three flies but the pink point fly was possibly favourite.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6h0qbg9ZyMoAnNI2tYag9hvZCW36VR5SyynIaxohQV0B6Hq71dWLnrpoOWdpTVnvduU4Of5IALnGfv2tC4tBQiNZHPrAgmK6wzl_pz0esnx_kevD0UdwR5bmUNuUqKKDWRh1dd8k90Af/s1600/IMGP8919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6h0qbg9ZyMoAnNI2tYag9hvZCW36VR5SyynIaxohQV0B6Hq71dWLnrpoOWdpTVnvduU4Of5IALnGfv2tC4tBQiNZHPrAgmK6wzl_pz0esnx_kevD0UdwR5bmUNuUqKKDWRh1dd8k90Af/s400/IMGP8919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I also snatched a couple of hours today (Thursday) where the Irfon had dropped a couple more inches and was a lovely colour, the wind was blowing even harder but similar tactics proved good again and I was rewarded with some more nice grayling including one which I would consider to be one of my best from this river, a stunning 18” fish which was full bodied and in perfect condition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd0D0rTGGC0/Tvzuw8VGfhI/AAAAAAAABLc/2sOzILCo4cE/s1600/IMGP8938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd0D0rTGGC0/Tvzuw8VGfhI/AAAAAAAABLc/2sOzILCo4cE/s400/IMGP8938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very deep 18" Grayling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As I write this the rain is lashing against the window (as it has done most of the afternoon) and the planned day out tomorrow fishing with a friend looks certain to be put on hold until the New Year.Sabsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577634236713517005noreply@blogger.com3