A gusty wind, a dismal grey sky, and a soft drizzle greeted me as I arrived for a short session on the Lower Water this morning. With no fly visible and no rising fish, a nymph seemed the best choice. For an hour or more nothing could be found and tangles became a nuisance in the constant gusts.
A swan followed me a long way upstream, continually doing its best to get in the way. But at a bend, a nice run of deeper water looked hopeful, and also offered some shelter from the wind. The little nymph very soon found a nice big grayling tight in under some reeds, and although I was after trout, this was still a decent fish. But it objected to being photographed, and with a thrash, slipped out of my grasp and back into the river, disappearing with a swirl.
Two more grayling quickly followed from almost the same spot, and on the way down a couple of modest trout on some gravelly shallows liked the look of a small dry fly drifting over their heads. By then my time was up and I turned for home, typically just as the sky began to brighten from the west.
Will
The Club is a private one, founded in 1877, of approximately sixty-four members and six Town Rod subscribers. The Club’s waters consist of about 12 miles of wild brown trout & grayling fishing in the main River Frome, River Cerne and River Piddle, together with attendant carriers and side streams. The waters extend both above and below the town of Dorchester and the Club employs a part-time keeper.
The Angling Trust's guidance for anglers during this second lockdown. Fish safely, locally and respect the ‘rule of two’ during lockdown Click Here :-- Advice for Individual Anglers
Price £50 per ticket per day or three days for £100
Day Tickets are only available during the trout season and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Bank Holidays. (season 1st April – 14th October)
The Police have made it quite clear that poaching is a crime in progress covered by the 1968 Theft Act. Members should always call 999 to report it and not phone the keeper. Without a report the police will not be aware of the extent of a problem.
If possible note or photo vehicles.
Stress if you are vulnerable/elderly or at risk of intimidation..
In order to give the call handler an accurate location they recommend putting the “what3words” app on your smartphone. Click here…
Angling’s representative body, the Angling Trust, has a web site for anglers to record sightings of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers throughout the UK: www.cormorantwatch.com The site is easy to use and will gather vital data to help persuade government of the need for action to protect fisheries.
Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish, block waterways and banks, interfering with fishing. They can be small and hard to spot, so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment.
Protect the environment and fishing you enjoy, by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.
To find out more please visit
the NNSS Website