Fished the Upper Water at Gascoyne Bridge and walked down through the first field, but on my return noticed one of the cows wasn’t a cow, but in fact a bull – so please be careful when walking down.
What an amazing evening to be out – it was so still and quiet, but the thick air made it difficult to cast. The river was slightly stained from the previous day’s rain, but very fishable. The Upper Water is also looking absolutely fabulous, the bank side flora is now really established and the ranunculus growth is perfect (may even need a trim later in the season!)
Tackled up just above the otter holt, nothing was rising so on went a small pheasant tailed nymph and second cast a grayling! This is now the highest I have ever caught one. Few fish rising now and on went my evening rise fly (see bushy GRHE on Sundays report) I fished all the way back to Gascoyne Bridge catching plenty of fish, nothing larger than 10 inches, but great fun. I should have stayed longer, but had to listen to the last few minutes of the France vs Spain game – did Henry dive?
Looking upstream from Gascoyne Bridge
(Wrackleford Estate)
Jim Chalmers – I fished the lower water last night to try out my new Orvis 8.5 feet, line size 5 rod and Bar Stock reel. Not many fish were moving when I arrived at 2000 and I spent my time walking the river up to Loud’s Mill not even bothering to try a cast with my brand new rod. A few Mayfly were still to be seen fluttering above the water.
At about 2100 the evening rise began. It is quite surprising when parts of the river that seemed devoid of fish suddenly come alive and trout pop up in quite unexpected places. Within about 15 minutes I had landed (and returned) 3 trout, all about 12 inches long, and a grayling. On the way back down the river I hooked two much larger trout that both managed to escape after a brief tussle. The fish seemed very willing to take a size 16 barbless Greenwell. By 2150 it was becoming rather difficult to see the fly and I packed up.
My new rod, reel and line (also Orvis) were a delight to use and I wish that I had not persevered for the last 24 years on the Frome with my 9.5 feet line size 7 outfit. I put it down to my misspent youth of fishing the dry fly on Scottish Lochs were I needed a bit more casting power.
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