Crane Flies

I had a couple of great days on the river as the trout season draws to a close.

Last Friday the water was slightly coloured and there were very few flies hatching, so it was a day for the nymph. It worked well, with a tiny grhe (with added tungsten of course) catching both trout and grayling. The best grayling, destined to be photographed for the blog, kindly escaped the barbless hook at the last moment.

As I walked back through the long grass I was struck by the number of crane flies present. I hadn’t caught a trout on one of those for many years, so it was time for a revival.

Not too difficult a fly, apart from the delicate task of knotting those legs, which is easier if the pheasant tail has long fibres. So after a session at the vice, I was ready on Sunday to have a go for a large trout.

The water was clearer, which make stalking simpler, but the fish easier to spook.

Sure enough, despite my brother’s excellent spotting, the trout were easily sent racing for cover. Finally we found a nice fish, tucked up under the bank, below an overhanging bush, but feeding eagerly. This was a keen trout, and after a few casts (and a tense stand off with the bush) my brother was able to tempt him.

There were few such opportunities, so the rest of the day was more about grayling to the nymph, which again provided some fine sport.

I have to say the river is in excellent condition and the fish are plentiful and active, but spooky as ever when the water is clear.

The fly fishing in the salt wasn’t too bad either, with garfish and mackerel most obliging (and tasty).

All the best.
Doug