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).
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.
Price £60 per ticket per day or three days for £120
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