I had a couple for hours to spare on a glorious midweek afternoon and heavy rain was on the way, so I telephoned our esteemed river keeper and asked him where I might find good fishing before the weather turned. He suggested a stretch somewhere between Lower Bockhampton and Wrackleford (heh heh) so off I headed equipped with waders and a huge sense of anticipation!
Once in the river and seeing no fish rising I loaded a size 16 flashback nymph and fished a searching pattern that very soon resulted in two very feisty trout. As I always use barbless hooks both were safely released without ever leaving the water. I waded ahead & dropped my nymph in a riffle that resulted in a firm take by a wild brown trout about a pound in weight.
I subsequently hooked two large browns, one escaping at the net as it opened up the hook! As I was replacing my fly I saw a fish rise a short distance ahead, so I tied on a size 14 CDC parachute dry and on my first cast the fly was snaffled by a lovely wild brownie of about 12 ounces.
After 2 hours wading the lovely Frome and having had the privilege of acquainting myself with some beautiful fish I headed home a very happy Dorset fisher!
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