I had a bit of time on my hands so was able to get out after grayling on Christmas Eve and also Boxing Day. The river was in fine shape, just the right amount of colour in the water so the grayling could be caught unawares. There were plenty of fish throughout the lower water, taking the nymph in places where I had never previously caught grayling so late in the year.
Christmas Eve was warmer, and I had at least a dozen fish, I also saw a large brown trout rising, so wished him a Merry Christmas and noted the spot for next season. On Boxing day I went back with my brother (narrowly missing John Aplin on the river walk), promising him that we couldn’t miss. There was a fair breeze, it was much colder this time, and the grayling were more reluctant. Despite the support of a handful of chocolate Father Christmases, action was slow, but we did manage to connect with some grayling and also saw a salmon moving.
The best fish of the two days were 46 and 47cm, with plenty of mid-sized fish too.
That’ll be my last trip of 2011 so I’m already looking forward to first outing of 2012.
Doug
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