I had another couple of hours on the river this morning in light rain and a blustery wind. Rising fish were once again hard to find, but eventually I spotted one busy under the far bank and before long he reached the net safely.
As I ambled on up river I spotted a Mink on some vegetation that had gathered mid-stream. It soon slipped into the water and came out on the far bank before disappearing. I gave it little thought, having seen my share before, and continued on. Further up, as I surveyed a likely spot for any sign of fish, I became aware that I could hear the mink in the reeds opposite. I fumbled for the camera, and a moment later to my astonishment, it came across the river and through the dripping vegetation and stopped, partially hidden, eighteen inches from my boot. I could see its black, wet fur glistening, but not its face. In a moment it sensed that I was there, and was off. I hit the shutter and got this record shot as it went.
I did eventually find another decent trout rising occasionally, but annoyingly, it was right under some low branches. I had to shorten the leader down to just six feet to cope with the gusts, and after some effort got the fly, a Pheasant Tail to him, and he had it first time. Another lovely fit River Frome trout that soon swam off strongly. No more could be found, so I made my way homewards for a welcome mug of hot coffee.
Will Bown
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