John,
I didn’t manage to get out fishing on Christmas or Boxing Day, but made it to the river at last with my brother John on 27th December.
As you know, the water was high but relatively clear, so we were hoping to catch on the 5# rod with a heavy nymph. It took 3 casts to find the first grayling, which managed to release itself after a short fight. Another soon followed, and then a third. Despite the cold, it was looking like a promising day, until the bank gave way and my brother took a swim (sadly no photo of that). I suggested he might want to try the Weymouth harbour race next Boxing Day instead. Anyway, he is still speaking to me and has tied me a new secret weapon, the sweetcorn fly, which I hope to test later this month. Will send you a photo if it works.
On 28th I saw that another member was out nymphing on the Bockhampton stretch, so I hope you get a further report of grayling to the fly.
Good luck and tight lines to all in 2010.
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