Autumn Fry Bashing - is it starting later?

Looking back at some of my fishing diaries the other night, I noticed a consistent pattern in one of the best "hatches" of the stillwater fly fishing year, fry bashing.

Until 5 years ago action consistently started in ernest mid October on most small waters and reservoirs. However, over recent years the period when the main action starts has been creeping consistently back on the waters I/we use. Now it seems to be 2nd week in November for consistent fry feeding sport.

Is this happening where you fish or in my imagination? Is it another sign of global warming or just coincidence? Post your thoughts on the matter in the comments section.

Best Fishes

Steve

Fly Fishing Report @ 28th November 2007

The fishing since my last report has been on stillwater, doing several tuition days and the odd short session, plus my own fishing.

Watermark is in sizzling form with plenty of trout from 2lbs to double figures active. Black buzzers, hares ear nymph and mini lures all working on their day.

Over at Loynton the trout are giving the roach a torrid time on and off throughout the day, with sport PM best. On calmer days like yesterday midge and sedge hatches are moving quite a few fish.

Bushyleaze, Cound, Danebridge and Lechlade are all in good form with plenty of fish coming to nymph and lure tactics as conditions dictate.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fly Fishing Report 19th November 2007

The much colder weather during the past few days seems to have put more anglers off fly fishing than it has trout off the feed! Even during the roughest days we have had several chances, landing at least one fish while others landed nine or ten fish depending upon client experience.

Loynton is fishing extremely well, plenty of fish to 6lbs for clients, most on their first day, while one unlucky angler lost a double! Total doubles landed during the week by visiting anglers was six.

Over at Watermark fishing has really taken off, with plenty of fish between 2-7lbs coming to the bank. On the river grayling are starting to settle into their winter haunts, the first frosts sharpening their appetites.

Top flies have been our own Beadhead Fry, MFF Leech and MFF Zonker on the lakes as rainbows really hit into fry. Other effective patterns were cats whisker and loynton guinea. On the river shrimps and beadhead nymphs are working well as always.

Fishing Report at 9th November 2007

Another great week's fishing, several good catches, up to 10 fish including a number of rainbows from 5-8.5lbs. Both Loynton and Watermark fishing well, while Lechlade and Bushyleaze are also into good winter fishing. Fish coming to hares nymph, buzzers and small lures at all venues.

Had a short session on the river Churn for chub, catching 2 small but perfectly formed fish on a shrimp. Also enjoyed a late afternoon fry bashing session after a booking, taking some nice rainbows and turning over a bag double right at my feet! Marked him down for another day. Where you ask? Ah now that I'm not telling.

Tight Lines

Steve