March Fishing Report 2009

March certainly lived up to it's reputation for unpredictable weather this year, meaning lots of variation in fishing tactics to keep those fish coming.

On stillwaters, buzzers, bloodworm and the usual mix of lures, accounted for plenty of fish overall. During milder spells however, we enjoyed some top water action to hoppers and shipmans buzzers. Clients have had a high average size at Loynton fisheries, at around 3lbs, while I've personally landed fish to 9lbs (it was a mint fish too, full of bright colours and spots) during a handful of short sessions throughout March. Mind you with 2 fish over 20lbs landed, plus a good number of doubles, there were many fish larger than mine.

River wise, our fishing on Derbyshire's river wye has flowed as a continuation of my last report. Surface action being dictated very much by what day we were on the water. The fish and the river are in cracking condition though and I'm looking forward to many day's out there with clients during April.

April 1st sees the start of chalkstream fishing and the stillwater brown trout season. While good sport on the Cotswold streams can be expected from the start, classic chalkstream fly fishing really comes into it's own from late April onward.

Stillwater browns are on the wish list of many anglers. So if you want to learn how to consistently fool them, we are providing tuition at Lechlade, Bushyleaze and Watermark in the Cotswolds. While Lechlade is a shot at some very big browns, the other 2 venues provide really good imitative fishing. To discuss your trip, call or email us. Contact details can be found here!

Tight Lines

Steve

Cool Posts March 2009

It maybe time to rest UK pike while they recover from the rigors of spawning, however Simon Graham over at Pike Fly Fishing Articles has been churning out new flies with some great how to tying posts too. Even if the pike fly fishing bug has not bitten yet, there is plenty to take away for streamer fishing for trout and other predators.

OK so this one is not so much a blog post, however I recommend stopping the podcast section over at The Itinerant Angler. There are some very informative interviews on tackle design, fishing guides, conservation, etc.

It's a short section this month, I'm too busy on the water with clients and my own fishing at this time of year!

Tight Lines

Steve

Rivers 2009 Kick Off

After the seemingly endless waiting, the new river trout season kicked into gear last week for us on Derbyshire's river Wye. While weather conditions have been mixed, one day mild and sunny, the next howling gales and rain, the season has started well.

Careful nymph fishing in the crystal clear water has been the mainstay so far, with shrimp and caddis imitations most effective. Hatches of large dark olives around lunchtime are pulling the odd fish to the surface, though most still have their heads down for now.

Our early season exploits so far have included 3 rainbows over 2lbs, plus some superbly marked browns to 1.25lbs. A great start to the season and it only gets better as spring unfolds.

Tight Lines

Steve

Extreme Fishing Series 2

Right from the beginning of series 1, this program has been lambasted by anglers everywhere on just about all levels. Series 2 is certainly a massive improvement, though by no means is it an out and out anglers program.

So you may ask, why is their a series 2 and where is the demand coming from? Personally, I doubt Extreme Fishing was ever conceived as an out and out fishing program. If you take your anglers hat off and view it through the eyes of non angling jo public, it takes on a whole new angle.

For example, ask a number of non anglers, what first comes to mind when describing fishing. You get; boring, bloke sitting on a box under a brolly in the rain, etc. The last thing Extreme Fishing portrays are the above thoughts!

Further evidence of this came in the form of several non angling friends contacting me to say how entertaining the program is. These are all people who are well aware of what I do, generally with the view I'm a little strange to say the least. Here It has really generated interest in some cases in people who had never considered having a go at fishing. This has to be good for the sport, even if as anglers we don't agree with everything that is portrayed and in some cases can shoot holes a mile wide in facts stated. It sure as hell generates some buzz!

Lets here your thoughts, add them to the comments section.

March 2009 Newsletter

In previous years we have published a seasonal newsletter covering spring, summer, autumn and winter. However we've now changed our format to monthly, incorporating a new style and features, news and some great offers for our 2009 trips.

Check out the March issue on-line! To ensure you catch all future editions, subscribe (it's free) via the sign up form on our main site.

This Weeks Fishing Report

Some excellent stillwater fishing during the early part of the week, with action slowing as temperatures dropped. Still plenty of fish being caught, just periods of activity are very short and you have to get on the fish fast! Top flies being buzzers in milder conditions and a black taddy when things get rough.

Sneaked a couple of short sessions in myself, catching a couple of nice rainbows in a freezing wind. The fish were there, I just could not stand the cold after an hour (left my over jacket at home and only had a fleece on). Also had a session for chub on fly, caught several sprats which were good fun on a 4 weight. Hope to get a bit more time on the water myself next week!

Tight Lines

Steve

Wild Trout Trust Auction 2009

I've always been a keen supporter of the Wild Trout Trust (WTT) right from when it started out as the Wild Trout Society. The ideas of preserving and restoring habitat to the point where not only wild trout but all wildlife ultimately benefit are spot on.

As a fly fisher it makes sense to support this cause. It not only preserves our fishing for future generations, it shows our sport in a positive light, so often ignored by the wider media. Instead of been seen to harm wildlife with fishing line, we are protecting it, which is exactly what fishery environments do both in still and running water.

Anyway the 2009 WTT auction commences on the 30th March, with internet bids closing on Wednesday 8th April (postal bids close 6th April). Once again, Midlands Flyfishing has donated a guided day as one of the auction lots. This year it will be a day's grayling fishing on the Derbyshire Wye in association with Cressbrook Litton Fly Fishers Club.

For further information on the auction and lots available, check out the WTT website at Wild Trout Trust and if you are not already a member, I recommend looking at membership options, they are very reasonable.

Tight Lines

Steve