Midlands Fly Fishing Tips and Reports

Dry Fly & Pin Fry

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:55:00 +0000

What a few days we have had weather wise. River wise the derbyshire Wye has been a blow out, while fishing has remained good on the Coln and Churn in Gloucestershire which are affected far less by run off. Inspite of weather, some dry fly sport has been available most days with small midge patterns and sedges later in the day bringing most consistent action at the surface. Sub surface simple PTN, hares ear and wire nymphs are perfect for stalking fish.

On stillwater both Loynton and Watermark are seeing trout hiting pin fry. Their is a marked difference in current feeding between the two venues however. At Loynton most action is in the top 3 feet to small lures and nymphs with a little sparkle. When the wind has been blowing a good old daddy long legs has scored for some anglers too.

At Watermark trout are still holding and feeding deeper in the water column and are best searched out with intermediate or slow sink lines during daytime fishing. If all else fails a booby combined with a fast sinker is picking up fish from the boats. Evening fishing is different again when the wind backs off, with the true richness of this water coming to the fore. Big hatches of caenis, midge and sedge provide superb nymph and dry fly fishing and will continue to do so going forward through August.

Good enough reason to give the pub a miss until last orders!

Steve

Food Not SO Glorious Food

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:59:00 +0000

While the current river fishing is great with small nymphs and dry midge patterns during the day and the odd decent evening rise thus far, lakes are now into their frustrating phase of the season.

Trout are moving every where at times, though catching them is another matter. We stand there rooting wild eyed through fly boxes, looking for a magic fly that will save the day. More often than not, it's not the fly that is the problem, it's where you fish it. You can bet the trout are feeding where they obtain maximum benefit for minimum effort, that is what they do! For the next couple of months trout are swimming in a soup of food, cruising leisurely around, sucking in juicy morsels as they go. They simply won't go out of their way (you can sometimes tempt them) for your fly so you need to put it right in front of them. Do it you catch, don't do it you blank.

OK if you fish a clear water, where fish can be spotted relatively easily, getting your fly infront of them can be achieved very consistently using stalking techniques. This is why stalking fish at this time of year is so effective, you massively increase the chances of fish taking your fly by putting the fly in front of fish, simple.

If waters you fish don't lend themselves exactly to the above approach, spending more time patiently watching for signs of moving, feeding fish, will better reward you than flogging the water to foam. This applies whether you are fishing early, late or during the day as it allows you to get your fly right in front of fish.

Look out for insect and fry activity in the upper layers as well as signs of trout, this will help work out what might be more apealing to the fish. Often a smaller pattern will outfish large gaudy lures. When you see a fish move get your fly accross what you judge to be it's line of travel, overcasting so you can pull your fly accross the fish's field of vision. BANG! You are in.

This won't happen everytime, trout will suddenly change direction after you cast (cleaver little blighters). Other times you won't be able to read the exact line of travel. In this instance waiting, watching, then casting into areas of consistent general activity often pays off. Remember though, your fly has to fish at the correct level, some days if you are two inches out your offer will be ignored.

It's not the first time I've said it, presentation rules.

Tight Lines

Steve

Mid June 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:52:00 +0000

River sport is currrently great on Derbyshire's Wye, with an excellent Mayfly season and good hatches in general. We are currently blessed with good water conditions, providing great oportunities for sight fishing to both wild rainbow and brown trout.

Stillwater fishing has been unpredictable during the last few days, some days fish have really switched on, while others have provided a real challenge. At Watermark plenty have fish have been moving, however either a long cast or taking to boats has brought most success. This is extremely odd for this water which usually provides prolific margin fishing. Loynton has also been patchy, while Carsington has on the whole fished very well indeed. Top flies for the lakes overall have been buzzers, small fry patterns, black taddy and damsels.

Lots of damsel flies around the lakes now and the peak emergence is yet to come! Look out for our top damsel fishing tips in our summer newsletter due out latter this month. (Sign up here if you have not already!) That reminds me it's already late, not enough hours in the day at the moment.

Tight Lines

Steve

Late May 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:36:00 +0000

It's strange once the Mayfly hatch gets going how nothing stops them. Rain, shine, wind, cold, they just keep on hatching. The Coln has seen superb hatches once again this week, while on the Derbyshire Wye, numbers are building. Both rivers are fishing very well with excellent dry fly action. If you are still looking for excellent fly fishing for wild trout I still have 5,10,24 and 30th June available.

On the stillwaters I had some great late afternoon sport with Mayfly at Loynton and daytime midge hatches have made the day of a number of clients. At Watermark the spring agal bloom has cleared and visability is now around 8 feet allowing some great sight fishing. Good hatches of midge, lake olives and damsels are providing excellent sport with fish to around 7lbs, while Mayfly numbers are just starting to increase. Lechlade has been hard going recently, however Bushyleaze is fishing extremely well to midge, damsel and mayfly patterns.

Certainly all you need on the lakes currently is a floating line, while on the rivers careful observation allows us to fish dry fly exclusively if desired.

Tight Lines

Steve

Mayfly or Maybe Not

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:53:00 +0000

As expected last week started off the Mayfly season proper on the river Coln, then all of a sudden temperatures fell and slowed the hatches up. The good news is, trout are very much on the fin and actively looking for the Mays now. As usual we have also had some really good olive hatches prior to the main hatches of Mayfly each day. This means we pretty much get fabulous dry fly sport from start of day until end given reasonable weather!

If you want to sample some great river dry fly action, we still have dates available for 3,5,9 & 10 June 2008. Drop me a line for further details.

The weather change also seemed to temporarily knock stillwater fishing, dramatically slowing sport at Loynton and Watermark prior to sport picking up at the weekend. Nothing massive to report caught by us at least, however clients landed some nice fish between 2-5lbs.

Our Small Water Masterclass was well attended, with a good day had by all. It seemed the part of the day generating most interest was the bug hunt! This really opened peoples eyes as to size differences between flies commonly fished and the real thing. Also seeing just how various bugs moved and the sheer turn of speed creatures such have damsel nymphs have proved to be quite a shock for many.

Top flies currently are olive buzzers, PTN, damsel nymph on the lake, while on the river F fly, parachute adams and various mayfly patterns are scoring well.

Best Fishes

Steve

Fishing Report Early May 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:17:00 +0000

Wow what a weather change! Perfect timing for the rivers to, with hatches really taking off, bring trout to the surface in numbers. Early Mayfly have started in the Cotswold's and I expect larger hatches to get going later this week.

On the lake front increased insect activity is bringing trout into the upper layers too, with browns and rainbows feasting on midge pupa, olive nymphs and damsels. I've already seen a number of adult damsel flies about so don't think it's too early.

We have our Improvers Course coming up this weekend, on which places are still available. Make a huge leap in your fly fishing knowledge and book today!

Tight Lines

Steve

Olive Bugs & Black Rubber

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:06:00 +0000

Lake or stream fish seem to have gone crazy for anything olive during the last 10 days, so I thought I'd take a look at why this might be.

On the rivers large dark olives are hatching where waters are at a high elevation, on the lowland streams things are further forward with good hatches of medium olives. When hatches are not in full swing the olive nymphs are readily taken and as rivers such as the Churn, Coln and Derbyshire Wye are stuffed with shrimp and caddis, mostly of an olive or green hugh, it's no surprise that they are fixated by the colour.

On the lakes, I am seeing large hatches of sooty olive midges and the lake/pond olives are starting to hatch. Damsel nymph activity is steping up a gear and trout still seem to have an appetite for shrimp despite chomping them all winter! Again no surprises why olive is the colour of the moment, lake or river.

So where does the black rubber fit in? Well buzzy things that are olive do not have exclusive rights to the water and air ways. With numerous large black midges, a few hawthorns, alder flies and terestrial beetles around, a blck rubber legs daddy seems to be a great change fly currently when the fish don't respond to smaller nymphs.

Plenty of fish now moving on still and running waters, the bounty time is starting, make the most of it, it won't last forever!

Best Fishes

Steve

Mid Spring & a New Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Around this time in 2007 I started to publish fishery reports on a weekly basis. These both took over the blog and I can see now (thanks for the comments everyone) detracted partially from it's appeal (the advice spots and diary type posts all but disapeared).

So it's time for a new path, offering a mixture of both up to date fishing, advice, observations and good stories (probably me falling in again or something equally stupid).

This weeks action has again centered around stillwaters for us due to the number of beginners days booked in. Inspite of very variable conditions (often bloody cold) clients have enjoyed landing fish between 2-5lbs at both Loynton and Watermark. Really well conditioned fish that have fought all the way to the net. Several good overwintered browns have been among these at Watermark.

In terms of flies a distinct north/south divide currently exists. Cotswold trout seem to have a preference for olive green, while black reins in Staffordshire/Derbyshire. While larger mobile patterns worked some days, all our browns for example have fallen to a size 16 olive skinny buzzer!

I managed a little fun fishing on the river Churn, catching a couple of wild brownies on a shrimp. The odd rise occurred, though these fish were oncers, not worth changing to a dry for. Role on that warmer weather.

Best Fishes

Steve

Fishing @ Mid April 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:14:00 +0000

Some very cool fishing this week and by that I refer to fishing rather than the weather!

Settled days produced some great nymphing on stillwaters, with buzzers, PTN, hares ear and small damsels bringing home the bacon. We had several fish of the top fishing a black F fly. During the rougher colder days, it has been back to winter conditions. Small black, orange or white lures, buzzers fished deep, have kept fish coming to the bank.

On the brown trout front it seems the fish have started to move out of the deeps, we have taken several 4lb+ fish over the last few days all to small nymphs. These have tails live shovels and really pull your string!

Rivers Wye, Coln and Churn are coming on nicely, with more fish rising to midge and olive hatches. As conditions become more consistent (hopefully) top water sport will only get better. We managed a few nice wild browns last week on both HE shrimp and griffiths gnat.

Screeming Reels

Steve

River Season Starts

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:10:00 +0000

While April has started with more unsettled weather, temperatures have at least been generally higher, if only a little!

The Derbyshire Wye is in fabulous condition for the time of year, the water surprisingly clear and while trout still have their heads firmly down on the bottom, hatches of midge and the odd large dark olive (LDO) are coming off the river.

The Coln and Churn are also in excellent condition, though still slightly milky, typical for the time of year. Again fish are firmly nymphing, ignoring the midge and LDO hatches in preference for shrimp and caddis grubs.

On the Coln, the grayling have started spawning, only yesterday I watched a group of fish chasing around gravels. Observing fish at this time is very rewarding, not only is it a great sight, you find out just how many whoopers you've not seen during last season!

Lakes at Loynton and Watermark are fishing really well, good buzzer hatches are occurring at both venues during settled conditions. At Watermark you can see nymphing fish from first light to last light on a nice day. Most anglers are still prefering lures, however buzzers and PTN are catching just as well. We've had plenty of fish to 5lbs.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report late March 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:43:00 +0000

Once more the weather has thrown some typically hostile early spring conditions at us, however fishing has been worth it.

Watermark and Loynton are fishing their heads off, most visting anglers amazed at the fight they are getting and high average size. Top flies are mainly black or white based regardless of whether you fish nymphs or lures. A mixture of both has worked well over the week or so.

Carsington kicked of the new reservoir season for us and in what have been at times unpleasant conditions, we've still caught fish. Fish crammed full of daphnia at that! It seems current fly choice is anything as long as it's orange or contains a touch of it.

Looking forward to the new river season next week. We still have some weekdays available for April, so if you are looking for a reservoir or river trip, get in touch here.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report Mid March 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:44:00 +0000

A week of unsettled weather, from storm force winds to flat calms. However fishing has been fantastic! Some serious midge hatches occurred during last week and while fish are by and large reluctant to visit the surface just yet, they have no qualms about sipping in ascending midge pupa on their way to the surface.

Several tuition days split between Watermark in gloucestershire and Loynton in Staffordshire produced lots of action for clients, enjoying either their 1st day's fly fishing or furthering existing skills. Both venues produced numbers of rainbows for us between 2-6lbs. Speaking with fishery staff at both venues, lots of fish between 2-8lbs have been caught with several fish to mid double figures too.

Our top flies for the week were black midge pupa (buzzers, PTN, hopper, white and black beadhead lures).

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report for early March 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Another grayling season is almost at an end and fishing the past few days has continued to be good. Staying mobile and ensuring flies trundle along the river bed has been key as it often is with this species. The usual suspects are catching, czech nymphs and shrimps in olive (pink might be the vogue colour, however on the Coln at least olive out fishes it six to one) and smaller bead head PTN and HE nymphs.

On the lakes, Watermark continues it's recent impressive form, both lures and small nymphs picking up fish at differing times of day depending on conditions. Average size around the 4lb mark currently. Loynton has also produced numbers of fish for us this week of a good average size (nothing under 3lbs). Here a small white lure has been tops in rough conditions, while in sheltered spots buzzers have produced.

If you fancy landing your first double, Lechlade is probably going to give you a high probability, average size is pushing 9lbs with a lot of fish between 10-12lbs being landed. Don't overlook buzzers here.

Tight Lines

Steve

River Fly Fishing Equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:37:00 +0000

As a new river trout season starts to peak over the horizon at us eagerly awaiting fly fishers, we've published a new article in our resource centre.

Aimed at anyone new or inexperienced in fly fishing riversfor trout , we look at starting out and equipment you will need.

Check out the piece - river trout fly fishing equipment leaving any comments you have here on the blog.

Best Fishes

Steve

Spring is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:08:00 +0000

We might be in for some cold weather yet, however March is in and that for me means spring has arrived. I've just completed and hit the send key for our spring newsletter, subscribers look out for it arriving at your inbox!

What a week we've had! Everything has centered around Loynton this week. Fishing has not been easy, mixed weather conditions meant fish feeding for short periods, interspersed with long spells of inactivity. However, when they switched on, the average size of fish really made waiting worthwhile.

Again many fish were between 4-9lbs, with, I believe the odd double coming out too. In a short afternoon session I managed to hook 7 fish, unusually only landing 3. What size? I was fishing c&r, though I estimate around 3lbs, 6lbs & 8lbs. Nice fish in anyones book.

Tight Lines

Steve

Dreamy Winter Grayling Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:20:00 +0000

We've been treated to some fantastic cold, crisp and bright winter days this week. This combined with the river Coln reaching normal winter level and running clear has meant some really classic grayling fishing.

I wanted to locate the shoals again as grayling are notoriously nomadic at this time of the year. I managed that quite well, landing 10 to around 1lb in 5 hours. All came to weighted shrimps and czech nymphs. Clients fishing the following day, reaped the rewards of my research, landing several grayling and missing many more of the very subtle takes.

Most stillwaters froze up for a day or 2 this week, however all are now ice free and providing good sport with fish of high average size. At both Loynton and Watermark many of the fish currently being landed are between 4-9lbs with a few doubles also coming out.

A few more river dates coming up and with milder weather I expect some good grayling days before the season for them ends mid March. Then I will be eagerly anticipating April and the new season proper!

Tight Lines

Steve

New Fly Shop Update

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:05:00 +0000

If you have not noticed, our on-line shop has been off-line for the last 24 hours while we totally updated our product range for 2008. The good news is it's up an running again now!

Well they say success breeds it's own problems and demand for flies I have been tying has now reached the point where I simply don't have sufficient hours in the day. The guiding side of the business is where my time needs to be spent, so we have partnered with Fulling Mill to supply a selected range of dry flies, nymphs and lures for river, lake and reservoir fly fishing. To complement this we have retained an increased selection of my own stalking bugs.

New to our product range are some great fly lines. If all this sounds too much, orders for UK delivery will now be delivered postage free! So now you have no reason not to shop with us, check out our updated offers over at the fly shop.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report @ 04th February 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:54:00 +0000

After January's unsettled weather I'm hoping for a long settled spell of mild days in February. Not bothered if it rains or blows as long as it's from the south west, I just want it to stay the same for more than one day!

For the first time all winter, fish seemed a little more picky last week. Fishing was still good, however we really had to stay on the move, one fish from an area (or non) then move. Again buzzers, bloodworm and lures dominated the catches.

A couple of short calm sunny spells during the week brought a few fish to the top, where a size 18 black F fly picked up the first fish to dries for us in 2008. At the other extreme, day's like last Friday meant switching to intermediate or medium sink lines to enable flies to be fished at the correct depth.

This weeks forecast looks better at the moment, here's hoping it stays that way!

Tight Lines

Steve

Winter Fishing Rocks!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:58:00 +0000

No matter what I or anyone says it seems the majority of anglers cannot see the value in winter fly fishing. Yeah I know you can say it's my quiet time of year and I would say that. However it gives me chance to fish more and grab some of the great, no fantastic, spectacular sport on offer!

Many rivers are out currently, though the Coln is not particularly discoloured it is very high. Looking at it yesterday I really fancied fishing but a client booking meant work took priority.

Small stillwaters are not to be overlooked regardless of your experience. Many waters are currently providing some of their very best sport to anglers prepared to think about what they are doing. Loynton trout fishery has again produced some great catches, while Watermark fished amazingly for 2 clients yesterday. On their first day they landed 8 trout between 2-5lbs, lost a couple and missed a few takes to boot.

Top flies for us have been a black lure, buzzers in white and black, plus bloodworm. I have a couple of days free next week, no prizes for guessing what I will be doing with them!

Tight Lines

Steve

Fly Fishing Report @ 14th January 08

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:47:00 +0000

My apologies for the light posting currently, early January means getting some site updates done ready for Spring. This has also meant light fishing for me around a few client days. Still we are pretty much done now, so that is going to change!

The trout don't seem too bothered by the very changeable weather we have had. The few anglers venturing forth post New Year have had some good fishing. Loynton, Watermark, Bushyleaze, Lechlade and Cound all report good sport. Loynton, Watermark and Lechlade are producing the bigger fish as usual.

Top flies have been mini damsels, buzzers and various lures with colours varying according to the trouts' mood (and what they have already seen). Brighter stalking bugs in yellow and white also working well along with weighted HE nymph.

One big update that will roll out to the site early February is a fly fhop update. This will continue our theme of offering a small range of highly effecive patterns including some specials, though this year we are expanding the range in response to customer feedback!

I've further refined a couple of my own patterns, expanded the colour range for our stalking bugs, put together a range of fly sets for stillwater and river and finally introduced a range of dry flies. In all the selection will offer a good variety of what freshwater fly fishers need for 2008. So if your fly box needs reloading, look for further news in early February.

Best Fishes

Steve

2008 Fly Fishing Courses

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Happy New Year everyone! For once I'm glad that today is an office day, just walking the dog was enough in this bitterly cold wind. Having said that, the Christmas fishing was excellent, with stillwaters and river producing some nice trout and grayling accordingly.

I've just updated our 2008 courses page for those of you interested in furthering your skills as part of a group. Our beginners days' are filling up fast (one already full)so I've added a new date.

We also have a Small Water Master Class planned for anglers with a grasp of the basics up to intermediate skills. For further details on all courses check out fly fishing courses 2008.

Tight Lines

Steve

Christmas 07 Fly Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:20:00 +0000

If like me you are chomping at the bit to fish after Christmas feasting, their is plenty to go at this year!

Fisheries such as Loynton, Watermark, Cound, Bushyleaze, Lechlade and Danebridge are in good form with both good catches and the chance of a PB Rainbow from Loynton, Lechlade and Watermark.

Rivers are in good nick and grayling in their prime now on many freestone and chalk based rivers. The Coln is certainly providing some fine fish as are many other midlands streams.

If you fancy something different, why not hit a local lake, reservoir or canal in search of pike on fly? It's becoming more popular now and the steely glare in a pike's eyes on frosty mornings is something to behold.

If you have some Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket and want to improve your winter fishing skills or go catch a big trout, we still have Thursday 27th & Friday 28th available for bookings. Get in touch to make a big improvement to your fishing skills!

Whatever you are doing, have a great Christmas and tight lines!

Steve

Fishing Report @ 18th December 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:51:00 +0000

The temperature drop (and Christmas shopping no doubt) kept many anglers off the bank during the past week or so. The trout however are having a field day, either slashing fry or sipping midge pupa!

All lakes are fishing well, you must however stay on the move, covering plenty of water at various depths to locate fish. Feeding spells may be brief, but can be hectic while they last, often occurring several times during the day.

Our top fly patterns have been MFF Zonker, Leech and Beadhead Fry along with Beadhead buzzers in black & red. Other must have flies this winter are bloodworm, mini damsels, hares ear nymph.

Best Fishes

Steve

Fishing Report @ 6th December 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:57:00 +0000

Not much new on the fishing front this week! December took over where November left off, with lakes fishing really well.

Loynton has again produced excellent sport, no huge catches (3-6 fish per angler) numbers wise and no blanks on our days at least. A mixture of small lures and nymphs fished on floating and intermediate lines to suit conditions has bought a steady stream of fish to bank.

The same tactics have worked at Watermark during tuition days there. Water remains crystal clear for stalking, with plenty of big fish in the water. The same is true over at Lechlade, where plenty of big rainbows are always cruising. Not fished bushyleaze, but friends advise it is fishing well to tactics detailed above.

If you are lost for gift ideas this Christmas, checkout our gift vouchers! With vouchers available for any value from £20 towards all tuition, guided fishing and equipment we offer the best gift any budding or experienced fly fisher could want.

Best Fishes

Steve

Autumn Fry Bashing - is it starting later?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:08:00 +0000

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