Midlands Fly Fishing Tips and Reports

Fishing Report June 09

2009-06-30T19:45:00.002+01:00

Mayfly provided further superb sport in June, see further details here. Post the event, fishing has continued well on the rivers. On recent hot days, fly hatches may have been lower during the main part of the day, however nymph activity remained high and we have enjoyed fabulous fishing to sighted trout. Grayling have also been landed to around 1.5lbs since they came back into season mid month, all have been in good condition having recovered from spawning.

Surface sport has been by no means slack, with plenty of fish caught and plenty of anglers overcoming their fear of fishing small flies (i.e. anything smaller than a size 14).

Lakes have again been unpredictable, though the fish are there and the opportunities have come with persistence, working out what they want and where. Buzzers, bloodworm and PTN often out fishing larger mobile patterns. A few fish were caught on dries, shuttle cocks, daddies and damsels, plus mayflies. Sight fishing has been good, with a few nice browns landed and some cracking rainbows. Some days we followed the fish out in the boat, continuing to target sighted fish as they cruised subsurface clearly nymphing.

Looking forward to July the best sport will undoubtedly be early and late in the day. During the day using your eyes more and casting less will catch more where visual location of trout is possible. If July is bright and hot, we will be following trout deeper as they search out cooler oxygen rich water during the day. Settled evenings will see some great evening rises, make the most of them and leave the pub until dark nights, they come round all too soon!

To give clients the best chance of success, we offer late starts during July and August. If clients desire, we fish lunchtime through evening providing fishing both subsurface and on the dry.

Tight Lines

Steve

Mayfly 09 Part 2

2009-06-16T07:52:00.002+01:00

Following on from part 1 of our mayfly 09 season, this second and last part reviews the hatch for us this year.

So right now we are at the end of another main mayfly season, and what fishing it has brought with it! I believe Gordon Mackie summed mayfly season up perfectly in the June 09 issue of Fly Fishing & Fly Tying saying "The Mayfly interlude has been called the ultimate hunting experience".

I have often been rather disenchanted with mayfly, for several seasons catching more fish on tiny midge patterns than mayfly imitations. However I have to say that while many large fish caught and lost this year have been taking flies other than mayfly, it's the creamy slabs of butter that bring the big fish to the surface in the first place. Without a doubt I have seen more large river trout during the 09 mayfly period than any other year I have been fly fishing.

We landed several fish over 2lbs, 2 fish over 3lbs and several others have been lost, including 2 I estimated at well over 4lbs. If you are wondering which magical river this is, it's not any one single water. It is the result of me being on the water everyday, locating and observing the habits of these big fish, so clients can then have a shot at something very special. It's my job and I love it! I also managed a couple of rather nice fish too.

Lake wise bushyleaze had a pretty big hatch and Loynton while not having an explosive hatch, produced a steady hatch over several weeks, which at the moment of writing continues. The fish have at times actively sought out the nymphs and provided some thrilling takes to emmergers.

No doubt a few mayfly will continue to trickle off over the next 2-3 weeks, however in most cases fish have had their fill of them. The game changes again and now it's time for the small fly to rule once more!

Tight Lines

Steve

June 2009 Newsletter

2009-06-11T07:43:00.002+01:00

Just incase you've not signed up to our free monthly magazine yet, check out our June issue here!

To subscribe visit our website and complete the form located in the left hand column.

Enjoy!

Steve

Hatches - June 2009

2009-06-04T05:28:00.002+01:00

Months seem to fly by at present and this column seems to be one I'm always writing!

On the rivers June sees continued emergence of olives such as the large dark, small dark, medium and blue wing species plus iron blue and pale watery. Look out for some great spinner falls if we have weather similar to recent days, plus pale evening duns. Mayfly will figure to a greater or lesser extent depending upon water for the next couple of weeks, while sedges start to increase in presence too as will caenis.

On the lakes upwings continue their domination with pond/lake olives and in some cases mayfly remaining a dominant force. Midge pupa too remain high on the trouts menu, however expect pupa to become smaller from now on. Sample your own waters to develop a better idea of local variations. Damsels are a major food source from this month through summer and pin fry start to show, while sedges and caenis figure as the season of the evening rise progresses.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report May

2009-05-29T07:40:00.002+01:00

Possibly the most anticipated report of the year! It's mayfly time again and life is good. The Coln is having a superb mayfly season with some wonderful browns landed and a couple of huge fish lost. Some day's I don't know who gets more excited, clients or me!

The Derbyshire Wye is fishing superbly, with mayfly just getting going, though most of our fish have come to small midge patterns, far out fishing anything else this month. Expect June fishing to be just as good and to everyone who packs their rod away post mayfly, don't, the rest of the season holds much opportunity too.

Lakes have been as unpredictable at times as the weather has during May. One day everything is fine, the next not so. We've enjoyed some really good days at Loynton, Bushyleaze and Watermark, interspersed with the odd day which has been much harder work. That as they say is fishing!

Some great nymph and dry fly sport using midge and lake olive imitations such as, buzzers, F fly, shuttlecock, PTN, parachute adams. Mayflies have also been taking fish on the lakes, this year trout seem to have hit them the moment hatches started. Very unusual as they often scare trout during the first days. Even sparse hatches have triggered aggressive takes to nymph and dry. Look for this to continue in the first half of June, with damsels becoming an increasing factor later in the month (they already are on some lakes).

Tight Lines

Steve

Cool Posts May 2009

2009-05-29T07:28:00.002+01:00

Another short one this month, though an inspiring one. If you need a reason to hit the water at this time of year (and I doubt you do) or need a little escape while stuck in an office, check this out!

Charles Jardine Chalkstream Fishing

Steve

Wet Weather, Leaky Waders & Dry Fly

2009-05-21T06:15:00.002+01:00

It's that time of year when we all love nothing more than being by a river. Consequently this month has been spent almost exclusively by flowing water, guiding clients with dramatically varied fly fishing experience.

I've noticed however some recurring similarities which keep happening. Number one is it keeps damn raining, not too much, just enough to keep us damp throughout the day! Number two is my waders developed an irritating leak, which, after a couple of attempts I thought I'd solved. Yesterday saw me with a wet left foot again, so after last nights fix I guess we will see if we get wet or stay dry today.

Third point is regardless of weather, dry fly is now almost exclusively catching all the river fish. Not because nymphs don't work, there are just so many rising fish, it's great fun! If it rains, we get terrestrials and a few LDO's. In between midges, medium olives, olive uprights, iron blues, pale wateries, mayfly and a few sedges explode, depending upon which river we visit.

The moral of the story, I can put up with rain, leaky waders and wet feet when dry fly fishing is this good! Must dash, more clients and trout to attend too!

Best Fishes

Steve

Mayfly 09 Part 1

2009-05-12T07:20:00.003+01:00

Tuesday 5th May I saw the first few mayfly of 2009 hatch, heralding the start of the hatch period for this year. We are now seeing hatches most days at Lechlade, Bushyleaze, the river Coln and latterly, at Loynton Fisheries and trout are onto them too.

If the fish don't go for the dries at the moment their is plenty of nymph activity to exploit, with either classic Walker Mayfly nymphs or a large pheasant tail.

We currently have a handful of late mayfly dates remaining available. To secure your day out for 2009, call me on 07901 744869 or email here.

Tight Lines

Steve

Fishing Report April 09

2009-05-01T07:21:00.005+01:00

That slight warming effect April brings, certainly worked it's magic once again! Fly life is abundant, with spring fishing now in full swing.

Rivers have been in superb trim during April, the Wye crystal clear, enabling us to quietly stalk some superb trout to 2lbs. As the month progressed hatches became more consistent. Top water sport with dry fly is now superb.

Cotswold rivers are also looking very fine too, producing some blissful early season days, sighting browns and delicately presenting your fly to achieve the ultimate deception!

Stillwater fishing saw large buzzer hatches making midge fishing almost compulsory some days, those tiny little pupa extracting fish up to 8lbs for clients during April, including a few nice browns. Windy days also saw many terrestrials meeting a watery end. Beetles, midges, hawthorn, alder and the occasional early crane fly and sedge. These tempted some superb resident trout at venues such as Loynton, Bushyleaze and Watermark.

Latterly, pond and lake olives have started to hatch in numbers, further adding to the feast. At Lechlade and Bushlyleaze the first Mayfly are hatching too offering a glimpse of things to come during May and June.

As you can see their is plenty of fly and fish action to enjoy currently and moving forward. Now is the time to forsake lures and switch to nymph and dry fly. Go on give it a try! Alternatively learn how to identify what fish are feeding on and fish natural imitations with our fly fishing lessons.

We had many really good days during April with our courses well attended too. Thanks to everyone who has fished with us so far and we look forward to seeing many more of you during the coming weeks and months. If you are planning a spring trip and have not yet booked, do get in touch ASAP to secure dates as they are going fast!

Tight Lines

Steve

Hatches May 09

2009-04-29T20:18:00.002+01:00

As expected rivers are just hitting their stride during the last 10 days in terms of more consistent hatch activity. With a multitude of stone flies, olives of one species or another and many other tiny upwing flies and midges bursting forth, matching size, approximate colour and perhaps more importantly behavior beats exact match the hatch imitation and a long string of latin names!

Stillwaters are bursting with buzzers, the largest I've seen so would match a size 8 hook perfectly though most have been around a size 12 with colouration varying from water to water, it pays to sample your lakes and any trout retained. Main colorations have been black with an orange tint and a sooty dark olive with prominent silver banding. I mentioned last month sees a very early hawthorn, well the lakes at Loynton are now seeing large numbers, many hitting the water during recent blustery conditions.

I've also seen the odd early crane fly on several lakes and the Wye, numbers of these will only increase as spring moves on and trout will start to take notice of them particularly during windy conditions.

Looking to May, olive hatches will build strength on lake and river, while at some point during this month Mayfly will start to hatch, dates varying from water to water. Be sure to catch our Mayfly Madness newsletter out at the beginning of May for further details of the Mayfly and fishing opportunities.

May brings more than Mayfly though with fish snacking on tiny upwing species, gnats and midges both between mayfly hatches and at times in preference to Mayflies. Be sure not to see what you want to see, instead watch feeding trout carefully before deciding what to throw at them.

Tight Lines

Steve

Cool Posts April 09

2009-04-27T20:36:00.002+01:00

You can tell it's spring when the number of posts go down. Simply put, we've gone fishing!

Top post this month goes to a gem of a new find on the subject of fly photography, with plenty of info for those of us with non specialised macro equipment. Check it out over at Fly Art Studio.

Best Fishes

Steve

Spring Open Weekend at Orvis Loynton

2009-04-17T07:12:00.003+01:00

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April sees the spring 09 open weekend for Loynton Trout Fishery and the onsite Orvis Store.

With fly fishing demonstrations, whiskey tasting, the chance to test and buy the lastest kit, plus talk with fishery staff and go fishing, make these dates for your diary.

Details and directions for the fishery here.

Steve

April 09 Newsletter

2009-04-04T07:04:00.002+01:00

Our April newsletter was released to subscribers yesterday. You can view it here.

Like the content? Want to get the latest news monthly? Click through to the main website and sign up on any page, it's free!

Have an idea to improve the newsletter? Great, we would love to here it! Simply click on comments at the end of this post and let us know your thoughts.

Best Fishes

Steve

Hatches April 2009

2009-04-01T19:58:00.006+01:00

I can take plenty more days like yesterday, gentle breeze, warm sunshine and fly fishing or at least teaching people how to. Does life get any better?

Yes is the answer, fly life is bursting forth, bringing increasing opportunities for imitative fishing. To celebrate this we start a new monthly series, "Hatches" as a practical anglers guide to some key fly species trout will find at the surface during the year.

Yesterday we were treated to sporadic midge hatches through the day at Loynton Fisheries and while most action occurred subsurface to midge pupa, sufficient surface activity was apparent for sport with emmergers.

I even noticed a single lonely hawthorn fly, the first of the year. On stillwaters during April, look out for increasing midge hatches and later the month, numbers of hawthorn flies, plus pond and lake olives.

On rivers the main interest for trout at the surface comes from larger dark olives, with some stone flies and later in the month medium olives. Once trout get back into the swing of surface feeding they will often also rise during the hatches of tiny midge and terrestrials such as beetles and again hawthorns.

Have some major hatches on your waters not noted above? Let everyone know in comments!

Happy Fishing

Steve

March Fishing Report 2009

2009-03-30T13:56:00.003+01:00

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

2009-03-26T22:19:00.002Z

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

2009-03-24T06:54:00.002Z

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

2009-03-16T11:01:00.002Z

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

2009-03-06T16:48:00.002Z

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

2009-03-03T08:45:00.002Z

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

Fly Shop Update

2009-02-27T10:12:00.002Z

Having supplied a selection of accessories via the fly shop section of our main site during the past 2 years, we've just taken things a stage further!

As an Orvis endorsed guide service, it made sense to suggest equipment I use and clients use on our trips. Reason? Simple, it's gear I know works and lasts under usage most fly fishers never put gear through (i.e. it gets used a lot). The additional upside is the extremely good customer service and guarantee Orvis provide.

So all in all you cannot loose when buying this equipment. What more can you ask for in times when making every penny you spend work for you really matters? Visit the fly shop and top up your supplies for spring!

Tight Lines

Steve

Feb 09 Fishng

2009-02-25T20:21:00.003Z

Plenty of cracking sport with hard fighting winter rainbows for both clients and myself this month. Fishing small flies is not something many anglers do, on some days 16-18 buzzers were the key to not blanking! As temperatures improved, fish were more inclined to chase fry, providing some great sport.

On the river we were quiet client wise, many of you gearing up for the trout season to come or prepping for trips abroad, taking casting lessons. I maybe in a minority, however I'm fed up with grayling fishing!

Instead I've gone back to chub, enjoying bugging a couple of local rivers, landing some great conditioned fish to around 3lbs in recent weeks. Why the switch? The average fish size is far larger than with grayling and winter chub are in prime condition, fighting every once of their weight. With a good chance of wild fish to 5lbs on a 4 weight rod, that is what I call good winter sport!

Still time to get a few trips in, remember rivers close for coarse fishing after 14th March. Hopefully will get a few pike trips in too.

Tight lines

Steve

Cool Posts Feb 2009

2009-02-25T19:53:00.003Z

With posting at a minimum during the 1st 2 months of this year, I'm going to introduce a few new ideas to spice things up during the coming weeks. This is the first, providing my take on some great recent fly fishing blog posts, enjoy!
Fishing Scotland
Pike Comedy at Urban Flyfisher
David Edwards chasing UK pike on fly

Let us know your comments and favorite sites or posts via the comments section below.

Best Fishes

Steve

Flies, Fluff & Fishing

2009-02-02T11:07:00.002Z

I just realised the entire of January went by without me posting a single time! Where have I been and what have I been up to? Well several eager voucher recipients from Christmas were keen to hit the water and are now emphatically switched on to winter fly fishing. All experienced great sport at either Loynton Fisheries or Watermark Fisheries and had their arms pulled off by feisty rainbows in mint condition.

We also hit the river after grayling and inspite of freezing conditions at times, found a few fish each day grubbing around hard on the river bed.

In between I'm tying like mad in preparation for spring and the start of the river trout season. Incase you are unaware, the season on the Wye will kick off earlier this year on March 18th. While much early season sport centers around nymph fishing, the trout are brought to the surface most days by short, heavy hatches of large dark olives especially if the day is on the rough weather side.

For further details on our Derbyshire Wye fishing and other fly fishing opportunities in 2009, checkout the updated website via the menu.

Tight Lines

Steve

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T10:10:00.002Z

Chistmas came early for me this year. Fitting in a couple of hours fishing between casting lessons at Loynton, I hit into an express train of a rainbow. After a superb fight I landed a mint conditioned fish of 18lbs 12oz, breaking my personal best by just 4oz. The fish took a blood worm pattern, my variation on Auther Coves brilliant red diddy.

I also received some new reading material and a dvd from santa, and will post a review on both in the coming weeks.

Fishing wise, sport remains as per my last post, another 2 twenty pound plus rainbows have been landed at Loynton, while at Watermark take the time to be selective on fish you cast to. Once you locate fish you can limit out very quickly most days currently, with lots of 2-4lb fish. Get past these and there are some very good size residents cruising round!

Tight Lines

Steve