Despite the cool weather, sparse hatches & low, gin clear water. There have been some good catches reported & some big fish caught, mainly on nymphs. A few days ago I had a short afternoon session & landed 5 trout to 2lb 10oz & 2 rainbows to 4lb 8oz, on nymphs using the induced take. However, the first Hawthorn Flies & Black Gnats have started to appear & over the next few weeks sport could be brisk to the dry fly if we get a bit of warm weather. Over the last couple of days I’ve landed trout of 3lb 0oz & 4lb 1oz from further down the river, both taken on Hawthorn Flies.
Be prepared for the emergence of Agapetus Sedge pupae any time now. As previously mentioned the fish can become preoccupied on them to the exclusion of all else (see Early June 2014 Report for details on Agapetus pupae). Also don’t ignore tiny Midges: a couple of weeks ago I found a rising fish that refused all my offerings until I changed to a size 24 CdC Midge.
The first of the larger Sedges/Caddis are starting to appear, particularly Rhyacophila/ Sand Flies, so have a few size 14 Elk Hair Caddis or F Flies in your box. Crane Flies/Daddy-Long-Legs are also beginning to show up so a Daddy or two in the box won’t go amiss.
With extensive areas of relatively bare bank due to the extensive bank-work done this last winter & the fact that bankside cover is only just sprouting, make sure your approach to the water is hyper stealthy: I use knee pads to keep low. Fish that are well on the feed can be remarkably tolerant of the angler’s presence & poor casting but those that are only halfheartedly feeding can be hyper spooky. As mentioned before, use as long a leader as you can cope with & as light a line as possible.
Dave Southall
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