2018 02 01+Trout+Fisherman

FREE 2018 NEW TACKLE GUIDE
FIRST FOR TACTICS, TACKLE & WHERE TO FISH
www.troutfisherman.co.uk
Get ready 9 IN-FORM

WATERS
for beautiful to fish now
BROWNS
Expert tips for the new season
HOW TO FISH...
North Country
Spiders
ISSUE 507
28 FEB - 27 MAR, 2018 | £3.60
Follow our
essential guide
SMALL WATERS INSECT HATCHES VENUE SPOTLIGHT FLY-TYING
CATCH THIS! RIVER OLIVES WIMBLEBALL MINI MINKIE

Early-season tricks to try How to fish 'large darks' Guide to hotspots & flies Create a deadly lure

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CAMPAIGN
UPDATES
SAVE OUR
RESERVOIRS
CALLING all fly anglers –
EO
it’s time to use it or lose
it. Our reservoirs are
AV U
R
S
struggling to make
ends meet and need
the support of fly
RS
RE
anglers if they’re
going to remain SE I
in business. Trout R VO
Fisherman magazine is
asking all anglers to make at least one extra
Editor’s welcome
visit to their local reservoir every season. This
is only a small effort on our part but it makes
a huge difference to the venue, putting it in a
better position to remain open the following
year. We have always had good fly-fishing
waters in the UK but we must never take them
BROWN trout are beautiful fish, perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing Brown trout for granted. Huge efforts are being made by
salmonid there is. Tiger trout are impressive but, for me, the brownie has the are visually most waters to offer a better service to anglers,
colour, makings and variety that make it the stand-out fish. According to our impressive. let’s repay them with our custom.
research on p84-86 you’re in full agreement! So, I’m justified therefore in (above).
dedicating quite a few pages to this wonderful creature in this issue, just before ■ Call your local reservoir and
the season begins. book a boat or bank ticket
Despite it being open season for browns on enclosed commercial stillwaters,
anglers still have reverence for them – and it’s the highlight of the day when one is
caught – with most anglers still happy to release them to fight another day.
Nevertheless, it’s still exciting that fish farmers are spicing things up with an BANKSIDE
occasional new species and, as I write, two of our contributors are preparing to
visit Torre Trout Farm for the press launch of the new spartic trout – a cross
CLEAN-UP
between a brook trout and an Arctic char. They’re fine looking fish and there will
be a report in issue 508. DISCARDED leader
material, beer cans
or any litter is a
“Those large, wary browns will be
waiting and eager to feed!”
disgusting sight on
our banks and Trout Bankside
Fisherman urges all Clean-up
Campaign
anglers to dispose
Challenging weather can be a factor during early season and Peter Cockwill had of litter responsibly.
to don appropriate clothing at Duncton Mill fishery (p12) – he still had a great Leader material is a
session and proved that there’s no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong danger to wildlife and
clothing! Speaking of which, we hope you enjoy the free Gear Guide with this takes an absolute age to
issue, helping you to make that ‘new season purchase’ to kick-start your angling degrade. Cut it up and take it home to place in a
year. There’s absolutely everything in there - rods, reels, bags, clothing, nets, fly bin or use the bins provided at some fisheries. If
boxes, lines and leaders – enough to get you fully kitted out. you see leader or any litter on the banks of rivers
Those large dark olives should be about to hatch on our rivers so follow our or stillwaters, do your bit and take it home. Take
a picture of it on your phone before tidying up
guide to this important first hatch on p38. Those large, wary browns, confident
and then post it on our Facebook page letting
after being free of anglers all winter, will be waiting and eager to feed!
all know that you’ve helped the cause. If every
Lastly, it’s encouraging that Wimbleball Reservoir has been taken over by Mark angler did this then our environment would
Underhill (brother of Abigail who runs Tavistock very successfully) and he’s be as pristine as possible for future angling
stocking plenty of fish as well as generations. Every little helps!
planning to improve facilities, see p50-51
for a full report for the season ahead. We ■ Litter isn’t someone else’s
really do urge you to make at least one
extra visit to your local reservoir or
problem. It’s our problem!
small water this season – your support
will give that water a chance to re-open
to fly-fishing next year. The future of our
trout fisheries is very much in our own
SIGN UP FOR
Russell Hill,
hands. Enjoy the issue! editor
www.troutfisherman.co.uk www.troutfisherman.co.uk/troutmasters
Contents
BE INSPIRED FLY-TYING
6 The finest fish that swims? 63 Tie a Para Dun
COVER STORY Editor Russell Hill on why we should Peter Gathercole ties a deadly olive dry fly
revere our native brown trout...
66 Flybox fillers
TACTICS
COVER STORY Russ Symons ties a Mini Minkie for his
lightweight rod outfits
12 The tough get going
Peter Cockwill battles the bad weather during an 70 Flymasters
Cover image by: Alamy
early season outing to Duncton Mill Peter Gathercole judges your synthetic lure patterns
and sets a new challenge
18 Dry of the storm
COVER STORY Jeff Prest meets up with two Scottish
anglers who fish dries in adverse conditions TACKLE
75 New gear
24 Have your best early season! COVER STORY Robbie
COVER STORY Top early-season tips for small waters Winram reviews the
OFFERS from England world team member Phil Dixon latest gear including
Daiwa’s Silvercreek
42 Subscription offer
Save up to 51% when you subscribe to FOCUS ON... fly rods
Trout Fisherman magazine this month 32 Border browns 80 Fly-tying products

COVER STORY Mike Handyside looks forward to early Tying with Fasna hooks, Semperfli’s twisted pure silk
74 Reader offer season trout forays to the Welsh border streams and Stonfo’s Coccodrillo gadget
Get a Storafly box and 150 assorted flies for
38 What’s hatching?
only £29.99 – a saving of £84!
NEW SERIES The appearance of large dark olives OPINION & NEWS
mean trophy trout aren’t far behind 82 News
Latest from the trout scene
WHERE TO FISH 84 Investigation

45 UK waters Jeff Prest asks whether anglers want variety of fish
Four top stillwaters to visit this month stock or quality
48 Fishery accommodation 87 Cockwill

The editor reveals his four favourite fisheries Discusses the joys of guiding and other things
offering superb accommodation
88 Letters
50 Spotlight on... Trout Fisherman readers have their say
COVER STORY Newly-opened Wimbleball reservoir
90 Troutmasters
Badge winners and news – sponsored by Fordham &
ADVICE Wakefield
52 Advice Squad
PRINT AND DIGITAL What to look for in a fishing waistcoat, and how to 94 Match news
EDITIONS AVAILABLE match leader strength to hook size Iain Barr comments on the current match scene
www.greatmagazines.co.uk/
troutfisherman 56 How to... 95 Book reviews
COVER STORY Fish North Country Spiders Jeff Prest looks at two new fishing books
61 Get ready for the season 98 Wading in

Snowbee’s Simon Kidd talks you through a tackle Jeff Prest jokingly reveals the poor man’s gear guide,
check in preparation for the opening weeks but they’re all genuine items!
JOIN OUR troutfishermanmag

TroutFishMag
troutfisherman
troutfisherman
COMMUNITY troutfisherman Trout Fisherman
www.troutfisherman.co.uk troutfishmag @troutfisherman
THIS MONTH’S WINNER
Lough Beagh, Glenveagh, Donegal.
Sent in by John Nolan
HOW TO ENTER
If you have a fly-fishing image that you would like to see here, please send it to us.
Images must be: original size • high resolution.
Shot of the Email them to leigh.johnson@bauermedia.co.uk

If the image is too large to go over email, send via the free service
MONTH
wetransfer.com (for help see wetransfer.com/howitworks).
Published photographers will receive a landing net from Sharpes of Aberdeen.
Browse their products at www.sharpes.net or call 01466 794415.
Enter our competition now for your chance to win a Sharpe’s landing net
Words: Russell Hill
Main picture: Paul Procter
The finest fish

that swims?
The editor makes the case for why we should revere our native brown trout...
6 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

BE INSPIRE
D
Celebrating
beauty of o the
u
native trou r
t
www.troutfisherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 7

BE INSPIRED BROWN TROUT
P
EERING over the bushes
into the shimmering pool,
dark shapes slowly jostled
for the prime spots so that
they’d be the first to receive
food brought down by the flow. Smaller,
juvenile brownies summoned enough
courage to challenge the ‘big fella’ at the
front only to be unceremoniously bullied
away so that they knew their position in
the hierarchy. I was reminded of how a
brown trout’s life is a little like our own.
Territorial, aggressive when necessary
and – not to put too fine a point on it –
looking after number one!
Watching those fish was one of the most
relaxing experiences. I was taking a break
from weedcutting on the River Gwash,
which was dammed to create Rutland An example of the impressive
Water back in the mid 1970s. The markings found only on browns.
consequent build-up of silt meant that the
angling club had to employ someone to
create willow groynes to scour out the silt
to expose gravel, creating ideal spawning
“I’ve been singing their praises ever
habitat for the wild browns that live here. since and still argue that brown
Although a shadow of its former self due
to the Rutland damming project, it’s still a trout are the world’s finest fish.”
beautiful stream with some impressive
specimens and it is a stable environment Their markings easily outshone a rainbow
at least. trout and, after catching a ‘spottie’ I’d
After working for a few hours, I was spend rather too long admiring it before
allowed to fly-fish for an hour as a lunch gently slipping it back.
break. Well, you know how fishing is…that Needless to say, I’ve been singing their
lunch hour became longer and longer! praises ever since and still argue that
I was really attracted to the wild browns. brown trout are the finest looking fish in
the world. Butter-gold bellies and a mix of
red, brown and black spots set them
apart. Sure, there are some
larger impressive looking fish
out there, but none has the
finesse and beauty of a brown
trout, in my opinion at least.
And it’s true that, in our mixed
fisheries of rainbows, blues,
goldens, tigers and brooks – no angler
is disappointed to hook a brown. Okay,
they might not have the fighting qualities
of a rainbow or blue, but anglers can’t wait
to admire them and most fishers will
return them to live another day. It’s hard
to kill a thing of beauty! This incredible 13lb
Stocked or wild…it doesn’t matter. Just brown was caught
A fish so beautiful they warrant statues. look at some of the browns regularly at Rutland’s Stocky
introduced into Dever Springs! Bay, on opening day.
Brown trout facts

1 Many strains have remained unique for
thousands of years, although genetically
different trout do spawn together producing
divided into two groups around 15-20 million years
ago. Oncorhynchus isolated in the North Pacific and
Salmo in the North Atlantic.
trout from salmon. In trout, the teeth are a strong
double row; in adult salmon in freshwater, they are
small and a single row or absent.
offspring. But strains can remain pure due to choice
of spawning locations and timing or adaptations to
exploit different niches within the food chain. 4 Rainbows and browns don’t interbreed in the
wild but ‘brownbows’ have been produced on
fish farms. Anyone seen one?
7 Trout have body language. When competing for
a ‘lie’ they will posture and ‘gape’ by opening
their mouths wide and flaring the gills whilst
2 They’re one of the most genetically diverse

vertebrates. British populations have more
genetic variation than between any populations in 5 They’re opportunists. For example, it is thought
that large New Zealand trout feed on the
advancing on their opponent. Fighting is kept to a
minimum. Submissive fish close their mouth,
contract their fins, go pallid and drop towards the
the human race. periodic plagues of mice. stream bed.
3 Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown

trout Salmo trutta have the same ancestors but 6 Trout have teeth on the roof of the mouth, called
vomerine teeth, and this helps to distinguish 8 They don’t have scales for the first month of
their life, so they’re vulnerable to say the least.

A spotty bar of gold.
What’s not to like?
Wild browns tend to be smaller but perfe

ctly formed. Gold and silver, but both brown!
Impressive markings and size. They cost There is a closed season for wild brown ago so we can now fish for farmed browns
more to cultivate because they’re slower trout, the season mostly starting around in stillwaters all year round. They do tend
growing but the end result is an angler’s March 31 then ending around October 31, to sulk in mid-summer due to the heat but
paradise and one of the most fulfilling although there is some regional variation. they show well in spring and autumn.
moments we can enjoy. That closed season used to apply to The list of facts below was gleaned from
Wild fish are much smaller generally but enclosed commercial stillwaters with no the Wild Trout Trust’s website www.
set apart by their perfect, unblemished water connecting to rivers or other water wildtrout.org where you can find more
bodies and sharp fully-formed fins. courses. That law was lifted a few years information about this amazing fish.
9 The majority of trout die before their first

birthday. Mortality rates in their first year of life
are typically 95% or greater, falling to around 40 -
12 Salmon and trout can interbreed and do
produce hybrids. In the River Tweed, studies
during the late 1980s/early 90s suggested a high
14 Grayling and trout occupy subtly different
habitat niches and will readily co-exist in the
same stretch of river. It’s difficult to be sure whether
60% in subsequent years. rate of interbreeding between the salmon and trout or not they compete with one another. They may
with 4-5% of juvenile fish proving to be trout/salmon both, for example, eat a common food item
10 Brown trout can reach the ripe old age of 20.

Imagine how wise they would be!
hybrids. (shrimps) but that does not necessarily mean they
are competing with each other.
11 Trout can rapidly change colour, getting darker

when being aggressive, lighter when being
13 Trout, like most other fish, cannot regulate
their body temperature – they tick over at the
same temperature as the water in which they swim. 15 They can be terribly fussy when it comes to
selecting a partner. They select mates to
submissive or in response to changing background The temperature tolerance levels of trout range prevent in-breeding and to give offspring desirable
colour. That’s one of the reasons why there’s so between a couple of degrees up to around 25°C. traits like disease resistance. They do this via smell
much variation in colour available throughout the However, trout will be uncomfortable in water and visual clues – just like us then! Only they’re in
world and between lakes or rivers. above about 20°C. water so not nearly as bad perhaps!

BE INSPIRED BROWN TROUT
Brown trout facts
16 Browns have a trait similar to our wives. They

can look and focus out of both corners of each
eye simultaneously, meaning that they can see in
19 Wild brown trout do grow very large. A 31kg
trout was netted in Lake Maggiore,
Switzerland in 1928.
21 The largest subspecies of Salmo trutta is the
Caspian trout, reported to weigh up to a
massive 51kg.
almost every direction at once. Be warned!
17 In some lakes and lochs, wave action and a

pebble substrate can provide trout with
20 The British record rod-caught wild brown
trout is 31lb 12oz (14.4kg) caught on Loch
Awe by Brian Rutland.
22 A 41.45lb (18.80kg) brown trout was caught
by Tom Healy on September 11, 2009 in the
Manistee River system in Michigan, setting a new
spawning habitat on the windswept shorelines of all-tackle world record for the species.
lakes.
21 The record rod-caught sea trout was caught
off Calshot Spit in the Solent by J. Farrent. It
23 The earliest account of fly-fishing (AD 200)
18 In certain locations and habitat types, brown

trout generally become more piscivorous at a
size of 20-25cm.
weighed 28lb 5oz (12.85kg). This editor’s best sea
trout is a massive 1lb 8oz, caught from the River
Towy! Work to be done.
is by the Roman scholar Aelian who recorded
Macedonians ‘cast with rods to speckled fish’. Now
they were definitely brownies, of course!
10 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

IT’S GREAT WHEN A CATCH
STORY
Paul
PLAN COMES TOGETHER Procter
W
HEN we reflect on our
memorable catches,
we often think of epic
battles with huge trout
that make our net bulge.
Sometimes though, more testing fish
which play hard to get spring to mind, as
do those tempted against the run of play.
I remember such a trout on the Cumbrian
Eden one raw spring afternoon.
For once, hatches of large dark olives
weren’t much to write home about, which
was no doubt due to an icy wind blowing
down from the Arctic. Making matters
worse was heavy rainfall the previous
evening, which had already caused the
river to rise a tad and no doubt to lift
further during the day.
It had gone two o’clock and having
staked out a favourite pool, with nothing
stirring I decided to move elsewhere, if
only to warm up. Just as I rose to my feet a
Paul’s beautiful river brown safe in his landing net, then carefully released.
gentle sip caught my ears, somewhere
upstream in the pool neck. Moving closer
my gaze picked up a telling swirl close to a
mossy boulder. “Just as I rose to my feet RECOMMENDED PATTERN
Lacking spring olives, I put faith in a
Shuttlecock Midge Emerger on a size 18 a gentle sip upstream
hook. After all, tiny chironomids have
form for hatching on dank days. With the
caught my ears...”
fish now showing steadily in seemingly
uniform currents, a cast was delivered food so soon after being alarmed.
upstream. What I hadn’t considered Gifted a second chance this time, I made
though was that gruelling downstream sure my leader kicked over with a slight
wind, which saw my fly flounder and tug on the fly line just as it unrolled.
double back, causing an unwanted ‘U’ Admittedly the cast landed a good foot
shape in the leader. All I could do was wide of the mark, yet the hungry fish
watch as my fly skated over the sweet spot swung out to inhale it. Although a dogged
unnaturally. fight followed, I was pleased to slip the net
Several minutes of watching confirmed under a spring fish. A fraction under 2lb, it Shuttlecock Midge
this fish didn’t like what it had just seen was what many would consider a decent Hook: Size 18 TMC 2457 grub
and consequently ceased rising. Fifteen river trout. Despite this the magic for me Thread: Brown
minutes passed and to my astonishment lay in the circumstances and the fact that Body: Semperfli dark brown Spyder thread
the fish started feeding again. Where wild for once I made good my initial blunder, Thorax: Superfine orange dubbing
trout are concerned, it’s unusual for a especially when this turned out to be the Wing: Natural CDC
trout to be back on the prowl looking for only fish of the day!
24 On rivers with a high level of angling

pressure, trout become more able to
distinguish between any sort of food item that has a
27 Deciding if a trout is a sea trout or a brown
trout can be easy if the sea trout is fresh
from the sea – sea trout are distinctively silvery in
31 The Mediterranean has no sea trout, but they
do occur in the Black and Caspian seas, along
much of the Atlantic coast, the Baltic and as far
piece of nylon attached and one that hasn’t! colour and may still carry sea lice. But, once in fresh north as the Barents and Kara seas in the Arctic
water for a while they return to brown trout colours. Ocean. They’re obviously fussy creatures and very
25 What’s the difference between a rising trout

and a rising grayling? Grayling blow little
They tend to be much bigger than resident fish. particular!
bubbles when they rise. Trout (usually) don’t.

29 Brown trout were introduced into the
Southern Hemisphere. There are no native 32 Brown trout have been introduced and
naturalised in many countries and regions.
26 Tickling trout is an old poaching method of

feeling for trout underneath undercut river
‘Salmo’ species in the Southern Hemisphere. These include: Australia, New Zealand, USA,
Canada, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi,
banks and hoisting them out by hand. They certainly
don’t laugh though! 30 Brown trout were introduced to North
America in the 1800s from Germany and UK.
Kenya, Kashmir, Bhutan, Falkland Islands, Chile, and
Argentina.

Words: Peter Cockwill
Pictures: Peter Gathercole
Peter Cockwill prepares

to net a lively rainbow
in windy conditions.

The tough TACTICS
Beat th e wind
early-seaso at
n
GET GOING
stillwaters
How Peter Cockwill finds success in awful conditions at Duncton Mill...

TACTICS SMALL WATERS
W
E were prompted to visit Expect strong, fully-
the long-established finned, hard-fighting
Duncton Mill by an trout at Duncton Mill.
email from the fishery
concerning one of its
up-and-coming youngsters (Zac Pattison)
who hopes to get more young people
into the sport by making a series of
YouTube videos. You can check him out on
Zacsflyfishingreviews and it’s certainly
an approach that could help present fly-
fishing to a wider and younger audience.
Duncton is very capably managed by
Martin and Caroline Fleetwood who’ve
always operated as a committed couple
making the complex a success, both as a
fishery and a business.
Choosing when to visit for a feature can
often be a hit-and-miss affair with our
wonderfully unpredictable weather. And,
last year, my life was full on week in and
week out, such that spare days were few
and far between.
Happily, things have changed this year
but our day last December coincided with
serious snow throughout much of the
country, making Peter Gathercole’s
journey down from Peterborough
somewhat tedious. Oddly, the rolling hills
of Sussex had escaped the white stuff,
which was not so bad for me as it was less
than an hour’s run. Nevertheless, with a
stiff wind, plenty of early rain, and
temperatures hovering on zero I was a bit
dubious about achieving a good result.
However, after more than 30 years of
working with Peter, I should have known
better because his camera skills can make
any day look delightful.
We always have many laughs together on
these ‘work’ days and frankly, that’s just
how a fishing trip should be.
PETER COCKWILL’S SETUP

A weighted lure took
this quality rainbow for
Peter Cockwill. To a floating line
Leader varies
according
to wind and
backcast
obstructions.
Normally 5lb
fluorocarbon
Silver
Beadhead
Buzzer

Top
Tips
1 On windy days,
don’t be afraid
to fish the
downwind shore
in shallow water
to 4ft deep and
don’t fish too
deep either.
2
If it’s too windy
for you then fish
the upwind shore
but now use as
long a leader as
you can and fish
deep and slow.
3
Almost always,
the slower the
retrieve the
better the hook-
up as the fish take
positively rather
than snatching at
a fast fly.
4
Keep your
eyes open, use
peripheral vision
and look for the
slightest signs
of fish moving,
especially around
the midday to
Leader lengths 2pm slot.
Leaders were 15ft-plus for fishing across the
wind in the shallower waters then dropping 5
back to 9ft when casting into the wind and Pack a spool
back up to 15ft to fish the deep Birch Lake with a slime
although with the hedges behind me it was line, it’s great
for holding a fly
wiser to drop back to 12ft. Tippet 5lb and under waves or
A figure-of-eight always single fly as per fishery rules. keeping it down in
retrieve did the trick at deep, quiet water
Duncton in the cold. where you want
to fish slow.
“Meeting mid-morning, we stock up with coffee

and lemon drizzle cake in Duncton’s super cosy
lodge before setting off for the lakes.”
Find the fish luck in the corner of Rosie’s Lake. This is
Meeting mid-morning, we stock up with where the wind blows in, and would have
coffee and lemon drizzle cake in been my first choice, but the antics of the
Duncton’s super cosy lodge before setting ‘black death’ most certainly upset fish so I
off for the lakes. The biting northerly is try a few favourite spots among the
moderated a little by the hedges of Birch willows on the upwind shore.
Lake to give a bit of shelter and I start Apart from being misled by feeding
here, but quickly become restless. dabchicks (their dive does so look like a
If I could fully explain myself then I fish rising) I can’t get a touch until
most certainly would, but there’s times moving nearer the main island with the
when I somehow know I need to move to wind now on my casting side. I still
find fish. Logic says to stay where it’s a haven’t seen so much as a fishy swirl but it
little sheltered but experience pulls me ‘feels’ good. Sure enough, a bump first
and so we check out the other three lakes. cast and confidence is restored.
These are a wonderful sight as there are
loads of waterbirds everywhere – coots, Three-pounder
moorhens, geese, duck and a lone shoveler Next few casts, two hook-ups and
drake. Then came every fishery manager’s somehow dropping both fish at the net
dread as we see a cormorant chancing its earns me some mutterings from behind

Peter finds peace as the

wind eventually drops
later in the session.
Peter scoops up a
chunky three-pounder
early in the session.
A wonderful brown
trout provided the
icing on the cake.
Avoiding large, bulky

flies proved to be the
the camera. But when we move into the specifically planned to NOT use any big
right move on the day. now rested ‘cormorant corner’ I make and bulky flies so the 5wt line had enough
amends with an absolutely beautiful ‘oomph’ to take out the more modest flies
three-pounder. There’s no doubt that I chose. My first takes came to a Mini
Martin is an excellent fish farmer and I’ve Olive Blob, which seems to suit a slow
fished many waters that take his high- retrieve and works well over the top of
quality stock and it’s always a pleasure to diminishing weed beds.
see his fish. By now it’s around 1pm (this is close to
Happy now, I make some casts dead into the shortest day of the year) and light will
the wind and, as expected, the fish are soon go, but things have warmed slightly
really close into the shoreline. It’s fun to and we spot a couple of sub-surface swirls.
watch them follow the fly in the dead clear I had intended to switch over to a slime
water. But, duty calls and I now want to go line to get down a few feet but stick with
back to the first lake and catch a fish to the floater and use a Silver Beadhead
complete the pictures. Buzzer.
I had chosen a 5wt outfit today and, This holds down nicely in the top five
although it might seem a bit light for the feet (Birch is over 30 feet deep) and a real
nasty conditions, there’s no doubt that jumper of a rainbow does its cold-water
today’s top-flight rods are amazing best to slip the hook, but eventually makes
performance machines and I had a lovely picture.

Mini Olive Blob
Hook: Size 10 Kamasan B175
Thread: Blue
Tail: A few short blue crystal
flash fibres
Body: Dense olive fritz
Weight: 3mm gold bead
Ultra Blue-flash
Damsel
Thread: Olive
Tail: Dark olive marabou with blue
crystal flash
Body: Mix of blue and olive fritz
Weight: 3mm gold bead
Weighted Buzzer
Thread: Black
Rib: Stripped peacock herl
Body: Black floss
Thorax: Black floss
Cheeks: Orange fluo floss
Weight: 2mm silver bead
l Cover with epoxy or Bug Bond
“Now that’s what I call a fun session but there are although he freely admits that without the
weddings through the summer the fishery
no other anglers on the fishery and that’s so would not be practicable.
He’s benefited from the ultra-deep Birch
typical when the forecast is ‘inclement’.” Lake, which consistently performs when
many other fisheries are struggling
Going lighter which has duck feathers treated such that through hot summers.
Conditions mellow as the wind drops and they simply cannot ever get wet, and I Many local clubs have annual events
I had earlier rigged a lighter outfit on a therefore stay really cosy. Top it off with a here, including Dorking Fly Fishers,
slower-action rod, hoping to use it. This is matching jacket and nothing bothers me. who’ve somehow tolerated me as their
now perfect and we finish off with a lovely, President for around 20 years. Fish caught
silvered-up brown on a 4wt rod before About Duncton from Duncton enable members to gain
heading back to the lodge and the So, if that’s the fishing and the gear then club trophies at the Christmas dinner and
woodburner to dry off the gear. let’s look at how Duncton remains a much prize-giving. Maybe this is the future for
Now, that’s what I call a fun session but sought-after fishery down in the South. trout fisheries which can become an
there are no other anglers on the fishery Martin and Caroline have made the integral location for the area’s anglers.
and that’s so typical when the forecast is fishery their home for many years and run
‘inclement’. it to their own set of standards. The lodge
All it takes is the right clothing and a bit is comfortable and welcoming, with coffee
of clear thinking to have a really good available, and Caroline’s fresh cakes every
time. Mind you, there’s no doubt that day. There’s a modest shop for consumable
fisheries offering some quality creature items, a weigh room with record book and Horsham
comforts are a cut above the rest and it’s clean loos.
Duncton Mill
no surprise that they’re proving to be the The onsite fish farm supplies to lots of
more successful locations. A warm, other places as well as the fishery’s own
comfortable lodge with hot drinks, some four lakes. There’s a few specimen fish but
easy chairs, magazines and the Martin believes in offering high-quality
opportunity to talk to the fishery owner/ fish in a super setting without the FACTFILE
manager makes anglers feel welcome. requirement for high average weights. He
As for being out on the fishery in poor has a simple philosophy – if it doesn’t suit Duncton Mill
weather, it’s no secret that up-to-date gear you then please look elsewhere. Catch and Four lakes: Coot, Rosie’s, Birch and Alder
is simply streets ahead of what we had to release hasn’t worked here so don’t cheat offering great sport for all levels of ability.
wear when I first started fishing. So, if or you’ll be required to leave and there’s Open for day tickets from October 9 till
you’re interested, it starts with a thin no shortage of people to take your place. March so if you don’t get a chance to fish
thermal layer and then my normal – semi It’s run as a club/syndicate fishery here this spring, pencil a trip in for the
tidy – clothes. It’s then topped off with during the summer with a select group autumn.
neoprene-lined boots, a pair of insulated, who feel privileged to belong and who self- ADDRESS Duncton Mill Trout Fishery, Dye
waterproof trousers that also come well police the water. During winter, the House Lane, Duncton, West Sussex GU28 OLF
up over the waist level and then a body fishery opens to day ticket, prior booking CONTACT 01798 342048
warmer and the very latest duck-down only, and it’s from these visitors that WEB www.dunctonmillfishery.co.uk
jacket. I’m using the latest Hodgman gear, Martin gets most of his season rods,
www.troutfisherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 17

Words & pictures: Jeff Prest
Dry of the storm

Storm so big it gets its own name? Perfect time for dry flies then. We watch logic go out
of the window at Springwater Fishery...

Mark Hotchkiss connects
as Springwater’s fish begin
co-operating in earnest
after lunch.

T
HEY make them tough in to sudden dramatic shifts in the weather, CRAIG’S SPRINGWATER SET-UP
the west of Scotland. When Craig and Mark have begun their day with
you’ve planned a day’s fishing lures, hoping to provoke a take deep below
in Ayrshire, got your food and the surface. Plan B was a switch to To a floating line
flies sorted and topped up the Buzzers, but matters don’t get that far. In
petrol tank, you’re not going to let a little the course of their first few exploratory
thing like Storm Ophelia stop you. casts, Craig makes the day’s second-least
Craig McCabe can’t recall the merest expected sighting, after the sun. As if
hint of a re-think, once he and Mark oblivious to the turmoil going on above
Hotchkiss settled on a day at Springwater them, fish are finning the surface across Apply Fuller’s
10ft of 8lb Earth on
Fishery, less than a hundred miles from the loch. By the time he’s seen enough to fluorocarbon bottom 6in
where last autumn’s great storm was realise that this isn’t so much an of fly line to
doing its worst across Ireland. aberration as a trend, Craig is sink it beneath
Despite Scotland’s south-west corner contemplating the unimaginable. surface
being forecast to collect a measure of “Even as we were pulling lures, I could
collateral damage from the fringe of the see an awful lot of fish rising, so I told
maelstrom, the pair pointed their car in Mark I was going to put a dry on, just to
the direction of Ayrshire and hoped for see,” he explained later. “As soon as I did,
the best. they started going for it. I said, ‘Mark, get
“We fish in all weathers,” Craig recalls, a dry on, mate…’”
with a degree of understatement. “So no The dry in question is a Sedge Muddler
second thoughts on the day.” variant, slowed down considerably from
the Muddler’s customary role as a wake
Godsend fly, when it’s dragged at speed over the
To a fishing writer heading to Springwater surface to represent natural sedges in late
from a southerly location, the pair are a season, as they skitter over the water.
Godsend. My own day at Springwater was Craig’s Ginked-up version is fished as a
Muddler dry
booked several weeks earlier, when dry, with just a slow figure-of-eight
Ophelia was just a twinkle in Nature’s eye, retrieve.
somewhere out in the eastern Atlantic. As
the wind began nudging my car on the Oblivious
Cumbrian M6, however, I was mentally The Springwater trout, however, are as
Big plans:
writing the day off, the more pressing oblivious to this change of role as they are Airdrie club
concern my chances of getting all my gear to the change in the weather. Several of founder Craig
dry ahead of the next day’s appointment. them take it with gusto, and Mark has McCabe.
To arrive at Springwater, then, and be similar success when he fishes an Adams.
greeted by sunshine and no rain, is an Craig will stick with the Muddler dry for
escape so great, that the relief alone adds the rest of the day, fishing just one fly at a
several degrees to the temperature. time, in deference to the gusty conditions
The only freakish part of the equation is and the mess they would make of a
the colour of the sky. It turns out that the dropper. Once he’s had time for this
sands of the Sahara have not been immune unexpectedly winning approach to sink
to Ophelia’s northward migration from in, he reflects that maybe we shouldn’t be
the Azores, and countless grains sucked too surprised that trout are happily taking
up into the storm are lending skies across dry flies like it’s a balmy evening in June.
the British Isles a reddish hue more “I’ve often thought it’s weather like this
reminiscent of dusk than late morning. that gets the bigger fish moving,” he tells
Conscious of how fish don’t take kindly me, and he’s not alone in this view.
Craig and Mark combine

to bring home another
Springwater trout.
A Fluffcat
accounted for
this fine brownie.

Co-manager
Martin Graham
found that even
the browns were
undeterred by
the weather...
“Despite Scotland’s south-

west corner being forecast to GOING CLUBBING
I COULDN’T help but notice Craig’s branded
collect collateral damage... clothing as he fished, bearing the legend
‘Airdrie Fly Fishing Club’. It turns out
the pair pointed their car in that badges are the least of it where this
fledgling club is concerned. McCabe has his
the direction of Ayrshire and heart set on (and you’ll let me know if this
hoped for the best.” isn’t a first) a team bus, in support of a vision
that has as much in common with football
as fly-fishing.
“I want to do a fly-fishing league like
football, home and away,” he explains.
“Our members have got something similar
going on individually, but it’s something I’d
eventually like to set up with other clubs.”
In its first year, the club already has 20
members and a waiting list. “I’d spoken
to friends about it for ages but finally
mentioned the idea on my Facebook page
and it all took off from there,” says Craig.
He hasn’t wasted any time either. The
membership all get jackets and T-shirts
and a Bonus Ball club lottery raises around
£250 per month for the club’s coffers.
“I’m concerned that we look good, so
we make sure everyone obeys fishery
rules wherever we’re fishing,” Craig adds.
“There’s no alcohol or indicators, because
you can learn more without them.”
I assume he’s referring to indicators
with that latter comment, although, on
reflection, it can probably apply to both...
With his wife Claire handling the club’s
admin, Craig has addressed a problem
known to cricket club captains everywhere
by requiring members to pay for an
upcoming visit two weeks in advance,
failing which they are replaced by someone
on a waiting list.
“It’s not good when you book for 20 and
have to tell the fishery owner that only 12 or
13 have turned up,” he explains, reasonably
enough.
Promoting the club on Facebook and
through flyfishing.co.uk’s UK Stillwaters
forum, has helped build up contacts and
acquire advice on how best to market the
club, and Craig would be delighted to hear
from other clubs interested in making his
league dream a reality. Contact him via
‘Airdrie Fly Fishing Club’ on Facebook.
Gary LaFontaine named the storm front

as one of his six favoured scenarios for
targeting big trout, in an article he wrote
for Field & Stream nearly 40 years ago.
With graphite rods in their relative
infancy back then, LaFontaine’s blasé
approach to fishing amid thunder and
lightning can no longer be endorsed by
anyone not harbouring a death wish,

Mark
Hotchkiss.
Saharan dust gives the

morning sky a reddish hue.
RECOMMENDED FLIES
Ally McLeod Adams
Hook: Size 8-10 short shank special Hook: Size 12-14 medium or fine wire
Thread: Black Thread: Grey
Tail: White marabou overlaid with Tail: Red game cock hackle fibres
red and gold tinsel Butt: Yellow dubbing
Body: Black and gold Straggle, then pearl UV Body: Dark grey or dark dun dubbing
Fritz, then black and gold micro Straggle Wing: Cree cock hackle tips
Head: Orange enamel brass bead Hackle: Cree and red game cock hackle
This local favourite, tied in

Ayr Utd colours, honours a
former Ayr manager.
Muddler Dry
Hook: Size 10-12 medium wire wet
Thread: Pale yellow
Rib: Black floss
Body: Pale primrose or yellow owl floss
Cheeks: Pale yellow goose biots
Collar and head: Deer hair
Glasgow
“You know, that was one of our best days! We talk Springwater
about it even now...”
but the rest of his observations still hold sky of night’ to the fine brownie that takes
good. Thick cloud blocks sunlight and fishery co-manager Martin Graham’s
provides insulation that results in Fluffcat lure, close to where Craig and FACTFILE
relatively warmer water and more active Mark are fishing.
fish, while wind and rain churn the It’s not the first time I’ve made the point Springwater
water’s surface, saturating it with oxygen that the only hard-and-fast rule in This mixed fishery offers, fly, coarse and
and creating a turbulence that can spook fly-fishing seems to be that you hold the bait fishing, each in its own loch. The
fry out into open water. The prospect of rod at the thick end. Everything else, no six-acre fly loch contains three islands, all
food, coupled with the sense of cover matter how seemingly set in stone, accessible by bridges, and is stocked with
provided by the ruffled water’s surface, is appears to have its exceptions. rainbows, steelheads, blues, tigers and
often enough to lower the guard of even That fish need time to adapt to sudden brown trout from 2-20lb, all brought on in
the more experienced fish. marked changes in weather before they’re the Springwater rearing ponds.
ready to think about feeding again, is a Refreshments and a tackle shop will be
Cloud cover theory which I’m sure is borne out in found in the lodge.
Ideally, you want the storm’s cloud cover many cases, but not today. ADDRESS Springwater Fishery, near
to appear the night before you’re due to Today, the ‘time’ in question was Dalrymple, Ayrshire KA6 6AW
fish, to give the water temperature measured in minutes rather than hours, (signposted off B742)
sufficient time to rise. and Craig McCabe is still shaking his head TEL 01292 560343 / 0781 504 1883
The low light that accompanies stormy about it when I ‘phone him three months WEB markbenjaminfraser.wixsite.com/
weather may also have the effect of later to go over events. springwaterfishery
deceiving trout into thinking that the “You know, that was one of our best EMAIL pandaspringwater@yahoo.co.uk
evening is approaching, persuading them days!” he reflects. “We talk about it even OPEN All year, 7am-dusk.
to feed. This is especially so with brown now. I rang Mark last night to say you’d PRICE RANGE (FLY) £10-£25. C&R option
trout. For all that the sun is out today, been in touch and he was laughing just available.
maybe that sandy sky seemed like the ‘red thinking back to it...”

Edinburgh
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TACTICS MEDIUM-SIZED WATERS
Words: Phil Dixon
Pictures: Peter Gathercole
Phil Dixon prepares to

net a strong rainbow at
Westlow Mere fishery.

Have your best
early season!
Hot early-season small water tips from England world team member Phil Dixon

S
ET in the stunning Cheshire Set up two rods
countryside Westlow Mere As with all my fishing, I glean as much
Trout Fishery is back on the way information from the fishery staff before
up after a couple of bad years. setting up a rod. The staff spend time on
The fishery has had some the water and will always tell you the best
negative press in the past but this is where places and flies to fish. Anglers have been
I started my fly-fishing career so I’m catching well on various lures, nymphs
eager to see if I can get the best from the and even the odd fish on dry fly when the
water today. weather settles down and the temperature
The 18-acre gin-clear venue supports rises a little. Armed with this information,
plenty of fly life throughout the year, I set up two rods, one with a sinking line
giving anglers so many fishing options. (fast glass) and the other with a floater
The water is effectively divided into two with a team of nymphs.
sections – one known as ‘The Deeps’ The back cast has always put a few
to the north has depths up to 27 feet anglers off fishing the far side of The
and provides the fish with cool, highly- Deeps. But if you use the 40-plus lines you
oxygenated water all year round, while the can shoot the line out rather than holding
‘Shallows’ offers depths to 11 feet. it all in the air and catching the banks
behind you.
Make yourself at home
A new, spacious centrally-heated fishing Go searching
lodge offers free tea and coffee plus a Starting with the intermediate and my
microwave and makes a great refuge when favourite White Leech lure, I set about
the weather turns for the worse or you just trying to find the depth of the fish and the
want to talk fishing with fellow anglers. best area. I normally use the lure rod to do
The fishery runs a free fly-tying class this as it covers the water and the depths
every Friday so please drop in. very quickly. I always say, never be too
Standing at the top of the hill with a cup quick to bring your fly back. Let them sink
of tea brings back great memories of and fish them on-the-drop, especially on
watching the fish rise and the boats spin this water because the fish tend to hold
in the wind. out off the bank.
I’ve fished Westlow for 20 years now After working my first spot for no takes,
and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best I fish my way down the bank following the
fisheries available with a good mixture of wind. I tend not to change my fly as I feel Barbed v barbless
fish ranging in size to high doubles and that, if I’m over fish, then a White or Black AsanoldfisherymanagerItrulybelieve
As an old fishery manager I truly believe
stocked monthly. Leech will tempt them. After 40 minutes’ thatbarblesshookscauselessdamageto
that barbless hook s cause less damage to
each fish. They don’t move around in the
mouth because when they take hold they
stay. Again, I don’t think you lose any more
fish with barbless these days as the quality
of the wire is truly unreal. Take my favourite
hook for example, the Tiemco 2499 BL – you
lose hardly any fish if you keep a line tight
and play them properly.
High banks can snag

back casts so punch out
with 40-plus lines.

How’s this for a pristine
blue trout? Superb fins,
body shape and tail.
PHIL DIXON’S NYMPH SET UP PHIL DIXON’S LURE SET UP
To a floating line To an intermediate

line
“It all locks up and I’m
attached to what feels
like a lump.”
6ft
Phil’s 6lb 1oz

early-season rainbow
Diawl Bach 12ft of 8lb from Westlow.
5ft fluorocarbon
6lb
fluorocarbon 007 Diawl
Bach
5ft
Size 10 Red
White Leech
Buzzer
fishing and only one fish briefly hooked, I water and sure enough the trout dives
question my theory. But at the bottom of down, making the most of the depths.
the wind I see an angler catch a couple of After a couple of minutes it safely nestles
trout. This makes me think I haven’t been in my net – a stunning brown trout of
over the fish and they could be at the around 2lb 8oz.
bottom of the wind. Landing another two rainbows quickly, I
was just about to change rods – as I had
Into the action seen a few fish moving – when again it all
On waters where there’s plenty of natural locks up and I’m attached to what feels
food, the best spots will usually be at the like a ‘lump’. You can usually tell the
bottom of the wind or the very top. Now better fish as the head shakes
with the wind blowing right into my face vigorously, and
and the angler next to me playing another the fish tend to
fish, my line tightens as I let the fly sink. go on long,
Rather than striking and risk pulling the slower runs using their weight.
fly out of the fish’s mouth, I simply start With the crystal-clear water and my
stripping the line back to set the hook. Polaroids on, I can see a decent-looking
The fish will always pull hard in the clear fish around eight feet down. After

RECOMMENDED FLIES
007 Diawl Bach

Hook: Any size 10 or 12
Thread: Red Uni thread
Tail: Natural light hen fibres
Rib: Silver wire
Body: Natural light pheasant tail fibres
Back: Silver holographic tinsel
Throat hackle: Same as tail
White Leech Black Diawl Bach

Hook: Two size 12 hooks. Clip first hook at bend Hook: Any size 10 or 12
and link via length of backing braid Thread: Black Uni thread
Thread: White UTC Tail: Black hen hackle fibres
Tail: White zonker strip with a red Rib: Silver wire
thread butt Body: Black pheasant tail fibres
Body: White zonker dubbed on Thorax: Red holographic
Throat hackle: Same as tail
Cheeks: Jungle cock
Phil carefully releases This rainbow fell to a

a rainbow back to its Red Buzzer – a great
watery abode. early-season nymph.
It’s always satisfying

when a trout is hooked
“After a few casts with no takes and watching my
in the scissors. floater as close to the end of the fly line as I can,
the loops in the line pull away...the fish is hooked.”
getting the trout to the net on two with good turnover, so never try to cast
occasions, I manage to slide the net under too far and let the line hit the reel at the
a stunning rainbow, weighing 6lb 1oz! end of every cast. Sometimes, down on the
windward bank, the fish can be very close
Wind drops, so nymphs to the shore, right under your feet.
The wind has been easing all morning and Before I can even straighten my line, my
now I’m confident of being over plenty of reel starts spinning and I’m into another
fish and change to my floating line. I fish. After giving a fine account of itself, I
choose to fish a size 10 Diawl Bach on the net another fin-perfect rainbow, which
top dropper, six feet away from my braided has taken the Red Buzzer on-the-drop.
loop, then a 007 Diawl Bach five feet down, When nymph fishing, I like to fish slow or
then another five feet to a size 10 Red even static with long draws to lift the flies
Buzzer. I always fish with the heaviest fly through the water.
on the point to help the cast to turn over. With the takes drying up I change area
With a team of flies, I always like to cast and fish what’s known as the Beach

There’s deep water
close in at Westlow,
indicated by high banks.
DON’T TIE?
THEN BUY...
FASTMAIL offer some fine Diawl Bachs
including the Hothead variety at 41p each but
browse the website for more options as well
as a fine array of other fly patterns – all
styles catered for. Look out for the new
Fastmail ‘Flies of the Month’ feature in TF
(issue 508). For orders or a catalogue call
Fastmail on 01685 844066.
A beautiful brown
Email: sales@fastmailtackle.co.uk or visit
is admired before
www.fastmailtackle.co.uk releasing.
alongside a large reed bed. After a few Making anglers of the future Manchester
casts with no takes and watching my Westlow Mere does its best to encourage
Westlow Mere
floater as close to the end of the fly line as beginners, with free tuition and loan of
I can, the loops in the line pull away. equipment, and free fishing for all under
Sharply lifting my rod, the fish is hooked. 16s. All learners can fish for free until they
It seems to spend more time out of the catch their first trout.
water than in, eventually throwing the The fishery also has boat fishing in The
hook, as do the next two fish. Deeps, which – during the warmer months FACTFILE
when the fish push out into the deep,
Barbless hooks cooler water – can be excellent to deep- Westlow Mere
I’ve started to fish more barbless hooks nymphing and sinking lines with lures. It’s Run by Congleton Fly Fishers club. The
and Westlow insist on their use, but I a great place to start for any angler who new year fortnightly stocking of rainbows,
don’t feel I lose any more fish because of doesn’t want to step right into a boat at blues and browns from 2lb to 15lb has
this. I land another three fish in quick the larger Rutland or Graf ham. certainly paid off. One lake divided into
succession, all taking the 007 Diawl Bach It’s great to see Westlow back at its best. two now receiving a new lease of life and
on the middle dropper and the last one I’ve learned a lot of methods here, which I well supported by the regulars.
being a blue trout. All I’m waiting for now now use all over the world when competing ADDRESS Westlow Mere, Giantswood Lane,
is a tiger trout to get the full set. for England in the world championships. Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2JJ
The fishing has been at its best today. The fishery has everything from dries to CONTACT 01260 270012
I’ve caught on both methods and there’s deep-sinking lines and you can’t say that WEB www.westlowmereflyfishery.co.uk
been a good variety of fish showing as well. about many small water UK fisheries.

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Words & pictures: Mike Handyside
BORDER
BROWNS
Mike Handyside turns his attentions to the numerous
and productive trout streams flowing east out of Wales...

FOCUS ON
Brown trout riv
bordering E ers
ngla
and Wales nd
A beautifully-marked
wild brown comes to
hand in the starwort.

FOCUS ON RIVERS
Perfection. A superb
river brown in all its
glory ready for release.
S
NOWDROPS heralded the start My initial thoughts were pessimistic
of my Welsh Border spring and a about numbers present and the quality of
blaze of foxgloves brought it to a fishing that was to come later, in the
striking finish. But before timing burgeoning warmth of spring. And
of daytime trout fishing turned something else was dogging the fishing. It Deep wading may be
to summer dusk and the arrival of the first just never seemed to rain anymore! necessary to get within
silvery sewin drew me deeper into Wales, After an exceptionally dry autumn and casting range of fish.
there were plenty of pristine, wild brown winter, who would have expected the
trout to be caught. same to follow, with no heavy April
Defining the ‘Welsh Marches’ or showers? But all the time high pressure Snowdrops mark the
‘Borders’, in its broadest sense, as the area over continental Europe dominated the start of the season
either side of the English/Welsh border, UK’s weather patterns, steering proper on the rivers .
where historically, Marcher lords could anticyclones further north. As river
exercise some specific rights, many small fishers, we prayed for disconnection to
to medium-sized rivers drain this ancient this European dominance, much like the
land and offer fine fly-fishing. Brexiteers!
Clun and Onny, referred to by Housman My records show that around April 7/8
in ‘A Shropshire Lad’ as “Springs of Rivers”, sedge appeared in reasonable numbers,
along with the Corve flow into the vast but only in bursts, as the sun broke
Severn catchment. The racing Ceiriog and through and not in the prolific numbers of
more sluggish sister river Alyn, further yesteryear. The trout were starting to
north, join the Welsh Dee, glacial events respond, losing their lean-look of winter
dictating a different course and and starting to fight hard. And, of course,
catchment. These are just a trickle of when the trout fisher’s advent calendar
border rivers flowing east, their waters reaches the month’s end, we get excited
ultimately reaching the west coast and and expect trout fishing to get under way
Irish Sea. proper. It wasn’t quite T-shirt and
fishing-waistcoat weather, when we find
Trials and tribulations the dry fly fishing to be good, but a
For me late winter grayling sessions in definite improvement, bar one thing;
February and early March gave way to shrinking rivers!
prospecting trout forays. But a cold start
was a repetitive reminder of previous cool Extreme stealth fall from perilous terrestrial heights!
springs, ones in which the whistle never And now, with the extra demand from Rivers had become streams, while some
seemed to blow at the starting line of blossoming flowers, grasses and trees brooks were nothing more than trickles,
nature’s great race to burst into life. And sucking dwindling moisture from the but in the bigger slower pools trout could
the trout responded accordingly, rarely bankside, an almost unprecedented now be caught in reasonable numbers,
feeding well in the first few weeks, this situation was exacerbated. But at least the with extreme stealth.
resulting in meagre catches of one, two or trout were moving on the surface, not to The first thing I did was lengthen a cast
three fish for a few hours of nymph- substantial hatches, but, in fact, to to 11 or more feet, tapering to 3lb
flicking in various likely-looking pools. anything hatching or unlucky enough to fluorocarbon. I like to fish from the bank

“Fly-fishing is totally
absorbing and
transforming.”
fish will disappear with a flick of their
tails! Also, on hooking a near fish, play it
lightly, bringing it downstream of you
with the rod tip low so as to get it away
from the larger unsuspecting prize fish.
At the end of April and entering the new
month, a typical catch of four wild fish, to
over 1lb, was the reward for three hours of
Spring 2017 saw very low water energy expenditure. And shortly
levels on the rivers bordering afterwards, the first Mayfly appeared, my
England & Wales. notes recording this gift of an insect to
the fly-fisher in the second week of May,
very early. There was a reason for this; the
much of the time in wellies or even safer position under the bank, if not low flow. No doubt, with sunlight having
walking shoes, if dry enough, but now succumbing straight away to the dry. to travel less distance through the water,
– ironically – I had to immerse myself in Before casting to a good-sized fish lying Mayfly nymphs, protected in their
the water in chest waders to decrease my close to the opposite bank, I would search ‘sleeping bag-like’ shucks, were warmed to
angle of ‘attack’. A random cast from the mid-stream first with a few casts, as a much greater extent than normal. In
bank would merely spook the fish, but another dormant fish might be lying fact, one day the river felt like bathwater,
lower down in the water, you got the there. Before casting to the fish you see, more typical of July! This, along, maybe,
chance of up to four or so casts at a think about one that might be lying closer, with shrinking water, allowing river edges
‘nebbing’ trout, before it too took off to a as that will spook if ‘lined’ and both your to dry out somewhat, encouraged the

FOCUS ON RIVERS
Coarse fish veteran

John (Jim) O’Connor
now prefers the dry fly.
Author profile
MikeHandysideisthe
Mike Handyside is the
“Absolute stealth was still required and I found the enquiring environmental
enquiringenvironmental
fisheries photo-
F-Fly particularly effective, initially, as I found journalist. He has spent
journalist.Hehasspent
much time working on
muchtimeworkingon
the trout’s confidence in taking Mayflies grew.” rivers, both professionally
rivers,bothprofessionally
and voluntarily,
tantalising and tasty bugs to make their spring. Over 16 inches long, this fish had a and has fly-fished
andhasfly-fished
earlier stage appearance at the annual very distinct silvery-yellow colouration for more than
extravagant, and sometimes unruly, and a double black spot identified it on 40 years.
trout’s banquet! more than one occasion. It is always
pleasing to release a fish and then catch it
Dramatic improvement on a future date. It would always hang out encouraged me to invite guest John (Jim)
And so, with the Mayfly fully under way by in the same place, directly beneath a O’Connor. A veteran of the 1970’s coarse
the 12th of the month, fishing improved sycamore branch in a well-shaded pool, match fishing scene, John now drifts a dry
yet again, this time dramatically. Absolute where even dappled sunshine failed to down the river, instead of stick float! In
stealth was still required and I found the break through the dense tree canopy. his retirement, from both work and
F-Fly particularly effective, initially, as As the trout’s confidence grew, feeding ‘maggot-bashing’, he finds the whole
the trout’s confidence in taking the large on the slow, fluttering creature, a Yellow world of fly-fishing totally absorbing and
insect grew. French Partridge replaced the smaller transforming. So, what better than for me
Rather than in large bursts, the Mayfly F-Fly as my go-to fly. Coinciding with a to put him on some fish lying in an
seemed to trickle off the river surface, small lift in river height around the 17th of interesting glide towards the tail of a long
with fish responding accordingly, but not the month, the hatch was close to peaking, pool, in his quest for that first border
taking the invertebrate explosively, as not anything like as spectacular as I have trout?
often can be seen when numerous insects seen and a good week earlier than normal, Colour in the river disguised his
drift on a light breeze over the pool. but more than welcome in the trout presence, but, with a willow to his left
Around this time, I caught a beautiful fisher’s season. making upstream presentation of the
trout of near 2lb, my best of the whole A further lift at the end of the month French Partridge difficult, I advised him

Flies, leader and tippet The rich stream is
at the ready for a spring painted emerald by the
river session. weed growth.
to cast slightly downstream of 12 o’clock, more! I carried on fishing the Yellow June, throw us back into spring again.
allowing the French Partridge to drift French Partridge for some days, finding Foxgloves, adorning the river bank in
drag-free for two to three feet, before the that a tying with the whole hackle swept their striking purple hues, and tall
pull of the cast would drown the artificial. upwards a better representation of the grasses seeding dictate a change in
With the trout’s attention full on the natural’s wings and effective. But as spring nature though.
Mayfly, if a fish didn’t take the dry, it drifted into early summer, trout became It is said to watch out for the first
would often respond quickly to the lazy on the sunnier days, inspecting an foxgloves in flower, as then the early, and
drowning fly. And as if bang on cue… offering more intensely and, often, often large, sea trout run from the salt to
wallop, a good brownie took savagely accordingly, rejecting, in that annoying fresh water, in which they were born.
under the surface and the rod hooped splash, a few feathers imitating such a And these voyagers of the rain, when
over! That smile of satisfaction, which we delicate insect! A Light Tan Klink, smaller rivers swell briefly in summer spate, are
all must make, as a good fish stays on after and a fake less intrusive in a surface, oily fish of the longest days and short, light
those first tentative seconds, came over with nature’s goodness, proved the nights, when a five-weight is replaced with
his face. And, after a strong fight he drew downfall of more educated trout. a seven and the midnight stalker
the fish expertly over the net. What dictates the end of spring and anticipates that large swirl and rod-
summer’s start? Difficult to answer, as wrenching take!
Season’s change with any seasonal change. An So, in the wild trout calendar, perhaps,
May ended as quickly as June started! The exceptionally hot late-May day feels like thoughts of silver and wake flies
Mayfly peak well past, but still the trout, summer, while cooling winds from the scratching the still night time surface
fat from gluttony, couldn’t resist just one north on a sunny day, towards the end of indicate summer.
Proven dry flies on

top of Mike’s fishing
records, a great
reference for the
following year. River Severn
FACTFILE
River Severn
Severn Rivers Trust offer an inexpensive
passport scheme on often little-fished
beats of the river’s tributaries.
WEB www.severnriverstrust.com
TEL 01886 888394
Ceiriog Flyfishers may have membership
vacancies:
WEB www.ceiriogflyfishers.co.uk
Rossett and Gresford Flyfishers’ Club are
based on the River Alyn and encourage
youngsters with a membership of only £5
a year.
WEB www.rossettandgresfordflyfishing.
co.uk

FOCUS ON ENTOMOLOGY
Words & pictures: Paul Procter
What’s NEW
SERIES
hatching?
Large dark olives adorn our early-season
rivers offering a good chance of a trophy trout
O
F all the upwing species found to the surface in open water. Inevitably
on rivers, large dark olives they’re extremely susceptible to predation
( Baetis rhodani) are perhaps from trout and grayling now. Once at the
the commonest and most surface, nymphs lever themselves free of
predictable when it comes to their shuck before pumping fluid around
pinning down a hatch. Often referred to their bodies to unfold crumpled wings.
as a ‘foul weather fly’ they’re happiest Waiting for their wings to harden (not
emerging in miserable conditions too. dry) so they can become airborne, the
Although March, April and early May duns (sub imago) perilously ride the
see large dark olives (LDOs) at their most surface for several minutes. Again, trout
active, a second brood can be expected are quick to take advantage.
in autumn with September and October As duns (sub imagos) are incapable of
considered prime months. mating, they undergo a final
Life starts when female LDOs deposit transformation into a sexually mature
their eggs, which develop into tiny adult, known as the ‘spinner’ (imago). A
nymphs weeks later. As they grow, these curious dark mahogany colour now, male
nymphs undergo several moult stages and female spinners don’t waste time in
(instars). Maturing nymphs spend their mating. This literally takes place in days
time amongst stones, or aquatic weed and as – unable to feed or take on liquids –
frantically dash about when disturbed. It’s these adults typically live for 24-36 hours.
with good reason then they’re known as Following mating, female spinners
‘agile darters’. deposit their eggs along the margins.
Come the following year, nymphs ascend Unlike mayflies or blue-winged olives
LARGE DARK OLIVE LIFE CYCLE
Once at the surface,

nymphs lever
themselves free of
their shuck before
becoming adults – duns
first then sexually
mature imago
Females deposit
As nymphs eggs into water. Eggs
grow they have develop into tiny
several moults nymphs weeks later
before moving
up in the water
to emerge a
year later

A spent LDO on the
water’s surface is easy
pickings for hungry trout.

FOCUS ON ENTOMOLOGY
The nymphs are quite

small but agile darters.
A size 14 Olive Paradun.

The finger gives some
idea of scale.
Trout go mad for LDOs

during early season.
HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF
“Dry fly methods are

not only productive,
but are an enjoyable
way to fool trout.”
Position yourself opposite
that egg-lay en masse in open water, it’s and just downstream of a
thought large darks return in dribs and feeding fish
drabs, so nothing much in the way of a full
blown spinner fall occurs.
This allows for
accurate and
Tactics economical casts
Mentioned above, fish will target
ascending nymphs, making subsurface
tactics worthwhile. However, as hatches
of LDOs tend to be dense, then prolonged
activity is frequently experienced at the
surface. Given this, dry fly methods are
not only productive, but are an extremely
enjoyable way to fool trout.
With its low-riding profile and
conspicuous wing post, you won’t go far
wrong with a size 14 Olive Paradun
pattern. What’s more, sat in the surface
film, a Paradun passes off as a struggling
emerger, or drowned adult. For
RECOMMENDED FLY
presentation purposes a single fly is best
knotted to a 14-foot tapered leader. Such a
leader has sufficient length to help avoid
drag, yet is not overly long to make it a
nuisance in a breeze.
Where possible, aim to position yourself Olive Paradun
opposite and just downstream of a feeding Hook: Size 14 Partridge SLD2
Thread: Semperfli 12/0 yellow Nano silk
fish (see diagram). This way both accurate Tail: Coq de leon hackle fibres
and economical casts are achieved. It’s no Abdomen: Olive Superfine dubbing
use letting your fly drift several yards Wing: Semperfli white poly-yarn
away from the target area, as a fair amount Thorax: Natural mole’s fur
of line retrieval and false casts are
required to get it back to where the fish
are seen rising.

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Tel: 01600 772904
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Venues in this issue
Where to fish
1 Llandegfedd
2 Moorbrook
3 Loganlea
4 Rocklands
AROUND THE UK
3
7
5 Meon Springs
2
6 Tavistock
A spotlight on nine fisheries to visit this month
8
4 7 Coldingham
1
9
8 Graiglwyd
9 Wimbleball
5
6
LLANDEGFEDD RESERVOIR
FisThHeEry
OF
Month
FACTFILE
S
ET in the rolling landscape of prosper, particularly in a breeze. Alternatively, try
south-east Wales, this 435-acre lake floating fry patterns cast into the midst of fry
offers bank and boat fishing for being herded into the margins by trout.
rainbow and wild brown trout, as well Many bank anglers favour the east bank and Bill
as being a popular venue for coarse Smith’s Bay, due to the variety of water depths
and pike fishing and match angling. and relatively easy access. Others prefer the
Early season usually means fishing fast sinking quieter and shallower north shore. Resident fish
lines with short leaders and Boobies or lures, or often congregate in shoals along the more
for the traditionalist a floating line with a long sheltered areas, picking up insects blown onto the
leader and weighted nymphs. Early season flies water.
include Damsel, Montana, Viva, Cat’s Whisker, Boat anglers tend to favour similar areas but
ADDRESS Llandegfedd Reservoir, Coed y Paen,
Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail and Buzzer. These are drifts along the east bank or north shore are
Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales NP4 0TA
also fished throughout the season at varying usually fairly productive. A very popular drift is
CONTACT 01633 373401
depths but as the water warms and insect life from north shore to Pettingale Point. From May
WEB www.llandegfedd.co.uk
increases many anglers turn to intermediate and onwards, a drift down the centre of the reservoir
EMAIL llandegfedd@dwrcymru.com
floating lines with teams of nymphs or dries. can provide a good number of fish and these tend
OPEN 8am (bank) or 9am (boat). Closing times
Hoppers and Daddies usually work for free-rising to be more residential.
advertised on-site. Rainbow season March –
fish but more difficult conditions may require The reservoir now allows a variety of
October incl. Browns March 20 – October 17
much smaller emergers and dries to be used approaches to trout fishing, including easy access
PRICE RANGE £17.50-£22.50. C&R available.
individually with long and lightweight leaders. worm fishing (no catch-and-release) along the
All browns to be released. Boats £14.50-£19.50.
Mid- and late season are renowned for surface east bank and Bill Smith’s Bay, to encourage a
and sub-surface activity with good bags of fish wider participation in angling. Permits are
taken on teams of Buzzers or Diawl Bachs on charged at the same rate as for fly-fishing. Wheely boat is available for hire but wheelchair
floating lines or slow intermediates. Many good Permits generally, along with some tackle, will users may find this is unavailable when water
fish are also taken on dries and emergers at this be available to purchase at the visitor centre shop levels are too low to allow safe access to boarding
time with the Daddy being a favourite. and tackle hire will also be possible. points. No suitable disabled access is available to
Late in the season, Muddlers or Boobies stripped Disabled access is available to toilets at the the banks, due to the fluctuating water levels and
across the surface close to the shores can visitor centre and at the northern car park. A distance from car parks.

WHERE TO FISH UK WATERS
Good-sized trout from Rocklands Mere.
MOORBROOK LODGE the perfect base for your holiday in Northern

Ireland (the famous Giants Causeway is but a short
THIS mixed fishery sits in 20 acres of countryside drive away) – the venue has B&B accommodation
near Coleraine and offers panoramic views along and can also host caravans and campers. FACTFILE
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and across to
Scotland.
Open to coarse and fly anglers, the latter can FACTFILE
choose from one of five lakes in which to pursue
rainbow, brown and blue trout (fishery records are
20lb, 10.5lb and 6.5lb respectively). Shelters
scattered around the site protect customers from
sudden showers.
Anglers are also well-served off the water. A
tackle emporium lives up to its name, offering a
wealth of gear for anglers, be it clothing, rods,
reels, lines, tippet or flies. Qualified instructors on
site can advise you on what tackle suits your
needs, as well as providing tuition for anglers of ADDRESS Chapel Street, Rockland St Peter,
all abilities. Some equipment can be hired and Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 1UJ
professionally qualified guiding services on local CONTACT 01953 483971/0790 000 4953
rivers for brown trout, salmon and even mullet, ADDRESS 46 Glebe Road, Castlerock, WEB www.rocklandsmere.co.uk
can be arranged through the fishery. Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland EMAIL rocklandsmerefishery@gmail.com
A communal barbecue and picnic area lets you BT51 4SW OPEN All year: 8am-dusk. When daylight
make the most of the views but no-one should CONTACT 028 708 49408 hours allow, anglers wishing to fish to dusk
visit Moorbrook without sampling the superb WEB www.moorbrooklodge.co.uk must be at fishery before 6pm during Apr-Sep
fully-licensed coffee shop and bistro (open EMAIL info@moorbrooklodge.co.uk incl. and before 5pm during Oct-Mar incl.
10am-4.30pm) whose amazing array of cakes is OPEN 9am-dusk, all year except for Mondays PRICE RANGE £20-£25. C&R available.
just part of the menu on offer, be it hot or cold but open seven days a week in July and August
food or sweet or savoury that you’re after. PRICE RANGE £12-£28. C&R available.
For more long-term visitors, Moorbrook can be
LOGANLEA TROUT
FISHERY
JUST 15 minutes from Edinburgh, Loganlea could
be a world apart, tucked away in the heart of the
Pentland Hills as it is, and offering boat and bank
fishing. Eight boats are available but pre-booking
is advised.
Home to rainbow, brown and tiger trout, it is
stocked weekly with fish up to 20lb. Inside the
lodge, you’ll find complimentary hot drinks and
biscuits, cakes and sweets for sale, as well as
tackle items and flies. Toilets and car parking are
available, with the car park on the right just after
you pass the fishery office.
While bank anglers can fish all around the
reservoir, some of the hotspots are marked in red
on a map in the ‘Fishing Reports’ section of the
fishery website. Boat anglers will find boats in the
bay in front of the office and can fish anywhere
inside the white poles located at both ends of the
reservoir.
Early in the year, patterns like Dancers, Cat’s
Whiskers, Damsels, Bloodworms and Okey Dokey
work well, eventually giving way to the Buzzers,

ROCKLANDS MERE respectable size. The lake enjoys hatches of
alder and sedge during the spring and summer,
visiting angler may need. The fishery has a
comprehensive range of tackle at very
ROCKLANDS Mere offers both trout and coarse as well as buzzer hatches which ensure competitive prices and offers a try-before-you-
fishing in the peaceful Norfolk countryside. fantastic surface fishing. buy service. Tackle may also be hired and
Whatever your experience level or your angling The fishery is for barbless/de-barbed flies anglers can also make use of a traditional wood
preference - be it stalking brown trout on the only, with no more than two flies to be fished at burning stove, comfortable chairs and tea- and
trout lake, or awaiting your first crucian carp of a time, and Boobies are not permitted. All brown coffee-making facilities.
the day - Rocklands caters for all your needs. trout and any fish over 4lb are to be returned. The fishery is run by GAIA instructor James
The trout lake is stocked regularly with The adjacent lodge is home to a well-stocked Harrold who is available for fly casting lessons,
rainbow and brown trout which, because of the tackle shop (also available online – www. whatever your standard. Corporate bookings of
catch and release policy, reach a very rmftackleshop.com) providing anything the the fishery are also welcome.
FACTFILE
A lovely bank-caught Loganlea rainbow.
Cormorants, Hare’s Ears, and Diawl Bachs popular ADDRESS Loganlea Reservoir
in the spring. Dry flies and nymphs take over in the Pentland Hills Regional Park EH26 0PP
summer, followed by autumn’s lures and Buzzers. CONTACT 01968 676329 / 07412 079031
Tuition can be pre-arranged at Loganlea, to WEB www.loganleafishery.co.uk
cover both trout and salmon casting. Corporate EMAIL webmaster@loganleafishery.co.uk
and club bookings are welcome. OPEN March-November (November is
As the postcode alone is not sufficient, drivers any-method) 9am to dusk (to 10pm in summer).
should leave the A702 at the Flotterstone Inn and PRICE RANGE £13-£25 (C&R option available).
follow the road that hugs Glencorse Reservoir, Boats £2.
which will eventually lead you to Loganlea.

WHERE TO FISH ACCOMMODATION
Getting cosy
Fishery accommodation is on the rise so gather your mates
and make the most of it. Here’s the editor’s choice…
F
ISHERY managers are hotel-style rooms – all onsite, right next
looking to offer more for their to the fishing lakes. There’s enough
customers, accommodation variety to suit everybody’s taste and
being the ‘next big thing’. It pocket. So, why not grab some friends and There’s a fine array of
can be anything from a camp make a weekend of it. Trout Fisherman cottages available at
Devon’s Tavistock fishery.
site, huts, proper B&Bs or even luxury recommends the following...
Spend a peaceful night under the trees.

Meon’s lodge is a
meeting place for
anglers and walkers.
Meon Springs, Hampshire

The place to visit if you want to introduce someone new to the sport. Meon is a delightful venue
with perhaps the most quirky accommodation in the UK – spacious yurts, and fisherman’s huts
that are cosy but more than comfortable, with only a hedgerow separating them from the water.
Situated on a working farm, they attract all sorts here, corporate bookings and couples – even
walkers enjoying the South Down’s Way drop in to enjoy a snack at the impressive wooden lodge
(or maybe even a stayover). This is a proactive place where newbies can easily receive instruction
and the real beauty is that you can see all the fish clearly in the gin-like water, which can be
important when wanting to keep their interest.
The huts have been named after various types of fly .
WEB www.meonsprings.com

Coldingham Loch Fly Fishing
& Holiday Cottages, Borders
Who wouldn’t want to spend a night or two in a lodge that actually protrudes
over the water, with a boat underneath ready to take you out over the lake?
Anglers can choose Well, that’s the flagship stay over at Coldingham Loch in the Borders. Add in
smaller cottages if the many cottages and you have the ideal place to fish with your mates. Run
they so wish. for the traditional angler, this really is a place to go and lose yourself and
you’re literally a hilltop away from the north sea! A favourite of Feature’s
Editor Jeff Prest while on his travels in the north, the lake itself is a natural
Tavistock Trout Fishery, Devon spring-fed 22-acre loch, which offers superb fly-fishing.
It’s one of Scotland's oldest-established fisheries and has a well-
Always looking to develop and move with the times, Tavistock Trout earned reputation for providing top-quality fly-fishing for brown, blue
Fishery – on the edge of Dartmoor – is expertly run by Abigail Underhill and rainbow trout from bank or boat. There’s a range of self-catering
and benefits hugely from ‘a woman’s touch’. You’ve only got to look at the holiday accommodation for those who want to stay and enjoy all that
hanging baskets and flower arrangements to see that this is a proud water this beautiful part of the Scottish Borders has to offer. There’s no biting
and a delightful place to relax. midges here either!
Abigail is completely hands-on with the stocking too, bringing her own If you are looking for a fly-fishing holiday, walking holiday, bird watching,
fish on and introducing some impressive specimens to boot. The variety scuba diving or simply exploring the local history, wildlife and fabulous
of pools, suiting all age groups and abilities, are matched by the stunning coastal scenery, then Coldingham Loch can provide you with a warm
accommodation – The Snug Cottage, Amelia’s Corner Apartment, Pond welcome and a fantastic place to stay. The Loch and Holiday Cottages have
Cottage, Charlotte’s Barn Top Apartment, The Old Stables Cottage, been under the ownership and management of Gareth Taylor and Carmel
Clearbrook Barn Cottage, Jack’s Den Apartment, The Lodge (attached log Kennedy since September 2011.
cabin) and The Cabin (attached log cabin).
Abigail treats all full week bookings to a free bottle of wine and fresh WEB www.coldinghamloch.co.uk
flowers on the table along with adult bathrobes and towels. Each holiday
cottage and apartment sleeps between two and six people but a block
booking can accommodate up to 28! An angling paradise whether you’re
alone or in a group.
WEB www.tavistocktroutfishery.co.uk
Coldingham’s
iconic anglers’
accommodation.
Tavistock has gone the extra mile with a barbecue shelter.
The fishery lies at the

foot of Snowdonia with
views of Colwyn Bay.
If you’ve a big fish on your mind.
Graiglwyd Springs, North Wales

IF you’ve a big fish on your mind in a scenic mountain setting then this seaside two-acre,
deep lake is just for you. And what’s more, the accommodation is first rate (modern and
very impressive, all being clean and well maintained) and close to the lake. You’ve a
terrific view of Colwyn Bay to the north and you’ll actually be fishing at the very foot of
Snowdonia – a moody backdrop.
Owner Huw Jones is a progressive thinker, always looking to expand his facilities and
provide a top service for the anglers. The fishing itself is superb and serves the north-
west of England as well as Wales. But, of course, holiday makers from far and wide flock
here after enjoying the mountains and the seaside.
WEB www.graiglwydsprings.co.uk | www.graiglwydspringsholidaycottages.co.uk
www.troutfisherman.co.uk Accommodation is clean, spacious and modern.

WHERE TO FISH ANGLER’S MAP
WIMBLEBALL
Our quick guide to early-season hotspots and flies at this newly-opened reservoir
FLIES TO TRY...
from boat and bank
Background information Flies
Says Mark Underhill: Obviously we have only just taken over My ‘go to’ flies at Wimbleball in no
the lease on Wimbleball. We will be sourcing our own fish from particular order are Black Taddy, Black
our farm Rainbow Valley Trout Farm ranging in size this season & Green Snake, Black Blob, Black
from 1.75Ib to a good helping of 3Ib-5Ib plus. The first stocking Buzzers (especially the Crisp Packet
will be 5,000 2Ib-5Ib fish, and then regular stockings after that cheek version), Black Alley Cat, Black
as the farm is only 15 minutes away. Opening date is Friday Pseudo Booby, Rob’s Black Booby
March 23. No changes to facilities as they stand, but we plan, Hopper, Black Harry Potter and Black
if possible, to reinstate the car park, return a lodge of some Bristol Hopper. There is a recurring
sort and restore the pontoon and boats back next to the old theme!
car park. But obviously this isn’t going to happen overnight and
Black Tadpole is dependent on planning and other issues. We have already
got 15,000 fish put to one side for next season, which will be
averaging 3Ib-plus for the 2019 season. We have no individual
website but South West Lakes Trust have a few details on theirs
relating to Wimbleball. The fishery is discussing whether to
introduce catch and release.
Black Snake
The Stones
at Ruggs
No Bay
fi shi
ng
Black Blob
Bessoms
Bay
Nick Hart’s view

Black Buzzer Last year Wimbleball was run as a ‘low cost fishery’ (when no stocking took place).
I am pleased to report that Mark Underhill of Rainbow Valley Trout Farm, situated
on the shores of the River Exe, has taken up management of this famous Exmoor
venue. This is fantastic news for the fishery as Mark has been producing high-
quality stock fish since the 1980s. He will be introducing rainbow trout from 1.75lb
and above into the gin-clear waters and in his own words the ambition is to “restore
Wimbleball to its former glory of many years ago.” Mark went on to say that: “I just
felt I had to give it a go, I did not want to be sat down in years to come thinking I
should have tried.”
There will be a fleet of 10 – 15 boats so going afloat is once again possible and the
reservoir will receive a nice kick start of 5000, 2lb – 5lb fish.
In these uncertain times for many fisheries I admire Mark’s drive to put Wimbleball
back on the map and cannot wait to enjoy casting a line on this magnificent venue,
which is just 15 minutes from my Exmoor home.
Black Hopper Please support the fishery and help Mark to achieve his ambition.
EO
AV U
R
S
These days it’s definitely ‘use it or lose it’

We cannot afford to ignore the real possibility of losing some of our waters if we don’t
use them. So make at least one extra trip to as many waters as possible this year.
RS
RE
SE I
R VO
Black Booby

D
UE to re-open this season after ADDRESS Wimbleball Lake Activities Centre,
closure, which is excellent news Brompton Regis, Dulverton TA22 9NU
for south-west anglers and CONTACT 07758 561412
holiday makers. New manager EMAIL wimbleballflyfishery@aol.co.uk
Mark Underhill is in for the WEB www.swlakestrust.org.uk
long haul with big plans. TF caught up with PRICES DT £25, 5 fish; concession £22, 5 fish;
him and local angler Nick Hart for the latest Evening (after 4pm) £17, 2 fish; (U16) fish free with
news along with tips regarding early-season adult; 16-18s £8, 2 fish. Rowing boat, DT £20 (two
hotspots and flies. Make a trip this year and men); £15 (one man). Engine, £30; £20 (one man)
support this reservoir. SEASON March 23 - October 31
Tactics Even on windy days you can find a quiet

bay.
Tactics do not need to be overcomplicated during an early
season visit to Wimbleball. Intermediate and various densities
of sinking lines will often score, especially when fishing dark
(black is ideal) highly mobile patterns.
To facilitate rapid changes of tactic, set up two rods preferably
with quick change cartridge reels. My standard approach
would be a full sinker or intermediate on one rod with a midge- Tips
tip or similar sink-tip on the other. Don’t completely ignore Wimbleball is located in
imitative tactics during early season, try Buzzers and nymphs Exmoor National Park at
such as Crunchers or Diawl Bachs. Once again black is the ‘go a height of 775 feet and is
to’ colour fished in and around the bays and points at Ruggs exposed to the elements.
Bay, Bessoms, Cow Moor and Valentines. Use multiple synthetic
Wimbleball is exceptionally clear, offering clarity to 20 feet layers to maintain body
and beyond! To outwit the trickier resident trout, opt for a low heat and shed moisture
diameter fluorocarbon leader. when walking long
distance. High quality
waterproof clothing is
essential and chest waders
with reliable nonslip
wading boots are wise
when bank fishing.
Wimbleball is set within
a steep sided valley,
with depths of five to
12 feet within 15 yards
Cow of the bank. Wade with
Moor care to stay safe and so
that fish cruising close
to the shoreline are not
spooked. The high altitude
coupled with acidic water
conditions limits the
amount of waterborne life
and therefore trout are
opportunistic, especially
during falls of terrestrial
Main Basin insects such as hawthorns.
Upton Arm Be on the lookout for
Valentines sudden bursts of feeding
activity and keep a box of
big black dry flies close
to hand!
Dam
Key
No Fishing
Drift line
Hotspots
Bank
Hotspots Main Basin
Early season hotspots include the causeway stones at
Ruggs Bay, and the feeder stream areas at Bessoms Bay Facilities
and Cow Moor. Study weather reports prior to a visit,
especially wind direction and strength, because it is often Parking
possible to find a sheltered bay even during a good blow.
Bessoms and Ruggs are easily reached from satellite car Refreshments
parks and often frequented by numbers of anglers. Not
Toilets
keen on crowds? If you fancy a walk through beautiful
countryside to a stunning bay, often stuffed with fish, pull Picnic site
on your boots and hot foot it to Cow Moor instead.
Expec t decent rainbows

www.troutfisherman.co.uk in 2018. FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 51
ADVICE SQUAD Q&A
Advice
MEET OUR EXPERTS
Gareth Robbie
Squad
Jones Winram
Airflo employee and Trout Fisherman tackle
top competition angler tester and Rutland-
known for fly-line based fishing guide.
development. At home Experienced caster
on rivers or stillwater. and expert fly-tyer.
Helping you become a better fly-fisher
What makes a good

fly-fishing vest?
the elements, and if they are made from
Q With so many waistcoat designs and a
huge variety in price, it is often easy to
months. If you are a mainly fine weather
fisherman you can opt for a size that will fit over traditional fabrics such as cotton and corduroy
become overwhelmed by choice. What are a shirt or lightweight jacket. I know some everything will get soaked through. Modern
the important things that we should look out anglers who purchase two waistcoats, one for designs are made from nylon and polyester
for when buying a waistcoat? Or should we be summer and the other for winter. fabrics that have been given a DWR finish so
using other options now like waistpacks or Some waistcoats have a main zip opening, offer some protection, and some are even made
sling bags? others combine a zip with a bayonet fitting on a from waterproof fabrics. If you are looking for a
Ollie Ibbotson webbing strap which does provide a looser fit summer waistcoat, then consider one which
should you need it. incorporates some mesh panels as these help
ROBBIE WINRAM REPLIES: The first reduce weight and can vent off excess heat.
consideration with a fly vest is the size. If you FABRIC
intend to wear it all year round it will need to be The next issue to consider is what the waistcoat LONG OR SHORT
roomy enough to fit over several layers in the is made from. Because waistcoats are worn over Length is also something to think about. If you
winter, with some adjustment for the warmer the top of everything else, they are exposed to mainly fish from the bank then a longer style

Nick Russ Rob Steve Peter Paul
Hart Symons Edmunds Cullen Cockwill Procter
AAPGAI qualified South-west contributor Highly successful Leeda's brand manager Fishing guide, tackle Cumbrian-based AAPGAI
fishing guide. Fishing for over 30 years. A true match angler, reservoir and all-round game shop owner and fishery instructor and Orvis
manager at Farlows. all-rounder at home on specialist and a angler with a wealth manager with over consultant, preferring
Enjoys fishing all over rivers, stillwaters and former Troutmasters of knowledge. A top 40 years' experience. the imitative approach
the world. in the salt! champion. fly-tyer too. A true all-rounder. on rivers and lakes.
Got a question you would like the experts to answer? Email your question to: beverly.winram@bauermedia.co.uk
waistcoat would be fine. But if you plan on doing

A slingpack is a
a lot of wading then go for the ‘shorty’ style that good alternative Farmoor Reservoir.
can be worn over chest waders or a bib & brace. to a traditional
waistcoat.
SPREAD THE LOAD
When a waistcoat is fully loaded it can be quite
bulky and heavy so make sure the weight is
evenly distributed throughout the pockets. The
yoke and shoulders should help spread the load
so look at how much padding is incorporated.
Some stretch in the fabric over the shoulders
also helps with comfort.
When fully loaded a waistcoat can seem to
‘shrink’ or certainly become more body-hugging.
So before you buy one, load a few of the pockets
with fly boxes and accessories to make sure it is
still a comfortable fit and that the pocket Failsafe fly
contents aren’t digging into your body.
for Farmoor
POCKET SIZE AND LAY-OUT
The lay-out of the pockets is very important.
How easy is it to get at the pockets, how easy are
Q After a very difficult day on the bank
at Farmoor Reservoir, what would
they to open with one hand, are zips in the right your experts 'go to’ fly be when nothing
place and do they have good size pull tabs? seems to be working?
Consider what you want to put in your waistcoat Ron Howard
and make sure there are enough storage options,
some small, some large, some zipped for GARETH JONES REPLIES: Usually, if the
security, others open for easy access. Box or fishing is tough at Farmoor, it is more likely
gusseted pockets are favourable as they offer Alternative options for the bank angler include to be due to water being pumped into the
more room for bulkier items such as fly boxes. a rucksack, chestpack, slingpack or waistpack. lake than a problem with the fly pattern
Too many pockets can be as much of a problem They all come in a myriad of shapes and sizes you’re using. The best option is to move to
as too few and can result in you never being able but for me, one of the best designs is the the furthest point away from where the
to find anything, or you end up packing slingpack. You wear this like a rucksack, out of water is being pumped in and fish a plain
everything that you would put in a tackle bag! the way on your back so it doesn’t hamper your Black Booby very slowly.
Many waistcoats have a cargo pocket on the casting, and when you want to access the Normally, when the water is pumped in,
back, often with a top zip opening, but these are contents you just swing it around your shoulder the water clarity deteriorates, but on a
very difficult to get at. One with a side zip is more to your front. recent visit the water was high, but still
accessible. If you like quick access to your tools Also on the market are the hybrid vests, very clear and I struggled to catch from the
you may prefer a waistcoat design with built-in usually ‘one size fits all’ with adjustable causeway and inlet area. After speaking to
zingers, pigtail retractors and D-rings. shoulder and waist straps. These offer plenty of the bailiff, he told me they had been
pocket storage options on the front and pumping recently and a quick move to the
THE ALTERNATIVES incorporate a rucksack on the back for 6-marker area on the opposite bank soon
While a well-designed waistcoat does provide additional storage. had me into decent numbers of fish.
good organised storage, they do have their
drawbacks. Unless you can lay your hands on a WHAT TO BUY…
fully waterproof waistcoat there’s always the Waistcoats
chance of it getting wet through. ■ Wychwood waistcoat (long and short versions,
Some anglers still consider them a bit zip-off back panel for ventilation) £60/£70
old-fashioned, although the modern designs do ■ Snowbee Prestige long vest £89.99
have a lot to offer. And wearing a waistcoat in a ■ Orvis Ultralight vest (with a DWR finish) £149
boat with a life-jacket over the top never works Black Booby
as you can never properly access all the pockets, Slingpacks Hook: Size 10 Hayabusa 31550 medium
and it is very uncomfortable. If you are a regular ■ Orvis Safe Passage slingpack £89 (issue 494) Thread: Yellow UTC 140
boat angler you could opt for a life-jacket/ Tail: Black marabou
waistcoat such as Airflo’s Wavehopper inflatable Hybrid vests Body: Black fritz
fly vest life-jacket (£199.99) or just stick with a ■ Fishpond Wasatch tech pack £169.99 Eyes: 5-6mm Booby cord, colour of choice
tackle box or bag. ■ Airflo Outlander Covert vest backpack £69.99

ADVICE SQUAD Q&A
Match your leader

to your hook size
Q What
I use?
diameter nylon for hook size should Stillwaters
Moving on to stillwaters, once again I often turn
Brian Imrie to RIO, fishing Powerflex in 6.4lb (2.9kg) with a
diameter of 0.007in / 0.178mm and 8.0lb,
NICK HART REPLIES: Leaders are a very 0.008in / 0.203mm. Powerflex is a
personal choice, but the following is based upon copolymer which I usually deploy for
my time on the water guiding and fishing surface dry fly missions. Heading
competitions providing (hopefully!) a reasonably below the surface my
simple summary. preference is RIO Fluoroflex,
To this day I remain old-fashioned when a fluorocarbon product ...
discussing leaders by referring more often than with ... wait for it ... an
not to the breaking strain, rather than diameter. increased diameter! For
example, RIO
Rivers Fluoroflex in 8lb
For river fishing, my usual ‘go to’ leaders are 3 (3.6kg) has a diameter
– 5lb breaking strain using flies of size 16 of 0.009in – that’s
through to size 10. 0.001mm higher than
However, sometimes much smaller flies will the copolymer Powerflex
be required, in which case I decrease the equivalent.
breaking strain further to around 2lb. It's important to match
My favoured leader material for many years X-system hook size to leader strength
when fishing running water has been RIO’s If the above seems to be degenerating so the fly moves as
Powerflex in 3.4lb (1.5kg) with a stated diameter into a confusing mass of numbers then naturally as possible.
of 0.005in / 0.127mm and 5lb (2.3kg) with an you will be pleased to know that the
increased diameter of 0.006in / 0.152mm. “X-system” originated to provide an
In recent seasons, when looking for the edge easy-to-follow scale of leader diameters.
and especially guiding during tough low water The most frequently-used sizes within the UK
conditions, I have grown to love Stroft GTM stillwater and river scene appear in the chart wish to use fine diameter leaders but the fishery
which has a diameter of just 0.003in / 0.10mm below and I have also included a note with rules dictate a minimum breaking strain.
and a breaking strain of 3lb, and 0.005in / suggested hook sizes and applications. The trade-off for these benefits is that such
0.14mm in 5lb. It is also worth mentioning how Learning this method of identifying line products are often more prone to tangling and
supple this material is and the improved diameter can save a lot of confusion, but it is knots must be carefully cinched and triple-
presentation achieved, especially when fishing not absolute because the scale of breaking checked prior to fishing or breakages could
with dry flies. Stroft GTM seems to require little strain in relation to diameter can alter become a regular occurrence.
in the way of degreasing, which saves a lot of considerably between manufacturers. Here are
time on the water and it is very good value for some examples based on 2X fluorocarbon, CONCLUSION
money; a quick check online showed a 100m widely used by stillwater anglers. To sum up the details above, there are certain
spool of 5lb for just £5.99. types of leader that I love using that my fishing
■ RIO Fluoroflex 2X = 8lb friends despise and vice versa, which leads me to
■ Frog Hair 2X = 10lb advise you to experiment with products using a
■ Airflo G5 2X = 11.2lb combination of knowledge relating to the
■ Riverge Grand Max 2X = 12.5lb X-system diameters and breaking strains to find
what works for you.
All of the above have a diameter of 0.009in and Finally, if you thread the eye of a fly, tie the
would be suitable for fishing a variety of nymphs connecting knot and when complete the leader
and lures. Lower diameters with a high breaking looks too heavy for the fly and the pattern swims
strain can offer a real advantage when targeting unnaturally during the retrieve try lowering the
wised-up specimen fish, particularly on clear diameter, and if necessary, consider the leader
water catch and release venues, and when you brand/manufacturer you are using.
X-rating Diameter=BS Application
2X .009in = 11.50lb High speed pulling, size 6 to 10 lures
3X .008in = 8.50lb Varied retrieves with size 10 and 12 lures and nymphs
4X .007in = 6.00lb Medium to slow retrieves with size 12 to 14 nymphs and dries
5X .006in = 4.75lb Mainly slow retrieves with size 14 to 16 nymphs and dries
RIO 6X .005in = 3.50lb River fishing with size 14 to 16 nymphs and dries
Powerflex –
Nick's preferred
leader for the river.
7X .006in = 2.50lb River fishing with size 16 to 20 nymphs and dries

Welded loop WELDED LOOP TO GRINNER KNOT
to leader 4-5x
connections
Q When tying on your leader/tippet,
what is the best knot to use with a
welded loop – a straight loop to loop or
the good old tucked blood knot? I mainly
fish stillwaters from the bank.
Robert Prentice
NICK HART REPLIES: What an excellent

question and so relevant given that many
modern fly lines are being sold with welded
loops.
A loop to loop works very well and will not
damage the weld as much as using either a
blood or grinner knot. However, I favour
these two knots as they allow for quick
changes when fishing with multiple flies. For
example, if I want to switch my leader from a
floating line to an intermediate I do not need LOOP TO LOOP TUCKED HALF BLOOD
to take all the flies off, remove the leader
etc. Instead all I need do is wind in until my
top dropper hits the tip ring, snip off at the 4-5x
welded (or braided) loop and retie to the
required fly line.
I mainly use fluorocarbon which does not
react well when tucked, so my advice would
be to use a plain blood knot for this material
and only tuck the knot if using a copolymer
or nylon tippet material. Alternatively, the
grinner is very easy to tie and results in a
satisfying knot which is also very strong.
For extra strength thread the leader
2
through the welded loop twice before tying If using fluorocarbon miss
your chosen knot and at the first sign that out the tuck at this point. 1
the manufactured loop may have seen
better days, snip off, and replace with a
standard braided loop or your choice of
connection.
Pick the right river rod

Q What rod should I choose for river fishing?
Laurie Charteress
STEVE CULLEN REPLIES: It all depends on what style of river fishing you
are doing, small stream to big rivers.
An all-rounder would be a 9ft 4wt outfit as it will allow you to cover the
majority of fishing situations. There’s an awful lot of rods to choose from
in that price range and most brands cater for this kind of price point, it’s
kind of UK standard.
Look to get something slim and lightweight and with an action that suits
your style of fishing. If it’s accuracy you’re after, fishing a dry fly to rising
fish, then look to go with a rod that has a fast action that can deliver tight
loops. For almost everything else, wet fly and nymphing, I’d be after
something that has a lot more give, a softish action rod with a middle to tip
action.
I’d also recommend that you look to purchase a rod with a dull finish,
something matt rather than shiny. High-gloss rods are prone to catching
the light and when you’re targeting fish in low clear water then this can be
detrimental to your efforts.
I’d suggest the Wychwood Drift, it’s an ideal all-rounder that will allow
you to cover the bases in most situations.

ADVICE PROBLEM SOLVER
HOW TO... Paul Procte

Expert angl r
home on riv er at
Fish North er
lake in the Us or
& abroad
K
Country Spiders
Paul Procter explains the tactics to adopt when fishing these traditional patterns
Top left – Black & Peacock Spider,
T
Green Hotspot Spider, Waterhen
RADITIONALLY, Spider patterns have always held favour with the old-timers, who Bloa and Snipe & Purple.
no doubt cut their teeth using patterns like the Waterhen Bloa or Orange Partridge.
Also known as North Country, or soft-hackled, flies, these simple creations seem to
be enjoying something of a renaissance! Sadly, newcomers sometimes steer clear of
using Spiders due to folklore surrounding these fabled dressings. Yet, in truth they
remain extremely versatile flies, allowing us to present them in many ways. It’s time then to
dispel these myths, as a fundamental understanding in the ways of wet flies allows us to make
educated choices when it comes to tackling ever-changing conditions.

DETECTING TAKES
Understandably, many agonise over detecting
takes when using subsurface flies. This is
especially true if flies drift back towards us in a
neutral state. To some degree we can take stock
as spiders seldom have time to sink far and
therefore, loitering close to the surface, trout
leave a calling card when they rise to intercept
them. Often, fish betray themselves with a
telltale bulge of water, or a definite lift of the
drooping line. Due to faster flows, in many cases
the take is much more positive too, when line
draws away positively!
WHAT FLY LINE

PROFILE IS BEST?
Claiming they give us a more delicate
presentation, some would have it that only double
taper profiles should be used when Spider fishing.
However, because casts are rarely more than 30
feet long (including our leader) then in many
LOOK TO LONGER respects it’s academic whether a double taper or

weight forward is used. Bear in mind the typical
RODS FOR REACH

Longer rods offer a distinct advantage when
head length on a weight forward is usually 35-40
feet long. Equally, modern day WF tapers are more
refined and tend to alight without fuss.
Spider fishing as they provide us with greater Personally, I’m a fan of weight forwards, but it
reach for improved control. Given this we need to matters little either way!
select rods spanning some 10-11 feet. These lofty considered. Rods that flex through their length
outfits mean we can hold ample fly line clear of
racing currents to realise a more natural drift of
are suited to Spider fishing because, literally
bending under their own weight, they make HOW DEEP SHOULD
our flies (see above - long rods hold plenty of fly
line clear of grabbing currents). Equally their
length makes mending line less of a chore.
casting short lines much easier. Furthermore, as
most Spider fishing takes place at close quarters,
a more forgiving blank helps protect delicate
SPIDERS FISH?
As a rule, because of what they imitate, Spiders
We should look to rods rated for lighter lines tippets. (See inset picture above – fish are often are deadliest when presented inches beneath the
with AFTM weights 3-4 being ideal. At a pinch, a hooked at close quarters where a forgiving 3 or surface. You’ll notice that the bulk of patterns are
5wt will do, but nothing heavier should be 4wt helps keep tippets intact). dressed on relatively lightweight hooks too.
1 To a floating line
3ft tapered leader
3ft
3ft
12ft overall of 3-4lb
mono
3ft
LEADER SET-UP
Based on a team of three Spiders, the overall
outstretched arm (see above: measuring from
nose to your fingertips of an outstretched arm is
a reasonable gauge when constructing leaders).
leader needn’t be any more than 12 feet. This A three-turn water knot is used to attach each
consists of a three feet tapered section with a section and to form droppers too (diagram 2).
further three feet of level 3-4lb monofilament Short dropper legs are less prone to tangles, so
between each fly, resulting in 12 feet overall try to keep them no more than five inches long.
(diagram 1). A rudimentary measure of three feet Copolymer monofilaments tend to be more
can be gauged by extending leader sections supple and therefore allow our flies a great
between the tip of your nose and an degree of movement.

WHEN TO FISH UPSTREAM

Spider fishing in its truest sense involves presenting your flies
upstream so they fish back in a natural manner (see right: Short casts
upstream is what many believe Spider fishing should be). This makes
perfect sense, as our imitations appear convincing now. However,
detecting takes rightly worries beginners when line is rushing back
towards them, especially where flows quicken. With that, reserve
upstream tactics for moderate flows, or where low, clear water exists.
Not only do your flies behave naturally, you’re less likely to be detected
when approaching fish from behind.
Searching upstream involves covering water by fan casting and
progressing upstream. Once you’ve completed an arc of casts, instead
of extending more line, take a pace or two upstream and repeat the
sequence (diagram 3). Rather than throwing random casts, a pool is
covered more effectively with this methodical approach. Steer your
flies back by gradually lifting the rod tip, the odd draw on the line might
be required too. Aside from more controlled line management,
sufficient line remains outside the rod tip for re-presenting your flies
upstream, when a simple roll cast will do (diagram 4). Equally the
resulting bowing (sagging) line acts as a rudimentary (if not large)
coarse angler’s swing tip, to help register takes.
3 4
When the flies have come
back to you with the flow,
a simple roll cast will flick
them out again.
1 2. Then hammer tap the rod

2 forward to present the line,
1. Draw leader and flies upstream.
3 the rod tip
4 back so line
Flow forms a ‘D’
5
6
After fan casting take
a few steps upstream Flow
and repeat.
WHEN TO FISH DOWNSTREAM

Some would have it fishing wets/Spiders down and across is more chuck
drift a short way downstream of your position (diagram 5 point B). In effect
fishing the quadrant of a circle (diagram 5), a natural drift can be achieved.
You can let the flies continue on their way once point B is reached, however
and chance it rather than good form. Yet, where flows quicken alarmingly, they will always be accelerating now. That said, once the line/flies arrive
or flood conditions are encountered, progressing upstream can be nigh on at point B, an upstream mend (diagram 6), or two, buys more time for them
impossible, if not dangerous! All is not lost though as Spiders have value to be ushered a little further in a controlled manner.
when presented across and/or downstream of our position. Flies can be drifted downstream to deep, foreboding water where we’re
Granted, it’s unwise just to cast out and let your line be swept away unable to wade. Naturally, where a pool deepens, flow rates ease off, so we
willy-nilly, as our flies will be whipped round at a fair lick. Instead, present can execute several micro-mends to achieve acceptable drifts – some drag
your flies slightly upstream of square (diagram 5 point A) and let the flies occurs, but it’s a way of getting flies in front of fish that rarely see them.
5 6
B A
re
ua
sq
of
m
Natural
ea
drift An upstream Flow

str
Flow
up
mend creates
st
natural drift
Ca

7
Breeze
Allow breeze to
move the flies
Cast across and
slightly upwind
CAN SPIDERS BE
USED ON OUR
STILLWATERS?
North Country flies and swift flows are pretty
much synonymous with one another, which
brings into question their value on stillwaters, or
slower parts of a river. In both instances Spider
patterns have a place. In the appropriate shades
and sizes, sparsely-dressed patterns can be
lethal when buzzers emerge, or terrestrials
appear on lakes and reservoirs (see above:
Spiders can be lethal on lakes, especially when a Black & Peacock Spider
flat calm occurs). A small hotspot pattern (see Hook: Size 12-14 Partridge dry fly supreme
dressing right) is extremely effective and Thread: Sheer black 14/0
remains one of my all-time favourites when Body: Peacock herl
venturing onto stillwaters. These should be Hackle: Black hen
fished exactly as you would your nymphs, by
swinging them round on a breeze (diagram 7). In Popularised by Tom C Ivens in the 50s and 60s
fact, mix up the flies on your leader to include a the humble Black & Peacock Spider makes a
Buzzer on point and a Spider on each dropper. Hotspot Spider perfect terrestrial pattern on stillwaters when
Where flows loiter on streams to form near Hook: Size 12-14 Partridge dry fly supreme the likes of hawthorn flies, black gnats and
static pools, Spiders still have benefits. Now, we Body: Sheer black 14/0 even beetles are present.
should look to execute a downstream mend to in Rib: Fine silver wire
effect throw what would be an undesirable bow Thorax: Semperfli Fluoro Brite No.12 pale green
in our line (if faster currents existed). However, Hackle: Black hen
this curved line helps capture the faintest of
flows to trundle our flies round on a slightly Although not an exact buzzer pupa imitation
tensioned line now. this Hotspot Spider comes into its own when
Granted, such ploys fall outside Spider fishing black buzzers are present. It has value too as a
parameters as we know them, yet, they can search pattern, especially when coupled with
tempt fish stationed in slacker areas when the suggestive nymphs like a PTN, or Diawl Bach
upstream method is difficult to perform properly. for example.

WHAT IS LINE MENDING?

‘Mending’ means repositioning fly line on the water so your flies can continue
fishing in an acceptable manner. In faster flows, it’s normal to throw a mend
upstream (diagram 8) to momentarily stall its progress. Gradually, as our line
passes downstream the crescent-shaped mend(s) begin to iron out, become
straight and ultimately belly downstream. This forming belly (bow) (diagram
9) signals any drag-free drift has concluded and with a fully-tensioned line
now the whole rig is set to accelerate. Where raging currents occur, your flies
will appear totally unnatural. However, in more idle flows, although flies and
leader are always tracking across the flows, because they’re moving slowly,
trout can still be tempted.
Natural drift
DO SPIDER DRESSINGS
Up
str
Flow
REPRESENT SPIDERS?
ea
m
me
Although generically referred to as ‘Spiders’, North Country flies aren’t

nd
Track line downstream designed to copy the arachnid family. However, their nondescript nature can
be evocative of several flies encountered in rivers and streams. Depending
on the pattern you select, Spiders imitate upwinged flies, stoneflies, caddis
Mend (sweep) rod upstream
and terrestrials. Furthermore, they copy various stages of an insect’s life,
like nymphs, emergers, drowned adults – a Waterhen Bloa is the perfect
olive imitation in many circumstances – and even the egg-laying stage of
certain upwings.
9 10
3ft taper
Fly line
Path of
flies after
line bows Belly forms in 3ft of 5lb
line causing
tension 2ft of 4lb
Flow
DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO USE

THREE FLIES?
Old-timers used multiple flies on their cast (leader), often as many as a dozen
WHY MAINTAIN flies. These days, however, a team of three seems more acceptable, but there
are those who knot four Spiders onto their leader too. That said, we shouldn’t
A HIGH ROD?
A river is a continually moving
be bound by tradition and automatically assume a team of flies is required.
Beginners rightly shy away from an assortment of flies dangling from their
leader due to possible tangles. A single fly on say an eight-foot leader
environment when, as soon as line and (diagram 10) can have worth. This is especially true when fish are focussing
flies land, they are subjected to on that critical inch, as a lone fly won’t plunge too deep. However, when blind
currents pulling them this way and searching, three flies cover more water than a singleton! In many respects, a
that. More line resting on water brace of flies makes the ideal compromise, especially for those starting out.
increases the likelihood of drag.
Whether you’re working flies upstream,
across flows, or downstream, a raised
rod tip holds the bulk of line clear of
water (see right: Here a raised rod helps
HOW FAR SHOULD I CAST?
Those making the transition from still to running water often make a
slow your fly line when drifting them fundamental mistake of casting too far. Rivers are more intimate than vast
downstream). Furthermore, the actual bodies of water and we have to consider water is constantly moving on rivers.
weight of sagging line is a massive help Laying out long casts might well impress your peers, but telling currents are
when it comes to line mending. As mentioned above, the very same drooping bound to pull a fly line this way and that, creating unwanted drag. ‘Drag’ is
line acts as an extended indicator, to help us determine takes. Remember, a best defined as our imitation not conforming with surrounding flows, making
taut line often pulls our flies from a trout’s mouth before they turn away, it appear as an impostor to fish. Given this, aim to work in the bounds of 30
resulting in a sense that fish are being ‘bumped off’. Slack line realised from feet or so, with a 40-foot cast considered long!
the raised rod allows fish to turn down with a fly and cushion smash takes. Not only are 30 feet casts remarkably accurate, it’s easier for us to control
Understandably, concerns exist that slack line generated from a rod line resting on water by using mends. Naturally, beginners worry about
angled upwards results in poorly-hooked or lost fish due to an absence of spooking fish positioned all of 10 yards away from their quarry. However, it’s
absolute direct contact. Bear in mind that our casts are much shorter than as well to remember, we’re often wading and there’s ample bankside cover
those used on stillwaters. A deft lift of a long rod at 30 feet is enough to too, both of which help obscure our profile! Make a point of progressing
gather up any coils of line, concluding in a positive hook set. slowly and quietly, and you won’t go far wrong.

START
RIGHT
Snowbee’s Simon Kidd talks you through a little gear
check before your first session of the season proper
THIS MONTH TACKLE CHECK
W
ITH opening day looming it’s tackle preparation time. And, while many
have been at the tying bench, stocking up with new patterns or contemplating FLY LINES
that new item that’ll make all the difference, the manufacturers have been Check each fly line from one end to the
sourcing new materials and employing the latest designs to make our other. Clean with simple soapy water on a
days more enjoyable. soft cloth or kitchen roll, run from end to
end and back again (strictly no alcohol type
CLOTHING aromatics which can destroy a line in no
REELS We need to time). Then dry with a soft cloth and – if a
Reels should be cleaned and spools consider where floating line – apply a coating of the
removed. If we want them to work properly we’ll be going and supplied line slick to aid performance. Be
next time out reels should never be left any what clothing sure to wipe off any excess with a clean
length of time with the drags under and apparel will soft cloth and leave to dry in loose coils on
pressure. A little Vaseline on the spindles, best suit us. If newspaper or a large clean cloth before
which can dry out after cleaning, will keep planning any winding back onto the reel. While cleaning,
them working well. I’ve seen reels seize special look for cracks or leader cuts. With care,
solid on fish of a lifetime when they’ve run adventures it’s some can be repaired using Superglue or
because they weren’t looked after. Modern certainly worth wader repair. Finally, check and replace any
cassette spools can become very tight buying once and braided loops. The new mini loops are the
after a season, as wet braided backing wisely for all easiest to apply.
dries and tightens on them. In eventualities. All good garments will have
this case the lines details published regarding specifications, Apply line slick to
and backing can including simple figures of breathability, clean lines.
be removed and waterproofness etc. The higher the number for
wound onto waterproofness, the greater the head of water
another spool needed to penetrate the material. A product
and the empty with a rating of 8000mm will be eight times
spools more waterproof than one of 1000mm. In terms
cleaned in hot of breathability, the more waterproof generally,
water. The the less breathable clothing tends to be. So,
shape will finding a high spec of good compromise is the
return so they answer, as is layering sensibly with modern
can be more synthetic materials.
easily changed Any black spots or staining on the inside of a
when next needed. breathable product, where it may have been put
away damp, should be cleaned off. If formed
already, this can be a sign that the membrane
may be at risk of breakdown. Modern waterproof
NETS clothing can often be cleaned, however, so
Wee need to check our nets. Now is the check labels. There are numerous waterproofing
time to replace any worn or perished nets agents available like Bondproofer DWR should
and there are replacement knotless anything need reproofing. Areas of
options in all sizes available today. wear, cracks and even visible
punctures can be sealed using
Bondtite-type wader repair
adhesives, without the need for
untidy patches.
On breathable
waders, spray
‘Leak Doctor’ over
any areas of RODS
concern and check Rods should be checked and cleaned carefully
the inside of the with a damp cloth, removing any grime around
wader for dark the rings, or anywhere that could affect the
patches. This can action and even damage the fly line. It’s also
reveal where any worth checking the rings for excessive wear and
seepage may be each section for any cracks or damage from fly
starting from. strikes.
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Visit our website www.veniard.com

FLY-TYING
A
S stillwater anglers we tend to think of insects to keep the fly afloat. The technique also allows the fly to
such as olives as something encountered during sit low on the water’s surface. There are often times when
the summer. Even on big natural waters the trout simply will not take a fly that’s riding high on the surface
first hatches of lake olives Cloeon simile are whether it be on a river or a lake. With a normal hackle this can
encountered from May onwards. On rivers, it’s not quite so be remedied by trimming away some of the lower fibres leaving
simple, largely because far more up-winged species are found only those projecting from the sides and top of the fly. With a
on running water than lakes. parachute hackle this is simply not necessary.
The large dark olive, or LDO, begins to hatch in significant A nifty way of adding a poly yarn wingpost is to first divide the
Grey poly
numbers as early as February, though March and April are length of yarn so that it’s half the thickness of the original. Then
yarn.
considered the more important months, especially if you’re loop it over the hook holding the ends together above the hook
fishing for trout where, unlike grayling, the season begins from shank. The wing is then fixed in position using tight figure-of-
mid to late March depending on location. eight thread turns around its base.
Top
Many, if not most of our up-winged species, at least as duns, It’s a method I first saw used by well-known Scottish fly
are some shade of olive. Fortunately, when it comes to tying tyer Ronnie Glass and works extremely well for all manner of
Tips
olive dun imitations their profile is also almost identical – size wingposts even when they’re not intended for a parachute
being the main variable. True, the ratio of wing to body size hackle. With this technique, not only is it impossible for the
does vary, as does the angle at which the wings are held. wing to pull out but the attachment sits below the shank and
The basic outline of an olive dun includes a slim tapered
body, a thorax, grey upright wings, along with the legs and tails. 1 A size 14 hook is
keeps bulk to an absolute minimum which is useful when trying
to tie particularly sparse natural looking flies.
Depending on the species, olives have either two or three the most useful
With the wing in place the next step is to run the tying thread
tails. Pond and lake olives, which are the species most often for olive dun down to the bend where the tail is added. In this pattern the
encountered on stillwaters, have only two. imitations. A size tail fibres are tied in on top of a tiny ball of dubbing, which,
From all of this I hope we’ve established that we can take a 16 or 18 can also when the first turns of the dubbed body are added, causes the
general template for an olive dun and tie it in a range of sizes be used on the fibres to splay out. This method ensures that as many fibres as
rivers, and a size
and shades of olive to cope with almost all the species we’re possible make contact with the water’s surface and support
12 on stillwaters
likely to encounter. As far as size is concerned a size 14 hook is on windy days. the rear end of the fly.
the most useful. One rivers you can go down to a 16 or even an So, apply a tiny amount of fine olive dubbing to the thread
18 and on lakes a size 12 can often be useful in windy conditions.
On stillwaters one other factor comes into play as we do have
2 then wind it in to a little ball positioned just slightly around the
hook bend. The grey cock hackle fibres which form the tail, or
CDC is a good
to tie flies to cope with different conditions. From a practical winging material, tails to be more precise, are added next, being caught in directly
aspect, a fly that is tied slim and sparse to be fished in a flat calm matching the on top of the dubbing ball. After this a second much larger
is quite different from one that is going to be any use on a brisk natural’s wing pinch of the olive dubbing is applied to the thread and twisted
gusty day. colour and between finger and thumb to form a thin slightly tapered rope.
helping the fly to
What’s most important next is that the first two turns of this
float. But when
“Take a general template for tying larger
patterns it’s
dubbed rope are applied at the tail base forcing the fibres to
splay out. To accomplish this the turns should be quite firm and
an olive dun and tie it in a worth looking at
synthetics such
if they don’t work unwind them and apply them again further
back over the tiny ball of dubbing, which should do the trick.
range of sizes and shades...” as Aero Dry Wing. With the tails nicely spread carry the dubbing rope up towards
3 the eye so that it covers two-thirds of the shank.
Wing materials When adding Hackle preparation

Once decided on the basic Olive template you can then tweak a poly yarn The hackle is either a grey or dyed olive cock hackle. Choose
wingpost, divide
it to suit various circumstances. One consideration is the wing. the length of yarn one with fibres a little longer than the hook gape then strip
Now cul-de-canard is a superb material for winging an olive dun in half. Then loop away the soft fibres from the base and trim the stem to leave a
imitation. The shade of grey or natural CDC is an almost perfect it over the hook short stub, before catching in at the base of the wing post.
match for an olive’s wing, it is easy to use and all those tiny holding the ends Some tyers will catch in the hackle at the same time as the
fibres and natural oil helps the fly to float. This means that in together above wing, before the tail and body are added. I prefer this method
the hook shank.
very small sizes the wing alone is enough to keep the fly floating. The wing is then
simply because it can get in the way and also if it won’t wind
However, on larger patterns it’s worth looking at other fixed in position properly, which can happen, you don’t have to undo much of
options. If takes are coming quickly the one real downside of using tight thread the fly to change it.
CDC becomes all too apparent. Being so soft CDC can become turns. With the hackle caught in, apply close tight thread turns at
4
clogged by fish slime making it difficult to dry and re-treat. For the base of the wing. Carry the turns up the wing to create a
this reason, manmade alternatives such as poly yarn Aero Dry short stiff section which will support the hackle-turns to come.
Wing are well worth a look. To make the tail The thorax is formed from a small pinch of dyed olive hare’s
There are also various ways of hackling a dry olive dun. The fibres splay out mask which is dubbed onto the thread then applied both
most common method is simply to wind an olive or blue dun take your time behind and in front of the wing, the last couple of turns being
applying the
cock hackle over the hook shank either in close or well spaced wound from the eye back to the base of the wing.
dubbed rope,
turns depending on how dense you want the hackle to be. making the first So, with the thread now positioned at the wing base rather
Another method is to wind it around the base of the wing or two turns at than the eye, take hold of the hackle by its tip using a pair of
some other support. Here the hackle fibres splay out just above the tail base. If hackle pliers. Apply two or three turns of hackle, winding it
the hook shank giving the appearance of a small parachute, it doesn’t work, down the wingpost towards the thorax then secure the tip with
which is why this style is known as a parachute hackle. unwind and try turns of thread made round the wing base and through the
again.
hackle turns. Care must be taken not to trap the fibres
The Olive Paradun
The easiest way to form a parachute hackle for patterns such
5 with thread.
Having secured the hackle, carefully trim
Catch in the
as the Paradun is to add a wingpost around which the hackle hackle at the
off the waste tip then apply a whip finish
can be wound. The material needs to be long enough for it same time as the around the base of the wing between
to be held under tension as the hackle is applied and for this wing, and before the hackle and the thorax. Finally,
reason manmade yarns such as Antron or polypropylene work the tail and body. trim off both thread and
particularly well as they are light and repel water. Both come If it doesn’t wind excess yarn to leave a
properly you short upright wing.
in a range of colours from natural ones such as grey or olive
won’t have to
to bright pink or yellow. The latter, while not being imitative, undo so much of
show up well even in difficult light so the angler can track their the fly to put it
position on the water’s surface. right.
The great thing about a parachute hackle is that it is a really
efficient way of adding a hackle as all the fibres come into Olive and blue
contact with the water’s surface so fewer turns are needed dun hackles.

HOW TO TIE
Olive Paradun
Hook: Size 12-16 medium weight wet fly
Thread: Olive
Tail: Blue dun or olive cock hackle fibres
Body: Fine olive dubbing
Wing: Grey poly yarn
Thorax: Dyed olive hare’s fur
Hackle: Blue dun or olive cock hackle
All materials used

available from your
Veniard stockists
For stockists visit

our website:
www.veniard.com/
stockists.asp
1 2 3
Fix hook in vice and run the tying thread on at the Using figure-of-eight thread turns secure the wing Select a few blue dun cock hackle fibres and catch
eye. Split a length of poly yarn lengthways then in place then run thread down to the bend. Dub on a them in so that they are approximately the same
loop in over the shank, catching it in with thread. tiny pinch of olive dubbing and form a small ball. length as the hook shank.
4 5 6
Dub on a larger pinch of the olive dubbing, twisting Prepare a blue dun cock hackle stripping away the Lock the hackle to the wing, winding the thread up
it to form a slim rope. Wind the fur in close turns fibres from the base. Cut the stem to a short stub the yarn to form a stiff base for the hackle. Dub on a
from the tail almost to the wing base. then catch the hackle in at the wing base. pinch of olive hare’s fur and form the thorax.
7 8 9
With the tying thread positioned at the base of the Secure the hackle tip with turns of thread which are Trim off the loose end of the thread and the excess
wing grasp the hackle tip with hackle pliers. Apply wound just on top of the thorax, then cast off the hackle tip before cutting off the excess yarn with a
two or three hackle turns around the wing. tying thread with a three-turn whip finish. straight or angled cut.

FLYBOX FILLERS
Mini Minkie and Zonker patterns

tied in various colours. The
tungsten beads impart plenty
of action on the retrieve.
The Mini Minkie

Russ Symons reveals a scaled-down lure for his 5/6wt rods
T
HIS is one of my ‘go to’ flies when things me, is the white Cat’s Whisker colour combination,
get really tough – be it the depths of with the Black & Green variation a close alternative.
winter when there’s the crunch of frost The green-coloured Zonker doubles as a good
underfoot or in the brightness of a Damsel imitation. Then the orange and yellow
summer’s day, when all the fish are hiding deep in the variations are there because some days those are
shadow of a well-grown weed thicket. the colours the fish really want, so it will pay to have
Some might question whether this is a Minkie or a couple of each in your box. As an interesting aside, I
a Zonker and to be perfectly honest as far as I can once saw a fish move five or six yards to smack one of
find out, a Minkie is tied with mink fur and a Zonker is these flies, so there is something a bit special about
tied with whatever other fur you can lay your hands the way they work.
on. I have Zonkers tied with rabbit fur, muskrat and
polecat, even – believe it or not – hyena, and it works. Scaling down for 5/6wt rods
What I’ve found is that a lot of these flies are tied Most shop-bought versions of the Minkie or Zonker
commercially with lead wound bodies, which will are tied with strips of fur, which are up to 3-4mm Materials
make them sink horizontally. But I tie this version wide and the fly can be 60-70mm long. Then, even Hook: Size 8 Kamasan B120 wide gape
with a bead head, usually tungsten these days. I longer than that, are the Snakes, which are basically Thread : Black 100-140 denier GSP
believe the bead head, by concentrating the weight an overgrown version of the Zonker and they work Tail/wing: Mink or rabbit fur strips
at the head, makes the fly sink head first. Then – very well. Body: Veniard’s Glister dubbing
particularly if you’re using a figure-of-eight retrieve But I wanted something I could cast with my five or Bead head: Tungsten bead
– makes the fly swim head down, head up, head six-weight rods, because – when regular Minkies and
down, head up...etc., which makes the tail pulsate in Zonkers are well soaked – these bigger flies cast like
the water – the action that makes this style of fly so a dead rat on the smaller rods. So I went smaller and
deadly. made a mini version that could be cast with my five Mini Minkie, is to grip one end of the strip in the jaws
Having said that, this fly can be pulled with almost and six-weight rods and I’ve had some really good of your vice and carefully cut from the leather side,
any kind of retrieve you like and it will catch. Try a fish on them. so that the 3 or 4mm width is cut in half to 1.5/2mm
roly-poly if fish are in a chasing mood. width. You’ll need a very sharp blade for this, so
Like so many other flies, but particularly with this Tying method needless to say, be very careful and keep your fingers
one, the key is to try something different when the The method of tying the Minkie/Zonker is basically out of the way.
fish are being elusive. Because, make no mistake, this the same no matter what size they are, but there are I bought myself a scalpel and blades off eBay and
fly will catch in all sorts of conditions. Sorting out a couple of tips here for tying the mini version. that does the job superbly well, besides which it is
which colour, how deep and how fast is the key to First off, if you already have fur strips pre-cut and useful for trimming deer hair etc. But do be very
making it work. they are the regular 3-4mm width, the easy way to careful with it.
The most successful versions of this fly, at least for get the 1.5 / 2mm wide strips that you want for the Hends do some muskrat zonker strip which is

Tying tips for the Mini
Minkie/Zonker
■ Getting the right fur is essential to make
this fly work properly. Buy in the Hends or
Wapsi mini strips if you haven’t already got
lots you can cut to size.
■ Use a wide gape hook such as the
Kamasan B120 size 8.
■ I use a 100/140 denier GSP thread so that I
RUSS’ LEADER SET UP can ensure that everything is very securely
fastened with the minimum of thread turns.
■ After fastening the bead, run the thread
To an intermediate back down the hook shank and give it a dose
line
of cement or Superglue to give a very secure
Trout can’t base to the fly.
resist the
movement . ■ When you’re tying off, spin the thread
clockwise to make it as thin as possible. Put
some glue on the thread before you tie it in
so that it slides down the back of the bead
For reservoirs,
use a 9ft tapered
“The non-slip mono and locks itself with the minimum of turns.
leader with 5ft
tippet of 7-8lb
loop gives freedom of ■ One last thing, which I believe to be quite
important. If like me you often use 7 or 8lb
fluorocarbon movement to the fly.” fluorocarbon when fishing this type of fly,
it’s a good idea to tie the fly to the leader
using a tiny loop knot, so that the fly can
10ft of 7-8lb achieve maximum movement.
fluorocarbon
■ I use the non-slip mono loop (page 53,
Practical Fishing Knots by Lefty Krey and
Mark Sosin), often called the Lefty Loop
today. According to tests it delivers over
90% of line strength.
Mini Minkie
1.5mm in width and very good it is too. Wapsi also

do some micro mink strips which are about 2mm
in width and that’s good as well. But whatever you
decide, cut your own or buy it in, you’ll need these
thin strips to get the pulsating action that these Mini
Minkies have.
I mentioned before, that these days I’m using
tungsten beads to weight these flies. The reason for
this is that the beads are quite small for their weight
and are available in all sorts of sexy metallic colours
to match or contrast with the fur colour. I get mine
from a firm called Tungsten Beads Plus, who also sell
the Hends Zonker strip.
I tend to use quite a heavy hook for these flies,
namely the Kamasan B120 in a size eight. With the
bead in place and the strip tied down it makes a
compact but tough little fly. I would have tied some
with barbless hooks this season but I couldn’t find
a barbless hook that gave the same proportion and
weight as the B120. However, I suspect the range
of barbless hooks will grow as time goes on, till
eventually one will become available.
The body dubbing is simple, Veniard’s Glister dubs
easily in a dubbing loop and when it is brushed out,
gives a touch of glint and sparkle to the body, which
is difficult to get with any other material.
This is a great little fly and the tungsten bead head
gives a tremendous sinuous action to the tail. Having
The Mini Minkie
said that, I also tie the exact same fly with foam eyes,
strikes again.
which – when fished on a sinking or sink-tip line – can
be an evil little fly on the right day and this is the right
time of year to stock up with the sinking and floating
variations! STEP-BY-STEP TYING SEQUENCE
FLYBOX FILLERS
DON’T TIE?
THEN BUY...
IAIN Barr offers
some incredible fry
patterns ranging
from standard
Minkies and Floating
Fry right through
to Tubes. Standard
patterns are priced
£1 each with larger
Tubes costing £1.30 and smaller £1.20. Available from
www.iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk
For more information call 07802 567205 or email:
enquiries@iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk
HOW TO TIE THE MINI MINKIE/ZONKER

1 2 3
Bead onto hook, small hole first. Wrap thread to trap Split the 4mm wide rabbit strip into 2mm wide strips Take a fur length and offer up to hook. Make a parting
the bead and then wind down the shank of the hook. using a scalpel. Be very careful not to get your fingers so there’s enough strip to reach the hook eye. Wetting
Coat with cement to give good base for the fly. in the way. the fur keeps the parting open whilst tying.
4 5 6
To create the fly’s body, spin up a dubbing loop Complete the body of the fly with the Glister. Avoid Bring the fur strip over the body and tie down firmly.
containing the Glister or dubbing of choice. Then wind too tight a body because this sparkle material needs This basically forms a wing as well as protecting the
the dubbing around shank as shown. to be fairly loose and straggly. body from above.
7 8 9
Using sharp pointy scissors snip away the waste fur Spin up a little dubbing and take a couple of turns to Tie off by putting some glue on the thread and letting
adjacent to the hook. You could also use a scalpel but cover the fur butts and thread. Don’t use very much, the thread slide down the back of the bead. Pull tight
again be careful of your fingers! just a couple of loose turns. and snip the thread.

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The best ideas
and patterns
will make you
a Flymaster
Fly Dressers’ Guild chairman Peter Gathercole judges Trout Fisherman’s fly-tying competition
Tenth challenge comment About Flymasters TIE ON BARBLESS HOOKS

I’M not sure of the reason but after many TROUT Fisherman has now teamed up
with Ian’s Flies for the Flymasters fly-tying Barbless hooks are often seen
years of Flymasters competitions there’s
as less effective at landing fish
been a sudden increase in the number of competition, with Peter Gathercole as judge.
than their barbed equivalent –
new names taking part. Each month a challenge will be set inviting
this isn't true.
I don’t know where they’ve all been hiding you, the tyers, to put your creativity to the Partridge of Redditch has
either for a high proportion of these tyers test. Your pattern should then be posted to played a long and innovative
are very good indeed, as can be seen from us at the Trout Fisherman offices and will be role in the development of
this month’s top nine in the ‘Synthetic passed onto Peter. barbless patterns – arrow
Lure’ challenge. And if this month’s batch Now the Chairman of the Fly Dressers’ points, dropped points and
of entries is anything to go by they’re Guild, author of the best-sellers ‘Fly Tying needle points all started
certainly going to keep our previous For Beginners’ and the ‘Fly Tying Bible’ and here and have morphed
winners on their toes. all-round game fishing personality Peter into some of the most well known brands
It’s heartening to see that the restriction is well placed to be judge. It’s up to you to today. Partridge’s PATRiOT Barbless patterns
of only using man-made products did impress him! are characterised by the best of the features
nothing to limit the inventiveness of our and benefits required by competitive and
entries – far from it, they were for the most How flies will be judged productive fishers:
part very interesting and a pleasure to judge. Peter is looking for innovation, a high
Interestingly for me, there were quite a few standard of tying and creativity but this has ■ Black nickel
fry-style patterns along with variations to be tempered with the pattern’s prowess finish aids hook setting
on the Cat’s Whisker and the Tadpole. So, as a fish-catcher – after all, that’s what it’s ■ Robust needle points to ensure
thanks to everyone for a strong and varied eventually designed to do. that they set time and time again
entry and I look forward to seeing the next All submitted flies should be squashed ■ Wire weights suit tough fishing
batch of entries. barb or tied on barbless hooks. applications
THE “Each month a challenge

PRIZanEtsSreceive:
tr
will be set inviting you,
All published en
dge, a special Fl
ymasters fly the tyers, to put your
a Flymaster ba Flies as well as a packet of
selection from
Ian’s
ss hooks.
creativity to the test...
Partridge barble s:
for the year win with Peter Gathercole
Overall winner page article in TF as well
star of a 6-
a trophy, be the ed in a case. as judge.”
e of their best flies mount ty of
as receiving on has the possibili
r for the year also Flies.
Overall winne Ia n’s
association with ters
tyer s ar e in vi ted to a Flymas
All show ca se d t Fish er y in
y at Elinor Trou strations,
Celebration Da ty in g de m on
w ith
summer 2018, fishing match
and
food, friendly .
presentations
70 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.iansflies.com

SPONSORED BY
CHALLENGE 10 WINNER
Twin-tail
Italian Job
GEOFF PALMER
HOOK: Size 10 long shank
THREAD: Olive
TAIL: Two strands chartreuse Flexi-Floss and black
seed beads, Glo-Brite green floss, Krystal Flash and
pearl organza
UNDER BODY: Lead wire covered with silver tinsel
BODY: Red and green holographic tinsel and olive
organza Two strands of Flexi-Floss tipped
HACKLE: Olive organza with beads give the impression
THORAX: Green Glister of stalked shrimp eyes.
HEAD: 3.2mm fluo yellow tungsten bead The olive organza body is tied
in not too thick so that the red
holographic tinsel can be seen
– a subtle colour contrast.
A tungsten bead at the
head allows the lure to
be fished sink-and-draw,
which adds movement.
A long-shank hook suits the

style of this pattern, which
is mostly body.
Peter says...
This is a really interesting entry with a number of unusual CHALLENGE
features, not least the two strands of Flexi-Floss which,
being tipped with small black beads, look similar to the
stalked eyes of a shrimp. The body comprises turns of
NUMBER 12
Tie an Irish style wet Mayfly pattern
red and green holographic tinsel over which are wound
olive green organza that’s had one side stripped away to Entries to: Flymasters, Trout Fisherman magazine, Bauer Media, Media House,
create a less dense effect. The organza creates a soft Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA.
translucent feel and being a similar colour to the green
tinsel of the body allows the turns of red to shine out. The l Give fly’s name, full detailed dressing (including type of hook), plus notes on how the
Twin Tail is well tied and equally well designed, if a tad fly evolved. Attach fly to single page of notes, add your name/address, and submit.
complicated. A worthy winner of this month’s challenge. l All published submissions receive a Flymasters badge.
l Entries cannot be returned.
l Deadline for entries is Friday March 30 . Results in issue 509 (on sale April 25)
Turn over for the ‘Best of the Rest’...
www.iansflies.com www.barbless-flies.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 71

THE BEST OF THE REST:
2 | Glass Fry 3| Strictly Synthetic

ANDY SAUNDERS BRIAN DAWSON
HOOK: Size 10 black wet-fly THREAD: White HOOK: Size 12 nymph hook THREAD: Orange 8/0
TAIL: Olive and white Lazer Dub, Orvis Flashabou, Pearl Flashabou TAIL: 16mm Polar Bear Sporadic (Straggle) BODY: 16mm UV fluo
BODY: UV cure resin EYES: Gator Eyes chartreuse Sporadic WING/HACKLE: Sunburst Textreme Super Long Hair
HEAD: Gold sequin and 3.2mm fluorescent orange bead
PETER SAYS: The Glass Fry has much in common with a number of
saltwater bait-fish patterns. In this beautifully tied, scaled-down version PETER SAYS: While perhaps not the neatest fly it still has some interesting
it makes a great imitation of a small roach fry. The tail comprises soft applications of materials. For instance, rather than applying the Straggle
dubbing-style materials to impart plenty of movement, while the sparkle Fritz body in a single length the 16mm Straggle is first twisted so the core
is provided by two types of Flashabou. The ultra-tough body is made by wraps around itself – known as furling. The result is a full, mobile detached
applying coats of clear UV cure resin with lifelike eyes setting off the whole body with loads of sparkle. The rest of the fly comprises layers of chartreuse
thing. Altogether a super little fly. and sunburst strands to create an effect similar to the Cut Throat Cat.
6| UV Polar Cat 7| The Pullman

MICHAEL EVERITT LAWRIE JENKINS
HOOK: Size 6 long shank THREAD: White Nano silk HOOK: Size 10 nymph THREAD: Red TAG: Silver holographic tinsel and
TAIL: Glo-Brite No.10 yarn BODY: Chartreuse UV Straggle Hackle yellow Edge Bright TAIL: Chartreuse Glister Sparkle and red and black Flash
LEGS: Orange barred Sili Legs WING: White and chartreuse Polar Fibre Brite RIB: Fluo yellow Edge Bright BODY: Silver extra fine UV Straggle
HACKLE: Pink floss EYES: Epoxy Living Eyes THORAX: Chartreuse Glister Sparkle HEAD: 3.3mm fluo yellow bead
PETER SAYS: The Polar Cat has the profile of a fry imitation but with the PETER SAYS: This slim, sparkling lure uses chartreuse as its base colour
white and green coloration of a Cat’s Whisker making it a very effective contrasted by a touch of red and black Flash Brite within the tail. It’s quite
looking pattern. It’s a relatively complicated fly that uses three layers of a rough looking fly but with plenty going on, not least in the body where
Polar Fibre for the wing, with a bunch of chartreuse fibres sandwiched silver UV Straggle is overwound with turns of yellow Edge Bright creating
between two white ones. The long slim wing imparts plenty of movement, a an effective appearance of translucency. A really good use of synthetic
feature enhanced by four strands of barred orange Sili Legs. materials, especially in the case of the ultra-fine strands used in the tail.
72 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.iansflies.com

CHALLENGE 10
SPONSORED BY
4| Wotsapp 5| Pseudo Cat

ALEX BRITTON ASHLEY MORTON
HOOK: Size 10 heavyweight wet fly THREAD: Yellow 6/0 HOOK: Size 10 heavyweight wet-fly THREAD: Red TAIL: White Pseudo Fur
TAIL: Chartreuse car cleaning mop strand BODY: Chartreuse Polar Fritz BODY: Yellow Pseudo Hackle WING: White Pseudo Fur
LEGS: Yellow Flexi-Floss HEAD: 3.2mm fluorescent yellow bead FLASH: Silver holographic tinsel HEAD: Red tying thread and UV resin
PETER SAYS: I’ve had no real experience when it comes to using Mop flies, PETER SAYS: A nicely tied fly with all the features of a mini Cat’s Whisker
though I have it on good authority they’re extremely effective. If that’s the but tied with yellow Pseudo Hackle for the body, which looks lime green to
case then Alex Britton’s Wotsapp should be a real killer – it’s certainly bright me, and white Pseudo Fur for the wing and tail. A great combination and
enough to catch any trout’s eye. Incidentally, the name Wotsapp comes apart from the noticeable hair cut to the tips of the wing creates a nice
about because it is tied as a hybrid between a Wotsit and an Apps’ Worm. I full effect, very much like marabou. A touch of sparkle comes from short
assume that the Wotsit gets its name from its resemblance in shape to the lengths of silver holographic tinsel either side of the wing, the whole thing
cheesy snack that covers you in orange dust. capped off with a glossy head of red tying thread.
8 | The Eglington 9 | Leggy Brite Damsel

BERT WASON MICHAEL BEATY
HOOK: Size 8 heavyweight wet fly THREAD: Black 8/0 HOOK: Size 12 wet fly THREAD: Olive GSP TAIL: Golden olive Body Fur,
TAG: Fluo red Glo-Brite floss BODY: Orange Frosty Fish Fibre, red and dark olive and gold Crystal Flash RIB: Fine copper wire
brown EP Silky Fibres, chartreuse Super Hair WING: Barred Pseudo fibres, BODY: Two strands each of dark olive Spanflex and chartreuse Spanflex
white and chartreuse Polar fibre, silver Crystal Flash HEAD: Black thread LEGS: Dark olive and chartreuse Spanflex SHELLBACK: Mottled olive Thin
and Opal Mirage EYES: Red stick on eyes Skin THORAX: Chartreuse Flash Bright HEAD: Metallic blue tungsten bead
PETER SAYS: Like many of Bert’s patterns this one gets its name from a PETER SAYS: Using the idea of a mobile damselfly nymph this pattern has
particular fishery. It has a fry-like profile, hardly surprising as the Eglington plenty of lure-like features with its metallic blue head and mobile tail. The
is a spin-off of a pike pattern he designed. By its colouration it looks as if body is made by weaving strands of dark olive and chartreuse Spanflex. Extra
it were designed to imitate a small perch. The layering of the materials to mobility comes from legs of dark olive and chartreuse Spanflex while Crystal
create the body is very effective and creates a convincing fish-like profile. Flash strands and a thorax of Flash Bright dubbing add a touch of sparkle.
www.iansflies.com FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 73

SPECIAL
READER
OFFER STORAFLY BOX AND
150 ASSORTED FLIES
ONLY£29.99
AVE
S 4!
£8
THIS month’s great reader
offer is a season’s worth
of updated fly patterns in
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fly box. The slim and
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from lightweight but highly
durable high-impact clear
plastic. And inside are 150
flies including dries, wets
and nymphs that will see
you catching fish from early
spring to late season.
* Plus £6.99 p&p. Offer available

while stocks last. Please note that fly
selection may vary from that shown
and flies are not slotted into box.
HOW TO Tel: 0141 212 8880

ORDER
Quote ‘Trout Fisherman offer’
Fax: 0141 331 6340 Email: sales@fishingmegastore.com
Website: http://gac.fishing/00129TF
and code 00129TF when you Or by Post: Glasgow Angling Centre Ltd, Unit 1, The Point,
place your order. 29 Saracen St, Glasgow G22 5HT
New Gear
Everything from rods to reels and clothing
Independen
tt
Robbie Win ester
r
puts the lat am
e
gear throug st
h
its paces
Your first reservoir or boat rod?

Daiwa Silvercreek Fly rods At overhead casts and double hauling it is very
good. When it comes to continuous motion casts TECH-SPEC
from £69.99 such as the roll and switch, I did need to be quite
precise with my casting, even though it has that MODEL: SILVERCREEK 10FT 7WT
DAIWA have brought out four new rod ranges for extra bit of flex. I did like the oversized rings as they Price: £79.99
this year, including the Silvercreek Fly series which allowed the line to positively zip out onto target. Weight: 5oz (143gr)
consists of nine models from an 8ft 4wt at £69.99 to When changing to midge, sink-tips and Sections: 4
a 11ft 3in 7/8wt at £99.99. I chose to review the 10ft intermediates the rod handled them in a very ■ Full wells cork handle reinforced with
7wt and 9ft 6wt. similar way to the floating line, and the 7wt rating EVA at the top, one-inch cork/EVA fighting
The cork handle on the 10ft 7wt is nice and smooth is spot-on. Denser medium to extra fast sinkers saw butt, gunmetal alloy anodised skeletal reel
and has a more prominent bulge in the middle than the rod bend a good bit deeper and I could really feel seat with carbon fibre insert and double
on some rods, but sits comfortably in the hand. it loading. The rod worked best for me with either a uplocking rings
While the majority of the blank has a matt unground 6/7wt or a 6wt line. ■ Natural carbon matt and gloss blank
finish, the butt section is a smooth ground The 9ft 6wt is still a middle to tip action rod with black whippings and metallic silver
semi-gloss finish. There are two good but has a little more flex further down the highlights, section alignment dots with rod’s
sized stripping rings and the oversized blank than its big brother. It handled length and AFTM rating
snakes allow for unhindered line Tackle a 6wt floating line really smoothly ■ Two aluminium oxide stripping guides,
shoot. I did like the little keeper ring Tester’s Choice and would make an ideal small water eight snakes, tip and folding keeper ring
which you can fold out of the way. rod. It has a little more in the way ■ 34-inch zip-top cordura covered rod
The rod was matched up to a 7wt of finesse being able to generate tube with carry handle and adjustable and
floating line and within a few casts reasonably high line speeds with nice detachable shoulder strap, and a cloth bag
I deduced that the action was very tight loops, producing good turnover
much middle to tip, with most of the and deft presentation. Great for top MODEL: SILVERCREEK 9FT 6WT
flex coming halfway down the blank. This of the water tactics and especially fishing Price: £74.99
allowed for relatively easy and smooth pick-up dries. I did try a 6wt multi-tip line, intermediates Weight: 4.4oz (124gr)
off the water at short and medium range with the and a medium sink which worked really well. When Sections: 4
rod loading easily. Tip recovery was reasonably fast, I switched to sinking lines it did struggle a bit until I ■ All other tech specs the same except it
the blank aerialised the line comfortably and I was dropped down to a 5wt, but apart from that this is a has a half wells cork handle, no fighting butt,
able to generate pretty good loops on both the back tidy little package. seven snake rings, and a 31-inch tube
and forward casts. Delivery onto the water was
accurate and presentation pretty crisp. VERDICT:
Lifting and aerialising longer lengths of line saw While the 10ft 7wt is not powerful enough to
the rod retain its smooth delivery and introducing be an out-and-out competition rod, for anyone
the double haul really allowed me to push the line considering their first reservoir or boat-rod it
at distance, although a slightly longer arm stroke would be a good buy and its friendly action will
was needed to get the best out of the rod at these iron out any casting errors. Very good value for
ranges. When I was striving for maximum distance money.
this rod didn’t like to be rushed and if I tried to force
it, the rod just didn’t respond. This rod is all about
feel and it will let you know how little or how much Web: www.daiwasports.co.uk Folding keeper ring.
pressure to apply. Tel: 01698 355723
The two different

handles.
“This rod is all about feel

and it will let you know
how little or how much
pressure to apply.”

TACKLE NEW GEAR
Trousers for rain, snow and wind Tackle

Tester’s Choice
Greys overtrousers £149.99 Greys

waterproof
THESE “all-weather” trousers are made from
Climatex material and comprise of a polyester
trousers
outer layer with a DWR coating, a hydrophilic £109.99
membrane that allows perspiration to
escape, and finally a polyester lining. THE waterproof
The areas around the small of the back, trousers are made of
the seat and also the front of the knees have the same Climatex
been given extra protection with a more material as the
robust material and this has been reinforced overtrousers, but in a
with a neoprene padding sandwiched lighter version which
between the outer and inner layer making it makes them less stiff
more comfortable when sitting or kneeling. and more pliable and
These are a substantial pair of trousers packable. This also
(the medium size weigh 2lb 6oz) that are means they are very
waterproof, windproof and breathable and comfortable so they
have increased built-in warmth thanks can be worn next to
to the lining so are ideal on really bad- the skin or over a light
weather days. base layer.
The trousers are high-waisted with They have a
a partly elasticated back and a set of ‘softshell’ finish with
adjustable and detachable elasticated a DWR coating, fully
webbing braces. There is a water- taped seams and have
resistant zip fly opening with a good a 92% polyester and 8%
stormflap behind it and two popper elastane mesh lining
studs at the waist which also features throughout.
two belt loops. There are three
They are a fairly regular fit although pockets, two at the
there is a bit of contouring around the front and one on the
knees. There is a 15-inch long water- back, with water
resistant zip opening at the bottom of resistant zips, belt loops
each trouser leg that opens up to reveal and two side waist
a gusset section. This widens the ankle adjusters with poppers
opening but not quite enough to slide to cinch them in for a
over an ankle boot or wellington. Once tighter fit. The knees
zipped shut the ankle cuff has a further are slightly articulated
Velcro fastener and tab so if the trousers for a comfortable fit
are a little long they can be cinched up a and the ankle cuffs
bit. The extra durable fabric on the seat have simple Velcro
and knees is also present on the inside of and tab adjusters. The
the ankle cuff, a high wear area. front zip opening has
Further features include two side a protective stormflap
pockets with water resistant zips. behind it, and there is
Available in M, L, XL and XXL. Wash at an additional button
30 degrees. fastener on the waist.
Available in M, L, XL
and XXL. Wash at 30
degrees.
“The overtrousers are waterproof,

windproof and breathable with
built-in warmth.”
A zipped gusseted section runs up from The waterproof trousers have The popper stud fastening on
the ankle cuff. side waist adjusters. the technical trousers.
76 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 -MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

Greys technical fishing Scierra Head First single-hand
trousers £69.99 shooting heads £29.99
THESE trousers have built-in stretch thanks to the
elastane/nylon mix fabric which is comfortable, very WHEN you are striving for distance help is at hand
durable, and breathes well. The trousers have also in the form of a shooting head, basically a length
been given a DWR finish so will remain showerproof of fly line attached to a thin running (shooting)
and dry very quickly. line. The idea is that the heavier fly line pulls the
The standard zip-front opening has a large baffle lighter running line out with one aim, to achieve
behind it and there’s an additional button fastening maximum distance.
on the waist. They also feature a set of belt loops and While very effective at hitting these distance
the side adjuster tabs with popper studs. The legs marks, presentation was extremely crude and
are a fairly roomy fit with slight contouring around heavy-handed, something that the design team at
the knees and the ankle cuffs have a velcro tab and Scierra have spent a lot of time on rectifying in the
fastener system. development of their new Head First shooting heads.
There is one rear pocket and one leg box pocket Time has been spent looking at the weight distribution
both with water resistant zips, an expandable leg and in creating smooth tapers so when the shooting head is
pocket with storm flap and Velcro fasteners and two nearing its target the turnover is much slower and doesn’t land all
open waist pockets. at once in a heap.
Available in M, L, XL and XXL. Wash at 40 degrees. The shooting heads are available in SH5-9, in Float (light
blue) and Sink1 (intermediate 1.5ips, blue). Both these
have a 9.5 metre (31-foot) head length. The Sink1 is also
available with a longer head length of 11.5 metres (38
feet), and it comes in SH6-7 and is a glass blue in colour.
All have micro welded loops front and back and a laser-
printed ID.
I tried both the Float SH8 and Sink1 SH7 off the bank at
Rutland. The Float had the coated shooting line behind it
and Sink1 had the shooting mono. The head length is short
enough for my casting style so the join between the two is
outside the rod tip. This means the initial lift, load and shoot is
very smooth. For short to medium range just a simple back cast,
load and fire on the forward shoot sent the lines on their way. When I
was looking to hit real distance a simple single or double haul was all that
was needed. False casting or hauling two or three times just wasn’t necessary.
The shooting head with the coated running line behind
it did have a better turnover and presentation than that
of the shooting mono, but I could feather the mono to
add more resistance before final touch down to get good
presentation.
Having not used shooting heads for some time I was very
impressed by the distance I could achieve, how little effort I
needed to put in, and the way they cut through a very strong
head wind.
Web: www.svendsen-sport.com
Tel: 01827 59659 The lines feature micro welded loops.
Scierra shooting lines from £9.99

SCIERRA have produced coated shooting line and also shooting mono, both of which can be used to
back the shooting heads.
The coated shooting line is £24.99 and comes in 20lb and 30lb and is a 30 metre (98.5 feet) length
of level floating fly line. The 20lb is light blue and white and the 30lb is dark red and white and both
feature small welded loops at the front end so you can loop-to-loop it to the shooting head, and have
laser-printed IDs. This line is just like the running line on a weight forward fly line and is smooth, easy to
handle and because of its low diameter shoots cleanly through the rod rings.
The shooting mono comes on 50 metre (164 feet) spools and is available in 30lb (white/green) and
50lb (white/orange), both at £9.99. This is a round, smooth, slightly stiffer monofilament and once given
a good stretch shows virtually no memory. This
very thin line creates little resistance
through the rod rings so shoots
extremely well, but it is harder to
handle, particularly in cold and
windy conditions.
Web: www.svendsen-
sport.com
Tel: 01827 59659
Web: www.greysfishing.co.uk
Tel: 01665 602 771

TACKLE NEW GEAR
A reel with
Hardy pedigree
Hardys Ultralite MTX reel
from £379.99
THIS reel has real WOW factor both in terms of its
aesthetics and performance.
It is Hardy’s first ever reel with a ‘hybrid’
construction, being made of both carbon fibre
and tooled alloy. This firstly reduces the weight
considerably compared to an all-alloy reel, and
secondly it looks seriously cool with its alloy rim and
the distinctive high modulus carbon fibre backplate
really making a statement.
The reel is an open frame large arbor design and
the quality tooled alloy spool has been heavily
ventilated to further reduce weight. It has also been
given a high quality anodised finish.
The spool is removed by unscrewing a
captive nut in the centre and just sliding
it off the spindle. It has been machined Tackle
to exceptionally high tolerances and Tester’s Choice
there is no movement whatsoever
between the reel’s frame and the spool.
In the centre of the reel frame, set
into the carbon fibre backplate, is the
carbon fibre disc drag system, the cover
of which has been given a stylish metallic
orange finish. The drag is operated by a drag
knob on the back of the frame with coloured dots to
denote each setting. This drag goes from minimum
to maximum (6lb pressure) in a 340-degree turn, less
than one whole turn, so is very easy to operate when “This reel has
the pressure is on.
There is an audible click on the line in and line out real WOW factor
operation and the drag is exceptionally smooth on
all settings, being easy to deploy when you are
both in terms of
playing a fish. its aesthetics and
The reel comes set up for left hand wind
but is easily changed over by unscrewing the performance.”
drag housing, flipping the clutch over and
reassembling.
Available in three models: MTX 3000 (3/4/5) at
£379.99; MTX 5000 (5/6/7) at £389.99; and the
MTX 7000 (7/8/9) at £399.99.
Comes with a limited-five-year warranty and a
black neoprene case.
VERDICT:
A superb piece of reel design with all the Hardy
pedigree. I would have liked a lifetime warranty
for a reel of this price.
Web: www.hardyfishing.co.uk
Tel: 01665 602771
TECH-SPEC
MODEL: MTX 7000
Price: £399.99
Weight: 164gr (5.8oz)
Diameter: 110mm
Width: 32mm
Capacity: WF8 plus 115 metres of 20lb
dacron
Spare spool: £149.99
78 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 -MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

Snowbee Nivalis down jacket £219
SNOWBEE’S latest ‘technical’ garment is the Nivalis down Tackle
jacket. Down insulation is one of the best. However, it will lose
Tester’s Choice
all its thermal properties as soon as it gets wet. This jacket
gets around this problem by putting the down (made up of
90% duck down and 10% feathers) into waterproof pockets to
protect it. These rectangular pockets give the jacket a
distinctive ‘grid’ look.
The jacket uses an internal and external three-layer laminated
fabric. It also uses hidden internal stitching to form the down pockets so
there’s no weak points on the outside that the water can breach. The jacket is then
protected inside and out with a waterproof membrane, ensuring the down pockets
remain totally dry.
The outer shell is a tightly woven micro fibre polyester fabric that has also been
given a DWR finish so when rain hits the jacket, it just beads up and rolls off.
The jacket has a main front zip with an orange cord and rubber pull tab which
tucks away neatly into a chinguard to stop chafing. There is a protective storm baffle
behind the zip and the zip itself, just like those on the two side handwamer pockets,
is waterproof. There is a fitted three-panel hood made from the same material as the
jacket. It has an elasticated cord running around the face with toggle lock adjusters
each side. Even though there is no third adjuster on the back of the head this hood is
still a very good fit with good protection.
The sleeves end in partly elasticated cuffs with a Velcro fastener and rubber tab.
The hem also has an elasticated cord with internal toggle lock adjusters.
Available in S (36-38in), M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48) and XXL (50-52).
VERDICT:
A very warm jacket that is also windproof
and waterproof. It is quite bulky so won’t
compress down into a small size. If you
are fairly static, standing or sitting for
long periods, its breathability won’t be
an issue, but if you are covering a lot
of ground you need to wear light base
layers or you will overheat.
Web: www.snowbee.co.uk
Tel: 01752 334933
Banana Delta X 10ft 7wt from £870

HAVING tested the Delta X 9ft 5wt in issue
504, I have since had the chance to try
out its big brother, the 10ft 7wt model.
Like all the Banana rods, this one
can be customised to your own
specifications with a choice of three
handle configurations, seven types of reel
seat, four blank colours, carbon or coloured
whippings and then a choice of 11 different coloured “Ticked all the
thread highlights. The choice you make will
determine the final price of your rod, as will whether boxes when it came
you go for a personal inscription. to overhead casts.”
Reasonably lightweight, but not the lightest in
its class, this is a very powerful 10ft 7wt and has a
pretty fast action and a fast tip recovery but is very
smooth with it. You don’t realise quite how powerful
TECH-SPEC
the rod is until you start trying to place those flies MODEL: DELTA X 10FT 7WT
at distance when all it takes is a nice smooth double Price: 979 euros
haul to send the line on its way. Weight: 4.4oz (124gr)
I really liked the oversized stripping ring and while VERDICT: Sections: 4
it is unusual to see only one on a rod of this length, The 10ft 7wt is the perfect length and line rating ■ Full wells cork handle with a 1.25-inch
it didn’t seem to impede the line’s travel through the for big reservoir work, whether you are fishing cork-composite fighting butt, ALPS Chinook
rings or the flight onto target. from the bank or boat. With that nice smooth chrome reel seat with double uplocking rings
It handled a range of sinking lines to Di-7s and action I can see it being a great rod on the rivers ■ Pacific blue gloss blank with matching
even a Di-8, lifting, aerialising and shooting with no as well for single-handed work when targeting whippings and metallic silver highlights
complaints. It also ticked all the boxes when it came salmon and sea trout. ■ One Fuji K titanium-framed SIC stripping
to overhead and double haul casts and was equally guide, 10 ultragliss stainless steel snakes,
good at continuous motion casts such as the roll, and tip ring
snake, switch and single spey, controlling and laying Web: www.bananarods.com ■ Cloth rod bag and protective rigid tube
the line accurately onto target. Tel: +44 330 133 0530

TACKLE NEW GEAR
Fly-tying gear
Robbie Winram brings you news
and reviews of the latest materials
and tools to hit the market
Fasna hooks
come in a good
range of styles.
Tie with barbless this season

Fasna hooks £4 You get 30 hooks in each packet, which I think is
“The high carbon steel
good value, and they offer a good range of styles
WITH many anglers now switching to catch and
release and more fisheries offering a release ticket,
including the four featured this month. These
high carbon steel hooks are made in Japan and all
hooks feature a black
the demand for barbless hooks and barbless fly
patterns has never been greater.
feature a black nickel ‘stealth’ finish.
nickel stealth finish.”
The good news for fly-tyers is that this has seen
an increase in the choice of barbless hooks now Web: www.funkyflytying.co.uk
available, including these styles from the Dutch- Tel: 01823 617373
based Fasna Flyfishing company.
Semperfli twisted pure silk £3.40

SEMPERFLI have produced a range of traditional twisted pure
silk threads to cater for the tyer looking to tie a range of Northern
Spider and Clyde-style patterns.
Working closely with silk specialists, Semperfli’s aim was to
match the original shades from a colour chart of threads published
in the 1916 book Brook & River Trouting by Edmonds and Lee.
The thread is made up of three fine lengths of silk which are
twisted together, the result being very strong for its diameter and
reasonably fine. However, those tyers who still have a stock of the
original Pearsall’s gossamer threads, will notice that the Semperfli
version is not quite as fine.
Available in black, straw, blue, red, purple, danica primrose,
pale olive, dark olive, golden olive, vintage orange and brown – a
selection that is perfect for those traditional North Country
patterns such as the Partridge & Orange and Snipe & Purple. The
silk can also be treated with wax, in the same way as traditional
silk, which will slightly darken and alter the original colour. Partridge & Orange
Primrose silk, for example, will become more olive. Waxing the silk Hook: Size 14-16 Hanak H270BL
will also help with grip and help prolong its life. Body and thread: Vintage orange
Semperfli twisted pure silk
Hackle: Partridge
Web: semperfli.net
Tel: 01757 333001

Fasna barbless hook styles
■ Blob barbless F-500 ■ Dry/nymph barbless F-300
Love it or hate it the Blob is now an integral part of the stillwater This hook is made from a 1X wire and is very strong. It has an upturned
scene, and having a strong hook with a nice wide gape to take those needle point and is what I would describe as a general duty hook suitable
bulky materials is an important consideration. The F-500 gives you just for dry flies, nymphs and wets. Available in sizes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20,
that. The hook has an upturned needle point giving great penetration and all fit into the international rules hook gauge.
and hold, and although described as standard wire it is
exceptionally strong and won’t gape out under pressure. It
is available in sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 and all apart from the size 8
fit into the international rules hook size gauge. I really like the fact that this Copper Diawl
hook comes in the smaller sizes, 14 and 16, perfect when the fish are being Hook: Size 12 Fasna Dry/nymph barbless F-300
choosy and want less of a mouthful. Thread: Veevus 12/0, black
Tail: Coq de leon cock hackle fibres
Abdomen: Hemingways synthetic tapered
Blob peacock quill, transparent grey
Hook: Size 10 Fasna blob
Wingcase: Holographic copper tinsel
barbless F-500
Rib: Fine brown or copper wire
Thread: Veevus GSP, white
Thorax: Peacock herl
Tail: Candy booby pink marabou overlaid
Throat: Same as tail
each side with a strand of pearl flashabou
Cheeks: Jungle cock splits
Body: Baby pink MX-D blob fritz
Collar: Hot coral MX-D blob fritz
Head: Iridescent pink flashabou tinsel
■ Larva barbless F-800 ■ Scud barbless F-820

This is a great pattern for Buzzers, Shrimps and even dries. Even The scud, or caddis, hook is what UK tyers would refer to as a regular grub
though it is a standard wire, again it is very strong and it has that nice hook. It can be used for buzzer, shrimp and sedge larva imitations and has
short compact curve with a wide gape that gives shape to the flies. a longer sweeping curve with a more or less straight needle point, rather
Available in sizes 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 and all fit into the international than upturned. Available in sizes 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 and all fit into the
rules hook gauge. international rules hook gauge.
Shrimp
Half-hog Daddy Hook: Size 10-12 Fasna Scud barbless F-820
Hook: Size 10 Fasna Larva barbless F-800 Thread: Veevus GSP, white, coloured with dun
Thread: Veevus GSP, white permanent marker pen
Detached body: Deer hair held with Tail: Coq de leon cock hackle fibres
beige or dun thread Shellback: Pro Sport Fisher gammarus
Legs: Knotted cock pheasant centre shellback, black
tail feather fibre Rib: Fine gold wire
Wing: Cree cock hackle tips Over-rib: Fine clear mono
Abdomen: Squirrel dubbing underbody Body: Nature’s Spirit hare’s ear
with fine deer hair to create the dubbing in a dubbing loop
half-hog top Head: Built up thread and varnished
The twisted silk

colours are perfect
for traditional
Spider patterns.
Stonfo Coccodrillo £34 dubbing on the thread, feather fibre and tinsels,
into a robust rope. Grip your selected materials in
the clip, which should be in the vertical position and
SMALL gadget, big name! The Coccodrillo (Italian then spin the wheel with one flick of your thumb so
for crocodile) is a hackle plier combined with a everything twists together into a rope. The weight
rotary dubbing/material twister and is used to of the Coccodrillo will keep everything under
create dubbing ropes of mixed materials. tension. Then turn the crocodile clip through 90
It consists of a plastic finger loop, which is degrees to turn the gadget into a rotary hackle plier
“The silk is very strong standard on all Stonfo’s hackle pliers, mounted so you can wrap the rope around the hook shank.
onto a metal rotary spinning wheel which sits on The Coccodrillo weighs 52gr (1.8oz) and measures
for its diameter and precision ball-bearings. Connected to this wheel is
a standard tapered metal crocodile clip which can
11.5cm.
reasonably fine.” be angled through 90 degrees.

The idea behind this gadget is it will allow you to Web: www.veniard.com
combine a number of different materials, including Tel: 020 8684 2288

NEWS & VIEWS
NEWS&VIEWS
l The latest news stories l Views and opinions l Special investigations
New Bill puts our fishing under threat

FEARS of a door being opened to ‘antis’ have aspect of the Bill be re-written or scrapped.
prompted the Angling Trust to challenge the In a letter to Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State
draft Animal Welfare Bill currently being for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the
worked on in Parliament. Angling Trust’s Chief Executive Mark Lloyd
The Environment, Food and Rural reminds him that the Animal Welfare Act
Affairs Select Committee has also 2006 already acknowledges animal
queried the animal sentience sentience, “making further, and more
section of the Bill, which demonstrably challengeable
opponents argue could open up legislation, not only unnecessary
fishing to legal challenge by but undesirable.”
animal rights activists, or His letter also states, “The
‘antis’ as they have become Angling Trust has no issue with
collectively known. increasing the penalties for
The Animal Welfare animal cruelty but in common
(Sentencing and Recognition with other field sports
of Sentience) Bill seeks to organisations we are extremely
increase the maximum concerned that a poorly drafted
sentences for animal cruelty piece of legislation on the issue
and also to introduce into law of animal sentience could lead to
the concept of animals as a series of legal challenges by
‘sentient beings’, a definition groups opposed on principle to
that it is claimed could open the angling.”
door for endless legal challenges. Legal experts have backed up this
Both the Trust and the British view, informing DEFRA that the bill, if left
Association for Shooting and in its present form, could have unintended
Conservation have warned the Government consequences and leave the situation open to
against creating opportunities for those who legal challenge, to be decided upon by the courts
want field sports banned, and have urged that this rather than Parliament.
Scientists highlight marketing consultant and advocate of Event organiser Kevin Wilson was inspired to
fish farms threat aquaculture, claims fish farms are “a convenient approach the fishery by the fund-raising efforts
NEW research claims that wild fish close to fish scapegoat” for declines in wild salmon and sea of his 12-year-old daughter Siobhan, who has
farms are under increased threat of infestation trout and points to wild fish populations far used coffee mornings, raffles and sponsored car
by potentially-fatal parasites. from fish farm sites being in similar decline. washes to raise over £1,500 for Macmillan, in
Scientists at the Norwegian Institute for A Scottish Government spokeswoman referred the two years since cancer claimed a close
Nature Research have found “a general and to a number of factors, including climate friend of the family.
pervasive negative effect of salmon lice on change, which impact on wild salmon numbers Kevin would be delighted to hear from anyone
salmonid populations in intensively farmed in the north-east Atlantic and said that the willing to donate prizes for this excellent cause
areas of Ireland, Norway and Scotland,” as Government will continue to work with the and he can offer businesses which support the
reported in The Scotsman. aquaculture industry, to ensure investment and event advertising in the media leading up to it.
The scientists concluded that salmon farming innovation deliver the highest possible He can be contacted regarding this or entries to
increases the presence of salmon lice, which, in environmental standards. the competition on 0141 770 0767 or 0777 919
the most intensively farmed areas, have The results of a parliamentary inquiry into the 7350 or via chuckie_wilson@hotmail.com
negatively impacted wild Atlantic salmon and impacts of salmon farming are expected this
sea trout. year.
Salmon & Trout Conservation (S&TC) Scotland
commissioned the study, and is now calling for Charity Day
the Scottish Government to reconsider what CARRON Valley Fishery will host a charity day
S&TC call “untenable” plans to expand the on May 6 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
aquaculture sector and increase farmed salmon The Donald MacDonald Memorial Day Fly
production. Fishing Competition will be for bank anglers
Don Staniford, director of the campaign group fishing catch-and-release. Fifty competitors will
Global Alliance Against Industrial Aquaculture, pay a £25 entry fee and there will be winners’
wants the Government to shut salmon farms on prizes and also raffle prizes, including rod and
migration routes of wild fish and relocate them reel and fishery permits.
to closed containment on land. Anglers are asked to be at the fishery for 9am. Carron Valley.
However, Dr Martin Jaffa, an independent Fishing is from 10am-4pm.

Q&A ALWAYS
BETTER
Angler spotlight | James Stokoe TOGETHER
Guide and Trout Fisherman contributor James minutes, having dropped the last five fish that I’d
Stokoe was recently appointed as a Brand previously hooked.
Ambassador to tackle firm Sportfish. He tells The fish was almost in, so I shouted to Phil, who was
us something about himself… behind me, to get the net ready. Suddenly I heard an
almighty splash. Phil had fallen in behind me but I
When did you start fishing? managed to grab his arm as he floated past.
At the age of 13, which I now realise makes me I had the rod with the fish on in one hand, ready to be
something of a late starter in this incredible sport, but netted, and Phil in the other, floating on his back with
it’s also why I try as hard as I can to support anything the net in his other hand! I didn’t know whether to laugh
that helps get kids into fishing. or cry. Somehow, I managed to get him up on his feet
and luckily got the fish safely into the net.
Who has been your biggest angling influence?
Most anglers you speak to always seem to have Any fishing heroes?
a family member influence them, but for me it was There are so many anglers that I respect, but the
a combination of watching fishing on TV and a very one that stands out for me has to be Charles Jardine.
close friend of my dad who got me into it. Believe it Not only is he an incredible angler but what he gives
or not, my first fish, on my first day’s fishing, was an back to the sport is amazing. Someone that does so
incredible 13lb salmon that I fought for about 30 much to get kids into the sport deserves recognition.
minutes. That undoubtedly influenced my addiction
to these phenomenal fish! What would you say is the biggest problem that
angling faces?
What was your most memorable fish? The worst thing to happen to the sport has to be
I’ve got quite a list, all for different reasons, but the one salmon farming. Farms have totally destroyed wild
that stands out the most has to be from my BBC The salmon stocks around the country due to the explosion
Big Fish adventure. in sea lice that gorge themselves on the young smolts
It was the last challenge of the semi-final, fishing for heading out to sea.
the mighty sturgeon. I’d had a pretty unlucky time in
British Columbia to that point, which made this a On to happier things: what gives you hope for
make-or-break challenge, but the fishing gods were on fishing’s future?
my side and I managed to land a white sturgeon that The best thing that’s happened to the sport has to
measured 6 feet 4 inches and weighed in at an be the modern-day angler’s attitudes. We now
estimated 130-140lb. understand that fish stocks wouldn’t last if we
That absolutely smashed my personal best by a mile, carried on the way we did in the past. The catch
as even though I’d fished for over 20 years, I’d never and release percentages have rocketed with many
caught a fish weighing more than 18lb. different species and we now see camera trophy
FORDHAM &
WAKEFIELD
shots of live fish and not dead carcasses by the side
Funniest moment in fishing? of the water.
01892 770344
That would have to be at the end of last season, when
my Big Fish buddy Phil was chasing silver with me. I ■ James Stokoe, Sportfish Brand Ambassador,
hooked a good fish which I played for a nervous 10 www.sportfish.co.uk
sales@fandw.fishing
www.troutfisherman.co.uk
fordham&wakefield.co.uk
INVESTIGATION
Make or model
- do species matter?
We asked anglers how big a deal is the range of trout types
on offer when they decide which fishery to visit
J
UST like any other business, I also love blue trout as they look ■ People just seem to want big fish,
trout fisheries must address incredible in the water and fight although it doesn’t matter to me what size
diversification. For the more aggressively for their weight. or species it is. It’s the joy of catching,
ambitious among them, this Aaron House playing and releasing the fish.
will mean looking at on-site Kevin Dawson
accommodation, or making the fishery ■ Browns would be good, but just having
just part of a general field sports ‘package’. caught my first blue......a tough call. ■ It's knowing a water is well stocked.
At its most basic, variety will involve Facilities count a great deal. I won't fish anywhere that’s catch and
stocking the lake with more than just John Whurr release only as a good turnover of fish
one type of trout. Rare is the water, means stocking. Quality over quantity of
indeed, which confines its menu to ■ I like a bit of variety, a few browns are species is also a preference.
rainbows alone. always nice as they fight much better than Jason Norman
Yet how much does this matter to their rainbows pound for pound. Blues and
customers? Via our Facebook page and the tigers are something a bit different and ■ A key factor for me is the way the water
forums at www.flyfishing.co.uk we asked make a pleasant change. and surroundings look...and if it’s a
anglers how big a factor is the number of Gary Morgan spring fed lake, to keep the fish and water
trout types available, when they decide in better condition. Also key is plenty
which fishery to visit next… ■ Would prefer variety over size any day. of insect life…As for fish, I like variety
Maybe even mix a few coarse species in as but more importantly is fish with full
well. fins and a fair [ratio], 55 to 65 per acre.
Facebook | Trout Fisherman Peter Lorrimer Neil Cohen
■ I like a good mix of species and sizes: ■ I’ve only had one tiger and never a blue,
■ It's nice to have some variety, but it’s nothing worse than turning up to a water so I'll choose a venue that has these over
not really high up the list. I'm as happy and every fish in it is the same. It's always one that doesn't, other things being equal.
fishing for 'bows as I am fishing for a thrill not knowing what's on the end of Philip Roberts
browns, blues, tigers, or coarse fish. your line.
I like a good mix of sizes but it's the Scott Mcdonald ■ The opportunity to catch different
quality of the fish and the fishery that species and of different sizes is a big draw.
matters. ■ A quiet, natural-looking venue is most Cliff Hoare
Geoff Hadley important regardless of species, for me. I
fish for rainbows and browns and ■ Small fish for eating, big fish for the
■ Stalking different species is incredible. wouldn’t necessarily look for stillwaters thrill. Like to get a brown now and then
The distances people travel to offering other species. but any fish gets the adrenaline going.
Rockbourne to stalk Arctic char says it all. Paul Kay Andy Morgan

THE NUMBERS...
Data taken from responses received
on social media. Some anglers chose
more than one factor or species.
Reasons
behind
choice
of fishery
■ Species available
■ Fish quality/stock ratio
■ Fish size
■ Facilities/surroundings
■ Proximity of fishery
■ Catch & release policy
■ The Sport
■ Fish flavour
■ Not been before
“I've had more than my share of big fish but now

I find I like quality and variety. A nice blue or
golden, which I have not seen for many years.”
■ Different trout don't bother me, ■ Quality fish is key: nothing worse than
however a loo and somewhere to ‘take catching a sloppy pig of a fish with only a
Preferred
five’ come high on the list. fin or two left. species at
Ian Akers Richard Garbett commercial
■ A trout is a trout. A good variety of size ■ Size does not matter in this case. I like stillwaters
is more important than its colour. to catch fish that resemble wild fish, even
Andrew Lucas if they aren't.
Bill Harris
■ Quality rainbows in the 3 to 5lb range
does me just fine. ■ High-quality, hard-fighting, resident
Cameron Graham fish – this far outweighs size or species.
Millets Farm Fly Fishing Club ■ Rainbows
■ A variety would be nice, more browns in ■ Browns
particular. ■ Quality fish matters most. Stumpy
Reg Bettles tailed fish of any variety is the biggest ■ Blues
turn-off. ■ Coarse
■ I've had more than my share of big fish Russell Symons ■ Freshwater bass*
but now I find I like quality and variety…A ■ Tigers
nice blue or maybe golden which I have ■ Fish quality and variety conquers all.
not seen for many years, or a tiger or char Size is a bonus and not the most important ■ Brook
which I have yet to catch. I would probably thing. ■ Char
target them instead of big rainbows. Camy Mcg *Represents one angler’s wish for the future, rather than a
Colin Beddoe current reality…
■ I base my fishing locations on the
■ It makes the day interesting to catch quality of trout available (good shape and
other species but I wouldn’t visit a fishery full fins) the variety is for me just an MORE OPINION
because there were a variety of species.
David Hockin
added extra.
William Crawford
OVERLEAF

INVESTIGATION
■ Within reasonable travelling distance ■ [Variety] comes below the quality of the
Forum | www.flyfishing.co.uk and quality fish preferably. There was a fishery (40% factor), the quality of the
time when I stalked the clear waters and fish (30%), and then the variety of species
wanted doubles, but I’ve been there, had available (15%), the remaining percentage
■ Good quality, grown-on fish are all I the T-shirt and couldn’t be bothered any cover all the other considerations when
require. I like browns and rainbows more. I guess many of us go through times making a choice.
equally. when we're obsessed with certain aspects ‘Vital’, south of England
Jim, central Scotland of the sport.
Andy Wren, London ■ Rainbows/blues provide excellent
■ Prefer quality over size these days. Still sport…but are like peas in a pod,
like a bit of rainbow fishing and ■ The absolute key is fish quality to me… although a silvery pristine rainbow is
particularly enjoy the fight from blue and catch and release only, so that fish are beautiful. Most impressive trout to
trout but lately I’ve been getting back to educated and not fooled by the first big look at are tigers but browns are my
doing more wild brownie fishing. lure in front of them! After that, the more favourite; so individual (even stocked
Scott, Fife variety the better…[different fish] are ones) and there’s something about
active at different times of the year and catching them on a dry fly that does it
■ Quality of the fish is top priority, plus display different behaviour. for me. (Well said – Ed).
the nature of the water, interesting Pati Scotty90, Edinburgh
features etc. If a local fishery had brookies
or tigers I'd be tempted to have a go as I've
never caught either…but I wouldn't go out
of my way to catch one when there are “The most impressive trout to look at are tigers
decent fisheries and abundant wild trout
fishing nearby.
but browns are my favourite; so individual and
‘Yorkshirelad15’, A' Choingheal catching them on dries does it for me.”
TAKE YOUR PICK…

The usual suspects found at commercial stillwaters, and what they bring to the party
Rainbow trout brook and brown trout, and they boast all the aggression of the latter. Tend
Native to the Pacific to sit low in the water and rise vertically to take a fly. Hooking them can be
catchments. Introduced to difficult: avoid striking and simply keep retrieving if you think you’ve got
the UK in 1868. Less fussy one on. Have more teeth than
about water quality than the your everyday trout, so de-hook
brown trout, it is also more with caution…
hardy and faster-growing,
so popular with British fish Golden trout
farms. Church Hill Fishery in
Buckinghamshire began
Brown trout
Browntrout stocking gold rainbows
Believedtohaveoriginatedinthe
Believed to have originated in the from a farm on the River Test
Balkans, and spread throughout
Balkans,andspreadthroughout in the early 1980s and an
Europe and central Asia, driven by
EuropeandcentralAsia,drivenby intensely golden strain was
recurrent cycle of glaciation over
recurrentcycleofglaciationover subsequently produced at Exmoor Trout Farm. And before you dismiss the
2.5 million years. Plays harder to
2.5millionyears.Playsharderto colour as too unnatural, be advised that there are several wild versions in
get than other species and a retina the USA. Its vivid apparel sometimes draws other fish to the golden trout,
that works well in dim light sees improving your chances of a catch.
it favour dense cover and shaded
areas and makes it more prone to Brook trout
Brooktrout
nocturnal feeding. Agenuinerivaltothebrownieinthe
A genuine rival to the brownie in the
beauty stakes, but likes its water
beautystakes,butlikesitswater
Blue trout distinctly cold, and can disappear
distinctlycold,andcandisappear
A hard-fighting strain of rainbow. once the mercury rises. Can be
oncethemercuryrises.Canbe
Thought to be late-maturing hen territorial and aggressive just
territorialandaggressivejust
fish, and would crop up only rarely, after stocking. Try small lures and
afterstocking.Trysmallluresand
until Mike Davies of Damerham goldhead flies, which they often
Fisheries got to grips with the take on the drop. If you think they
species some 30 years ago, pairing have gone deep, fish imitatively: a
two blues with a smaller male fish sulking brookie can be as hard to
with pale, sandy colouring, and catch as a resident brown.
launching a new era in stillwater
fly-fishing.
Easily visible because of their blue backs and a preference for cruising Arctic char
high in the water (making them Found across northern
susceptible to dry flies) their Europe, Russia and North
‘spookability’ is matched only by America, char populated
large browns. our waters soon after the
glaciers retreated. Wild
versions mainly occupy
Tiger trout deep British lakes, stocked
A livery of wavy lines results from fish have been introduced
tigers being a cross between to some fisheries.

myself, I really enjoy life at the other end of the rod. There’s
Cockwill
something immensely satisfying in helping another angler to
succeed. I know I do loads of corporate teaching days but the
one-to-one sessions are great fun.
This year has witnessed my gradual change from almost
full-time retailing in a fly shop, to a new life where guiding
As the time to swap retail for will begin to predominate. With a little help from friends,
that transition is taking off.
guiding draws ever nearer, I’m One such pal is Clem Booth and we sure have had fun,
finding new perspectives to go with pitting our wits against the carp of Willinghurst, in Surrey.
Clem is a chalk stream ace and loves to fish with cane rods,
my new horizons… especially those he has designed for himself, with a view to
all aspects of his fly-fishing life. Pike, dorado, giant wild
rainbows and now carp have all been tamed with his cane
M
specials.
Y FISHING year is often varied and while I Peter Cockwill: We jointly devised a technique to outsmart carp which have
wouldn’t swap it, it can occasionally be Tackle shop owner, been caught on so many occasions and although we share
fishery manager, guide
challenging. One week I might be trying and Trout Fisherman
many adventures in wild places it’s been the challenge of
to catch stocked rainbows for a magazine contributor of 35 years carp which has occupied our minds and it’s gratifying to see
feature and the next I’m after salmon in this species slowly becoming accepted among the fly-fishing
Scotland or Alaska. Other days might start with an early fraternity as an acceptable quarry.
casting lesson and end with a guiding session in pursuit of We recently met up down in Argentina with our friend Lou
carp on the fly. Hegedus from Colorado, and his stories of carp on the fly are
Each discipline requires a difference in gear or tactical so tempting that a USA trip is beckoning. Where Lou fishes,
approach as well as a wide range of casting skills, but then it’s illegal to use chum (bait) to get the fish feeding on free
that’s all part of why I’m so absorbed by fly-fishing. offerings and each has to be carefully stalked around
reservoir margins. Except when they somehow focus on a
“It’s being with fly-fishers who have had baitfish which shoals up at the end of summer, that is. Then
the carp attack the ‘gizzard shad’, as they’re known, and stun
different experiences to mine that makes it them, before slowly cruising around, mopping up the
victims. Now, that’s something I would like to see, let alone
ever more enjoyable.” have a go at.
Popping out a size 20 dry fly to a grayling in shallow water It’s being with fly-fishers who have had different
on a chalk stream; flipping a 300-grain sink-tip into 10 feet of experiences to mine that makes it ever more enjoyable to
heavy water for king salmon: both just ‘fishing’ to the stretch the mind and enhance my ability to be a better guide.
outsider, but so very different to those of us on the inside. Having been around guides for a long time, I greatly
Just as I love being able to sight-cast a scrap of lead wire to a appreciate their input to my own fishing and those who are
brownie in clear water, so do I get a kick from hitting 30-plus committed to long seasons with new groups of excited
yards into the Tweed with a 15ft double-hander. anglers every week have certainly earned my respect.
Peter really enjoys Interesting times to come, then, and, I suspect, a few more
Cruising bonefish guiding other anglers. stories for this column to accompany them.
Drifting a couple of Buzzers across the breeze from the
shores of Bewl Water is somewhat different to dropping a
shrimp pattern into the path of a cruising bonefish or
punching a fly out across the winds of Lago Strobel for
monster rainbows, but it’s all a challenge.
Oddly enough, it’s not just the fishing I go for now. Recent
years have seen days which are memorable for other aspects
of our sport. Skimming through my diary, a few things stand
out, one of them the annual springtime invitation to have a
few hours at Arlington Reservoir in rural Sussex. These
get-togethers are an occasional perk of a writer’s life and this
lovely water is simply perfect, but it’s also the ideal place to
go for a walk. Scenic, varied and with lots of bird life, it takes
about an hour to go all the way around and I usually do this
each year with my wife, all the while secretly working out
where the trout will be when it’s time to fish!
Almost always, I fish off the bank to the left of the lodge,
but last year, word had it that I should try elsewhere. That
quiet walk had shown me a couple of rises at one end of the
dam, so that’s where I chose to fish. Completely at odds to
early-season convention, but that’s where the fish were and
that walk really paid off.
Talking of reservoirs and walking, it was Draycote and the
annual Troutmasters Final which was another walking day by
the water, but this time without a rod in my hand. Actually, I
got as much pleasure from walking the banks and talking to
competitors as I would have from actually fishing – well
almost!
Certainly, the highlight for me was watching Iain Barr’s face
when he realised he had at last won the one event that had
always eluded him.
I have fished with, and made friends with, guides from all
around the world and now that I’m doing more guiding

NEWS & VIEWS
SPONSORED BY
LETTERS
Send your letters to:
Trout Fisherman, Bauer Media, Media House,
Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA or email:
beverly.winram@bauermedia.co.uk
Your letters covering a variety of fly-fishing topics with replies from the editor
A page for STAR

LETTER
reader tips
TO enjoy ‘Trout Fisherman’ to the full, I spread it
out throughout the month. Its lay-out is perfect
for picking up and reading it in short periods of
downtime.
I find it really informative and even though I
have been fly-fishing for a number of years, I
learn something in most issues and it has helped
improve my whole fly-fishing experience in a
variety of ways.
This has not only been through your Advice
Squad Q&A and your various articles, but also
from your readers’ letters page.
Editor Russell and features editor Jeffrey are
always encouraging readers to raise issues,
make suggestions and be actively involved in
the contents of TF.
I know that your readers’ letters offer various Leaning a landing net over your tackle
bag makes the net easier to pick up.
pieces of advice, but can I suggest a dedicated
section for readers’ tips? We have all got those
little personal touches that help us fine-tune our participation in
this wonderful sport; why not pass them on to others? Whether
beginner or veteran, we are always learning. STAR LETTER PRIZE
My own personal tip is very simple yet has improved my catch Tom Smith wins a £50 voucher to
rate. I prefer a long-handled landing net, but instead of lying it spend with Fly Only.
flat on the ground, I lean it on my bag with the handle uppermost,
as in the photograph. When hooking a trout it is easier to pick it
up, therefore keeping the line tight and also not straining my and Bank House, both in Lancashire.
already-dodgy back. Tom Smith, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
As an aside, Peter [Cockwill] constantly (and rightly)
encourages us to use our local small water fisheries, so maybe Editor’s reply: It’s the little things that sometimes make a world of
each ‘tipster’ could mention his or her favourite fishery. My two difference Tom and I’m sure that we can make room for some reader tips
favourites are Mere Beck, where the photograph above was taken here and there.
Flying off the handle! rods, but I can’t help but wonder what was ‘our’ waters. The revenue raised from
WHY have all the major rod manufacturers the thinking behind this current trend? predator anglers helps to pay for trout
started putting full wells handles on 9ft 6in I’m quite handy with a sanding block, and stocking, so everyone benefits. As long as
6wt fly rods? Now that fly rod blanks are invariably modify my 9ft 6in 6wt rod accidental captures are returned safely,
lighter than ever, there seems to be little handles from their full wells, back to a half both trout and predator anglers can exist
reason for this practice. wells, and they always feel much nicer to alongside each other, and I speak as a trout,
My casting instructor and I much prefer fish with, despite being devalued from a carp, coarse and pike angler.
half wells handles on our rods, but once the resale point of view. Paul Lond, Norwich.
required rod is longer than 9ft in line weight Mike Freeman, Cornwall
6 and above, all new rods now available have Stuck rod joints
full wells handles. Where’s the evidence? HERE are two more ideas for dealing with
A 9ft 6in 6wt rod is a very useful rod for DOES Rob Edmunds have any hard stuck rod sections:
medium-to-large stillwaters. It was a clear evidence that accidental captures by 1. Bend at the knees, position the rod behind
favourite of the late great Arthur Cove. predator anglers are damaging trout fishing the knees, position your hands at either side
Many older high-end rods of this size were on the Anglian Water reservoirs? (Issue of the joints, open your knees against your
fitted with half wells handles. 505). No, I thought not. hands and push outwards.
The 9ft 6in 6wt rod is a very nice step-down Predator anglers don’t object if a trout 2. Buy masking tape and wind around the
from the usual 10ft 7wt rod commonly used angler catches a huge perch on the fly. Carp rod at each end of the joint, winding enough
by reservoir anglers, and if equipped with a anglers don’t mind fishing alongside tench tape to be able to get a good grip on both
half wells, the change is further enhanced. anglers and vice versa. Only in game fishing sides, then pull apart WITHOUT twisting
Perhaps I’m just being old fashioned in my it seems is there a divisive ‘Us and them’ the rod sections.
preference for the half wells on my trout attitude and that ‘they’ are intruding on David Jones, Haverfordwest
88 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.flyonlyonline.co.uk

Match anglers, let’s get
our own house in order
FACEBOOK
Some of the tips and
IN these times of cutbacks and money
saving, all companies are under pressure
opinions shared by
to make a profit and not a loss. The those who ‘liked’ our
owners of all our reservoirs will naturally Facebook page
be looking at what does and doesn’t pay
its way.
Therefore, we must protect our sport or We need more anglers. Right.
lose it. As a regular reader of Trout Come on then. Who is going to
Fisherman, I often read how we have
fewer and fewer match anglers. We need
take a friend fishing this
Many friendships are
to encourage as many newcomers to our made when match fishing.
spring and where will you take
sport and hopefully into the match scene them? Let’s do our bit for the
– at the same time increasing revenue for sport.
fly-fishing. Also, the rest of us anglers need to stand ■ Ciaran Ward – Last year I ran a four month
However, due to a few badly-behaved up to the ‘bad apples’. course to teach a group of 16 year-olds to fly
anglers, who openly bend the rules, or Predator fishing is now here to stay, and fish. They were all from an inner city school
even cheat, to maintain their status, the is a big part of a reservoir’s revenue. in Dublin. None had fished before and many
average angler is being driven away. Mr A. Partridge, Norfolk of them had never been outside the city.
These badly-behaved anglers need to ■ Trout Fisherman – Good work. Do you
stop and look at the damage they are Editor’s reply: Point taken, but there are a know if any of them are still fishing? Hope so.
doing to the sport because beginners and few ‘bad apples’ amongst pleasure anglers We need more things like this.
local club anglers will not fish with them. too. We should all be responsible anglers. ■ Ciaran Ward – Over the course of five trips
to Courtlough and Annamoe fisheries, every
student got at least one fish. Almost all of
Reservoirs: just what are for our sport if recreational use of these them enjoyed the project and there’s a good
we saving…? waters was to survive. chance that some of them will become
I AM incensed and ecstatic in equal It is understood by the majority of fly anglers themselves. I found it really
measures over your campaign to ‘Save Our fishermen that any-method on reservoirs, rewarding and got great support from
fishing friends. Despite all the distractions
Reservoirs’ [TF505]. particularly bait fishing, doesn’t work and
from the internet, there is a new generation
I recall my local venue, Hanningfield that a once-elitist sport, thankfully made of potential anglers out there but they need
Reservoir, facing oblivion some 15 years ago available to the masses by sympathetic encouragement from us old boys!
because of corporate domination and profit water companies and fly-fishing pioneers, is ■ Trout Fisherman – Absolutely. This is
driven policies. The reservoir management at risk of returning to the dark ages. terrific stuff. Thanks.
then, Essex & Suffolk Water seemed Unfortunately, we have now lost a gem of a ■ Brian Sisson – I am, Paul James Barnfield.
hell-bent on destroying the local fly-fishing fly-fishing reservoir venue, or two, because ■ Nigs Jones – Jeffrey Weston?
fraternity in favour of a wholesale change to of misguided attitudes, denying a multitude
any-method fishing. of potential young anglers in the
EO LEARN MORE TIPS

AV U
They effectively drove out the south-east the chance to learn to
local, long-standing fly-fishing fly-fish on a top-quality
community to accommodate reservoir. AND JOIN IN THE FUN
R
S
Continental-style coarse Now that the wolves are See our “About Me” page for links to
fishing in what I felt was a again scratching at the door, Trout Fisherman on Twitter and other
blind and belligerent effectively threatening the online platforms –
cultural cleansing of fishing very heart of the UK about.me/trout.fisherman
RS
RE
styles and attitudes by fly-fishing world, people are

people who seemed to know SE I starting to complain,
very little about such things.
I felt that this was achieved by R VO campaign, create waves and
really make a noise.
Game fishing shop in
stealth, with progressively corrosive Despite my frustration over
West Yorkshire specialising
policies masked by niceties like Health & Hanningfield, I support your campaign 100
in all major brands and
Safety, Equal Opportunities, Political per cent, but if we really want to ‘Save Our
equipment for flyfishing
Correctness, Company Profit Margins and Reservoirs’ for future fly-fishermen, we
and fly-tying
Company Quotas. must adopt a truly united front against
The only losers in all this were the change. Petitions, peer pressure, political
Hanningfield Fly-Fishing Club members, involvement, celebrity involvement,
general local and visiting fly anglers and dialogue with environmentalists, dialogue
many potential young fly anglers in the area with co-existent water sports, etc. are all
with a desire to advance themselves and avenues that could be taken towards
break away from coarse fishing. protecting these venues for future
I don’t remember Trout Fisherman or generations.
others doing anything to stop the rot during But this must be driven by you, the media.
this turbulent period. I remember only a Let’s stop dancing around with any-method
shrug of the shoulders, coupled with the alternatives. Stop treading on eggshells
general view that this was just ‘natural over potential change. Let’s stick to a plan
progress’; that it was a case of ‘adapt or die, and move forward together.
with water companies having to make a Bob Clark, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
profit and others having to be
Fly Only, The Willows Business Park,
accommodated. In fact, I recall many Editor’s reply: We all learned lessons from Near Bank, Shelley, Huddersfield HD8 8LU
articles published by the media that actively Hanningfield. The any-method issue has now Tel: 01484 600555 | info@flyonlyonline.co.uk
encouraged the change to any-method been overtaken by the risk of absolute closure of www.flyonlyonline.co.uk
reservoir venues, as if it was the only future reservoirs if we don’t use them. Let’s use them!
Tel: 01484 600555

TROUTMASTERS
Europe’s largest flyfishing competition
SPONSORED BY
All you have to do is visit a Troutmasters water, catch a fish and fill in a form, which you then send to us.
Kevin Keast,
HOW TO Fish
from Plymouth
is no stranger to
ENTER
big fish having
OF THE had his fair share
Month
from Devon’s
■ There are many specially- Tavistock trout
designated Troutmasters waters fishery. His latest
in the UK where you can enter, trip produced
and the number of fisheries this cracking
joining is growing. 15lb 5oz rainbow
■ If you catch a fish at any of which he caught
these waters you can register it on an Appetiser
using the official forms, which pattern bought
must be sent to our offices within from the
five days of capture. Forms are fishery’s tackle
shop. Kevin said
available at the fisheries.
the fish gave a
■ Senior and junior entry forms
really good fight
are available. Juniors must be too!
under 14, seniors aged 14 and over.
■ New this year: Anglers can
enter fish caught on any-method.
However, the Senior and Junior
finals remain FLY only.
■ Captors of the three
biggest fish win an exclusive
Troutmasters badge. FISH OF THE MONTH PRIZE
■ You could also win an exclusive
Gold Badge if you win five Every month Trout Fisherman will award a Royal Wulff Two Tone Triangle Taper size 7 to the
Troutmasters badges each from captor of the best fish of the month. Trout Fisherman will judge the catch based on fish quality and
five different fisheries during the methods used. The winner will be the pick of those submitted for that month and our decision is
course of the competition. final. Send in your catch pictures by email to beverly.winram@bauermedia.co.uk or post to Trout
■ At the end of the year all Fisherman Fish of the Month, Bauer Media, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA.
badge winners will be invited
to enter a fish-off at the water ■ The Triangle Taper fly line is perhaps the most popular. Winner of the coveted Kudo award, the
where they won the badge to triangle taper offers the greatest delicacy of any fly line. The Triangle Taper is a continuous forward
decide who will get an invitation taper in the head of the line, the first 27 to 40 feet depending on the application.To find out more
to the Final. about this product and others available visit their website www.fordhamandwakefield.co.uk
■ Each fish-off will be run by
the fishery concerned to local
rules, and can involve around 36
anglers. One angler from each
water will qualify for the Final.
■ Each competition runs from
GOLD BADGES JOIN TROUTMASTERS 2018...
WIN a Troutmasters Gold Badge! IF you are a fishery owner/manager and want to
the 21st of the month to the 20th
The coveted Troutmasters Gold sign up your trout fishery for the Troutmasters
of the next. Judging takes place
Badge is awarded to anglers 2018 competition it couldn’t be simpler! Just go
on the 25th.
who win five badges each from to www.troutfisherman.co.uk where you can
■ An award will be made to the
five different fisheries during view the Troutmasters Media Pack. Download
most consistent angler of the year.
the Troutmasters season. The and complete the joining form and send it to:
more fisheries you visit, the more Samantha Toombs, Troutmasters Competition,
chance you have of winning a Media House, Peterborough Business Park,
Troutmasters Gold Badge. Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA.
For further details email samantha.toombs@
bauermedia.co.uk or call 01733 395157.
...AND BECOME PART OF OUR

BANKSIDE CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
Bankside NONE of us like to see discarded leader
Clean- up
paign
material littering our banks – it’s a
Cam danger to wildlife. Every Troutmasters
water will receive a poster and a bin
sign to place accordingly at their water.
Visit us at www.troutfisherman.co.uk/troutmasters
SPONSORED BY
THIS MONTH’S BADGE WINNERS

Tiger, White Zonker.
■ EXE VALLEY FISHERY,
DULVERTON, 01398 323008 A FLY FOR BESSY BECK
1 Terence O’Keefe, Teignmouth, 15lb
2oz Rainbow, Hothead Minkie. Woolly Bugger
2 Alan Jukes, Taunton, 6lb 14oz Hook: Size 8-12 longshank
Rainbow, Orange Blob. Thread: Black
3 Richard Cooper, Uplyme, 4lb 7oz Tail: Black marabou tied long, overlaid
Rainbow, Fly. with four strands of pearl Krystalflash
■ HOLLIES TROUT FARM & Butt (opt’l): Hot fluo green plastic bead
FISHERY, HONITON,
ENGLAND 01404 841428
Rib: Fine gold or silver wire
Body: Black chenille palmered
■ BESSY BECK TROUT 1 Michael Duckett, Hatfield Peverel, with a black cock hackle
FISHERY, CUMBRIA, 2lb 12oz Rainbow, Black-eyed Pea.
01539 623303 1 Philip Duckett, Wedmore, 2lb 12oz
1 Peter Rowbottom, Preston, 15lb 0oz Rainbow, Fly.
Rainbow, Woolly Bugger. 2 Richard Cooper, Uplyme, 2lb 0oz LAKES, WARE, 07812 464323 2 Phil Green, Leadgate, 3lb 9oz
2 Phil Hall, Ashton in Makerfield, 10lb Rainbow, Coral Tadpole. 1 Nick Thompson, St Albans, 8lb 0oz Rainbow, Fly.
2oz Rainbow, Tequila Blob. ■ INNIS FLY FISHERY, NR ST Rainbow, Fly. 3 Neil Coulson, Northallerton, 3lb
■ BRANSFORD GAME AUSTELL, 01726 852382 2 Paul Scott, Arlesey, 4lb 5oz 6oz Rainbow, Cat’s Whisker.
FISHERIES, BRANSFORD, 1 Calvin Wallace, Bexhill, 6lb 9oz Rainbow, Fly. ■ WESTLOW MERE,
01905 830157 Rainbow, White Cat’s Whisker. ■ SPRINGHILL TROUT CONGLETON, 01260 270012
1 John Davies, Montgomery, 5lb 4oz 2 John Webber, Higher Fraddon, 5lb WATERS, PEMBURY, 1 Alan Cragg, Crewe, 10lb 1oz
Rainbow, Welsh Witch. 14oz Rainbow, Fly. ■ 01892 826041 Rainbow, Fly.
■ BRICK FARM LAKES, ■ KILNSEY PARK FLY 1 Martin Hook, Tonbridge, 3lb 2oz 2 Patrick Lawrance, Stoke on Trent,
HERSTMONCEUX, FISHERY, SKIPTON, Rainbow, Dawson’s Olive. 4lb 8oz Tiger, White Lure.
01323 832615 07765 688780 ■ TAVISTOCK TROUT FISHERY,
1 Paul Franklin, Kent, 4lb 7oz Brown, 1 Philip Dainton, Bolton, 11lb 3oz TAVISTOCK, 01822 615441
Black Warrior Goldhead. Rainbow, Black Gnat. 1 Kevin Keast, Plymouth, 15lb 5oz
■ CHALK SPRINGS TROUT ■ LECHLADE TROUT FISHERY, Rainbow, Appetizer.
FISHERY, ARUNDEL, LECHLADE, 01367 253266 2 Mike Flynn, Plymouth, 6lb 10oz
01903 883742 1 Charles Tonkinson, Henley-on- Brown, Blackpole.
1 Alan Henson, Little Hampton, 7lb Thames, 15lb 0oz Rainbow, Blue- 3 Paul Woodmore, Torquay, 4lb 10oz
4oz Golden, Bloodworm. flash Damsel. Rainbow, Cat’s Whisker.
2 Mike Camden, Eastbourne, 5lb 8oz 1 Richard Hayden, Ross on Wye, 15lb ■ TENTERDEN TROUT
Golden, Daddy. 0oz Rainbow, Fly. WATERS, TENTERDEN,
■ CHATTON TROUT FISHERY, 3 Raymond Green, Kent, 12lb 10oz ■ 01580 763201
BELFORD, 01668 215226 Rainbow, White Snake. 1 Alan Playford, Kent, 7lb 12oz
■ LENCHES LAKES,
1 Matthew Devine, Morpeth, 14lb 0oz
Rainbow, Bloodworm. EVESHAM, 01386 871035
Rainbow, Peach Tadpole.
■ THORNWOOD TROUT SCOTLAND
2 Matthew Devine, Morpeth, 11lb 2oz 1 Dave Jones, Solihull, 11lb 4oz FISHERY, EPPING, ■ ACHAGOUR FISH PONDS,
Rainbow, Bloodworm. Rainbow, Apps’ Bloodworm. 07588 669255 NAIRN, 01309 651259
■ COLTSFORD MILL TROUT 2 Mike Sinclair, Newent, 3lb 4oz 1 Anthony Cave, Epping, 5lb 8oz 1 George Smith, Muir of Ord, 6lb 0oz
FISHERY, SURREY, Rainbow, White Humungus. Rainbow, Bloodworm. Rainbow, Budgie.
01883 715666 ■ LOYNTON TROUT FISHERY, 2 Takashi Kurumisawa, London, 4lb 2 Ian Sime, Crantown-on-Spey, 3lb
1 Derek Elliott, West Wickham, 7lb STAFFORD, 01785 284261 4oz Blue, Buzzer. 12oz Rainbow, MOP.
14oz Rainbow, Fly. 1 Ken Foster, Wolverhampton, 17lb ■ THRUNTON LONG CRAG ■ ALDERNEUK FISHERY,
2 Derek Elliott, West Wickham, 7lb 9oz Rainbow, Montana. TROUT FISHERY, ALNWICK, DUMFRIES, 07901 602020
2oz Rainbow, Fly. 2 Alfred Hardy, Stafford, 16lb 8oz 01665 574400 1 Benjamen Wagner, Dumfries &
2 Raymond Jennings, Surrey, 6lb 12oz Rainbow, Brown Spider . 1 Matthew Devine, Morpeth, 8lb 1oz Galloway, 16lb 4oz Brown, Green &
Rainbow, Woolly Bugger. 3 Darren Ford, Shifnal, 14lb 4oz Rainbow, Diawl Bach. White Booby.
■ ELLERDINE LAKES, Rainbow, Fly. 2 Doug Carr, Newcastle on Tyne, 7lb 2 Sam Graham, Dumfries, 16lb 0oz
TELFORD, 07740 257585 ■ MANNINGFORD TROUT 10oz Rainbow, Black Zonker. Brown, Black Snake.
1 Gareth Tilley, Durham, 16lb 2oz FISHERY, PEWSEY, ■ WEST HOUSE TROUT 3 William Sweeney, Dumfries, 15lb
Rainbow, Apps’ Worm. 07544 801844 LAKES, BISHOPTON, 0oz Rainbow, Cat’s Whisker.
2 Will Upton, Telford, 9lb 12oz 1 Vincent Bates, Marlow, 4lb 11oz 07836 330157 ■ BORLAND RESERVOIR (FLY),
Stillwater Salmon, Fly. Rainbow, Fly. 1 Peter Crowe, Hartlepool, 5lb 6oz CUMNOCK, 07958 279740
3 Geoffrey Hogg, Shrewsbury, 8lb 4oz ■ RIB VALLEY FISHING Rainbow, Fly. 1 Russell Williamson, Kilmarnock, 5lb
Matty Devine, from Hadston, Caerphilly, South Wales angler John Francois Houtmans, from France, used The Fish XL venue produced this 9lb
Northumberland, landed this double- Turner caught this superb 10lb rainbow a Pink Snake pattern to tempt this 12oz rainbow for Falkirk angler Colin
figure rainbow and another over 10lb using a Bloodworm at Papermill beautiful 14lb 8oz rainbow from Moulin Reid. He float-fished a Glow Grub and
from Chatton fishery. fishery. de Chaise fishery. Powerbait.
www.fordhamandwakefield.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 91

MATCH SCENE TROUTMASTERS
THIS MONTH’S BADGE WINNERS ALL FISH LISTED WERE CAUGHT DURING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 21,
2017 TO JANUARY 20, 2018. ALL BADGES HAVE BEEN SENT OUT.
10oz Rainbow, Fly. 07708 327841

■ BROOMHILL FLY FISHERY,
AYR, 07711527358
1 Charles McNeil, Edinburgh, 14lb
10oz Rainbow, Pineapple Fritz. A FLY FOR GRAIGLWYD
1 Craig Blestoe, Patna, 15lb 1oz 2 John Kelly, Londonderry, 14lb 4oz
Rainbow, Yellow Dancer. Rainbow, Pheasant Tail. Beetle
■ BURNS FISHERY (FLY), 3 Lee Blackburn, Whitburn, 9lb 10oz Hook: Size 14-16 Kamasan B405
TARBOLTON, 0775 1523829 Rainbow, Goldhead Damsel. Thread: Black 14/0 Sheer
1 Graham Bicket, Ayr, 7lb 8oz ■ GLEN OF ROTHES TROUT & Body: Peacock herl
Rainbow, Bloodworm. COARSE FISHERY, ABERLOUR, Hotspot: Fiery orange SLF
2 John Kerr, Ayr, 3lb 8oz Rainbow, 01340 831888 Shellback and head: Black ethafoam
Black Mini Humungus . 1 Andrew More, Lossiemouth, 8lb
■ CARLOGIE DAM FISHERY, 12oz Rainbow, Fly.
CARNOUSTIE, 01241 853128 ■ LOCHTER FISHERY, ■ RAVENSNEST FISHERY, NR
1 Ben Bosch, Carnoustie, 8lb 0oz INVERURIE, 01651 872000 CHEPSTOW, 01291 689564
Rainbow, Fly. 1 Peter Young, Peterculter, 6lb 1oz 1 Duncan Pearce, Aberdare, 6lb 6oz
2 Jim Stuart, Dundee, 6lb 8oz Rainbow, Buzzer. Rainbow, Black Buzzer.
Rainbow, FAB. 2 Andrew Barrowman, Portlethen, ■ TAN-Y-MYNYDD FISHERY,
3 Jim Stuart, Dundee, 5lb 0oz 4lb 2oz Rainbow, The Mich. ABERGALE, 01745 826722
Rainbow, Squirmy Worm. ■ RAEMOIR TROUT FISHERY, 1 Mike Welch, Liverpool, 4lb 12oz
■ FISH XL (BAIT), BROXBURN, BANCHORY, 01330 820092 Rainbow, Traffic Light Buzzer.
07708 327841 1 Fiona Chaloner, Aberdeen, 7lb 0oz 2 John Davies, Montgomery, 4lb 7oz
1 Neil Drummond, Falkirk, 12lb 8oz Rainbow, Blue Kingfisher. Brown, Welsh Witch.
Rainbow, Glow Grub & Powerbait. 2 Colin McDonald, Aberdeen, 5lb 3oz ■ TREE TOPS FLY FISHERY,
WREXHAM, 01352 770648
2 Colin Reid, Falkirk, 9lb 12oz
Rainbow, Glow Grub & Powerbait.
Rainbow, Black Nymph.
■ RAITH LAKE, KIRKCALDY, WALES 1 Godfrey Hulse, Frodsham, 5lb 1oz
3 Jack Cannon, Winchburgh, 8lb 15oz 01592 646466 ■ BIGWELL FLY FISHERY, Rainbow, Fly.
Rainbow, Maggot & Powerbait. 1 Graham Ramsey, Kirkaldy, 9lb 7oz MONMOUTH, 01600 772904 ■ TYN-Y-GRAIG FARM,
■ FISH XL (FLY), BROXBURN, Rainbow, Orange Blob. 1 Kevin Brooks, Pontypool, 7lb 8oz CRYNANT, 01639 750894
Rainbow, Emerger Buzzer. 1 David Morgan, Aberdare, 6lb 4oz
2 Shane Marshall, Newport, 4lb 0oz Rainbow, Blue Bead GRHE.
A FLY FOR ALDERNEUK Rainbow, Squirmy Worm.

3 Kasidit Leoviriyakit, Bristol, 3lb 8oz
2 Ian Lewis, Burry Port, 4lb 3oz
Rainbow, Yellow Mini Booby.
Rainbow, Bloodworm.
Green & White Booby ■ GRAIGLWYD SPRINGS,
Hook: Size 8 comp heavy BANGOR, 01492 622338
Thread: White 1 Robert McCann, Wirral, 21lb 0oz
Tail: White marabou tied long, overlaid Rainbow, Black Buzzer.
with sparkler mix tinsel 2 Jason Allen, Chester, 18lb 11oz
Body: Fluo chartreuse blob chenille Rainbow, Beetle.
Head: White ethafoam eyes 3 Stephen Powell, Mold, 18lb 10oz
Rainbow, Hothead Buzzer.
JUNIOR TROUTMASTERS FRANCE

■ LA CASCADE, ESTREE
ENGLAND 1 Rory Stocks, Pewsey, 11lb 4oz SCOTLAND WAMIN, 0033 321 488920
■ CHIPHALL LAKE TROUT Rainbow, Pink Lure. ■ FISH XL (BAIT), 1 Charles Zoons, Netherlands,
FISHERY, FAREHAM, ■ LOYNTON TROUT FISHERY, BROXBURN, 07708 327841 5lb 1oz Rainbow, Fly.
0777 6256 792 STAFFORD, 01785 284261 / 1 Jamie Young, Dunfermline, 7lb ■ MOULIN DE CHAISE DIEU DU
1 Evan Hector, Fareham, 5lb 1oz 07949 706839 11oz Rainbow, Powerbait Eggs. THEIL, LE THEIL,
Rainbow, Olive Damsel. 1 George Clarke, Tarporley, 3lb 8oz 0033 0687 099653
2 Evan Hector, Fareham, 3lb 7oz Rainbow, Damsel. WALES 1 Francois Houtmans, France, 14lb
Rainbow, Bloodworm. ■ WESTLOW MERE, ■ TAN-Y-MYNYDD FISHERY, 8oz Rainbow, Pink Snake.
■ LECHLADE TROUT CONGLETON, 01260 270012 ABERGALE, 01745 826722 2 Geoffrey Lambert, France, 11lb 14oz
FISHERY, LECHLADE, 1 George Clarke, Tarporley, 3lb 5oz 1 Ethan Welch, Liverpool, 4lb 0oz Rainbow, Orange Streamer.
01367 253266 Rainbow, FAB. Rainbow, Fly. 3 Gerard Parruite, France, 9lb
Rainbow, Black Streamer.
Harrison Findlay
(age 10, left)
caught his first-
ever fish, a 7lb
rainbow trout
at Burnhouse
Lochan fishery.
His younger
brother Pierce
(nine) also
Six-year-old Jamie Young, from Dave Jones, from Solihull, was Scottish angler Duncan Mcallum caught his first
Dunfermline, with a personal best 7lb delighted with his 11lb 4oz rainbow with a lovely 14lb 1oz rainbow caught fish that day - a
11oz rainbow caught from Fish XL on from Lenches Lakes. He attracted at Graiglwyd Springs fishery on a rainbow weighing
Powerbait Eggs. quite a crowd as he played it. Bloodworm and a floating line. 2lb 8oz.
92 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.fordhamandwakefield.co.uk

SPONSORED BY
TROUTMASTERS FISHERY NEWS ROUND-UP

BIGWELL FLY FISHERY, overwintered specimens it’s worth LOYNTON TROUT FISHERY, trout. Kieron Woodside caught six
MONMOUTH trying shallow bay, gravel bar or East STAFFORDSHIRE char including four in one session and
n De-weeding of the pools has started arm. Early season patterns such as n Many anglers landed big trout Ian Randall caught five in total. The
a little earlier this year. Although the black/green or white/green lures, over the winter period, with 20 fish char were mainly tempted on red or
weed is slow growing at the moment Blobs and Snakes on a floater or between 10lb and 18lb reported. pink flies.
staff are keen to keep on top of it, and intermediate line work well although Regular rod Ken Foster landed a
two days of weed removal made a residents may well fall to more brace of doubles in three casts YNYS Y FRO RESERVOIRS,
good impression. It also highlighted imitative nymphs such as Bloodworm, totalling 30lbs 7oz! When the water GWENT
how much natural food is in the water. Hare’s Ear and fry imitations. The is very clear margin cruisers can be n There will be no price increases this
Paul Ellesworthy caught his bag limit preseason stocking of over 1,500 spotted and cast to. On busier days, season at the Ynys y Fro reservoirs,
on catch and release including a 6lb fish will include a good proportion of fish push out from the banks and with season permits set at £235 for
rainbow on a Blue-flash Damsel. 3lb-plus specimens. There is no need longer casting is needed. Top flies are members and day tickets priced at
Hughie Wilson also caught a beautiful to book for bank fishing but it’s best lures in a variety of colours, Buzzers, £8 for members and £12 for visitors.
5lb 7oz rainbow on a small Black to book boats, especially from April Bloodworm, Hare’s Ear and Montana Both ponds were fully stocked prior
Buzzer from the lower lodge pool onwards. nymphs. to the new season which started on
and went on to catch five more on his Saturday, February 17. Rainbow trout
catch and release ticket including a LLYN CLYWEDOG, POWYS ROCKBOURNE TROUT to an average size of between 1lb 8oz
tiger trout. n Clywedog opens for the new FISHERY, HAMPSHIRE and 2lb form the bulk of the stocking,
season on March 8 with another four n Stalking tactics have accounted for with a small number of brown trout
ELINOR TROUT FISHERY, boats added for the 2018 season, the majority of the Arctic char caught also planned for the top pond. Catch
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE making a total of 29 boats including recently. Fishery regular Aaron House and release limits will remain at 8
n Elinor opened for the 2018 season a Wheelyboat. The 2017 season was spent many hours chasing the char fish per pond with a two-fish kill limit,
on Saturday February 10 and all prices a record year with more anglers and ended up slipping his net under 13 after which fishing must cease. Brown
remain the same as 2017. Generally fishing the lake than ever before, just of them. Steve Perry also made a few trout must again be carefully returned
the lodge end fishes best at this time confirming Clywedog status as one of trips to target the char and managed to the water, but will not count in the
of year for the new stock fish but for the premier trout fisheries in the UK. to catch seven along with a great tiger catch and release limits.
THE FOLLOWING FISHERIES ARE ALSO 2018 TROUTMASTERS WATERS

ENGLAND 01765 689024 Woolaston Court Trout Lakes, Swanswater Fishery, Stirling,
Aldin Grange Lakes, Durham Marston Wyse Trout Farm, York, Lydney, 01594 564624 01786 814805
0191 384 6090 01904 738383 Tarvie Lochs, (Fly & Bait), Contin,
Avington Trout Fishery, Meon Springs, Petersfield, SCOTLAND 01997 421250
Winchester, 01962 779312 01730 823134 Avon Trout Fishery, Airdrie, The Green Frog, Moffat,
Blackdyke Trout Fly Fishery, Narborough Fisheries, King’s Lynn 07876 512944 01683 221220
Thetford, 07525 730447 01760 338005 Dunlichity Trout Fishery, Wellsfield Trout Fishery
Blithfield Anglers, Norton Fishery, Stapleford Tawney, Inverness, 01808 521442 (Fly & Bait), Denny, 01324 822800
Abbots Bromley, 01283 840284 01708 688525 Forbes of Kingennie, Dundee,
Chiphall Lake Trout Fishery, Patshull Park Fishery, 01382 350777 WALES
Fareham, 0777 6256792 Wolverhampton, 01902 700774 Geddes Trout Fishery, Nairn, Elan Valley, Rhayader,
Elinor Trout Fishery, Rockbourne Trout Fishery, 07849 089232 01597 810383
Kettering, 01832 720786 Fordingbridge, 01725 518603 Glenbervie Fishery, Larbert, 07968 Glyncorrwg Ponds, Port Talbot,
Haywards Farm Lake, Theale, Simpson Valley Coarse & 251832 01639 851900
0118 930 3860 Trout Fishery, Holsworthy, Glenquicken Farm Trout Fishery, Llyn Clywedog Trout Fishery,
Higham Lake Trout Fishery, 07855 413672 Newton Stewart 01671 820593 Llanidloes, 01686 623920
Ponteland, 07950 428159 Sweethope Lough, Harle, Jericho Loch, Torthorwald, Llyngwyn, Rhayader, 01597 810383
Kingfisher Trout Lakes, Bromyard, 01830 540349 01387 750247 Ynysyfro Reservoirs, Newport,
01885 488464 Temple Trout Fishery, Bodmin, Kailzie Fishery (Fly & Bait), 01633 838250
Knitsley Mill (Fly & Bait), Consett, 01208 821730 Peebles, 01721 729020
07960 747417 Washburn Valley, Skipton, Millbuies Trout Fishery, Glen of NORTHERN
Langley Dam, Langley, 01943 880658 Rothes, 01340 831888 IRELAND
01434 688846 Withern Mill Trout Farm, Alford, Rescobie Loch, Forfar, Dungannon Park Lake Fishery,
Leighton Reservoir, Ripon, 01507 450356 01307 830367 Dungannon, 02887 728690
Swansea,
South
Wales
angler Dan
Bruton
caught this
cracking
rainbow
weighing
13lb 13oz
on a Black Ken Wynne from Mold, Flintshire, Embleton, Northumberland, angler Colin Gooch found success at Bigwell
Buzzer from caught and released this 14lb rainbow Graham Stephenson was delighted fishery by dropping a White Minkie just
Papermill at Graiglwyd Springs. The fish fell to a with his catch from ChattonTrout in front of the fish, then allowing the
fishery. size 14 Green Crunchy on a floating line. Fishery. fly to sink slowly.
www.fordhamandwakefield.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 93

MATCH SCENE OXOXOXO
my dad at 3am to ensure I got to Rutland shores at first light
Iain Barr
to get the spot I wanted. Banks would be lined with anglers
– small lights lit the banks as anglers waited for the dawn to
break. Now, I could spend a weekend on the banks and barely
see a soul.
Former world champion Iain Barr What’s being done?

I had some interesting conversations with anglers over the
voices concern about falling numbers, weekend, all with their complaints and ideas. Fisheries need
particularly in the youth ranks, and to stand up and listen to these complaints or our sport will
be gone for good.
urges action before it's too late The Angling Trust is trying new competitions, which will be
good for the sport and fisheries alike. They are introducing a
new six-man team competition to be held across Draycote
T
and Eyebrook fisheries, possibly the best two dry-fly waters
HE British Fly Fair International (BFFI) show in Iain Barr: in the UK.
Stafford is the UK’s largest fly-fishing show. Has fished for England Anglers fish both venues, three on each lake each day. All
24 times across World,
Having spent a weekend there promoting my European, Loch-style fish will be released and measured and there will be three
trout flies, I took some time to walk around. Two and Rivers International sessions fished a day. Each team member fishes two of them
things were noticeable, one being the number of Teams. and then marshalls in another competitor’s boat to measure
fly-tying stands with an array of every tying material all fish caught and released. Combined scores across your
possible, and the worrying one being the lack of younger team from both venues will determine the winners.
anglers. I could count on both hands the number of young
anglers and a survey on Saturday from a selection of visitors New materials
quoted the average age as being 46. It was refreshing to see some
cracking new materials from
We need more anglers Frozen North Fly Fishing
When I came through the youth ranks I would compete (FNF) of which I have
against 60 youngsters or so and now it’s almost ‘if you turn made probably the biggest
up you get in the team’. The Angling Trust is trying to change selection of Jelly flies
this trend. Farmoor Reservoir are running a youth available, see right for a
programme and this has to be applauded and supported. Any small selection, and visit
youth attending this event will receive Iain Barr flies for half www.iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk
price. for the full range along with a
good selection of our
“With many fisheries opening this month, best-sellers on barbless hooks including the new supreme
FASNA barbless hooks.
why not introduce someone to this This company from Holland has the mastermind of one of
incredible sport? We need them..." Europe’s best anglers behind them and we are working with
them to refine, refine and refine some more to bring the best
I have a 12-year-old and I think we all know my commitment barbless hooks to the market. I am also working with Kevin
to fly-fishing but he isn’t in the slightest bit interested as he Porteous of FNF to create a new Iain Barr Candy Jelly Fritz,
locks himself away with his computer games. so keep your eyes out for this one as he matches my original
It’s not for the lack of trying but when they come home colour for the perfect Iain Barr original Candy flies.
from school wanting the game consoles that all their friends
have and sit parked in their rooms with headsets talking to World Bank Masters
their friends and they play these latest games, it’s very My World Bank Masters continues to grow and there’s still
difficult. I have a younger child who is very keen and my time to enter. Anyone can enter no matter what their ability
concern is that when he joins school, I’ll lose him to the world and with up to £16,000 in cash to be won and in excess of
of computer games. £4000 in prizes by catching a tagged fish, it’s going to be a
It’s not just the youth that are suffering as trout angler special event.
numbers continue to decline. As a child, I would be waking There’s no better time to enter your first competition as
there is an array of events out there from large cash prizes to
fishing tackle and worldwide holidays to be won. It’s not
LAST CHANCE
always the winning that matters as it is a great way to learn
from those around you. As I made my way through the ranks
of fly-fishing I would enter every competition to learn. I
TO ENTER
Win up to £15,000 at the Iain Barr Farmoor WORLD
would come home disappointed for many years but on each
trip I was learning something and it all soon made sense.
Putting all the little things together makes you a better
BANK MASTERS. A fun fishing festival of rotational angler going forward.
pegged fishing at the impressive Farmoor 1
Reservoir, March 24-25. Places still available We must do our bit
I had the pleasure this month of taking nine relatively new fly
anglers on to Thornwood Springs near Epping and watching
them catch trout – for some it was their very first, which was
rewarding. After an hour in the ‘classroom’ we put into
practice what they’d learned with some gusto.
With many fisheries opening this month and stock levels at
their highest, why not introduce someone to this incredible
sport. It could be a neighbour, an office colleague or a family
member. We need them, fisheries need them, the sport needs
them.
Enter at www.iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk Tight lines.
See us at World Bank Masters on Facebook or
call 07802 567205
www.iainbarrflyfishing.co.uk
NEWS & VIEWS
READ ON THE FLY

Features Editor Jeffrey Prest reviews two recent additions to the fly-fishing library
Learn from the master

IF there's a First Lady of fly-fishing, Joan Wulff's book's breadth, as it covers the essential
claims to the title are as good as anyone else's. techniques before moving on to facets like false
Now in her nineties and widow of another fishing casting, loops, changing directions, back-cast
luminary, in the shape of the late Lee Wulff, the limitations, wind, getting out of trouble and
American has been casting since she was 10 and casting in both streams and saltwater. Syncing
won 17 national championships in her pomp, your tackle to your casting style is also
once putting 161 feet between her and her fly (an examined, before the author broadens her
unofficial record, as there were no distance subject to look at Spey casting, and casting for
categories for women back in 1960.) young people or people with disabilities.
Allied to her casting ability is a fervent desire If I had to sum up the book in a word, it would
to convey as much of it as possible to other be ‘clarity’. You could turn the study of casting
anglers, which has translated into the Wulff into a masterclass in applied physics if you
School of Fly Fishing, a video on casting wanted to, but Wulff has the great teacher’s
dynamics and three books, one of which is knack of distilling complexity into everyman
updated here, 30 years after its first English, and the combination of crisp text and
manifestation. illustrations make this a very absorbable read.
Not having seen the original, I cannot describe As befits a near-lifelong mastery of her
the precise updates, although Fly Fisherman subject, the author digs deep yet lucidly into the
editor emeritus John Randolph, who pens the components of sound casting technique, to the
foreword to this reincarnation (don't skip it, point where it’s not difficult to imagine the book
because it offers great insight into Wulff's benefitting not just beginners but also veteran
methods and underlying philosophy) says that it anglers set in their casting ways, whose own
explains how, through learning its mechanics technique might benefit from a refresh.
and advanced subtleties, the reader can “then This isn’t the only good book on casting, but I
find the soul of fly-fishing, the emotive final doubt anyone has made proficiency in the
level”. subject seem as accessible as Joan Wulff.
That might sound a bit 'New Age' for British Highly recommended.
ears but, relax; it's a false alarm. This is a
thoroughly practical manual, with Wulff's Joan Wulff's New Fly-Casting Techniques
wisdom adroitly counterbalanced by numerous Joan Salvato Wulff, £19.95
diagrams from illustrator David Shepherd, as Softback 206 pages
well as photographs of the author throughout Available via Quiller Publishing Ltd
her rich life in fishing. (www.quillerpublishing.com,
Thirty-two chapters are testimony to the tel. 01939 261616)
A traveller's delight
IF the name rings a bell, it’s because Chris The result is a series of place-portraits
Santella is the author of Fifty Places to Fly Fish (embracing mainly the Americas, but with
Before You Die, which enjoyed sufficient Ireland and Russia also featured) that will
prominence 14 years ago to prompt a second appeal to anyone with wanderlust in his or her
prod to our sense of mortality, in the shape of bones. Focusing on the pursuit of the principal
2011’s Fifty More Places to Fly Fish Before You fresh and saltwater species, many of the essays
Die. occupy just two or three pages but Santella
His latest book continues the travel theme thankfully doesn't cram, wisely opting to focus
but from a different angle, exploring not so on one or two facets of each trip. Coping with
much the nuts and bolts of how to get there but luggage loss on the Kola Peninsula; inner-city
what would make you want to go there in the fishing in Calgary; why carp fishing is like
first place. football; the code of honour amongst Floridian
Essentially an anthology of 37 fly-fishing guides; a casting lesson with Lefty Kreh and
essays he has previously penned for why you should always read the small-print of a
publications such as the New York Times, Gray’s New Zealand licence – it all makes for an
Sporting Journal and Rod & Reel, the book frees agreeable, lively read that you can dip in and out
the American from a structure of equipment of. (And respect to Santella for being unafraid to The Tug is the Drug
needs and recommended hotels, and sets him record the occasional fishing experience in Chris Santella, £15.95
free to home in on the personalities or quirks which he caught no fish). An ideal acquisition for Hardback, 176 pages
that have caught his imagination while anyone weighing up fishing holidays overseas or Available via Quiller Publishing Ltd
travelling. who simply enjoys good travel writing. (www.quillerpublishing.com, tel. 01939 261616)

CLASSIFIEDS To advertise please contact
Robert Harding – 01733 303816
Victoria Potter – 01733 366420
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Tel: 07960518738 Tufton Arms Hotel, Market Square,
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Please contact Huw Jones on
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Vouchers posted straight to your door
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T: 01323 832 615
Don’t miss the next issue on sale 28 March E: info@brickfarmlakes.co.uk

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FISHERY FINDER STAFFORDSHIRE

YOUR GUIDE Staffordshire’s Premier
TO GREAT Fly Fishing Venue
TROUT FISHING
Set in rural Staffordshire and offering over 11 miles of
bank angling and 754 acres of boat angling.
Day permits, 4 hour permits and Season Permits, motor boat
hire & Wheelyboat hire available.
Blithfield Reservoir, Waters Road, Abbots Bromley,
Staffordshire. WS15 3DU
BUCKS/BEDS CORNWALL SCOTLAND Tel: 01283 840 284 or email: anglers@blithfield.com
www.blithfield-anglers.co.uk
TREE MEADOW NewHaylie Trout Fishery
POCHARD LAKE TROUT FISHERY Largs. KA30 9QA
TROUT FISHERY WEST SUSSEX
Memberships available. CORNWALL
Beautiful and private, well
stocked 2 acre lake with club (Nr Hayle) 2 Fish 4 Hrs £17.00
HARTING TROUT LAKES Aborder
syndicate on the Hampshire / West Sussex
has availability for Season rods on
4 spring fed lakes that are not open to the
house, set in 23 acres of wooded
grounds. Bucks/Beds border. TR27 5EP 3 Fish 6 Hrs £21.00
4 Fish 8 Hrs £25.00
public. Stocked Rainbows and Wild Browns,
all set in 8 acres.
For details please telephone Troutmaster Water Opens 1st April 2018
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newhaylietroutfishery@gmail.com
www.pochardlakefishing.co.uk 3.5 ACRES Of NewHaylie Trout Fishery Ltd, Dalry Road, Largs 8 fish may be taken per week.
CLEAR WATER Cost £500.00 per season.
Fully stocked tackle shop. Rod numbers are strictly limited and by
private arrangement only.
Tel: 01736 850899
Contact Nigel: 01730 823647/nb@nbpat.co.uk
START RIVER TROUT FISHING

Don Stazicker offers a guide for beginners
BUZZERS TO BEGIN THE SEASON

Essential patterns for top, middle and point
SEA-TROUT ON THE SOUTH COAST

Where to find sport in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire
DON’T MISS THE APRIL ISSUE – ON SALE MARCH 8

ISSUE 508 ON SALE MAR 28
NEXT
Trout Fisherman, Bauer Media,
Media House, Lynch Wood,
Peterborough, PE2 6EA
Tel: 01733 468000
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
MONTH
Russell Hill 01733 395131
russell.hill@bauermedia.co.uk
FEATURES EDITOR
Jeffrey Prest 01733 395132
jeffrey.prest@bauermedia.co.uk
TROUTMASTERS CO-ORDINATOR
Samantha Toombs 01733 395157
samantha.toombs@bauermedia.co.uk
DEPUTY HEAD OF HUB, ANGLING
Beverly Winram
ART DIRECTOR
Hakan Simsek
ART EDITOR
Leigh Johnson
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lloyd Rogers & Jacques Portal
ADVERTISING
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donna.harris@bauermedia.co.uk
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Robert Harding 01733 303816
MARKETING Tel: 01733 468000
MARKETING MANAGER Gillian Giannioti
DIRECT MARKETING MANAGER Julie Spires
HEAD OF NEWSTRADE MARKETING Leon Benoiton
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BAUER CONSUMER MEDIA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Steve Fitzpatrick
MANAGING DIRECTOR - SPORT
Patrick Horton
l Spring multi-fly set-ups Get the most

l EDITORIAL DIRECTOR June Smith-Sheppard
DIGITAL DIRECTOR Charlie Calton-Watson
from an April buzzer hatch l Fastmail flies of FINANCE DIRECTOR Lisa Hayden
GROUP FINANCE & STRATEGY DIRECTOR
the month – Buzzers

Sarah Vickery
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR Rob Munro-Hall
CEO Paul Keenan
Trout Fisherman magazine is published 13 times a year by Bauer Consumer
Early season Learn to read Catch hill

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small waters a trout river tarn browns Bauer and we reserve the right to copy or edit, any material submitted to the
magazine without further consent. The submission of material (manuscripts
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Learn from Phil Dixon Massimo Magliocco Paul Procter gets

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& Russ Owen at identifies good rocks adventurous in

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receives a claim from a copyright owner or a person featured in any material
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covered by the Editorial Complaints Policy is complaints@bauermedia.co.uk.
SPARTIC TROUT CLATWORTHY’S NEW SPECIES

in the clothing trade and contains a small spear ideal for
lancing those clogged-up hook-eyes you invariably encounter
Wading in
In the mood of the moment, I present a
when trying to tie on size 18s in a gale with your eyes
watering. Don’t get mad, just get fishing.
Tyre protectant (£6.59)

Extend the life of boots and waders by treating them several
times a year with stuff that normally takes care of your car
Gear Guide for the, er, cost-conscious. If tyres. It improves the boots’ resistance to cracking and also
you routinely turn your wipers off when dry rot.
driving under a bridge, this is for you Power Magnet (£6.15)

Comes with a hole drilled in it – attach it to a length of string
and dangle it just above the floor around your tying bench
I
when you’re done. Better that this baby finds all those hooks
T has been that month of the year when I step out of Jeffrey Prest: you dropped, than kitty’s paws.
my comfort zone: away from books, whimsy, fishers The TF Features Editor A U-shaped magnet also spares you the fishing equivalent
on what’s caught his
and fisheries, and into the world of equipment. attention this month. of Russian roulette, when you insist on leaning your rod
Assigned the task of putting together those pages against a car with one of its doors open. The magnet stops
in our annual Gear Guide where it was felt I would do the rod from sliding and ends forever your days of tempting
least harm, it was comforting to see technology (or maybe fate. Thin sticky tape over the magnet’s poles will avoid
just good old market forces) bringing the prices of certain scratches.
items down to more affordable levels.
A welcome contrast, certainly, to a recent morning at Outdoor carpet (2 sq.m. £18.93 at
Rutland, photographing product by the water’s edge, when I onlinecarpets.co.uk)
could feel myself becoming slightly faint as our tester Replace worn-out felt soles on your wading boots: cut the
rattled off typical prices for top-end wet-weather gear – the carpeting to size and attach with waterproof epoxy. As
kind of sums I’d expect to pay for a week’s self-catering in a grippy as felt, it will outlast it and absorbs less water. The
respectable English resort. price shown is for brand new but you can probably haggle
Looking back, that was probably where this month’s column over scraps/free samples at your local home improvement
was born. In the interests of inclusivity, what chance a poor store. You know you love that.
man’s gear guide, aimed at those of us who, either through
circumstance or sheer bloody-mindedness, have dedicated Pipe Cleaners (£2.30 for 100)
our lives to avoiding the pillage of our purse? As pipe-smokers go the way of the dodo, fishing
Thrift being something of a lost art in an era could be the saviour of this manufacturing sector.
where declaring bankruptcy has somehow Use them to clean those hard-to-reach places on
metamorphosed into a shrewd financial your reel; as twist ties on bags; to hang a lantern
strategy, I held out no great hopes to start with, with if night-fishing; or as a stop-gap – threaded
but exploration of fishing’s ‘Poundland’, as it through two eyelets – should your boot-lace snap.
were, has been a revelation, and I am proud to Hell, if you’re getting desperate, you could even wind half
present the following 12 items, with which to of one around a hook and fish it as a lure.
transform your fishing in 2018. All items and
prices, where applicable, available on amazon. Safety pins (£1.39 for 20 in various sizes)
co.uk at time of writing (inclusive of P&P) except The theory is that if a rod ring breaks, you bend the bottom
where otherwise stated. quarter of a safety pin 90 degrees upwards and tape the
rest of the safety pin to the rod blank, before feeding your
Steam (£0.00) line through the wire circle at the foot of the safety pin. In
That’s the stuff from your kettle, not the Internet practice, though, just how many years it stays there will
gaming platform. Will salvage lures and flies that become a matter of honour for the more committed
have become matted through heavy use. Health & ‘economists’ among you.
Safety alert – because we all occasionally forget
that steam and boiling water are effectively the Feather powder (£8.60 at
same thing, hold the hook with pliers, not your www.merlinarchery.co.uk)
fingers... Normally used by archers on their arrow feathers, it
will perform the same waterproofing action with
4cm button (£3.20 for five) your flies, yet at a fraction of the cost of many
I don’t know about you, but this is the bane of my life floatants. That £8.60 buys you 25oz. I’ll leave you to
when on foot: both hands full and a bag strap over do the maths. Health & Safety alert – I understand
one shoulder that repeatedly slips down my that this stuff and inhaling don’t go together, so
arm. A large button, securely sewn onto your handle with care.
shirt or jacket shoulder, keeps the strap in
place. Whisky (around £17) and duct tape
(£1.86)
Ball of string (£2.30) and cable-ties Arguably all the first aid kit a true
(£1.78 for 100) outdoorsman ever needs.
Multiple rod tubes aren’t easily transported on
foot when you have other bags to carry as well. I make that £70.60 all told – £5.88 per item
To make a handle, knot a short section of string – and I suspect I’m merely picking through
at either end and fasten each end against the the upper reaches of fly-fishing’s bargain
tube with a cable-tie. bucket here.
Who knows? Maybe this time next year, I’ll
Stitch unpicker (£0.50) be in charge of my own supplement. The
Easier to find than a piece of wire, and less Hardly Pays Guide springs to mind, although
fiddly than using another hook, this tool is used I’m sensing legal issues.

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W
ITH the dawn of a new season, an old dilemma for fly with your casting ability; fly lines matched to the environment
anglers everywhere - time to upgrade your gear but in which you're fishing; and clothing and baggage that set new
where on earth do you start? As a plethora of tackle standards in defying the heaviest rain with the lightest materials.
firms look to raise the technological bar for rods, Some of the prices, too, will pleasantly surprise you: premium gear
reels and all things in between, what should their customers needn't always mean a premium price tag
be looking for to ensure that they get the best of it? We hope this guide sets you on the way to your best season yet.
Once again, this guide will short-circuit the process, homing in
on the best of this year's crop of new products, from some of the
biggest names in the industry.
Whatever you pursue this year, be it wild brownies, big rainbows,
salmon, or saltwater fish, something within these pages will make Andrew Flitcroft Russell Hill
the hunt easier – fly rods geared for casting accuracy and in sync Editor, Trout & Salmon Editor, Trout Fisherman
Contents plus sunglasses-and-magnifier

combinations
with the latest sunglasses for
fly anglers
4 Guide Flyfishing
Choose premium gear from 12 Guideline
New reels, rods and waders
18 Orvis
Accurate rods plus clothing,
waders and boots from the
23 Lure Lounge
St Croix rods that rival
Sage can now be bought in the UK
that ooze quality reputable Orvis brand
24 Wychwood
quality brands such as Vision,
16 Fulling Mill 20 Scierra

Sage, Rio, Fishpond, Redington
New rods, reels, fly boxes,
and Plan D Introducing the new Meet the new range of lines and tippets as well as
10 Airflo
Masterclass fluorocarbon, suitable superb fly lines about to hit the drogues and bags
for all fly fishing disciplines shelves from Svendsen
The latest reels, rods,
luggage and fly boxes from
Brecon-based company BVG Airflo 17 Opticaid UK
The latest overglasses 22 Optilabs
Get kitted out and look cool
26 ProfilQuality rods, waders and
boots for the angler on a budget
www.troutfisherman.co.uk What Gear Guide 2018

A vision of the future
High performance, innovation, quality and style are the hallmarks
of Guide Flyfishing's stable of market-leading brands
Vision Onki Double-handed Fly Rods £449.99

The big boys of the new season Onki line-up. All three Onki DH fly rods have power
that lies deep within the blank. The line-speed that you can generate with these high-
performance medium-fast action rods will enable you to reach the distances you need
to perfectly cover every lie. Even the longest rod retains the distinctive lightness and
feel that is a feature of the entire range. All DH rods are fitted with a downlocking reel
seat for better balance when casting and fishing, and have an attractive
olive green blank with graphite grey detailing.
Supplied in a partitioned cordura tube.
■ Choose from a 13ft 8wt, 14ft 9wt and 15ft 10wt.
Modern looks.
A stunning blank.
Power and
accuracy.
Great
performance with
shooting heads.
Larger-framed
Vision Tane nets £89.99-£99.99 Tane has a
deeper soft-
Two attractive wooden-framed nets for trout fishing on rivers and streams. One is fitted mesh bag,
£89.99.
with a fish-friendly rubber mesh bag for better catch-and-release. The bag has a flat
bottom. Frame dimensions: 60cm long, 30cm wide. Mesh depth, 30cm.
If you feel you need a bigger bag, the slightly larger-framed Tane has a deeper,
soft-mesh net bag. Frame dimensions: 66cm long, 33cm wide. Mesh depth, 46cm.
Smaller-framed
Tane has a
rubber mesh,
£99.99.
What Gear Guide 2018 www.troutandsalmon.com

GUIDE FLYFISHING
Tel: 01977 681 300
Web: www.guideflyfishing.co.uk
www.visionflyfishing.co.uk
Vision Kalu Onki Fly Reel £119.99

The popular Kalu is a proven reel on rivers and stillwaters. Available
in a stylish black and green colour scheme, it offers first-class
performance and excellent value for money. The frame is built from
die-cast aluminium while the smooth, sealed drag system is made
from stainless steel and carbon discs. The drag is adjusted by a one-
turn drag knob on the back of the reel, which is fully machined.
The perfect companion to the excellent Onki rod series.
■ There are three sizes: 3/4wt, 5/6wt and 7/8wt.
Spare spools are also available.
Comfortable
carry strap.
Protect and
order your reels.
Vision Reel Bag £59.99

The Reel Bag has removable inner dividers forming spacious
pockets for reels, spools, tackle boxes, sunglasses, a camera,
binoculars and much more. All your gear is kept safe inside
a protective outer cover. The bag is fitted with a double zip
and a comfortable handle.
5
“The switch rods are a little

softer in action … giving them
a deeper flex that is a pure
delight to cast and fish with”
Choose from 6wt,

7wt or 8wt.
Vision Onki Switch Fly Rods £349.99

The new Onki Switch is a light and powerful 11ft rod option, capable of longer casts or controlling bigger
available in three different line ratings. The 6wt is fish. Each rod has the same light feel with a crisp and
the lightest in the range, ideal for grilse and sea-trout responsive action. The switch rods are a little softer in
in wild Highland rivers. The 7wt is the workhorse, action than the Onki double-handers, giving them
Each 11ft rod is perfect for all-round applications, be it smaller rivers, a deeper flex that is a pure delight to cast and fish with.
supplied in a compact low summer flows or anywhere the room to form a Made in four pieces and fitted with an uplocking reel
partitioned tube. big D-loop is curtailed. The 8wt is the most powerful seat. Supplied in a partitioned cordura tube.

Vision Subzero Primaloft jacket £139.99
Style and performance are brilliantly combined in the desirable new 80g Subzero PrimaLoft jacket. It
has a soft outer layer and four zip pockets: chest, interior and two hand-warmers. Wear it under a wading
jacket for insulation or as an outer layer. It is highly wind-resistant and can be packed into a very small
space. One of the advantages of Primaloft over other insulating materials is that it dries quickly if it gets
wet. Polyester rip-stop shell fabric provides additional water and wind protection. The cuffs are elastic
and the hood has two drawcords.
Move the
internal dividers
to suit your needs.
Vision Hard Gear Bag £79.99

The big brother of the Reel Bag (previous page) the multi-purpose
Hard Gear Bag can be modified to hold prized reels, a digital SLR or
use it as a fly-tying travel bag. The soft divider gives extra protection
when the bag is closed and its zip pockets keep accessories (leaders,
spools) in order and accessible. The moulded bottom is waterproof.
6
Vision XLV Fly Reel from £199.99

There are two stylish designs of the new XLV reels. Both are carefully engineered to be strong and
lightweight. The trout sizes, in 3/4wt, 5/6wt and 7/8wt, have a backplate with a modern-styled “V”
while the 8/9wt and full-caged 9/10wt reels have a heraldic “V”. Both models are large arbor with
a hidden counterbalance and easily adjustable, smooth disc drag.
■ Choose the three smaller sizes for river or reservoir trout fishing. The 8/9wt is a perfect
partner for switch or big single-handed rods, the 9/10wt with its wider spool and full cage is ideal
for big-river salmon fishing.
Sturdier
dimensions of
the 9/10 reel.
All reels are anodised and tough.

"Heraldic" backplate of 8/9wt and 9/10wt. "V" design of the 3wt, 5/6wt and 7/8wt. This is the 5/6.

GUIDE FLYFISHING
Tel: 01977 681 300
Fishpond Green River Gear bag £179.99

Keep your tackle organised with this attachments can be placed to suit you.
multi-pocketed bag that is comfortable A built-in rod tube attachment on the
at home and on the water. There is a front will hold a tube. There are exterior
waterproof moulded bottom to protect it attachment points for fishing tools, front
from banks and boat bottoms, fold-down stash pockets, four outside zip pockets,
fly bench and deep main compartment. two side mesh pockets, two large internal
Made from Cyclepond nylon it is zip pockets, two internal stash pockets for
environmentally friendly, too. extra reels and fly boxes as well as three
Padded interior dividers with velcro zip pockets under the lid for more stuff.
Plan D Pocket
Fly Box from £24.99
Brand new to the UK, Plan D fly boxes are built
using the highest-quality components and have
a weather-resistant seal. Each box is designed to
house a specific type of modern fly, be that tubes,
Intruders or articulated Streamers.
The standard Pocket Box (6.5in by 5.2in) is perfect
for medium to large flies and travelling light. It will
fit comfortably in a vest pocket. The Pocket Box for
tubes uses a clever system of mandrels to securely
hold and protect up to 20 tube flies. There's also a
version that will hold big articulated flies.
Redington i.D Reel £99.99

This clever idea from Redington allows you to
decorate your reels with ready-made or custom
decals. A range of decals is available for £4.99 each,
they are easy to remove or stack if you want to
change the look of the reel over time. The reel itself
is made from die-cast aluminium with a smooth
rulon disc drag and large arbor.
Fly Vines f rom £11.99

Extremely popular in the USA where they originated,
this is an ingenious use of old fly lines. Rather than
throwing them away, Fly Vines upcycle old lines to make
Personalise your favourite reel. bracelets, lanyards, sunglasses retainers and coasters.
Environmentally friendly, highly functional and stylish.

Sage Spectrum Reels £229.99 to £459.99
There are three distinct models in the new spool surface. Light and durable, this is for increased strength and capacity.
family of Spectrum reels from Sage: the a high-quality reel for any application. The Spectrum Max is the big-fish specialist in
Spectrum, Spectrum LT and Spectrum Max. The Spectrum LT is built on a strong and the family. The proven Sealed Carbon System
All are fully-machined and built for high rigid ultralight frame with a drag as powerful drag is housed in a cold-forged aluminium
performance. Modelled on the 4200 series, as those found on bigger and bulkier reels. chassis with the same one-turn drag knob,
its popular predecessor, the Spectrum has a The drag is smooth with a precise one-turn large concave arbor and hard-anodised
large-arbor with a smooth drag and concave adjustment and the spool has a concave arbor exterior as the rest of the family.
Plan D Boat Fly Box from £39.99 RIO InTouch

Measuring 10.5in by 8.5in this is a large fly box Single-Hand
with a slit-foam inlay to safely and securely store Spey 3D £84.99
all your flies when fishing from a boat. Made from
durable, high-quality materials this box offers The floating Single-Hand
serious carrying capacity as well as Plan D’s Spey is an incredibly easy-
innovative configurations for storing big flies. casting fly-line whether
roll, spey or overhead
casting. The new 3D
version takes that same
user-friendly taper and
combines it with a triple
density construction that
Redington Minnow Fly Rod £99.99 allows you to perfectly
control the swing of your
Aimed at the younger angler, the Redington Minnow has a fun fly no matter how complex
aesthetic that should distract from what is a very easy-casting the currents. The floating
medium-action rod that performs above its price tag. section is easy to mend,
Available as an 8ft 5wt only, the shorter length is with a 10ft hover section
easier for younger anglers to handle, which and 10ft intermediate tip
leads to a more enjoyable day to get your fly down. An
on the water. exceptional line for any
angler who enjoys swinging
flies for trout, grayling,
sea-trout or salmon.
“Aimed at the
younger angler, the
Redington Minnow
performs above its
price tag”

GUIDE FLYFISHING
Tel: 01977 681 300
Sage Foundation Fly Rods £299 Outfit £479

Built using Graphite IIIe technology, the Foundation range of single-handed
rods offers fast-action Sage performance across five different models
from 9ft 4wt to 9ft 8wt. The Foundation offers casting power and Kit includes
effortless control, helping to take your fly presentation to Foundation rod with
another level. Whether you're hunting river trout or Rio fly-line, backing
and leader.
chasing rainbow on stillwaters, it's all the rod
you'll ever need at an affordable price.
The Foundation is also available as
a ready-to-fish outfit supplied
with a Sage 2200 series
fly reel, Rio Gold fly-line,
Rio backing and Rio
Powerflex tapered leader.
The outfits are supplied
in a rugged Cordura case with built-in
reel pouch.
9
RIO Direct Core Flats Pro £104.99
Surely the most advanced saltwater fly-line ever
built. It's ideal for sport with bonefish, permit,
tarpon and other saltwater species. Fundamental
to the design is a new type of
core that offers lower memory and stretch.
The innovative front-loaded taper with
a long back taper makes short and long
casts easier to achieve.
The Flats Pro will lie perfectly flat on the water
with a high floating running line that won’t sink
and impede your next cast. Plan D Pack Fly Box from £29.99
The floating version is available in high-visibility
aqua/orange/sand or subtler grey/kelp/sand. The next size up from the Pocket, the Pack is also
Or try the stealth-tip, which has a 6ft clear available in standard, articulated and tube versions. At
intermediate tip – perfect for permit. 9.5in by 5.2in it fits neatly into a bag or pack. The clear
lid makes it easy to identify the contents and all boxes
are extremely durable.
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Slings £ 219.99

Sling packs offer the best of both worlds when compared to a fly-fishing
vest or backpack. The Fishpond Submersible Sling, part of the growing
range of Submersible packs, has the added advantage that it will keep
your gear dry come rain, deep wading or an unscheduled swim.
The fully-waterproof TIZIP is invaluable in protecting your
electronics, camera or lunch.
When it comes to fishing function, there is plenty of capacity.
The large main compartment will swallow plenty of kit and
a water-resistant second pocket provides extra space. The lightweight
foam shoulder strap plus back panel will keep you comfortable. Behind
the pack is an integrated net slot. A zip pocket and stash pocket offer
internal organisation while tabs and loops on the outside allow for
the attachment of tools and accessories.
Available in cutthroat orange and yucca.

For the roving angler
From lighter reels & luggage to responsive 4-piece rods - it's all here!
Hatch Finatic G2 reels changes in fly-fishing. Specifically, the amount of

time anglers spend in the water in pursuit of fish. It’s
£389.99 to £899.99 an exciting time, and it has forced them to reimagine
The new generation 2 Finatic fly reel is an how their reels are sealed in extreme environments.
evolutionary update from the original tried and This year, Airflo have added lip seals and sealed
true Finatic. Consistent with uncompromising bearings to all their reels as a one-two punch to
commitment to premium quality, there have been protect against the elements and add a whole new
several significant performance improvements and level of water protection.
aesthetic enhancements including: new 9 Window ■ A bomb-proof frame-to-spool connection is
10 frame design, non-reflective mist finish, non-stick essential for maintaining strength, and true-spin
cranks, concave frame design for additional weight consistency.
relief, and Teflon lip seals that add a whole new ■ The reel seat is a Hatch signature and they’re
level of protection against the elements. sticking to it. A solid is always stronger than two
■ Incorporating a mist finish on Airflo’s entire line- parts attached by screws. This eliminates the
up of reels. Misting creates smoother edges and common problem of screws rotting from corrosion
provides for a more consistent non-reflective finish and becoming loose.
throughout. Plus it looks very cool! ■ A multi-disc drag cassette comprising Rulon® and
■ You might have noticed from the photos that the precision stamped stainless steel discs is employed
back plate has gone from 7 spoke in the Gen 1 Finatic in all models. With multi-disc drag, you’re applying
to 9 spoke in the Gen 2. What you probably didn’t braking pressure and heat dispersion over several
notice is that Hatch has created a concave surface surfaces, virtually eliminating start-up inertia and
inside the frame as well. Adding two extra arms in stick/ slip problems.
the frame eliminates unnecessary weight, thereby ■ There's a full range of sizes and spool options
making the reel lighter without sacrificing strength. to cover all eventualities and everything that
■ Over the past few years Hatch has seen some big swims.
Super Stik MKII £139.99 to £169.99

Airflo’s best-selling and highly-regarded Super is available in lengths and actions that cover section to help cope with a wide range of line
Stik rods have been upgraded for 2018. almost every single-hand situation, from small densities.
Using the latest in cutting-edge carbon stream to traditional loch style from a drifting Each rod comes with a high-quality cordura
technology, high-quality fittings and great boat. protective tube.
cosmetics, the MKII is more responsive than the Developed with some of the UK’s top ■ All Super Stik MKII rods come with a free
original and features a composite/cork handle competition anglers, Super Stik MKII are also Super Dri floating line worth £39.99.
for superior grip. available in 10ft 4-piece competition action ■ Price £139.99-£159.99 Code F-AIRSS2-(size)
With a subtle olive finish, Super Stik MKII that have a slightly stronger action in the butt ■ Price £169.99 Code F-AIRSS2-(size)-COMP
The 10ft
8wt Comp
Special

AIRFLO
Tel: 0871 911 7045
Email: customerservice@airflofishing.com
Web: www.airflofishing.com
Classic Game Bags £19.99 to £24.99

Outlander Covert Fantastic duo of game bags for the fisher who likes to
Chest/Back Pack travel light. Incorporating lined main compartment,
£79.99 two outer Velcro pockets and one large zipper pocket.
Two handy elasticated end pockets to house those
For the roving angler who
essentials. Doubles as a great dog/game bag for the
likes to explore. New for 2018,
shooter as well.
the Covert pack holds plenty
of gear with removable chest
pack and comprehensive
back pack. There’s even a
matching rod tube which
fits securely into place and
accommodates a 4-piece rod
up to 9ft.
■ Code F-OUTLUG-20
“There's even a
matching rod tube
which fits securely
into place.”
Classic Game Bag - Medium
(Dims 40cm x 12cm x 28cm)
■ Price £19.99 Code F-AIRGAME-M
Outlander Covert
Vest Pack £49.99
A great addition to the range,
this compact vest sits nice and 11
high on your chest and is not
too bulky. Great for all your
essentials and keeping you on
the move.
■ Code F-OUTLUG-21
“Great for all

your essentials
and keeping you
on the move.”
Classic Game Bag - Large
(Dims 45cm x 12cm x 36cm)
■ Price £24.99 Code F-AIRGAME-L
EVA Fly Box £12.99

The new EVA foam competition fly box from Airflo is
both durable and practical. A non-absorbent EVA foam
construction ensures your box will float if dropped in
water, while being crush-proof and ultra-light. With a
massive 264 fly capacity, one side features stilted foam,
while the other features slot inserts. Box closure is
secured by corner magnets that are screwed into
position.
■ Crush-proof buoyant EVA construction
■ Magnetic closure, secured by corner
screws
■ Dual sided with slot and slit foam
■ Size (inches): 6.5 x 3.75 x 1.5
■ Accommodates 264 flies (not included)
■ Code F-EVA-BOX

Great Guideline gear
The latest rods, reels and tackle from one of fly-fishing's top brands
Favo fly reels from £109.99
These high-tech fly reels are inspired by design elements from the Fario and
Vosso reels. Guideline have given each reel individual features to best suit
its purpose and to make it match nicely with the rod it is suited to. Part of
the design is unique and can only be achieved by using a die casting method
where reels are produced from high-precision tooling and then CNC finished
before being coated with the final finish. The drag system is smooth, precise
and well proven. It will give good performance even though it is not sealed.
Normal care and maintenance is required when using the reels in saltwater.
There are three models available and they will fit rods from 4wt up to 10/11wt.
The 79 and 810 models have a rim cage to stabilise the frame and prevent
thin shooting lines from getting caught between
frame and spool.
The 810 also features extra X-truss supports
and has a double five-spoke pattern both on
the spool and the frame. The retrieve direction
on the reels is easy to alter and only takes a
couple of minutes. Favo has a dark gunmetal
semi matt finish on the frame and spool.
There are two orange metal plates with GL
snake logo on the drag and spool release knobs.
Reels are supplied in a nylon case.
The excellent ■ There are three models to choose from:
12 die cast Favo reel. 46, 79 and 810. The Favo has a smooth and
reliable drag system.
EXP5 fly rods from £129

Everything about this series is new. The result is an entry-level range that offers amazing performance. By using
new 24/30T graphite materials with reduced resin content, weight has been reduced and the balance has been
improved noticeably. Actions have been updated and refined to suit the competence level and casting style from
beginner to intermediate casters even better than the previous series did. The action can be described as a
“forgiving” medium/fast flex that tolerates a mistimed stroke without sacrificing performance when
loaded in the correct way. The best entry-level rod Guideline have produced to date.
date.
All rods are fitted with chrome-finished hardware, lightweight graphite spacers,
“non-tangle style” stripper guides and single-leg hard chrome running guides.
The finish is a pearlescent maroon/brown colour with matching
wrappings. Delivered with rod bag and a lightweight rod tube.
■ EXP5 series ranges from EXP5 7ft 6in 3wt
to EXP5 10ft 7wt.
An entry level rod

that doesn't
compromise.

GUIDELINE (JIM CURRY)
Tel: 07973 291 367
Email: info@guidelineflyfish.com
Web: guideline.no
Experience
Alta Waterproof Backpack waders are
£167.99 high-quality
and durable.
The Alta Backpack is made from a waterproof
420D Nylon 6 fabric with PU coating and
TPU film lamination that welds together.
With a roll-top closing system, once
fastened correctly your equipment will
stay dry in the harshest conditions.
Designed to be the lightest backpack
possible. Perfect for carrying on flights
where weight is the enemy. It has two
nylon Spandex side pockets, one
outside pocket with water-resistant
zipper, two D-rings and Velcro flaps
to carry your rod tube. Inside is
a hanging pocket to put your
wallet, keys and other small
items into.
The back of the pack is padded
with Air-mesh for extra comfort and
features articulated shoulder straps
and a 38mm webbing waist belt that you
adjust at the sides, keeping the straps out
of the way of fly lines. The shoulder straps
have detachable holders that you can fit the
Guideline waist bags on and use as a chest
pack. All this makes it a perfect daypack
Keep your kit for fishing in wet conditions as well as for
dry with the
Alta waterproof everyday fishing.
backpack. ■ Material: 420D Nylon 6, finish I: PU Coating,
finish II: TPUFilm lamination. 13
Experience TiZip waders

from £379.99
Experience TiZIP is now updated to take
advantage of the “no stitch” ultra-sonic
welding technology. It has also been
equipped with a double belt loop at the back
to get the best possible position for your
wading belt. The colour is also updated to a
darker graphite.
This incredibly light zip wader is made of
highest-quality fabric and is 240g lighter
than the Alta waders. Perfect if there is a
good amount of walking involved in your
fishing. These waders are made with one
large outside pocket and one internal pocket.
Both are equipped with water-resistant
zippers to make them as waterproof as
possible. All around the upper seam is a
webbing system where you can attach
accessories. At the front, you have a movable
and removable retractor.
■ Material: Four-layer 100 per cent nylon
taslan with dyed and PU laminated finish.
“The medium/fast Waterproof: 30,000 mm.
flex tolerates a Breathability: 7,000 gr/m2/24h (B-1).
Colour: graphite.
mistimed stroke Weight: 943 gr/size L.
without sacrificing Available in sizes: S to XXXL, including MS,
ML, MK, LS, LL, LK, XLK.
performance.”

Laxa & Kaitum Fly-fishing Kits from £235.99
Kaitum, Laxa and Epik fly-fishing kits are brand new for the 2018 season
and have improved performance and better features than the previous
range. The blanks have brand new materials that have significantly
less resin in the carbon scrim that gives a lighter and more responsive
rod than the previous Kispiox models. In addition, the kits come with
a brand new Favo fly reel. The lines are designed to fit each specific
purpose and all kits come assembled and ready for use.
■ The new Guideline kits consists of eight models, from Kaitum Fishing kits come
Trout 9ft 5wt to Laxa Salmon 13ft 7in 9/10wt. ready to use.
The new Favo

reel is included.
14
“The lines are designed

to fit each specific
purpose and all new
kits come assembled
and ready for use”
Choose from
coal or clear
blue colours.
Experience LT Jacket
from £279.99
The Experience LT stretch jacket is a modern
type of fishing/outdoor jacket. Equipped
with two high horizontal pockets which fit
large fly boxes, two webbing loops to attach
accessories and a fly patch. It has a D-ring at
the back of the collar for a net. There is one
mesh inner pocket for storage.
It is made of a lightweight three-layer nylon
Ripstop fabric with mechanical stretch that
together with the design gives great mobility
in the jacket. It has excellent performance
levels of 20,000mm water pressure and a
breathability of 25,000 g/m2/24h (B1). The
hood is equipped with metal thread to be able
to adjust the brim and two-way cord string
adjustment. A perfect jacket to use every day
as well as by the water.
Material: 100% nylon Ripstop with
mechanical stretch, dyed and PU film
laminated with N20d Tricot back. Choose from
clear blue or coal colours.
Available in sizes: XS to XXXL.

GUIDELINE (JIM CURRY)
Tel: 07973 291 367
Email: info@guidelineflyfish.com
Web: guideline.no
The waterproof
waist bag is great
for deep wading.
Korkers Wraptr wading

boots from £264.99 Alta Waterproof Waist Bag £94.99
The Alta waist bag XL is made of a waterproof 420 D nylon 6 fabric with PU
No more stitch and seam failures with
coating and TPU film lamination that welds together making this waist bag
the new boot from Korkers. Featuring
incredibly light. Combined with a roll-top closure that when closed properly
a one-piece, single-seam, abrasion
will keep your gear dry in the worst weather. It has one fly patch, one Hypalon
resistant, hyper-light and water-
tool bar and a front pocket with water-resistant zipper.
immune shell of flexible armour.
At the sides, you can easily adjust the height of the buckles to compress
An incredibly durable boot built to
the roll-top closure system. Here you also have a D-ring on each side for
effortlessly cover the miles and give
attachment. At the back, there is a big handle with plastic loops to use for
maximum comfort no matter how
hanging the waist bag on the shoulder straps of Guidelines backpacks –
tough the terrain or conditions.
converting it into a chest pack.
Traction - OmniTrax® 15
The waist belt is a sliding system so that you can easily draw the pack round
Interchangeable Sole System for Durability and in front of you and then slide it back behind you without moving the belt
customised traction on the fly. comfort combined.
on your waist. Inside the waist bag you have a hanging pocket for keys and
Durability – Wraptr tech construction
important items.
is a one-piece, single-seam construction with compression
Material: 420D nylon 6, finish I: PU Coating, finish II: TPU Film lamination.
moulded flexible armour that solves the age-old problem
Colour: Graphite Weight: 310 gr Size: XL
of stitch or seam failure.
Closure system – Anti-corrosive brass speed laces,
friction-free rolling lace guides, and a locking lace cleat
provide a customised bi-zonal fit.
Fit – 3-Ply Fit System with Achilles stabilisation for the
superlative fit.
Fast drying – Hydrophobic upper material with ultra
abrasion resistance.
Internal drainage – Water flows through internal channels
then out of midsole ports, removing excess water and
weight.
Comfort – Premium polyurethane footbed for added shock
absorption and dynamic comfort.
The boots are 10in tall and weigh 3lb 5oz per pair.
■ Available in sizes 7 to 15 (no half sizes). The popular
Compline is
back in business.
Compline II – Flat Mono Shooting Line from £31.99

A range of flat, intermediate monofilament shooting lines for use with
shooting-heads in both single-handed and double-handed fishing. The flat
Compline II is a little lower in diameter than the old Compline. A little more
“rectangular” in shape. It has the same amount of stretch as the old version
and is a little softer when handling, especially when used several days in a
row. Because of the lower diameter, we recommend to use this line in slightly
higher breaking strength than Compline. For instance, a 50lb Compline II
will perform well with both 9/10wt and 10/11wt rods. The 42lb version works
well with 8/9wt rods and can even be used on 7/8wt outfits. The 35lb version
lends itself very well to fishing with switch and single-handed rods. Being
a bit suppler, this line has the advantage when it comes to stretching it and
Change the soles
with ease.
eliminating “dints” that have occurred when tangling. It stays straight in
colder weather and is easy to stretch.

FULLING MILL
Tel: 01293 778600
Email: sales@fullingmill.com
Web: www.fullingmill.co.uk
True all-round NEW &

AVAILABLE
March 2018
fluorocarbon
A leader revolution in your tackle bag
DDING to their highly-reliable and affordable World Class range of
A fluorocarbon, Fulling Mill now offer the new ultra-high-spec
Masterclass range. Brilliantly supple with tremendous abrasion
resistance and great knot strength, It has the purest and densest
fluorocarbon recipe on the market giving it the fastest sink rate out there.
Furthermore, instead of suiting one aspect of fly-fishing, Masterclass can be
used in all disciplines – trout, salmon and saltwater game fish.
The company claim that the substantially improved performance
represents a ‘revolution in your tackle bag’.
Available both online from Fulling Mill direct and from any of their 700-plus
dealers in the UK, Europe and rest of the world (except for the USA) as of
March this year, it's sure to make a stir.
Code / Suitable
X factor Diameter Linear Strength
Price quarry
mm inch Kg lbs
50m spool
16
MC50070- Trout &
7x 0.110 0.0043 1.28 2.82
£15.95 grayling
MC50060- Trout &

6x 0.125 0.0049 1.69 3.73
£15.95 grayling
MC50055- Trout &

5.5x 0.143 0.0056 1.90 4.19
£15.95 grayling
MC50050- Trout &

5x 0.157 0.0061 2.28 5.03
£15.95 grayling
MC50040- Trout & sea

4x 0.185 0.0072 2.95 6.50
£15.95 trout
MC50030- Trout & sea

3x 0.196 0.0077 3.23 7.12
£15.95 trout
MC50020- Trout, sea tr

2x 0.235 0.0092 4.86 10.71
£15.95 & lt salm
MC50010- Trout, sea tr

1x 0.261 0.0102 5.54 12.21
£17.95 & lt salm
MC50000- Trout, sea tr QUALITIES INCLUDE

0x 0.275 0.0108 5.96 13.14 ■ Unique pure form premium fluorocarbon
£17.95 & lt salm
■ Technical revolution in design and performance
Salmon, ■ 21st Century German precision engineering
MC50001-
01x 0.300 0.0118 6.95 15.32 sea trout & combined with premium-grade Japanese raw
£17.95
saltwater
materials
Salmon, ■ Market-leading density rating coupled with lowest
MC50002-
02X 0.325 0.0127 7.94 17.50 sea trout & refractory index
£17.95
saltwater ■ Superb diameter v linear strength ratio, highly
abrasion resistant
40m spool
■ Suitable for all fly-fishing disciplines including trout,
salmon and saltwater
MC50003- Salmon &
03x 0.356 0.0140 9.46 20.86 ■ Supple and easy to knot
£17.95 saltwater
■ Simple functional spool designed by fishermen for
MC50004- Salmon & fishermen
04x 0.385 0.0151 10.51 23.17
£17.95 saltwater ■ Conforms to EFFTA Line Charter

OPTICAID
Tel: 0800 1693760
Web: www.anglingeyes.com
Angling Eyes
Fishing glasses with magnifying lenses
SPECIAL
OFFER
BUY ONE
GET ONE FREE
£19.99+£4 P&P ORDER 2
Angling Eyes £19.99 CUSHIONED
If you are fed up with having to
CASES WITH
BELT/BAG CLIP
swap between polarised fishing
FOR ONLY
glasses and reading glasses to £4.99
complete fiddly, close-up tasks,
like tying flies, Angling Eyes are the
answer.
They incorporate a tinted,
bi-focal magnifying panel with a
dioptre of +2.50, so that you can
see clearly to work, while the matt
black wraparound frame helps
block unwanted light from all
angles.
The glasses are available in
a choice of two polarised lens
colours. The category 3 grey lens is
ideal for bright, sunny conditions,
whereas the category 2 amber lens
is best suited for low/dull light.
Both offer UV400 eye protection.
They come complete with a neck KEY FEATURES ■ Wraparound design
cord and micro-fibre cleaning bag. ■ Bifocal magnifying lenses ■ Neck cord
Two cushion cases with easy- ■ UV400 protection ■ Microfibre cleaning bag
fit belt/bag clip can be ordered
17
■ Glare-blocking polarised lenses ■ Supplied in gift box
separately.
METALLIC RED FRAME

Category 3 grey lens for
bright, sunny conditions
■ RRP £14.99
METALLIC RED FRAME

Category 1 amber lens for low/
dull light or to reduce glare and
improve clarity when night driving.
■ RRP £14.99
BLACK FRAME
Category 1 amber lens for
Overglasses dull/low light or to reduce
glare and improve clarity
Clever glasses which fit discreetly over your existing when night driving.
frames, turning prescription glasses into polarised fishing ■ RRP £12.99
glasses at a fraction of the normal cost.
They retail from £12.99 to £14.99, dependent on the
model chosen and can also be mixed and matched with
Opticaid’s other great deals.
Overglasses are available in five models, all with UV400
polarised lenses.
■ AVAILABLE ON A BUY ONE, GET ONE HALF-PRICE
DEAL (OFFER ALSO APPLIES IF BUYING OVERGLASSES TORTOISE OR
AND ANGLING EYES). CALL 0800 1693760 BLACK FRAMES
Category 3 lenses for
bright, sunny conditions
■ RRP £12.99
OverGlasses
Orvis Helios 3 - Accurate from Anywhere
"
FAST IS FINE,
BUT ACCURACY"
IS EVERYTHING
Wyatt Earp
Helios 3F Helios 3D Helios 3F
M
OST modern fly rods are
powerful, but accuracy is
the new frontier in fly rod
7ft 6in 3wt 9ft 8wt 10ft 7wt
design. Putting a dry fly in front £849 £898 £898
of a rising trout or a crab fly in A big, wild brown For delivering a shrimp A cruising rainbow
front of a tailing permit is fishing. trout rises under the fly to a big bonefish surfaces in the
Everything else is just hope. overhanging branches with pinpoint accuracy, shallows, the distance
18
Success is defined by inches. on a small brook. With the 9ft 8wt H3D has between dorsal and tail
Accuracy is everything. only a narrow window no equal. Wading in makes your jaw drop.
The Helios 3 represents the to aim for, it is a matter the clear waters of It’s moving away from
next great leap forwards in fly of inches between a a tropical flat, you you sipping buzzers
rod technology. Tracking is vastly perfect drift and losing spot the target by its from the wind lane,
improved through much-reduced your fly in the trees. shadow on the sand. soon it will be out of
oscillation and ovalisation. Take the shot with You only get one range. Don’t miss.
Maximum energy is transferred confidence. chance, choose the
through a tighter window for the right weapon.
most precise and accurate casts
you have ever experienced. It's a
rifle in a world of muskets.
All Helios 3 rods feature a matte
storm grey (3F) or matte midnight
black (3D) blank, anodised reel
seat and REC recoil snake guides.
Choose between the Helios 3D
for distance and the Helios 3F
for finesse.
The Helios 3 is
entirely made “The Helios 3
in the USA.
represents the
next great
leap forwards
in fly rod
technology.”

ORVIS
Tel: 0333 400 4177
Email: customerservice@orvis.co.uk
Web: www.orvis.co.uk
Orvis Ultralight Range - Less weight,

more features, no compromise
Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket £249
A smart, minimalist wading jacket that offers solid protection
against wind and rain. It packs down so that it can easily
be carried in a small day bag. The greatly-reduced bulk
means more comfort and freedom with great waterproof
and windproof protection. Made from a two-way stretch,
three-layer shell that offers 20k waterproofness and
30k breathability with a DWR finish and fully-taped
seams. The jacket moves with you, keeping you dry and
comfortable whatever the temperature or activity.
There are two front storage pockets, side zip pockets
and YKK AquaGuard zips. The integrated Dolphin Skin
cuff system prevents water running up the arm when
releasing fish. There are rubber tabs for tools, an
internal power mesh pocket for extra storage and
rear D-ring for a net. The storm hood is three-way
adjustable with a laminated brim.
Ultralight Vest £149

A modern and sleek fishing vest with lots of
cleverly-designed functions and features. The low
profile keeps weight closer to the body and greatly
reduces bulk. Made from lightweight DWR (Durable
Water Repellent) coating it dries faster and 19
breathes better. There are 11 pockets in total. six on
the outside, including four that are large enough
for fly boxes, four on the inside and one on the back.
Two Velcro fly patches hide a zinger attachment
that reduces the risk of line catching on your
nippers or forceps. Lined foam collar for comfort
and tri-ring net attachment on the back.
Ultralight Wading Boots £179

Durability and performance without the weight
of a conventional boot. Excellent for negotiating
airline weight restrictions and seriously reduces
Ultralight Convertible the amount of energy expended walking and
Waders £325 wading. The upper is made from fast-drying
Clarino which has a better strength-to-weight
A light, durable, high-performance wader with ratio than leather. A custom Vibram EVA midsole
innovative features. Modern fit with anatomically provides comfort even over rugged terrain while
correct feet provides extreme comfort without the Vibram outsole features Orvis’s proprietary
weight or bulk. Fidlock Snap magnetic fasteners lug pattern for solid traction. Designed to accept
allow quick and easy conversion to waist-high and studs if required. Weight: 40oz per pair (size 10).
back again. Four-layer shell resists punctures and Also available in a full range of women's sizes. Ultralight Foam Fly
abrasion. Neoprene gravel guards eliminate drag
and water collection. The external storage pocket
Boxes, from £16.50
features a water-resistant YKK zip and fly patch. These fly boxes are made from
There are rubberised tabs on the suspenders and light, moulded foam. Micro -slits
front pocket for attaching tools and retractors. allow flies to be backed in without
Large stretch mesh pocket on the inside that damaging the foam and holds them
expands to fit larger items plus attachment point firmly in place. If you drop the box in
for Orvis waterproof pouch (sold separately). the water, it floats making retrieval
Both the Ultralight Waders and Ultralight Wading easier. Secure magnetic closure
Boots come in a full range of women's sizes - the keeps everything safe. Choose
Orvis Ultralight wader range for women won best from storm grey or citron colours in
in show at IFTD in the US. medium or large (£18.50) sizes.

Balance without
compromise
The ultimate balance between distance
and presentation for less than £30
– twin-coloured, braided core,
laser-printed line type
ike a bird in flight or a racing car on the limit, a good fly line for different kinds of customer;
L
Laser-printed line
20
fuses several factors into a happy medium. Profile, diameter, each line as smooth as possible, type for quick
identification.
weight, length and density: get one out of sync and the whole to minimise friction between guides and line.
package rebels, but find that sweet spot between them and they all The standards are exacting and the road to
pull together to deliver a fly smoothly, quietly, effortlessly. perfection is long but with its superb collection of new
This great balancing act is a challenge Scierra meets year after year, lines for 2018, Scierra is confident that it has reached
devising different mixes for different kinds of lines, its destination once more.
Twin
colour
Twin
colour Welded
loops
Welded
loops
Aerial Float/
Intermediate |
Aerial Float | WF lines £29.99
WF lines £29.99 ■ Shorter heads and slightly more aggressive profiles than the
■ Weight distribution perfectly blends presentation capability with Aerial Float
distance potential ■ Require minimal false casting, even at distance
■ Triangular front and rear tapers ■ Intermediate head ensures that the fly ‘swims’ just below the
■ Welded loops at both ends. Laser-printed line type for easy surface
identification ■ Welded loops at both ends. Laser-printed line type
■ Length: 27.5m Head length: 11.2m ■ Length 30m Head length 10.2m
■ Colour: White/green ■ Colour White/blue
■ Available in seven line weights: WF-3 7g, WF-4 9g, WF-5 11g, WF-6 ■ Available in five line weights: WF-5 12g, WF-6 14g, WF-7 16g, WF-8 18g
13g, WF-7 15g, WF-8 17g and WF-9 19g and WF-9 20g
■ Pack Size: 1 ■ Pack Size: 1

SCIERRA
Tel: 01827 59659
Email: uk@svendsen-sport.com
Web: www.scierra.com
Twin Welded
colour loops
Aerial Long Belly | Head First | Single-Hand Shooting Heads

WF Long Belly lines£29.99 £29.99
■ Floating lines that deliver excellent presentation at medium to ■ Weight distribution and smooth tapers perfectly balanced
long distances ■ Slow turnovers allow more running line to accompany the head
■ Still suitable for close-range fishing, too before the fly’s final delivery, avoiding collapses in longer casts
■ Finely-balanced profiles make it easy to hold a lot of line in the air ■ Better presentation at all distances
and increase casting range in an instant ■ Welded loops at both ends and laser-printed line type
■ Sold without loops but with laser-printed line type ■ Head length 9.5m (Float and Sink 1 versions) and 11.5m Sink 1
■ Length: 30m Head length: 14m ■ Float version (light blue) and 9.5m Sink 1 versions (blue) available in
■ Colour: White/light orange SH-5 13g, SH-6 15g, SH-7 17g, SH-8 19g and SH9 21g. 9.5m line weights
■ Available in line weights WF-4 11g, WF-5 13g and WF-6 15g ■ 11.5m Sink 1 version (glass blue) available in SH-6 17g and SH-7 19g
21
Twin
colour
Twin
colour
Welded
loops
Brook II | Short Belly WF lines £29.99
■ Short-headed floating lines made with smaller rivers and
streams in mind
Big Fly II | WF lines £29.99
■ Ideal for anglers working in cramped locations ■ Designed to carry really big flies to their intended destinations
■ Short but well-balanced heads provide slow turnover and ■ Shorter front tapers turn over big flies more easily, without
feather-light presentations compromising loop control or presentation
■ Sold without loops but with laser-printed line type ■ Ideal for hunting predators
■ Length: 25m ■ Welded loops at both ends and laser-printed line type
■ Head length: 8.2m ■ Length 30.5m Head length 11.3m
■ Colour: White/aqua gray ■ Float (White/chartreuse), Float/Sink 3 (White/dark green) and Sink
■ Available in five line weights: WF-2 6g, WF-3 7g, WF-4 8.5g, WF-5 3 (dark green) versions available, each one in line weights WF-8 19g,
10g and WF-6 11.5g WF-9 21g or WF-10 23g

OPTILABS
Tel: 020 8686 5708
The UK’s prescription sports eyewear specialists Web: www.optilabs.com
High-spec solutions
You don’t fish with just any old fly, so why fish in just any old glasses?
Prescription eyewear specialists Optilabs explains why improving your
fishing starts just above the nose…
T’S easy to think that this game their satisfied customers, it was a fisherman lens provides an excellent all-round solution,
I revolves around the hands; all that
casting, retrieving and playing of fish.
who got the ball rolling all those years ago.
His wish for prescription polarised fishing
performing superbly in all types of light from
dawn to dusk. As an alternative to traditional
Yet consider all the work your eyes do – glasses remains Optilabs’ command, the lenses, try frames with interchangeable shields
reading the water, following small flies, polarisation an integral part of their lenses, (one of them polarised).
spotting the gentlest of rises and just enjoying and not the fragile, printed-on afterthought
the scenery. that you find with some cheaper sunglasses. ■ While giving you enhanced clarity and eye
Try and ‘make do’ by putting sub-standard protection, Optilabs eyewear goes further, by
eyewear in front of them and your fishing ■ Optilabs’ in-house laboratory will analyse eliminating the hassle that often accompanies
misses out in more ways than one. your prescription and match lens curvature wearing glasses. Whatever options you choose,
As specialists in prescription sports to your chosen frames, improving vision and whether it's lightweight, durable frames,
eyewear, Optilabs has over 50 years’ eliminating distortion. adjustable anti-slip arms and bridge features,
experience in producing eyewear in tune with lens ventilation, or Flex frames tailored to your
the needs of those who wear it, and while ■ Optilabs offer different coloured polarised face shape, you can be assured that this is
they count mountaineers, runners, cyclists, lenses to suit different light conditions, eyewear that you put on and forget about until
swimmers and even snooker players among although Optilabs’ Transitions Drivewear the final cast.
22
Six styles to choose from
■ NORVILLE: The latest addition to Optilabs’
fishing range, the lenses’ UV protection
is complemented by side-panels on
the widened arms.
■ JET: Ventilated side panels PRICES
protect against wayward Frames with
hooks on this eyewear, while single vision
the anti-slip arms and prescription lenses,
frame can be customised £175.95 Norville
to your face shape. (bifocal, varifocal
■ ORBIT: The modern and non-prescription
wraparound design is lenses also available). “...50 years' experience in producing eyewear in
complemented by ventilated
arms, which improve airflow to
tune with the needs of those who wear it”
prevent that irritating ‘steam-up’.
■ BLACKBIRD: Optilabs’ best-seller ■ SWITCH: Versatile and innovative, the arms ■ SWIFT: Amazingly lightweight, these
with anglers. Built to military specification, it can be replaced with an adjustable head- frames have four interchangeable shields,
combines all-round ventilation with adjustable strap, while six interchangeable shields keep and the anti-slip arms and bridge includes
arms and removable side-panels. you focused, whatever the light conditions. FLEX technology for added comfort.
REVIVE YOUR SPECS

If you’re happy with
Switch
the glasses you’ve NEW
got but not the
lenses, Optilabs
FOR
can meet you OLD
half-way.
Even if they aren’t
Optilabs glasses, the company can
re-glaze virtually any lens at fantastic
lab prices! Perfect if your prescription
has been updated or your lenses are
scratched. Call Optilabs for a quote
and expert advice.

LURE LOUNGE
Tel: 0844 874 7386
Web: www.lurelounge.co.uk
Pick a premium rod

Superb St Croix rods are now available in the UK via Lure Lounge
ODS to rival Sage can now be bought – the entry-level Rio Santo and the top-of-the- expected from a premium brand. All models
R in Britain via the Gloucester-based
Lure Lounge Wholesale. The St Croix
range Legend Elite, with a mid-range Imperial
version bridging the gap. All offer superb
are four-piece with exquisite cosmetics and
fittings. UK anglers yet to try them are
brand simply oozes quality in all their models value for money and the high performance advised to do so...
Legend Elite £425 to £485 “This is a rod for

The best of the best. St Croix’s flagship model has a the discerning
fast, smooth action and needs to be cast to be truly fly-fisher.”
appreciated. Coping easily with floating and sinking
lines, UK small water anglers should opt for the 9ft
6/7wt, which is an absolute delight. A powerful rod with
a smooth load, you’ll need a short-arm cast to get it
going with TF tackle tester Robbie Winram claiming the
rod ‘excels at distance, turning over a long leader and
achieving good presentation’. For a rod this good, you’d
normally expect to pay twice the money. Add in the
incredible value and confidence of St Croix’s rock-solid
customer service – and you realise that this is a rod for
the discerning fly-fisher. Comes with a 15-year warranty.
Features:
■ Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) tooling technology. 23
■ Advanced Reinforcing Technology™ (ART™).
■ Super high-modulus SCVI graphite with FRS in lower
section for maximum power and strength with reduced
weight.
■ High-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite with FRS and
carbon-matte scrim for unparalleled strength, durability
and sensitivity.
■ Slim-profile ferrules.
■ One-piece performance in four-piece designs.
Rio Santo £130

Newcomers may find this entry-level model easier to
handle but all skill levels will agree that it's a pleasure
to fish with. It’s moderately fast-actioned and can iron
out casting faults typical of those new to the game.
Robbie Winram hailed it as ‘excellent value for money,
able to create tight loops at short-to-medium range’.
Copes with roll or switch casts as well as overhead and
double hauling. Outfitted with quality components
from tip-top to reel seat, it’s a rod perfect for
wandering the banks – the 9ft 5wt is a nice small-water
rod. Comes with a cloth bag and five-year warranty.
Features:
■ Premium-quality SCII graphite.
■ Smooth, versatile, moderate-fast actions.
“It's moderately ■ Aluminium-oxide stripper guides with black frames.
■ Stainless-steel snake guides.
fast-actioned and ■ Uplocking, aluminium reel seat.
can iron out casting ■ Premium-grade cork handle.
faults...” ■ Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

The Wychwood way
Browse quality fly rods, drogues, fly boxes, lines, tippet & drain bag
RS Competition £289.99
Competition anglers beware…you’re about to have your every need ■ High modulus multi-layer Toray Carbon Blank
met with a new trio of quality fly rods. The RS Competition rods have ■ Machined, high-gloss, anodised reel seat, gloss white, carbon insert
been made with new ENIR technology, with an ultra-fast action which featuring the Wychwood logo
delivers power and performance. But unlike some fast-action rods, the ■ Fuji stripper guides
blank’s construction means that they’re very light and yet far more ■ Four-piece construction
durable than normal carbon fibre. ■ Section alignment guides
It works like this: ENIR boosts the performance of composite tubes ■ AAA cork handle
dramatically and reinforces the resin between carbon fibre, making a ■ Carbon rod tube
very flexible, light, yet incredibly strong blank. ■ Rod tube designed in the UK
Features:
■ A sombre blank, matt grey, with eye-catching detail
on the butt section, high-gloss black
whippings with red highlights
Length Sections Rating Action
9ft 6in 4pc 7wt Fast

24 10ft 4pc 7wt Fast
10ft 4pc 8wt Fast
Hook-Hold Box
The Duo £10.99
Hook-Hold Box Hook-Hold Box This box combines
Micro £8.99 Double Nymph £9.99 slotted black
(stealth) silicone with
A small, compact unit which is great for The Double Nymph two magnetic trays,
housing those tiny flies, ones that may rarely Box has many which can be used
see the light of day but are crucial on those precision-cut slots to house hackled dry
‘technical occasions’. in the black (stealth) flies and or beads,
silicone, used for additional
so you can carry weight for your
all those essential nymphs.
nymphs for both still
and running water. Features:
■ Precision cut silicone bed
Features: ■ International fly gauge measure featured on
■ Precision cut black silicone bed the rear
■ International fly gauge measure featured on ■ Solid and secure hook holds on even the
the rear smallest of flies
■ Solid and secure hook holds on even the ■ Magnetic trays which are ideal for storing
smallest of flies hackled dry flies

WYCHWOOD
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wychwoodgame
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wychwoodgame
Web: www.wychwoodgame.co.uk
Connect Series Silk Mode

Tippet £4.49
This multi-polymer offers distinct advantages
over other leader materials. Being a
copolymer means that it is far softer than
fluorocarbon
or indeed nylon monofilament. It’s also thin,
and this allows you to fish with confidence
when using small dry flies or nymphs.
Available in 50m spools of 2.3lb, 3.4lb, 4.4lb,
5.5lb, 6.5lb, 7.8lb, 10.2lb.
Energy Taper Connect
Series Fly Lines £34.99 Features:
■ High abrasion resistance
The Energy taper series of fly lines is the next ■ Superb strength to diameter
chapter in the growing Wychwood Connect ■ Premium quality multi-polymer
Series. All the lines follow a similar profile, ■ Supple with a thin diameter
with a prominent front taper and short rear, ■ Colour coded spool band
a taper designed to allow most rods to load Quick Drain
effectively and quickly. Dual colours indicate
to anglers when the belly is out of the tip ring
Competitor Bass Bag £29.99
and the rod is correctly loaded, ready for the No smell and no fuss – this EVA bag is an ideal
final forward cast. These lines feature a full solution to fish storage. The ‘quick drain’ system
40-yard length! Available in Rocket Floater allows you to drain away excess water without
6wt, 7wt and 8wt; Hoverer 6wt, 7wt and 8wt; fear of accidently losing your precious catch.
Ghost Intermediate 6wt, 7wt and 8wt.
Features:
Features: ■ EVA construction
■ Long front taper and short rear taper, ■ Heat welded seems
designed with distance casting in mind. ■ Odour & Rot resistant
■ Dual colour assists with rod loading ■ Zippered and secure top 25
accuracy and distance casting ■ Easy to clean
■ Super-slick coating ■ Easily transported
■ Welded front loop ■ Capable of holding a large bag limit
■ Dimensions 70cm X 15cm X 55cm
Pack-Away International Para-Drogue Drift XL rods £199.99

£29.99 This new Drift XL is a highly innovative range of rods which features
A drogue slows down your drift in windy conditions allowing the angler to a unique extending butt section that allows, should you need it, up
present flies for longer within the correct feeding zone. This is vital when to 8-inches of extension, instantly transforming the rod to suit
fishing competitions as you’ve more time over the fish. the situation that you find yourself fishing in.
With its own inbuilt stow bag, this particular drogue is easy to store and The twist and lock feature, means that the rod, at its shortest
transport. length, can be used for presenting dry flies at range, and at
its longest length, for close quarters nymph fishing.
Features: Drift XL rods will allow you to hook and hold fish at short
■ Built in storage bag with carry handle and medium range with very thin tippets, small dry flies
■ 25ft2 [2.25m2] competition legal parachute and or nymphs, without fear of the hook pulling out.
■ 5m Rot-proof black ropes These tactical fly rods feature an understated matt
■ Strong C-Clip metal fixings black finish, with black, lacquered whippings and
■ Dual arms for drift steering capabilities olive highlights. The new P cork handle, features a
■ Reinforced stitching for strength camo look to ensure that it is discreet, not as bold
■ Easily collapsible design and bright as the usual cork, in any challenging
■ Drogue parachute size: 1.8m x 1.3m fishing situations.
Features:
■ Unique, twist and lock extendable butt
section
■ Non flash, subdued, matt black finish
with high gloss black whippings,
featuring green highlights
■ High Modulus Toray Carbon Blank
■ Machined, satin black anodised
aluminium reel seat
■ Four piece construction
■ Cordura Rod Tube
■ P cork half wells handle
■ Unique 20cm whipped
marker

LEEDA
Tel: 01908 442950
Web: www.leeda.co.uk
Email: sales@leeda.co.uk
Tackle up with Profil

Offering quality gear, performance and extreme value for money
Stream rod £29.99

Superb value-for-money river rod for the
angler on a budget. The slim, light and
responsive blanks have a middle-to-tip
action and lightweight snake guides. Half-
wells cork handle with double up-locking
reel seat. Supplied with a cloth bag.
Available in 7ft 3wt, 8ft 4wt and 9ft 5wt.
XS rod £39.99
The Profil XS range are designed
to utilise the latest rod building
technologies to offer great
performance features and indeed
looks at a very competitive price
26 point.
Has the same qualities as the
Stillwater/Stream rods but double
Stillwater rod £29.99
up-locking rings, cloth bag and rod Ideal rod for stillwaters and exceptional
tube. value. Same qualities as the Stream rod but
■ Available as a 10ft 8wt, 10ft 7wt with a full wells cork handle and keeper ring.
and 9ft 6wt. Available in 10ft 7wt, 10ft 8wt and 9ft 6wt.
Breathable Breathable thigh Wading boots £54.99

chest waders waders £49.99 Constructed from super light materials, incorporating a
£109.99 Same qualities as the waist reinforced toe and padded ankle support, which gives superb
Made from a dark olive waders but features fully comfort for wading over long periods without compromising on
three-ply breathable adjustable webbing belt durability or style.
fabric with an extra three- straps to ensure a perfect fit.
ply layer in the knees and Ideal when ■ Specially-designed,
rear, for superb durability. wading rubber wading sole
The comfortable four- shallower ■ Super-lightweight
point shoulder harness margins construction
can be fully removed, and ■ Easy-lace design
enabling the chest wader streams ■ Stud compatible
to be rolled down so it while
can be used as a waist being
easier
wader if required.
than PVC
Large arbor reel £34.99
■ Three-ply breathable waders Durable, super-strong and lightweight graphite
fabric when frame and spool. The large arbor design keeps
■ 3+3 reinforced areas walking line coil to a minimum while aiding a fast
■ Built-in gravel guards distance. retrieve. Smooth, central disc drag system and
■ Wading belt included (Also audible check mechanism. Spare spools £6.99.
available ■ LA 5/6 size: pre-loaded with 100m of backing
in waist and WF6F fly line + 6lb tapered leader (weight
wader). 148 grams)
■ LA 7/8 size: pre-loaded with 100m of backing
and WF7F fly line plus 6lb tapered leader
(weight 168 grams)

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FREE 2018 NEW TACKLE GUIDE

FIRST FOR TACTICS, TACKLE & WHERE TO FISH

Get ready 9 IN-FORM

SMALL WATERS INSECT HATCHES VENUE SPOTLIGHT FLY-TYING

CATCH THIS! RIVER OLIVES WIMBLEBALL MINI MINKIE

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Trout Fisherman magazine this month 32 Border browns 80 Fly-tying products

WHERE TO FISH 84 Investigation

48 Fishery accommodation 87 Cockwill

61 Get ready for the season 98 Wading in

JOIN OUR troutﬁshermanmag

Shot of the Email them to leigh.johnson@bauermedia.co.uk

The finest fish

6 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 7

Brown trout facts

2 They’re one of the most genetically diverse

3 Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown

8 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

Wild browns tend to be smaller but perfe

9 The majority of trout die before their first

10 Brown trout can reach the ripe old age of 20.

11 Trout can rapidly change colour, getting darker

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 9

Brown trout facts

16 Browns have a trait similar to our wives. They

17 In some lakes and lochs, wave action and a

18 In certain locations and habitat types, brown

10 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

24 On rivers with a high level of angling

25 What’s the difference between a rising trout

bubbles when they rise. Trout (usually) don’t.

26 Tickling trout is an old poaching method of

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 11

Peter Cockwill prepares

12 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

How Peter Cockwill ﬁnds success in awful conditions at Duncton Mill...

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 13

PETER COCKWILL’S SETUP

14 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

“Meeting mid-morning, we stock up with coffee

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 15

Peter ﬁnds peace as the

Avoiding large, bulky

16 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

www.troutfisherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 17

Dry of the storm

18 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutfisherman.co.uk

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 19

Craig and Mark combine

20 TROUT FISHERMAN | FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk

“Despite Scotland’s south-

Gary LaFontaine named the storm front

www.troutﬁsherman.co.uk FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 27 | TROUT FISHERMAN 21

Saharan dust gives the

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