Pitsford Fly Fishing in 2011

Only 2 weeks to the start

2012-02-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

I don't think I am going to be ready this year for the start of the fishing season especially after seeing Pitsford and Ravensthorpe this morning. Only 2 weeks to Ravensthorpes opening day and i couldn't even find the holes in the ice where they have stocked the fish!!

Ravensthorpe above is completely iced over today. Add this late winter weather to how low the water level is and i am sure this will change the behaviour of the fish. For a few seasons now Cotton End has fished well but i wouldn't be surprised if the Dam is going to be more productive.

In addition Pitsford above was also mostly frozen. I guess they are going to have an extra week and should be different. I think it will be the low levels that affect Pitsford more. The Erosion works are very welcome and look to be coming to a conclusion but i am sure there is no point raising the levels until that is complete. When the levels come up then there may not be too much food close in. in the meantime it is going to be a muddy affair getting to the waters edge. If it's still still frozen it will make the mud easy to walk out on!

2012 opening days

2012-02-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

You may have received your letter from Anglian Water like me today but they have confirmed the opening days as:
Ravensthorpe Sat 3rd March
Pitsford Fri 9th March
Grafham Fri 16th March
Rutland Sat 31st march

The season ticket prices are out as well with a Gold setting you back £785, silver £610, Blue £479, Green £510, Economy £385 and starter £230.

There is also an open day at Pitsford on satuerday 25th Feb if you want to have a chat with the wardens and seems they have a few tackle demos etc.

The water level is massively down at pitsford at the moment and they are still shoring up the the banks to stop the erosian. Hopefully this will all change by the start of the season, if not we might be fishing for mud crabs!

Hardly a Toil

2011-11-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

With not too much holiday left for this year i didn't think i would have another trip to the River Arrow but after working flat out in October i decided to take a TOIL day (Time Off In Lieu).

A few conference calls and e-mails from the banks of the river couldn't stop me relaxing and enjoying a lovely day on the Court of Noke beat of the River Arrow.

When we arrived it was a cloudy but still quite warm. The river was running well not at all coloured but as autumn has been late this year there were a lot of leaves in the water that had not rotted down yet. We walked down to the start of the beat and dissapointly didn't see a fish rise but we did pick out loads of pools and likely fishing spots.

As we started fishing the farmer turned up and had a good chat to Phil giving us some good tips to handle the electric fence and good spot to try. I tackled up with a gold head hares ear and a black buzzer under a site indicator and trotted down the edges on both the near and far bank with good optimism.

I had a conference call at 11 and just as i was sat on the bank listening, Phil shouted out that he was in so i walked over hoping to christen my new net. Wow what a fish! Phil was stillplaying it when i got there and as it came up to the surface and turned over it was cracking. Precariosly balanced part way down a steep bank with Phil talking me through it in one ear and the team discussing key activities in the other I could just imagine a slip and i would be swimming. However the fish just managed to tip into the net and it was on the bank.
It was the largest grayling i had seen and at the time we were sure it must be close to 2lb. It was taken just in the spot the farmer had pointed out on a pink goldhead trotted up the inside line.

We continued upstream but the fishing didn't really pick up. Phil saw only 2 fish rise but i didn't see any and it felt that with no food and the leaves hiding the food on the bottom the fish had just gone to sleep for a while.

With my interest waning a little i went for a wander to see what wildlife was about. A sparrowhawk came down the tree line and wizzed through the trees, a great spotted woodpecker perched on a dead tree, a kingfisher sped up the river at low level and as i was crossing the river a dipper came down stream and at the site of me stopped in mid air, turned and headed back upstream almost in slow motion, magic!

Phil managed to pick some field mushrooms and at that point i could wait for my tea - Mushroom sandwiches.

we managed to mark the fish on the rod and Phil confrmed it was 42cm in length and just over two pounds confirmed. good enough to make a nice day out.

BOS Barclays match

2011-09-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Once again another great event as Barclays took on the BOS at Grafham.

This time favouring the Scots who managed to fish in a number of different conditions and also found an apricot blob that consistently pulled fish. The Scots won convincingly - what could be called a hammering!

Practice day was very enjoyable with fish feeding on naturals especially red daiwl bachs and crunchers on a midge tip or slow glass. For some it was more laid back than others!
It was a warm day with extremely light winds and at times flat calm. The fish were mainly around the dam and down past the willows. They were a little unpredictable but if you were in the right place at the right depth there were plenty to be caught. We tried everything we could and kept away from the main areas building a plan for the next day.
On the day the weather had changed and it was now overcast, decent wave and blowing off the dam hopefully this would make them feed better.

The first hour was team orders and the lures were on - primarily cormerants - and being pulled on a fast glass. This proved to be the correct order of the day but i couldn't buy a take. I was fishing with Ronnie who by contrast was on the Di5 and had a blob that was not only attracting fish in but taking them too. As we went through fish he consistently picked up and 6 fish fish for the day was a great result.

I however kept up my confidence but could tell i didn't have the fly even after trying many variations. A last ditch effort at the end with a gold head on the point of the midge tip and I managed a consolation. 1st fish on your last cast shows it has not been a great day.

Unfortunately it was a similar result across most of the team with perhaps their consistent tactics making the difference. The only bright light in the day and Mike had managed to wake up at the right time and catch 7 fish for an honourable draw in the boat with Derek Purves. These managed to win him best bag, heaviest fish and the best boat trophy!

At long last

2011-08-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yes at long last i have been out again. I seem to have lost interest for a while but i really enjoyed a nice evening boat on Pitsford this week.

I was meeting Matt at half past 5 and turned up early before the lodge closed and to get the boat kitted out ready so we could use the most time available fishing. The water was a little low but coming up i believe as I had a walk around I quite liked this photo of the iconic dragonfly.

As Matt arrived we headed straight for the pines and the rods had been set up with golden Graham tubes and di7's - nothing subtle then. I turned the boat in and faffed about get the boat set up while Matt cast out. It wasn't a minute and bang he was in.

After a tough fight behind the boat he landed great fit 3 and a half pond peak condition rainbow. What a start!

I managed a fish on the next drift and then Matt another on the following one. However from here it went quiet. The wind calmed down and a shower of rain seemed to divert the fish to something else. We came up in the water a little but as we motored home I saw 8/10 fish boil on the top so maybe not as high up as we needed to.

However with a few cracking fish, great company, a awesome sunset in the background and a pint in the swan after it was was summer evenings were made for!

Must do that again soon!

River Lugg, Eyton beat

2011-06-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Thought we would give the reservoirs a miss today and see if we could get some dry fly fishing on the river for a change.

As the stinging nettles and overgrown parts of the countryside are are their height at the moment, Phil had chosen great with this beat in that most of it was running through pasture land with Cows and Sheep and there was very easy access to perhaps two thirds of the water.
It was another untouched area of Herefordshire. No mass production, plenty of hedges still in place, loads of over grown areas and the trees left to rot where they fell. However amongst this the gates were well maintained and there was a bridge over the river that opened up both banks.

We decided to walk to the lower end of the beat and work up but we were nearly there but got held up watching grayling rise. Fortunately as impatient as I am I had set up while walking and just had to tie a fly on and give it a try. After a few casts with a hares ear klink and nothing so I changed to a black one and almost immediately I was into a small grayling, a very nice start!

It then went a bit quiet and I thought perhaps I needed fresh fish so continued my walk to the bottom of the beat and back. The river had many bends and gave it great character but also some gravelly runs with easy wading but also some very deep pools that you didn't seem to be able to get past. I am a bit of a novice when it comes to getting in the water so with open grassy banks I stuck to crouching and sitting. It seems to be more relaxed sitting and on one occasion i could see a fish rising on the far bank causing heavy ripples so I inched a bit closer making a couple of casts to check the distance. I was about 10ft short of where he had rose last and I cast to the far bank letting the line and fly float back into the main current when suddenly the water exploded and I was into a good fish. It looked like a brownie of over a pound but on my 4 weight rod it was giving a great fight. After a couple of minutes it headed up stream and then into the slack water when my line also went slack and he was off. Dammit!

When I got back Phil was still there and had had 3 grayling from the same spot on small black wets.

In the afternoon we explored further upstream and I managed another small grayling and Phil a small brownie. I had a really good grayling on for about 30 secs, I saw the flash of silver come up from the dark water, grab my fly and head back down again. It swam into what may have been a sunken branch and that was it. In need of consolation I went back to the Grayling shoal we found and had another small one there. There were fish still rising but they had slowed down a little.

It was now that we started to appreciate the wildlife around, Buzzards screaming up high, a kingfisher darting up river and Spotted Flycatchers amongst the tangled willows catching flies for their fledglings I presumed. No otters today though although we did see what we thought were spraints so they may be around.

As the evening came the hatching fly intensity increased. Midges were hovering above the water all day but their numbers started to grow.

Mayflies (Ephemera danica) had been hatching all day but again the numbers increased now. In addition to this this there were more upwinged flies coming off as well as a good number of different types of sedges brown, black and mottled. The fish however didn't seem to be feeding on anything other than tiny midge so they didn't get any easier to tempt. As a late flurry though Phil again found some rising grayling and managed another couple but on a dry klink this time.

Around 8 we didn't see any signs of it getting better so a quick reminder of the superb setting and we headed off home. What a really relaxing enjoyable day, and fish too!

Wet fly and windy

2011-06-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

A Pitsford morning boat today and I was convinced it was going to be a wet fly day and tackled up accordingly. Overcast, the rain missing us, loads of fish around, Phil with 2 already, feeding well in the evenings, it was all set up for a disaster.

We decided to head away from the fish we new off north farm and go and find those of the dam and creek. I had forgotten how long it takes to get there! First drift off the tower and it felt horrible. Windy, cold, very gusty and it seemed to get stronger as the morning went on. We drifted all around the creek, the pines and the dam and didn't have a single offer. They were not on top then!!

Ahh well I had better change then and out came the Di5 and blobs and boobies. I managed to move a couple of fish but they weren't really interested. Perhaps they had been feeding so well at night that they didn't need too. I could feel a repeat of Grafham coming on so we thought we would see if we could salvage the day and and anchored in North farm bay on nymphs including green buzzers, crunchers and daiwl bachs.

It wasn't long and Mike had the first on a green buzzer deep, whew, that feels better. Just as my negativity was showing through my line went tight and I was into a nice 3 pounder. Mike then had a second which was a brownie nearly 4 pound. Smiling like cheshire cats we had rescued a rough day.

Weather watching

2011-06-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Fishing over at Ravensthorpe today on a morning boat and I spent all the time watching the clouds. As the sun went behind up came the fish and when it came out down they went. It was frustrating but as you can see there was plenty of cloud around, in patches.

I was fishing a size 16 hares ear klinkhammer on the point and size 14 hares ear and black and peacock spide on the dropper. It was great dry fly fishing when the fish were up. I managed 4 fish and a number of other takes including this nice rainbow.

Perhaps i am lacking a little patience, but it's strange how you go for ages and then the sun goes behind the cloud, a fresh cast and bang your into a fish. There were a number of buzzers coming off but they were a bit small hense the small flies.

Very pleasant and good practice for the river later in the week.

A quick chuck before it chucked down

2011-06-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

It was chucking it down in Coventry as I left work so I rung phil and left it open as to whether i would be on Pitsford this evening although he was keen. When i got home though it had brightened up. With a warm gentle wind - why not!

As I arrived on North Farm Shore Phil was into one already and my confidence shot up. It's surprising how long it takes you to set up when you want to get fishing quick.

Phil didn't help either with "just had another take", "ooh just had another" "yeah got one on". I decided to to go along to the next point as I don't like fishing in peoples pockets and settled into nymphing a team of hares ears and buzzers. It must have been 15 minutes without a take when i changes to a hares ear booby on the point and just that lifting the depth made a difference and I was into a nice stockie on the sugar cube hares ear.

Another couple followed in half hour and it was good sport, Phil was still catching well too. For me they were on flashy buzzers but i was convinced it was the booby on the point as a washing line that was the key.

Over my shoulder we could see the big black cloud arriving. Would it miss us? No unfortunately not and it chucked down. After a good natter sitting on the back of the car sheltering under the boot, it looked as though it was settling in for a while so it was off home for an early night.

Back to normality after Grafham. Very pleasant!!

Not a single pull

2011-06-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

I am sure that is Powie crying into a hanky after reading the results!

After Thursdays sublime evening today was ridiculous! I cannot remember another day that I fished for 8 hours and didn't even have a pull.

The day started with Mike forgetting his waistcoat so we went back for it. We didn't think we were behind but I felt so rushed that as we motored off I still hadn't tied my last dropper or tied on my flies.

My partner for the day was Sheena Goode who had just won the Brown Bowl and Gold medal in the ladies international last week on Bewl and was great company on a difficult day.

The wind was extremely strong and as usual upsets your rhythm. You would sort a tangle and you were in another and if you pulled your flies in they would catch anywhere. The boat was drifting awkward too as there was a current running left to right and the wind coming across right to left. The motor was again either fast or stop and I didn't seem to be able to set the drift right and together with not using my own drogue made it feel as though I didn't know what I was doing. There - its out now!

I still really don't know what I did wrong though as I seemed to be using the Di5 and Di7 in the morning and then the fast glass and nymphs in the afternoon. I think that I was poor at controlling my line and I hadn't practiced. I guess there's two good reasons.

Trying to console myself I asked around. Mike hadn't caught either and Ash and Powie were struggling too. Feeling better I looked around and there was Haskey sitting on his seat having bagged up - Great! Well done to Team frog hair and the boys who were top on the day with Gareth in second place.

We got back to the lodge and it was very mixed although it seems that the fish did come on in the afternoon to hares ears, daiwl bachs and the bung. Damm, the bung would have allowed me to get control of my flies.

The team had done rubbish with the winners on 41 fish and a rod average of 4.1. . Michael and Powie had three and ash two. Mick also managed to blank with me and Mike but not through poor fishing. His partner kept wrapping him a number of times and then had stuck a fly just under his eye and spent the afternoon in casualty. You can see the red mark on the day but when the anaesthetic wears off bet it hurts.

Never mind another day another fish!!

Fishing not drinking

2011-06-02T12:50:00.001-07:00

What a lovely evening.

There were buzzer hatching, caenis around and loads of sedges fluttering in the sky. The fish were here too and although not going mad they were feeding, well at least for a while. I arrived after a very busy day at work at about half seven and ahhhhhhhhhhh - yes it was very relaxing.

With a few anglers already around i settled into the bay on Duffers with a midge tip, green and red daiwl bachs and a hares ear. They definitely wanted the hares ear on the point and i kept having loads of takes but unfortunately they wouldn't stick. Great sport! I did manage to catch a couple though before the sun set properly and they went quiet.

Mike arrived just after me and managed to talk his way onto the point somehow. Here there were probably the same number of fish but when they took they stuck and he had some great sport with 5 fish in a couple of hours on the daiwl bach and hares ear magic! This is Mike having evicted the guy, then goes and catches one!

A pint in the George afterwards and the day was complete - I must do more of that! Fishing not drinking that is.

Praying for the wind to drop

2011-05-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yes we fishing into Normanton Church on Rutland today and if only the wind had dropped i am sure we would have caught loads.

As it was there was plenty of action but they just weren't holding on. Our first drift of the day went from just outside the lodge all the way up Normanton to Fantasy Island. There were pockets of fish all the way. The wind was a pain though. My leader didn't last long and i perhaps made a mistake by adding a shorter one. The decision to change from the Di5 to Di7 was a good one and at last i could really control my flies properly. On the drop with a cormerant and I was into my first fish.

Derek Purves had invited me to a regular Scots gathering and it was good to catch up after the last Barclays match. I am sure Derek was contemplating the conditions as he changed his top dropper though.

It was a shame that that drift ended though with loads of action and for Martin and Stevie behind it was very similar. Travelling upwind though was like being on the North sea. I put my back to it and shut out my mind, however it seemed as though there was someone behind me chucking buckets of water at Derek at will. The bilge pump didn't work and we soon started to fill up - i knew that bailer was to be used for something useful!! We got to Yellowstone and Derek then had time to do his coat up properly.

A few drifts later we turned into the point of Old hall and after Derek took a fish I was into a nice brownie and suddenly had flashbacks to the Classic. However it was catch and release today and after a great fight it was very welcome to the net.

After a number of drifts later we felt as though we were on auto pilot so headed back to the Church. While it wasn't quite as good as earlier we chased the shoals around and managed to catch a few more. I ended with 3 and Derek 6 however he had a few more that could be counted as they were shook off before the net.We had been carved up a number of times during the day but when the Rutland Belle came too close, I was definitely intimidated!

All in all a great day, great company, good fishing and a football match later. Come on United!!

A Passion for Trout

2011-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Mick o'farrell was at the pioneer last night having a few beers and selling and signing his new book.

I would definitely recommend it whether it be for the annecdotes, techniques or fly patterns. Mick has a great wit and this shines in the book, it is also very personal and the essence of his fishing comes out as well as a load of secrets.

The flies and techniques are brilliant, very natural and through his writing in the trout mags he is bringing wet and dry fly fishing back to life on the midlands reservoirs.

Just a quick review but if you want to buy it go direct to his website at http://apassionfortrout.com/index.html and e-mail him.

Toft Shallows

2011-05-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

I thought I would have my first outing over Draycote since it re-opened and see for myself what was going on.

There are a few changes, but if I am honest they didn't detract from the fishing and perhaps we were just used to being looked after by Keith and having easy fishing that we may have been spoilt.

Yes the lodge is closed but the new little office is functional and does the job. The parking is further away but it is only recently that you didn't have to walk from the sailing club car park. We dropped our kit off and then parked in the country park - take £2.50 in change with you. When we had finished we just walked the kit across the road through the gate and into the car park, no further than if you carry your kit from the boats to the back car park at Grafham.

You can only pay for the fishing by cash at the moment which is a pain if you didn’t know it should only be short term. I had heard there was only 9 boats and there may have been but there was only over 20 on the pontoon, however I would suggest you book as they were all taken on our day.

The bank fishing is natural bank only and restricted car access so after you have paid a fortune for a season ticket I would expect that it is a real nuisance in the wrong winds or when the fish are in a particular spot.

From a boat it was no difference and we could choose where we wanted. We started over the shoal strait out from the lodge where there were loads of fish taking adult buzzers. We tried to imitate but I think they were preoccupied so we left them alone and headed for Toft Shallows.

As we drifted the boat next to us was in, then again so as we headed closer to the shore and I had a couple of follows we dropped the pick and made camp for the day. I was getting quite a few follows but none of them would stick.

The fish were here and they were cruising in a shoal down the bank and across the bay and we patiently relaxed into it. It was going to be key that we found the right flies and Phil was first off as a fish took his cruncher and stuck. There were a few boats drifting around and those catching I noticed that they had a blob on the top dropper. With this it took me back to Pitsford and I set up with a damsel on the point, cruncher on the middle and a tequilla fab on the top.

It wasn't long before I was into my first fish on the top dropper and another followed not long after. I was still getting a good number of takes without them sticking so I started to vary my retrieve to entice them on and it worked. Before we left for the day I managed another 6 and while it didn't set the world alight it was a very pleasant relaxed days fishing.

Talbot Butler match was FAB

2011-05-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

I was looking forward to this match as always to support Arnold but I was going to be fishing with James for the first time for a number of years. Unfortunately though his kids were down with chicken pox so I set out for a great day with Geraldine.

It was a cold wind with powerful gusts and I would normally go drifting and pulling in the heavy water but with some hot info that the day before they were catching on green daiwl bachs chucking up the bank in bog bay, that was where we were heading.

The anchor struggled to hold, a combination of the wind and weed on the bottom but it made a big difference. After we went around 6 times it finaly held, a bit far out but we were grateful. Later we were reluctant to move too. I had a few takes but on retrospect we were 20 yards off the best bit and this made a big difference.

A series of spots down pig stream, gorse bank and the cliffs provided nothing and we were back where we started. Mike and Ash by now had anchored and were catching well. They had a spot just off duffers but it was close to a point and they were fishing right on the edge of the coloured water with Damsels and FAB's.

We took the hints, anchored closer in off the bog bay point and put a Tequilla FAB on the top dropper. A faster retreive and in no time I was into a fish, It wasn't easy but another two followed. The fish were here but all geraldines fish came off, also any fish that I took on the damsel, daiwl bachs or buzzers also came off or took short. It must have been the way they took in the wind or current, whatever, it was frustrating!

Mike and Ash took best boat on the day with 16 fish very impressive and second place were on 6. A nice meal, chat and bantor at the Royal Oak capped of a really FAB day

Barclays Fly Fishing National 2011

2011-05-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

A fry up in the hotel and a couple of cups of tea and I was ready for anything. As the organiser it was all a rush. New people arriving, packed lunches sorted, boats arranged and I still had to get set up and do a briefing.

At 10am though it was all sorted and we were off. As everyone rushed over to Sam's Dyke and Mucky Bay to sit tight all day, Powie and I followed behind and headed off with Mike and Ash to the willows with no other boats in tow.

Drogue out, drift set and as we drifted towards a bank of coloured water it all went tight and the orange booby had struck my first fish. Another on the next drift, then one for Powie, another for me and we thought the decision was right.

Unfortunately though as the cloud came over it got tough and we struggled most of the afternoon. Around 3pm though the sun shone again and we started to get takes again. Powie was getting more than me but unfortunately his luck was out and they were dropping off.

While we were struggling, Mike and Ash joined us at just the right time and started catching immediately. I then pinched a yellow eyed tequila booby out of his extensive collection and started to catch myself. 15 minutes to go one needed to bag up and I could feel the adrenaline running again.

As our time was up we had 25 fish between us and knew not many teams would have beaten that on a tough day.

The rest of the crowd had had a good day too. We ended up with an average of 4 fish a rod which was very impressive.

The results were:
Radbroke A 25 fish for 60lbs 6oz
Barclaycard 25 fish for 44lbs 13oz
North East 16 fish for 39lbs 15oz
London Southern 16 fish for 37lbs 9oz
London Northern 15 fish for 29lbs
Radbroke B 13 fish for 28lbs 2oz
Clearing 13 fish for 24lbs 10oz
Thames valley 12 fish for 21lbs 8oz
Reading 3 fish for 6lbs

Congratulations to Kevin Walmsley who took the best bag of the day 8 fish for 20lbs 15oz and Ralph Painter who took 2nd with 8 fish for 20lbs 5oz. Dave kilburn had the best fish a 4lbs 10oz rainbow.

Unfortunately for us all the bigger fish had shown in Sam's Dyke and Radbroke had managed to find most of them. Well done guys.

Barclays practice

2011-05-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

It was practice day today for the Barclay's Bank nationals and we were back on Eyebrook. Last year there were big fish on small flies from the lea shore and I am sure it won't be too different again.

We started at anchor and while the fish came around every now and again and we were having takes, it didn't seem to set the world alight, no in fact Mike and I were both bored. Do we chop and change to get the right flies, move to another spot or go searching out fish on the drift? No brainer for Mike, the drift it was.

There must be fish on the windward shore even though no one was fishing it.

We took short drifts from the road corner through the willows and up to Robo's cabin. As Mike stayed on the floater I decided to swap to a Di5 and some lures as these are easier to control in the wind. We were into fish straight away taking a fish or having takes on each short drift we took.

There was a bigger concentration of fish by the willows and holding just off shore but in clear shallow water. I was buzzing now and even managed to have 3 fish on at once at one stage. The Cat booby was taking most fish although the orange blob upped the catch rate and the damsel in the middle a few too.

We continued round and then over to Mucky Bay and Sam's Dyke. It appeared that some had done well but others poorly. By this time though it was heaving with anchored boats and bank anglers so we headed over to finish off in the corner of the dam.

We were concerned that as it was me giving the briefing we wouldn't be in the fight for the best spots, together with the anchoring giving in consistent results we decided to start off drifting into the willows and take better consistency for the team.

Plan in place it was off to the hotel for a few beers!

Bob Church Classic

2011-05-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough top get an invite to the Bob Church Classic yesterday and it was great to see Bob in good form. Yes he is looking a bit older and taking a few more tablets but at least they seem to be working a little better than a couple of years ago. He is still the fishing force of old though and this year has managed to catch his 50th Pike over 20 pounds. very impressive!

I drew Clive Morgan on the day and even though he was from London he fished there more frequently than me on the midlands reservoirs. It was great to fish with someone very experienced and he started in impatient form. We both agreed that we had the flies and techniques to catch if there were fish which allowed us to have a short drift and if nothing then keep moving. With this we worked from Whitwell, monument, sykes, fantasy, three trees sailing club, gibbets and old hall. Nothing! Unfortunately Clives 3lb zander wouldn't count. Off to the North then and don't spare the petrol!

We were just heading across to Barnesdale and Clive had a great spot that there were boats in Dickinsons Bay and they are only ever there if the fish are there. From here I could only think of Grant Gibsons tips from last week that the fish were close in on a damsel and cats whisker and it was to stand me in good stead.

The first drift we hugged the bank and out across the point. the fish had been stocked in here and were still hanging about. Clive had interest on the first drift and the boat had two infront of us - were in! Second drift round and Clive had a nice fish in the boat fishing a di7 and a couple of boobies. I changed over to a Di5 with a small cat boobie on the point, a small cormorant booby on the top and a damsel in the middle. As I hung them a little longer all went tight and I was into my first. It was a brownie of about a pound and a quarter and all fish were welcome.

Once we had found a few fish we were determined to keep with them as long as we could and fortunately for us that was all afternoon as other boats came and went.

Clive was catching rainbows and managed 4 with the odd brown where as unfortunately I was catching browns. As my third fish came it was heartbreaking to have to return it and not for it to count and i did the same with another two as well as shaking another off in disgust. I did manage to catch one rainbow and ended with 3 but if only i could have weighed in the other 3 a top ten would have been beckoning.

I was closer in to the bank and I think the brownies were occupying the lies around the rocks and shelf whereas the rainbows may have been shoaling a little further out.

They have recently changed the restaurant in the lodge to be a posh Italian. I am sure wuith views over the lake it will take off but not great for the hungry fisherman. they looked after us well though and with a few speeches to help the evening Clive finished 13th and i was 45th but with one more fish for him and brownies to count for me it was all about what could have been.

Any way we had a great day look forward to when my stroke of luck does eventually come.

Royal Wedding escape

2011-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

As much as people keep saying Pitsford is better off the bank at this time of year I really fancied a morning afloat. If nothing else I have a few competitions coming up and needed to get my boat box organised.

It was the Royal Wedding today and while I don't have any great aversions it all seems so commercialised and sensationalised through the media that I thought the highlights would suit me fine. When we arrived the water was heaving with "grumpy old men" just like me. Well, some of them were a bit older!

We started in the small half as a few fish had been stocked there last week, Phil on the nymphs and me on the lures. I had a take and the fly was clean off - must have been a Pike! and Phil managed a cracking fish of around three pound with a lovely tail and must have been overwintered. His orange cheeked black buzzer doing the damage. We persevered for a while without further success and then started off on a site seeing trip around the water.

In a cold wind we struggled to find any more fish and settled at anchor on Sailing club bank. There were a number of bankies bagging up on the point into the bay on what seemed to be a tight shoal of stockies. Well they must have been tight as they didn't come out to us!

The cobwebs blown off, drogue wet and my box organised, I was ready to face the wedding highlights on the telly. How nice it was that they managed to do it exactly how they wanted and keep a few secrets too.

Not sure where their honeymoon is but if there planning on Pitsford i would recommend leaving it for a couple of weeks until the fish start feeding again!

Draycote opens today

2011-04-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I did this week hear that Draycote was re-opening again but have now managed to find what appears to be a press release- Thanks to rutland gilles website:

Draycote Water
Tel 01788 812018 Fax 01788 815711

Manager: Ifor Jones Fishery Manager: Craig Barr

Opens Thursday 21st April - Close 30th November 2011

Fishery Open 7.30am Boats available from 8.30am

Bookings will be taken from Monday 18th April.

Permits: Choice of three all with a catch & release option.

6 Fish Limit + Catch & Release £24.00
6 Fish Limit + Catch & Release OAP / Disabled £22.00

3 Fish Limit + Catch & Release £20.00
3 Fish Limit + Catch & Release OAP / Disabled £18.00

1 Fish Limit + Catch & Release £16.00
1 Fish Limit + Catch & Release OAP / Disabled £15.00

Last Four Hours Ticket 1 Fish + Catch & Release £10.00
Last Four Hours Ticket 1 Fish + Catch & Release Oap / Disabled £ 9.50

Boats:Full Day Boat 2 Anglers £22
Full Day Boat 1 Angler £19

Part Day Boat Morning / Afternoon 1 or 2 Rods £15.00

Last Four Hours Boat £10.00

3 Day Pass Fishing Draycote or Foremark:
2 Anglers + Boat + 6 Fish Limit + Catch & Release £175.00
2 Anglers + Boat + 1 Fish Limit + Catch & Release £145.00

Season Permits:100 Fish Season Permit (Kill maximum 6 fish / Day) + Member Discounts on Boat Hire £575.00

Permitted bank areas are:
The grassed area both sides of Toft Shallows
All the bank from:- Toft Shallows, Cornfield, Biggin Bay, Dunns Bay to where the grass bank meets the stones of the Draycote Bank

No Bank Fishing Areas:
No bank fishing on any of the Dams / Stoned banks.

Bank Angler Car Access:
Perimeter road access for bank anglers is restricted to 30 vehicles at any one time. We recommend bank anglers call the lodge & book a car pass to avoid disappointment. Access to the perimeter road will be controlled via a gated system, bank anglers will be required to ensure that gates are kept closed & they park in the parking areas provided.

General public will not be allowed to drive around the reservoir, except for blue badge holders, STW will also control number of blue badge holder who have access.

Boat Anglers:
Boat anglers will have the same fishing areas as they did in the past. Boat anglers will be able to drive to the boat pontoon to unload their tackle, but will in future be required to park in the car park.

Facilities:
Are unfortunately going to be pretty basic, we will be operating out of the garage / store room situated in front of the pontoon, we are busy turning this building into a temporary lodge. We are in this building due to the building work STW are preparing to carry out on the site during the next few months.

Due to this & problems getting a temporary secondary phone line we will not have access to a credit card machine, therefore payment will need to be made by Cheque or Cash.

I can confirm Draycote is to open for trout fishing for the 2011season

Its been a bit of a rollercoaster ride to get us to this point, however with negotiations finally completed last week & paperwork been exchanged, this is the proper time to inform you that Draycote will open for fishing.

I currently have contractors repairing the pontoon, bringing it back to a safe operating condition, I hope they will have all their work completed by the end of this week.

I will be managing the fishery with Craig Barr joining us to become fishery manager.

We are aiming for an Easter opening, I will confirm our opening date shortly.

Ifor Jones

Pitsford litter pick

2011-04-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

A bit later this year and what a fantastic morning, bright skies, warming up and the paths around pitsford full of cyclists and walkers making the best of the weather.

We did the responsible thing and were pleasantly surprised there wasn't more litter around but we still manged to fill 10 sacks. Found a few bailers, lager cans, drinks bottles, etc. oh and a flip flop on each side of the water - interesting!

Graham was full of his stories about his 5 pounder which was nice to hear - photo below.

The big black buzzers were in clouds around the bushes waiting for evening i expect to lay their eggs. The fish however did not seem to be too intersted with this. I fished off Bog bay for an hour or so but unfortunately didn't have any joy. The tales at the moment about the fish being on in the morning or later afternoon and when they do come on there is some good sport to be had, unfortunately not by us today

We were joined by Mick from Roade who hadn't done much fishing before so mike gave him a half hour lesson in front of the lodge before fishing. His casting seemed to come on and hopefully he caught after I left - Go on the SAINTS!!!

A score draw

2011-04-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not that we were discussing the United vs Chelsea or counting the fish we caught but we ended at Ravensthorpe today with an honourable 2 a piece.

The fish had definitely switched off and generally were not interested. This could be due to the sun, although it clouded over in the early afternoon, it could be that there was no great hatch or that they had been gorging themselves last night and they were stuffed, who knows!

We moved all over the various marks and settled near the causeway. There were probably more fish elsewhere but the ones here seemed a little more interested in our nymphs.

I was using a damsel on the point and a few buzzers. I thought that if the fish were off the feed they would take the damsel and if on then the buzzers. I was 2-0 up and phil and they had both taken the damsel.

Phil changes to a bung but cleverly put a blood worm on the point and hard on the bottom. The produced a few takes and 2 fish before we left. I assumed the fish were stillaround but sulking on the bottom.

At 2 each at 2 o'clock with nothing else happening we decided to call it an honourable draw and headed home. It may not have been as good as we had hoped but still an enjoyable morning.

Rowley rolly polly

2011-04-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

It was Pitsford today and it came with some hot info from Mike who was off stone barn yesterday and had half a dozen quickly.

As Phil and i arrived on Stone Barn it was blowing very strongly left to right and in a little bit. It was going to need some hard work but i was sure there was fish here. It was a bit strong for Phil so he headed off to the new gorse while I set up with a Di5, an orange blob and an orange booby.

3rd cast and it all went tight and i felt it was going to be worth the effort. A nice 3 pounder was returned safely. Another three returned and my phone went, it was Phil, "I've had one and lost one so i suppose you will be over in a minute" - "and I've had 4 so i suppose not for a while!"

I persevered but although the fish kept coming i felt as though they were shoaling and i had to wait for one to come past and then if i was smart i would catch a couple before it went. I also needed a long cast and took my time to have the line in my line tray neatly so it shot out well. I was also trying to shoot it out under the wind and keep it close to the water. The angle was difficult too, as I was using a 40+ if you cast these into the wind then they have a tendency to block but across and down slightly and they go out well. The retrieve was also critical and while using a rolly polly retrieve I mixed it up going quicker, faster and stopping. Many of the fish took just before the shelf when you stopped and started again, bang!

After a couple of hours it was getting a bit lonely so i headed over to find Phil but unfortunately he hadn't had any more. I set up a floater and nymphs but it was a bit early as Phil caught later in the afternoon.

For me i had had my fish and left them too it with the afternoon spare.

Spring migrant banquet

2011-03-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

I had a very pleasant half day boat at Ravensthorpe today and it was great to see so many flies hatching so early in the season. There were loads of small black midges and a few small green ones but the best was a massive dark green buzzer that were hatching in great numbers.

Some of the spring migrant birds have started to arrive now. I could hear chiffchaff, chiffchaff, chiff from the shrubs and Sand Martins were buzzing the surface feeding on the banquet of buzzers. A welcome treat after the log trip from Africa I assume.

I started off between the island and the causeway and stuck the pick down. The wind was off the trees and therefore fairly sheltered. I set up a green pea and a couple of buzzers on a floater, cast out and then put the rod down while i organised my kit. It was only a minute when I felt the rod move and with an instinctive reaction I picked up the rod and I was in to a very nice 3 and a half pound rainbow - great start!

the fish were feeding and there were the occasional rises but I seemed to struggle to find what they wanted. I did have another fish on a black buzzer but it wasn't a method. As the hatch gained in numbers, so did the numbers of fish rising. I chopped and changed flies and methods and while i felt they were on dry it wasn't working for me.

After lunch the boat next to me had a fish on a dry and i thought that's it, there must be some easier fish somewhere. I headed up to cotton end and when I arrived there were no fish rising but there was fly hatching, hopefully they are feeding on nymph rather than dry so i put on a damsel and a black buzzer and cast toward the wall.

It was only third cast and and all went tight - yes! I had found a few fish and for the next hour I couldn't go wrong catching and returning 7 fish. They took the buzzer to start and then switched to the damsel as the hatch wore off.

After 15 minutes without a fish (inpatient!) I thought i would head off home and save myself for another day.

Barclays National at Eyebrook

2011-03-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

I had been holding out for Draycote to be confirmed as we were all looking forward to gathering back in Dunchurch this year but while it must be close to getting finalised it is too late for us now.

Therefore I have now booked Friday 13th May at Eyebrook and I am sure it will be lucky for one team.

Apologies if I had mis led over the date but unfortunately I couldn't get the one I wanted. I will get all the formal invites out next week but if you would like to join us and/or you were not on the e-mail list then e-mail me or comment on this and i will send you an invite.

MNTFA AGM

2011-03-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last week was my first AGM as Chairman and all seemed to go well.

Thanks to Nathan Clayton the Pitsford fishery manager for taking questions on pitsford this year. They are going to be charging for parking this year at Holcot and Pitsford car parks. Your parking permit with your season ticket still allows you free parking. They are also going to be putting some bollards on the causeway so this doesn't get churned up and parked on. Additionally there will be a speed limit on the causeway of 40 miles an hour shortly, after a few accidents. It is not always the fast driver that causes the accident but with so many cars doing silly things the speed makes it worse.

We also voted to join the Angling Trust this year as they are the single voice of angling and excerting their authority with the england set up - the CEFF is no more.

I gave a short speech and have attached my slides here if you are interested.

If you want to know more you can visit us at www.mntfa.co.uk

Sunrise again

2011-03-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Today was another early start and it was great to see the sunrise over Kingsthorpe and bright skies but on the down side it did mean a frost and the car was showing minus 4 as i drove over to Pitsford.

Steve, Mike and Phil all joined the early start from the Pines this morning but the fish weren't feeding quite the same. There were a few rising but they were further out. I was casting out as far as I could and also slowed down the retrieve down to try and entice them on. Just after 7 it worked and my first rainbow was in the net. There seemed to be a shoal coming past but it seemed a little lethargic and not quite as big as it was.

I persevered and managed another 3 before 8am but it was then very quiet for me. Mike continued with his intermediate and orange booby and seemed to find the depth for a while and caught a nice few fish. I headed off for a cup of tea at my dads with all good intentions to return.

I sat on the causeway and the wind had changed and was coming of North farm shore and blowing into bog bay. With a load of cars off Stone barn I decided not to join the crowd and headed off for a lazy afternoon watching the cricket.

Fingers and thumbs

2011-03-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

I was planning to go to Ravensthorpe today but the poor weather meant I didn't get going as early as I wanted too so I ended up with an hour before the beginners course at Pitsford so opted to try Bog Bay.

The wind was nice and was coming more off the bank than it was going right to left. I started on Stilton point but it was blowing down the reservoir and a bit coloured here. I worked my way into the bay without success so decided on a walk to the other side of the bay at the end of Duffers Reach. The black and green was not working too well so with about 10 minutes to go I put on the orange still on the Di3 and slowed it down with a slow figure of 8. I didn't take long for my fingers to be hurting and obviously needed to get some practice in and build them up again.

It was just what was needed though and the takes started, I thought they were bottom at first but then when a fish was on I realised differently. A nice 2 pounder was safely returned but unfortunately I had run out of time and headed back to the lodge.

While thinking about my fingers hurting my thumb is painful today as you can see.

I never thought yesterday but this is the damage one of the brownies did to my thumb as I was un hooking it. I did feel the needle sharp teeth and took a second look to see if it was a Ferrox but no just a mean predator getting it's own back!

A bagfull before breakfast

2011-03-12T03:18:00.000-08:00

An early start this morning and i was at Pitsford for 6.30. It really paid off and i definitely made up for yesterday.

At this time the bird life was well awake before me with the robins and blackbirds giving their all for the dawn chorus. As I walked along the creek 2 great crested grebes were dancing beak to beak, green woodpeckers screeching from the car park and great spotted woodpeckers drumming in the trees. As I approached the pines I even disturbed a cormorant close in, there had to be fish here!

I was not the first to arrive and another guy was on the first point which was fine because I wanted the second. It was only my second cast when the line went tight and for a moment i was sure it was the top of the shelf but when it started pulling back realisation set in and my first of the season, a big shouldered 2lb stockie was very welcome.

I recon everyone said "I'll be out the house by 7" because at 10 past there were 6 cars rolling around the roads of sailing club and infront of the car park. That was it though and no one arrived before I left.

After a couple of fish I then started to hone the depth and retrieve and leading up to 8am had a great purple patch as the fish must have been shoaling in front of me. There did seem to be a hatch. There were good numbers of small midge with a few bigger ones. I also saw three uprights as well maybe a dark olive. There were a few fish feeding on top for 20 minutes but not many.

The method was a Black and Green booby on a Di3 with a 12ft leader. I would cast out, let the line settle, maybe a figure of 8 to keep in touch and then long slow pulls. The fish seemed to come off the shelves and I had some great pulls fairly close in. It went a little slow after 8.30 and I swapped to an orange booby and let it sink for longer and managed 3 further fish this way including 2 lovely brownies one at a pound and half and the other at two and a half.

Excellent sport and I headed off for a good breakfast and a gentle introduction to the Rugby this afternoon.

Opening day casting practice

2011-03-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

It was pitsford opening day today and as I turned up on the Pines this morning hopes were running high. I worked my way from Rigby's point towards table bay and the wind was light as just pushing off the bank, it felt great. As I got closer to Table bay a few people had caught fish, 5 here 4 there and one guy with 6 so I settled in here.

We were using the usual stuff with black and green or orange boobies on a di 3 and medium retrieve. Unfortunately the wind started to pick up and the fish switched off, I persevered till around 11 and then gave up. After a drive along the gravels and North Farm Bay it was the same story as others had failed to catch. Hopefully they switched on in the afternoon.

I managed some good casting practice so decided to call it a day, bank the knowledge and come back tomorrow.

First grayling on the fly

2011-02-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

Before the trout season gets underway we thought we would get a bit of practice on the rivers and see if i can catch one of those elusive grayling. The plan was for a two day trip fishing on the River Lugg near Leominster. We had booked the Mortimers Cross beat on the first day and Lypole on the second.

When we arrived the water was high and running a little coloured however not bad enough to stop us though. There was a great meadow with some easy fishing and then it headed into the woods where it was a little shallower and running a little faster. The snowdrops were out and provided some great early spring colour. Set in a steep sided wooded valley it was very picturesque and there was wildlife everywhere with the buzzard calling most of the day, siskins in the Alders and then a steak of blue over the river as the kingfisher flashed by.

We persevered all morning without success working our way along all of the water, searching out any shoals but the going was hard. Early afternoon and Phil managed to catch one just inside the trees and a gold head hares ear. After he had shown me the photo of a lovely half ponder I knew a bit of spot nicking was in order and we both walked up to the spot.

I got myself comfortable on the high bank between the trees by kneeling at first and then sitting down. There was a branch infront of me half submerged and I trotted my hares ear from just upstream and about 5ft out in between the faster current and the branch. Mending the line a few times allow a nice trot down to the next tree trunk in the water. There was a small back eddie which helped slow the fly down.

I had what i thought were a few takes and was feeling very upbeat but when it then snagged on the bottom that confidence subdued. After about 15 mins Phil said he was going for a walk and just as he started off the blimp went under and I was connected to a fish. It was a short fight but i could feel my heart beating. I then realised that we wouldn't be able to get a net in the water so just did what i had done with many roach before and I eased up the rod tip and swung the fish in slowely.

YES! YES! YES! it was only about 6oz but I had finally overcome that hurdle and very pleased to land my first grayling on a fly.

Phil had just landed his second and Vasy came walking along the road. We settled him in the same spot. The fish had gone quiet now but just before we left he came to the gate with a tiny little grayling where the fly almost looked bigger and he too had caught his first grayling.

The second day on Lypole and the water was running faster a little more coloured. We worked all day to find the fish without success even though their was a small dark olive hatch early afternoon but I never saw a fish rise.

The wildlife was even better here and made the day with owls, woodpeckers, Dippers, Nuthatch, siskins etc. etc. The highlight of the day for Phil and Vasy was when they arrived at the weir to see a mother and 2 cub otters playing on the island. Fantastic!

I'll definitely be going back again.

Draycote re-opening in 2011

2010-11-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

I heard today that Draycote will be open again in 2011 and they will be looking for someone to take on the lease. The repairs haven't even been started yet, the car park will not be available and you will not be able to drive around bank fishing. However at least it will be open again and the lease states they have to stock 35k fish so it should fish well again too. I have also found the invitation to tender for the lease if anyone is interested.

http://hallscommercial.agencypilot.com/store/documents/other/192+1670.pdf

2lb Grayling for Phil

2010-11-18T00:20:00.000-08:00

The digs were magic! we stayed at the Bateman Arms in Shobham and I would highly recommend it. We sat infront of the open fire having a chat about fishing with a few local ales, a hearty meal and friendly locals. Perfect!

We woke up the following morning and it was raining, intermittently hard but consistent. It was going to be a damp day. After a good fry up we headed out to the Leam beat on the Arrow that we had already booked and once again it was a great stretch as it ran between two weir's and meandered through, beech and alder woods, scrub and farmland.

Not quite as picturesque as yesterday but it had great variety to the fishing with many more pools to go at. Our first walk in and there was another otter, amazing. It was just on the far bank no more that 20 metres away and we stood and watched as it ducked and dived and played under the bush for a good five minutes. It's worth going just for that.

Phil found himself a nice bend and settled in. I on the other hand was a little nomadic and worked my way up the bank. It wasn't long and i heard Phil shout and he was into one on a gold head hares ear. It was about three quarters of a pound and with renewed confidence he persevered on and it paid off with another grayling this time much better and was measured at 42 cm - a little over 2lb. What a fantastic fish and a magic achievement on a damp day.

He had found a pocket of fish and the right depth and could have fished there all day. I on the other hand was impatient and continued my exploration up to the start of the beat fishing a short while in each pool i came across. Even though it had rained continuously and we were a little damp by now it was still great to watch you line come down stream with that anticipation.

Phil now had moved upstream to a second bend and had a brownie first chuck and then another grayling over a pound. He obviously was doing something right and had had brilliant day with 3 grayling, one over 2lb and a couple of brownies returned.

Although I never saw any fish in the flesh as I was always somewhere else so I am going to have to check the time stamp on the photos just to make sure!!

I had tried my heart out but with no success so my first grayling on the fly will have to wait for another day.

I am sure it will be worth waiting for!

My first Grayling please?

2010-11-17T23:49:00.000-08:00

Following our success earlier in the year we decided to cut down on the travelling and have a couple of days on the River Arrow this time. It was a personal challenge to catch my first Grayling on the fly.

We arrived at Arrow Mill and it was a clear day but with low hanging mist and frost on the ground, crisp and fresh you could call it. The scenery couldn't be better with the Arrow meandering through the farmland and orchard and passing the old mill that must have stood for the last 400 years. It was a step back in time.

With our first walk to the top of the beat we disturbed a mother otter and a cub. A quick slash and dive downstream was followed with a few cries from the far bank with the cub checking where she had gone. fantastic! We worked back up stream and it was a pleasure to fish.

The fishing was hard with the river running a little fast at a time when you wanted to fish slow and deep but we persevered and it was a pleasure exploring and taking some spooky photos in the mist.

By mid afternoon there was a steady flow of sailing boats drifting downstream as the dark olives must have been hatching where the sun was out upstream.

We only saw what we thought were 3 fish rise though and I felt I needed a break and went off to explore the water insects. Bloody typical! as this was just the 15 minutes when they decided to take and Phil and Steve were into fish at almost the same time. Steve's was around half pound but just short of a pound Phil's was the best of the day. What a great fish, sleek and silver with with that distinctive dorsal fin.

I rushed back up and kept fishing but to no avail. Never mind it was easy fishing, learned a bit more, great company in a wonderful place. What more could you ask for?

My first Grayling please?

Lights and fog horns needed!

2010-10-09T03:11:00.000-07:00

It was that misty on Pitsford this morning that I was bracing myself for the lights to come out of the mist and that eerie noise of a foghorn going off in front of me. It didn't lift till lunchtime either and while there were a few fish about they weren't particularly feeding.

Phil had the first fish on a hopper in front of the cliffs a really nice 2lb brownie but we had hardly seen a fish rise. Feeling a bit more confident that there were a few fish around I decided to try and locate some rainbows. I set up a di5, cat boobie, blob and a cormorant and was sure I would locate a rainbow or two.

A we drifted off the rocks by the cliffs all went tight and after a good fight managed to slip the net under another good brownie. It's like they have their own diary, it's October now lads lets get out and feed!!

My second pull was just as the flies hit the surface and second pull and he was on. This time though he pulled back and screamed off the reel. With his dorsal in the air wallowing on the surface I new I had a good fish. When he was returned he must have been 4 and three quarters. I managed one more but then the fish went very quiet and we only had pulls after that.

I was aching now as the cold was taking hold and pleased to get in the warm and give up in front of the telly!

The Elinor Jinx

2010-10-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

No reflection on Elinor, Ed or the way it is run but just my amazing regularity to find it either easy or hard. Yes and today it was hard for me and easy for others.

While I think congratulations to Ed, Dave Currie and Nick Dunn who made it too the England team this year from Chew. Especially to Dave who like me has being trying for a number of years and come so close on a number of occasions. Excellent!

On a day with hardly a cloud in the sky I started on the river bank and had a good number of fish rising in front of me. They were taking small green buzzers but i didn't seem to have any small enough. I went on a size 16 klink and then started to have action and even had a fish on and lost it, great sport! As the rising fish slowed and the hatch was over I headed off for a walk around Titchmarsh.

When I got back Phil still hadn't caught but there were quite a few catching off the Dam so we both muscled into the corner by the trees. We managed a few takes but still no fish. They were taking on Damsels, daddies and hares ears, but not for me.

Another sit down in the sun to reflect and sense a cold coming on and we called it a day.

BOS take the TW Walker Trophy

2010-09-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Barclays/Bank of Scotland match is always the highlight of my year combining superb venues, fierce friendly competition and great company. This year was no exception.

I was drawn with Derek Sibson a Scottish international and competitor in many of the team competitions around the UK. I was looking forward to a few fish.

As we set off from the boat dock it is always mayhem. The boats need to be pushed off the shore backwards wrestling with strange and temperamental motors. Simon and Ralph skillfully avoid a collision.

It was cloudy and flat calm. At least we were half way to some decent weather and hopefully they would be wanting the naturals. I started on a slow glass so that i didn't disturb the surface but still kept in the top two foot. I had a black hopper booby on the point, a black cruncher on the middle and a fiery brown hopper on the top dropper.

We started just off the dead tree in international bay and I took a fish really early on my black cruncher and then took another but lost it at the net, that was going to make it a harder day than I had planned. Derek was fishing the same line but was on lures including blobs, boobies and cormorants. Two different styles but as the day was to go on his would be more productive. He put a cat booby on the point and never looked back. As we slowly drifted into the corner the fish started to chase the booby or cormorants across the top, it was great fishing - even for me watching. I held on to his shirt tails and we even had a double hook up - good job we took two nets! Just before lunch we were in the corner of the bay and two fish in 3 or 4 casts and Derek had his 5 fish limit - Good Angling!

We headed back to the lodge for lunch and a catch up with the others who had also managed to find a few fish. The most fish seemed to have been caught between hotel bay and the cages. Our catches were not better but perhaps more consistent than the Scots so it was all in the balance. Phil had a great morning with 4 fish as had Paul Williams but Mike had only one, plenty of time yet!

The afternoon was altogether different as by now the sun had burnt off the cloud and it was clear and flat calm, a grueller! I persevered for the afternoon around the dead tree. I managed one fish fairly quick and just waiting for the last. After takes and lost fish it was one of those days.

Derek on the other hand showed his class and every now and again got motivated to fish rather that taking phone calls and every time caught fish on whatever he set up, very impressive,

We decided to move to loch end and as the ripple got up a little the fish were moving. RIGHT THAT's IT! On went three cormorants and within a few minutes my last fish was in the net, Phew!

As the boats started to arrive back at the lodge it was closer than I had thought and all the boats were within one fish of each other but Derek Purves and John Tulloch had bagged up and I guessed this might make the difference. I don't think even BOB THE BUILDER could fix it for Barclays to win today!!

We did indeed get pipped by 40 fish to 46 or 94lb to 103lb. Derek and John did make a difference but also ably supported with limits from Kenny, Mikey and Derek. The Jammy git Mike himself managed to take the best boat trophy with Kenny after bagging up in the afternoon. Derek purves presents the trophy.

We finished off the trip with a visit to Balmaha on the banks of Loch Lomond and to sus out maybe another days fishing in the future.

Mentieth, a picture postcard

2010-09-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Menteith looked fantastic with dramatic mountains, rolling fields, green trees and blue skies. All the history and mystery of Mary Queen of scots being imprisoned on one of the islands in inchmahone castle just added to the atmosphere. The boats were primed ready but with clear skies it was ok for sun tans but not great for fishing.

Fishing with mike we quickly got into practice mode searching the water for shoals of fish and looking for those killing methods and a plan for tomorrow. We found fish from hotel bay around to the cages and beyond. We also found them from loch end all around through international bay and back to the lodge. How come the midlands waters can't have this spread of fish?

The fish were well up in the top couple of feet and we settled on a the midge tip although the floater and slow glass were in reserve. We felt as though they didn't want a colourful fly and focused on black or brown. We were preferring hoppers, crunchers, cormorant booby or a black tadpole all retrieved with a slow figure of 8 even static

Mike managed to catch a couple of fish on a black tadpole - his only one, and when it got stuck on a rock later in the day there was only one answer. He would have to walk on water to retrieve it!! No surprise to me!

I expected that it would cloud over tomorrow so i would focus on naturals first and get my fish as quick as I could. The Barclays team talk followed in the evening and Ralph had great sport on a cruncher and Ross on a Gold head hopper (Yuck). So with the info I had and few beers to settle me down - just medicinal! The plan was set for the match against the Bank of scotland tomorrow.

Smiling Teith

2010-09-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

On our way to fish against Bank of Scotland Mike, john, phil and I stopped off at Callander for the night. There was no water in the rivers and the Lenny was out of action but against some previous advice and the thought we wouldn't catch anything we took a rod on the town water of the River Teith for the afternoon and fortunately lady luck was smiling on us.

We parked in the car park on the river and in the town. It felt awkward fishing with an audience but most were on holiday so I guess it all added to the authenticity of the town. While Compo, Foggy and Clegg sat eating their lunch I tackled up. An 8ft four weight and a size 14 black klinkhammer were all I needed and was soon into rising salmon parr. It was good fun getting a rise to the fly and I suspect it was a little large for the small fish however I was happy being selective.

I managed a small brownie from the side of the river bridge and it amazing what good sport it is on a light outfit. We moved along to the Salmon pool and it was great to see Salmon leaping every few minutes. The water was deeper here and smaller fish were constantly rising. I put a long cast out and a fish rose and took the flyn magic. It fought well but was extremely surprised that it was a chub of about half a pound. Having spoken to a few people since they didn't think they were this far up in Scotland but the evidence is below.

I managed another trout and chub and it ended a very pleasant start to the week in a great setting. We went back a little later for the evening rise which didn't happen and after getting naffed off with being bitten by midges we retired to the pub to tie flies for the following day.

Hat catcher

2010-08-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

It was blowing a gale on Pitsford today and not very pleasant at all. You could hardly control your line let alone your hat and when a gust of wind struck just as I turned my head - my hat was in the water and floating away. I didn't realise the extent of Phil's fishing abilities but after 3 or 4 casts he had the hat hooked and in the net - thanks Phil!

As for the proper fishing well there's not much to say really after drifting around all morning we managed just one take between us and I managed a decent 2 pounder from the edge of the weed banks just of rigby's point. It took a tecquila booby bobbling around on the surface.

Heres hoping for better fishing this week.

last minute call up

2010-08-21T04:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning and I was just thinking of what to do for the day and the phone went. Mike had lost his partner for the day so an offer to fish Pitsford from the boat - magic!

I started as i left off at Grafham fishing the washing line and was really hoping that Daiwl backs or snatchers would start working. An early fish on the tequila booby proved me wrong but at least I was catching. The fish seemed to have all moved off the Dam and were heading towards the narrows - the key was to fish in the middle of no where out of Brixworth bay and across to the Pines.

The fish started to come up in the water as the day went on. There were pockets of fish but those were moving around. Mike put on a woofta booby and was then catching great. It was like fishing muddlers bubbling through the waves and the big bow wave behind - great sport.

The difference for me was when I changed to a slow glass with a woofta booby on the point and a tequila FAB on the top dropper with a hopper in the middle. I this it eliminated any line disturbance and all three flies were on the surface.

I never looked back and had some great sport.

The Floating line

2010-08-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

The MNTFA put in two teams for the Inter Club Floating line competition at the weekend and I made up one of the places.

Congratulations to a team from Invicta who won on the day. It was a hard day as the fish were very tightly shoaled and difficult to catch. Having said that as usual 3 people managed to bag up but with 5 fish I must have been up there shouting.

My partner was Ystlyn Smith from GWFFA and although he had not done much competition fishing before he was good company and did great with 3 fish and above average on the day.

We managed to find a very small shoal between the nature reserve and L buoy and with 5 drifts over a tight shoal we managed 5 fish. With 3 fish too on one of the last drifts of the day off W buoy, it was hard going for the rest of the day.

I was using a washing line with a tequila booby on the point and two diawl bachs on the droppers. It was like fishing a dry fly as they came up and took the booby off the top - shocking!

With Ash, Powie and John in the team too we managed 10 fish between us but no prizes!

The Arrow

2010-07-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Just for a change Steve, Phil and i decided to have a day on the river. After scanning through the "Wye and Usk passport" there was some great fishing to be had and we settled on the River Arrow in the village of Erdisland near Leominster. It was a mile beat with of both banks of upstream fishing for wild brownies and grayling.

I am not sure what I was expecting but we walked to the start of the beat up to our chests in wet grasses and when there we still couldn't find an easy route through the trees into the river. I guess I was hoping for some open grassy banks but that's reservoir softies for you!

I wanted to fish the dry but hadn't seen any fish rising but Steve had and I took his word and started with the klink. 10 minutes in I walked up a gravel spit and a fish rose, I cast at it and it took but nothing there, i lifted off and put it perfect again and this time the splash it was on, it was going to be a good day!

Yes so it wasn't a whopper and looked like it had been held in my fingers too long but it was a very welcome salmon Parr.

There weren't many rising at all but I had decided to use as much stealth as I could so just settled back and watched. There was just one fish rising under the trees on the far bank but it was too far away. I had a number of casts but couldn't get close. I shifted my position so i could side cast down the river and with a full cast the fly just floated under the branch and bang it was on and off. This is fun and very rewarding!

Phil had settled into his nymph fishing on a bung and it wasn't long and he too was into a fish on a pheasant tail, his first on a river and just what we came for - brilliant!

It went quite quiet and I worked my way back to the car with my mind on other things. A kingfisher, banded demoiselles and mayflies were still around. Butterflies were everywhere and it was certainly a great natural environment.

Steve and I made it back and decided to fish the weir. I went in above the weir and Steve below. There were a couple of fish rising but I struggled to cover them and then out the corner of my eye another fish rose on the far bank and I put the size 16 klink right on its nose and splash it was on. This time it was heavy and fighting solid as I got it's head up it came in and was a chub. The first I had caught on a fly and it was great sport.

I moved up the mill race to another overflow and changed over to nymphs, the sport really started then and I managed another 5 fish on a pheasant tail and daiwl bach. I told Steve and he changed over and immediately he was into takes and then a fish but a few casts later he hooked into a better fish.

It was a grayling and and over half a pound gave a great fight.

Phil made his way back and had also had good sport with the best brownie of the day.

It had been a great trip with good fishing and nice surroundings - a pleasure!

Windy Ravensthorpe

2010-07-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was out on Ravensthorpe with Phil today and in some rough winds thought it would be the best bet of the reservoirs.

When we arrived we were sharing the water with the British float tubers and they were all floating like brown swans in front of the dam. I commented to Graham that it much be fishing great infront of the lodge but they had all just launched. They were drifting gracefully but you know that they were paddling like fury underneath. It was great to see them around and they found there way into all the nooks and cranny's working there way tight to the banks i am sure they caught a good number.

It started a bit quiet for us as drifted around in some rough water squalls and had my first fish as we anchored of the willow bay point. After a while we decided to move up to cotton end and with only a short anchor rope managed to hold just off the causeway tunnel with a great view under the road.

There were a few fish rising here and I decided to keep my two green Diawl bachs on the droppers but put a dry on the point to keep everything up. For an hour I had great sport. I had one fish on the dry which was really nice and must have been two pound.
The other fish were a bit smaller and took the green daiwl bachs maybe a foot or two down as they were slowly sinking through the water. I was trying to fish the dry and keep everything up and static and the line just shot off. Phil cottoned on quick and changed over but only managed a couple of takes and fish that hit him really hard and snapped at the dropper.

We persevered as the sun came out but the fish must have moved off down the bank or gone deeper and quiet.

With about an hour to go we headed for the boils and a quick waft of the Di5 and blobs just to make it feel that we had been working hard. I managed another on the first drift on the tequila blob. It was a nicely taken fish as it followed me up to the surface I let the fly sink back and it turned and took, nice!

Our discussion had turned to talk of phils averages this year and that a blank would help at all. However confident to the end Phil manged to hook into one just before the boils on our last drift, you can see the relief in his face and it was a nice end to a pleasant day.

A rest for blistered feet

2010-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Just back from a few days in Barcelona sight seeing and I had made the mistake of wearing a new pair of shoes and the blisters were worse than when I did my three peak challenge earlier in the year. It's a hard life!

Nothing better than sitting around in a boat on Pitsford on a glorious day with the excuse of giving my feet a rest - magic!

I headed for the dam and found fish all the way along about 50 yards out and also just off the boils. It was a bit awkward keeping on the fish as there were a good number of boats and many anchored. I did a bit of anchoring and a bit of drifting really you just needed to be over a pod of fish.

There were two main techniques. I couldn't catch on the di7 and a minkie but a few others did. I managed 3 on a red daiwl bach on the midge tip. They were nice fish too all over a pound and half. The second one took at full stretch and ran and had to play him at distance on the reel for while.

I tried the pines and North Farm shore and while I saw fish on top I couldn't catch. I could only manage half a day on my own but it was nice too be out topping up the tan!

Just coming on as I leave

2010-07-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

The football seems to have got in the way of the fishing recently and now England are out and it doesn't matter too much I seem to be enjoying it more!

It started very bright and windy this morning and as I was determined to go I thought Ravensthorpe would stand the best chance of a fish.

I expected all the boats to be taken but there were a few left when I arrived so quickly grabbed one. I'm not a great lover of single manned boats but happy for the peace and quiet. I started on the drift, di5 and blobs - no boobies on ravensthorpe. The water was a little coloured so thought if there sulking near the botton then this might be a chance, however it was very quiet and after 5/6 drifts I hadn't even had a pull so the anchor it was.

My choices went well and not long after I settled into the cotton end tunnel I had a fish on a damsel. The wind was squalling and the boat swinging around, it was difficult to keep in control but really more annoying. Unfortunately it didn't get any better and had a move to the end of the willows about 100 yards off the two platforms. This felt better but after half an hour I was itching to move. Having looked around all the boats were moving and no one was catching so I thought I would hold on where I was. It wasn't long before the cloud started to roll in and this made all the difference and I saw my first fish on top. There were a few green buzzers hatching now and I suppose the fish could start to look up without being blinded.

I kept my damsel on the point and added a green daiwl bach to my top dropper and that seemed to be the catalyst. A couple of casts later I was into another fish, they were not big, maybe 1lb 8oz or so but there wasn't anyone else catching so good enough for me. A bankie popped onto the platform and caught 2 in the next 15 minutes they must just be coming on! I managed one more and then my half day boat time was up just as they were coming on for the afternoon. Never mind no fish to gut as they were all returned so i'll go and settle in to see Nadal win!

Turn on the tap!

2010-06-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

As we were blown off in the Eliminators heat at rutland it was all down to a one hit eliminator on Grafham yesterday and unfortunately I didn't manage to go through.

After practice we had a couple of methods pulling a Di5 or twiddling on a midge tip and a good number of shoals in Sailing club, Lodge, Gaynes, G-bouy, Savages and the Nature reserve so what to choose?

My partner for the day was Richard Kesek, a seasoned Grafham campaigner with many England caps to his name and after a brief chat we decided to give outside the lodge a go at the most fish and then over to catch some bigger fish in Savages.

The first hour or so resulted in only a few swirls so we headed off to Savages. The fish weren't on here either but at least we managed to tempt a few fish and they were a good size.

I had a nice 4lb brown that fought hard and deep and typical. I then had a 4lb 6 rainbow that fought fantastic. it jumped 3 or 4 times and shot off on a couple of runs that took backing of a screeming reel - majic!

Fishing a couple of black buzzers with either a booby or a daiwl bach on the point we had managed 3 a piece by 4pm and then decided to tough it out. Everywhere else was fishing very hard. There were reports of a few 5's and 6's but our size of fish could well be OK.

What we hadn't realised though was that at 4pm the fish came on outside the lodge like turning a tap and all the many that headed back there then bagged up in double quick time. Mark Haycock managed to make it through and I think after only having 1 he then bagged up in the hour. Well done.

For me it was from confidence to dejection all within a couple of minutes. Never mind there's always next year!

Eliminators blown off

2010-05-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was bowing 23 miles an hour at Rutland this morning and forecast to get up to 40 later in the afternoon and with safety in mind there were no boats going out today.

I was nearly there when Richard Slater called to tell me it was off so I turned around and headed home.

The practice was wasted but it was good to have a day out with Ash anyway although we did get rained on most of the day. I managed 4 on blobs and boobies and the fish were deep in the morning but came up in the water in the afternoon. We found fish in Spud bay, Yellowstone, outside the lodge and in Barnsdale however I didn't find and of the fresh stockies I was looking for but if I was to fish over fish all day i was feeling confident.

Anyway it's irrelavant now and it's all down to one heat at Grafham in June.

Talbot Butler Trophy winner

2010-05-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Yes it was me!!!

After a couple of days on Eyebrook with Mike you would have thought we would have been shattered and fed up of each other but fortunately not. I was looking forward to this event again organised by Arnold Haddon for the Cancer ward that helped him recover and to show our support. They raised over £1000 last year and I am sure it won't be far off that again this.

The day started with me being on time this week and managed to say hi to a few people i hadn't seen for a while. We had heard that the Cliffs, Pines and creek had been fishing but with the wind blowing into North Farm Shore we couldn't resist it and dropped the anchor off Stone Barn Point as Mike calls it. It's great mickey take between us that he thinks the outer point is stone barn and the inner is North farm bay point. For me I call it the opposite way with North Farm shore point and stone barn bay point. Answers on a postcard too!!!

I started with a Di7 and a coral booby on the point and was into fish quite quickly and took two pulling quite quick. It then dried up and then we thought rather than drifting that we would work our way up North Farm shore anchoring for a short time. This was a great tactic and by 12 mike had put the next 5 in the boat on the same fly on a di5. In what was a great act he returned a brownie of over 2 lb too and it was great to see it swim off. In hindsight he would have won if he had kept it, but it is always nice to think you did the right thing.

We were getting a little restless by now as the fishing had gone off a little so we headed for the creek. After a few positions we anchored off the stumps down the creek and we were well into fish. I took two and mike one. They were however very small and when they dried up we headed back to North Farm shore.

The fish seemed to have come up in the water and we saw a boat near us have two on the floater and Bob Church next to us have one on the bung. I then changed up to a fast glass with black buzzers and the coral booby on the point - almost a reversal of the bung and fished almost static. It wasn't long and the line sailed away but would you believe it on the booby. I managed to have one more the same way as the fish swam along the shore and leveled us up on 6 a piece.

There was a lovely meal and presentation evening at the Royal Oak at Walgrave and it rounded the evening off perfectly.

In the final results my six went 10-14 and I pipped Mike into second place with 6 for 10lb 2. Julian Davies managed 3rd spot with 4 fish on his damsel and Bob Church in 4th place with four fish too. Bob was looking great this year now the medication has been corrected and he proved he can still hack it and enjoy the competition.

Thanks Arnold. A great day.

Dave Currie's hot!

2010-05-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

He may make a fine curry but Dave Currie fished fantastic in the Barclays National and led the Radbroke Hall team to a very convincing win by over 16lbs. Although he had caught 13 he weighed in the best bag of the day with 8 fish for 25lbs 4oz and also had the largest fish of the day at 6lb 9oz.

Fishing at Eyebrook the practice day had gone well enough and although we struggled to catch the many rising fish gorging themselves on buzzers we had a coral booby that was working well on a Di7, Di5 or fast glass. We swapped flies on the evening and while Powie gave me verbal because I only gave him 2 flies rather than twenty he was to eat his words and admit that at least mine were working.

36 anglers from across Barclays were all lined up and raring to go for the 37th Barclays National and after all the organising I was starting to relax now.

With everyone heading for the cow shed we were the only boat that pealed off and started in Sam's Dyke. Mike had two quickly and I had one and we made a good start. It then went very quiet and we headed down towards the cowshed. They by contrast had been catching well on daiwl bachs and things hadn't dried up. We muscled in and saw that Powie, Dave Currie and Paul Ravenscroft were catching consistently. We mooched about and settled behind Dave and manged another one. Mike changed to a midge tip and daiwl backs and a cast of 're verge' nylon he had. He then went and got snapped up twice and it was like cotton. I hope it's not all like that!. He changed nylon and did manage another.

I was tweaking back a tequila blob when the line was ripped out of my hand. I managed to keep control and after a hard fight I landed my best fish of the season so far a 5lb 13oz rainbow.

Powie had caught consistently in the morning and managed 7 and then after a move towards us managed to catch his eighth with only a short time to go with 7 of them on the coral booby on a midge tip. When the results were in he took the most fish trophy with 8 fish for over 22lb.

Barclaycard managed to come in well behind Radbroke but comfortably in second place and to cap it off John Clarke managed to take the best fish (not in winning bag)trophy with a 6lb 2 oz rainbow.

Overall we managed a catch return of 2.3 with 11 fish from the 81 over 4lbs. I will load up the full results in the next few days on my site www.troutfishers.com

Julian Davies wins MNTFA Pitsford boat match

2010-05-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Julian Davies who managed to catch the biggest bag of 8 fish to take the Bruce Richardson Trophy.

It all started for me a bit rushed as I lost track of the time. When I walked on to the boat platform having arrived late I was greeted with a round of applause for turning up - cheeky buggers!

I knew where I wanted to go though and Phil thought the same so we were out at the front of the flotilla heading for Pitsford Creek. Mike and Ash were out in front and they took A1 position and anchored off the point of table bay and the creek. We popped in just in front and it felt nice.

I started on a Di7, booby and blobs but it started very slowly for me. It was Phil who got off to great start catching a couple of fish on a blob on a slow intermediate. I cam up in the water to a Di3 but Phil carried on catching on a damsel. The fish seemed to be coming round every now and again but they were tightly shoaled.

My back was too Mike and Ash and although we exchanged a bit of chat I didn't keep my eye on them. It was only at 1pm when Mike had bagged up that I realised they were catching. In actual fact Ash had bagged up at 12 o'clock on blobs and boobies. Fortunately before they headed off they told me what they were doing and although it was similar to me it gave me the confidence to persevere. Powie and John were struggling too and jumped in their spot.

Fortunately I caught quite quickly and after a move into table bay i managed to catch slow but consistently on an orange booby.

Richard and Nick were drifting all day and managed to pull a few fish from a few different shoals after anchored boats kept pinching their drifts they managed to find a shoal to themselves in the creek. Stuart and Matthew sat on a shoal off Pitsford car park and could see that they then started to catch consistently.

I managed to catch my last couple of fish in the last half hour just as the fish started to rise. Phil had a nice 3 and a half pounder on a cruncher and spent the last 10 minutes sweating on his last fish but unfortunately ended on 7.

Julian and Grant however had settled in the small half off the may tree bank and managed to get into some bigger fish that had been naturalised a little more than the fresh stockies we had been catching. One of Julians largest fish was just a couple ounces below 4lbs.

The day was topped off with a great meal in the lodge provided by The Chequers at Ravensthorpe - very civilised!!

Naseby Fly Tyers

2010-04-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

I had a great night last night thanks to Paul Jervis inviting me to give a fly tying talk and demo at the Royal Oak in Naseby. He has been running a weekly fly tying session through the winter and also a bit of fishing for a group of around 10 locals. It's great to get a group together like this.

It was an informal session and I walked through a whole host of tying and fishing techniques based around a green pea, orange booby, hares ear, slate grey buzzer, elk hair sedge and a green daiwl bach.

As this was the first time I have done a talk - apart from a few Pitsford open days - I took Mike and Phil along for some moral support. With a good number of traditional ales on tap and a great spread laid on by Paul and family it was a great night that I thoroughly enjoyed - hopefully everyone else did too, but I am sure they did.

There had to be something go wrong and as i had just finished my hares ear it pinged out of the holder and couldn't be found - all that effort! Thank goodness I had another one in box I show. We did find it afterwards - just in case they have been turning the place upside down today! I have salvaged a few today and have loaded them up below.

UV Hares ear, fluorescent orange tying silk, hares ear tail, hares ear body and thorax, pheasant thorax cover, oval gold rib and flour Orange head.

Slate Grey Buzzer, slate grey tying silk body and thorax, fine pearl back, red holographic rib, pearl thorax cover and orange goose biot cheeks.

Elk hair sedge, ginger palmer hackle, gold rib, ginger front hackle and a pinch of natural deer hair for the wing.

Thank you all!

Read your -mails!!!

2010-04-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

I should have done this before going fishing on Sunday as Mike managed to catch a 5lb 8oz Rainbow and Phil a 5lb 20z on Friday. They were a little closer the lodge and on a red daiwl back. I may have had more success and confidence at least.

Great fish Phil!

it's been a while

2010-04-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

It has, it seems ages since i last went fishing!

I have been focusing on my Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge that I managed to complete in 10hrs 58mins. There's more detail at www.kevshillwalking.blogspot.com if your really interested.

It has been a nice week this week and I fancied that Ravensthorpe would be warming up for some small fly action. However when I woke up this morning to wet on the ground and grey skies I thought, typical!

I think everyone had the same idea as me as all the boats were taken and the cotton end lay by full of cars. In hind sight i should have perhaps gone off the dam but I only had a couple of hours and knew there were fish here. The platforms were taken so i found a gap in the trees just beforehand and started to tackle up.

It really felt like spring was here as the sun began to peak through, dandelions and daffodils adding colour, I could hear a chiffchaff in the tree next to me and there was a hatch on as the swallows, house martins and sand martins were swooping around infront of me. It was a pleasure to be out.

I started on a mains damsel and couple of buzzers on a floater and it was only second when all tightened up and I was into a nice 2pounder.

The mains damsel has been a great fly for me. We called it this after John Mains as far as I am aware originated it for competition fishing in hard early season conditions. It is a simple fly to tie consisting of an olive marabou tail, olive marabou body, pearl over the back and a silver wire rib.

It was a great start but not to be followed up unfortunately. I moved onto straight lining daiwl bach's and cruchers and drifting out a bung but nothing. There were a few fish further out and the hatch slowed down at midday.

When the couple of guys off the platforms left having only one apiece too on buzzers,I thought I would follow too. A nice ease back into it again though.

Bad luck comes in threes

2010-03-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

It was the MNTFA Pitsford Bank competition and it didn't start too well when on only my second cast my rod snapped on the back cast - more about that later. At lunchtime I got on my bike and cycled round the water having a few chats when half way round I got a puncture - a great walk back to the car. Lastly as I was gutting my fish the knife sliced through my thumb - the same colour as my buzzers!

I managed to shake off all of that and still come 6th and have the best fish of the day prize for a 3lb 5oz rainbow - nice and overwintered!

I started off at the Pines with Don Moore and Phil, the wind was very light to start but got up as the day went on. Phil was on fire again and had the first fish on a bloodworm after we saw at least 3 fish rise in front of us. I also changed to bloodworm and buzzers and managed to catch two fish on a red buzzer including my best fish. It showed promise up to lunch but then went very quiet.

After i had walked back to my car and still nothing doing on the pines I made my way up to stone barn bay. I was greeted by Powie and Mick O'farrel waving to say they were packing up and I could have their spot. Very kind, Mick had actually had his limit by half past eleven. I started on the floater but nothing doing and thought i would copy so on went the di3 and a black and green booby.

1st cast out and I was hooked into a nice stockie, that's better! I managed to catch 5 in the next hour and lost a couple, it was great sport. It's surprising how easy it is when the fish are in front of you but it's bloody hard finding them. I sweated on the last 10 minutes to catch my last but the fish had moved off.

A couple of spots down though Seumas had bagged up and gave his spot to Graham Haywood who had another 3 to get. He managed to get his last fish on the last cast of the match and let out a great roar! It was the first limit he had caught and a major milestone especially having won the most ducks competition last year. Brilliant!

As you can see from the photo below he is staring at his bag of fish and can't quite believe how many there are.

The weigh in was surprising how many fish had been caught and it was obvious Phil and I had chosen the wrong spot to start. Graham was in Third Place and Mick in second but Ash cooper managed to win with a great bag of fish caught on a cats whisker from Sailing Club Bank. Well done!

Key controversy

2010-03-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

There has been some interesting debate on Fly forums website around whether a day ticket fisherman should be able to have a key to the gates in the same way as a season ticket holder at Pitsford.

This only seems fair and would be the best solution. It must feel naff walking along the banks to a spot when a car beats you there. I guess there are more and more pensioners fishing these days and it is not always possible to walk the distances to get to the fish.

Fortunately most of the main hotspots on pitsford these days are easily walkable. In fact a mate of mine refuses a key and prefers the walk to keep fit.

The water has to cater for many users and there is a restriction on the number of cars that are allowed round. With many cyclists and walkers - including me - on the road we have to be responsible.

Not only this but Nathan has to control it. With notices in the lodge on how to use the locks correctly and regular reminders of the care to be taken we are an easy target and need to keep this to an absolute minimum. As a season ticket holder Nathan holds your address and phone number and can issue warnings. If needed there is always the threat of taking the season ticket away. He does not have this control over day ticket holders and while the majority would act responsibly if there is no deterrent then the minority would not.

Over the first few days the locks appear to have been abused by both day ticket holders and season ticket holders. The gates need to remain locked at all times and if a day ticket holder is let in you need to be very clear and take ownership on how they can get out.

I will discuss with Nathan if opening day next year can be an exception and everyone have the same access.

Phil bags up again

2010-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes it was the "Elinor Experts" opportunity to show me how to fish properly again and he has me almost converted to fishing bloodworms.

It was always going to be all or nothing for me but thought I would have a relaxing day and enjoy it any way. To help my feet I took my boat box with me and fitted in a dream with all the other old boys sitting down and fishing. They do feel better for not being in cold water all day!

It all started ominously when we hadn't hadn't had a pull I decided to go back to the car and while I was gone Phil had one on a buzzer. With nothing else doing we moved up to the top end and fished the bank next to the canal. There were a few catching but only in key positions on the point or in the bay.

Still fishless at 2pm I knew it was going to be one of those days so sod it! I went for a walk around Titchmarsh reserve to take my mind off it. When I returned though Phil had already banked another 3 on a bloodworm. I could say i didn't believe him but when the guys around started asking for me to leave again if he hadn't caught he must have paid them handsomely.

If the fish were here a different mindset was needed so I went positive and back to my Pitsford technique of a pea and blob. It wasn't too long and I could feel tap, tap, tap and as I left it static off it went. It wasn't big but it saves me from blanking and it was very grateful and soon un-hooked and swimming free again.

Phil managed another and by now the place was emptying - all going home for tea. I'm not if it was me wanting to catch more or Phil feeling sorry for me but we weren't going home yet! The two guys on the point were off and both of us jumped in for a last flurry. Phil had another and lost a few and that was it I had to concede and borrow a bloodworm. It was hardly on the line a couple of casts and I was into my second.

The fish seemed to move off so we decided to call it a night. With the pattern in my mind I'm going to be tying bloodworms later this week!

Fish all over

2010-03-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to be quite in the groove at the moment. There are people bagging up but I'm not one of them. Having said that I am still only fishing 2 or 3 hours so really I'm doing fine.

Steve had given me a text to say he was on the Pines so I headed there at lunchtime today just as he popped in the spot that someone had bagged up earlier. I took up a spot on the point of the creek and table bay and started with the di5 and booby. It didn't feel right so I set up with what I was comfortable with - a green pea and orange blob on a floater. I counted it down and first two pulls and my first fish.

I thought this was going to be it but i struggled on and managed another couple before my feet were aching - must take my box next time! Well with fish off sailing club, the pines and bog bay the fish really are all over.

Steve persevered on without success but he won't be put off and I'm sure he will be back tomorrow. For me I fancy a change of scenery at Elinor tomorrow, either that or Phil wants to catch a bag full again!

Sailing Club Bank

2010-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

It seemed like a pensioners day out off the Sailing Club Bank, apart from Mark and me. It was a very strong westerly and although it started gently when the wind picked up it was pretty much the only place on the water that was fishing.

Mick foster and Graham were already there when I arrived and in prime position on the point into Brixworth bay. Yesterday with the wind blowing off the bank you could get to the fish from a number of positions but today with a strong right to left it was much more difficult. They finished with about 4 each so it was not too easy.

Phil was next to them and started confident but as the wind increased it became more difficult and decided to go and try North Farm shore without success.

As he left I popped in his place and not long after had one on a di5 and a booby fished slow, but that was it. No other interest or takes was enough for me and I let Grant take over my spot. Mark just started to catch before i left as he took over Grahams spot and had 2 on a damsel on a floater.

This re-affirmed my thoughts that most of the time they are on the bottom but when cruising they are only 6 to 8 foot down.

It was a glorious sunny morning and a pleasure to be out but the weather is not all with us at the moment.

Pitsford Opening Day

2010-03-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I still remember in my younger days a crowd of us meeting at the Haddon's in Pitsford a meal, few beers, a good laugh followed by camping overnight in the pines waiting for it to get light. many times we had our first fish just as it got light and bagged up and back home for lunchtime. You had to be there at that time otherwise you couldn't get a spot.

Well I wasn't there that early this morning and I didn't bag up as quick as that but I did struggle to find a spot as the banks were lined with anglers.

I thought the fish would be over on duffers, bog bay etc. this year and as the wind was off that bank it was ideal. However as it appears the fish are well spread out all down to the Gorse bank, off bog bay, Sailing club bank and down to the gravels.

I settled on the far side of Stilton point looking into pig stream and although the wind was right to left (probably why i got a spot) it was gentle and casting was ok. Later it actually felt as though it had turned to come off that bank.

It was cold and the fish were lethargic but a shoal did keep running up this bank keeping the anglers well entertained with a few fish. There was also a shoal well off Stilton point but deep.

My main tactic for the day was the same as the guy that had bagged up before me off Stilton point using a midge tip line, black and green gold head on the point and an orange blob on the dropper. It was left for about 40 seconds and then returned with a figure of eight and short sharp pulls. The takes come on the drop but also when the shoal went past close in.

There were also the usual methods and a number of people were also catching on intermediates and the usual di3 and black and green with long slow pulls.

There were some decent fish around and of the three fish I had one of them was over 3lb.

Phil had joined me and at first it was like fishing in a boat but we did spread out. We were catch at about the same rate but after i got snapped up I thought that would do for the day and before I could pack my kit in the car he had another 2. He had 4 when I left but hope he could bag up.

Steve had a tough of the dropsy's and his had dropped off but hopefully his perseverance would have paid off in the end.

Apart from getting cold and wet it was a successful enjoyable day and nice to catch a few fish to start the season.

MNTFA Chairman

2010-03-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

It was the MNTFA AGM last night and as much as I pushed for someone to come forward there were no takers and it was me that was voted in as the new Chairman.

In some ways I am quite looking forward to it. Recently there has been a small change in the way fishing is seen. More people coming along to the beginners courses, an outdoor/countryside culture shift and the establishment of the Angling Trust which is all starting to shift perceptions. Clubs themselves though are still not what everyone needs these days but if it remains social and improves our sport then there has to be a place.

Visit us at www.mntfa.co.uk

Too cold for me

2010-03-07T03:56:00.000-08:00

Having sorted out my AW season ticket I thought I would take a look at Ravensthorpe today but that's all it ended up being, along with a few others by the look of the boats still in dock.

It was a lovely bright day with the sun out but a sharp frost overnight had left most of the water frozen. However with the sun now out it was thawing fast and would probably quite nice this afternoon.

I thought I would have a walk first but on closer inspection the water is coloured and there were no flies about. The odd boat was catching but no one off the bank. I think it was one of those days where if you were standing over a shoal and fishing slow and deep you could be bagging up. Alternatively you could be up to your knees in freezing cold water being blown by a cold easterly, a bit too cold for me today!!

Pitsford Open Day

2010-02-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

Just warming up for the new season and I was at the Pitsford open day today. Not just looking around and getting some casting tuition - although I could use some! But working. Well, tying some flies and chatting about fishing, ok so not working then.

There was a great mix of anglers there, friends, experienced, beginners and even a few from Draycote - could be busy this year.

Peter Hartley seemed to draw the short straw and as a bit of a brush up on casting was popular it meant that Peter was out in the snow all day. It felt almost like spring in side!

I can't believe that Ravensthorpe opens in a week, I think i'll try and wait for Pitsford on the 12th.

If you need to follow up on a few conversations you can leave a comment here or contact me on kevrowley@live.co.uk.

Barclays Bank National 2010

2010-01-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

The initial plan was to hold this again at Draycote Water because the fishing has been superb. However Severn Trent have put a spoke in with not renewing the lease so i have been looking around for alternatives.

We have decided to hold the event this year now at Eyebrook Reservoir and have managed to find a hotel fairly close by. We are still planning to hold it on 14th may and the invites will be going out early next week. This will be a great time of year at Eyebrook with the water warming up early and hopefully plenty of fly life pulling the fish up in the water.

If you are not included on the invite list or want to join us please e-mail me at kevin.rowley@barclaycard.co.uk and it would be great to see you.

Anglian Water and Pitsford Opening dates

2010-01-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

I have heard a number of people asking about when the Anglian waters are opening this year. So here are the dates:

Ravensthorpe - 27th February 2010. A bit cold for me but there can be some nice days.

Pitsford - 12th March 2010. Still really a bit early but I don't suppose i'll be able to help myself

Grafham - 19th March 2010. There were plenty of fish around at the end of last year and mixed with some stockies it could be a good start.

Rutland - 1st April 2010. Now that's more like it! I might even get a trip off the bank around this time.

Hope your appetite is suitable whetted now! Theres still loads of flies to be tied and tackle to be sorted!!

MNTFA Chairman

2010-01-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

We held a MNTFA committee meeting last night and Mike Philpott our current Chairman has decided to step down. He initially said he would do a couple of years and I think it must be 5 now and excellent ones they have been too. Leading the club through difficult times but remaining very strong and healthy. Additionally we do have a couple of spaces on the committee and have done for a while now. The jobs are not onerous but if you can take some minutes of the meetings, help with some communications or help inspire people to fish you would be welcome.

So just a little call to action if anyone would like to lead the Club and stand for Chairman or join the committee please let me know. Their is an official deadline of end of Feb but willing volunteers always welcome.

Walking on water

2010-01-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you thought you could then it would have been easier today at pitsford, but after the sharp reminder this week in leicester I wouldn't recommend it. The photo's from today show the extent of the freeze at Pitsford. The small half is completely frozen and the large half probably 40%. I am pleased the season ticket isn't valid!

Mark Haycock is at the ON's on Thursday this week giving a talk to the MNTFA about his experiences fishing for England last year. Should be a good event.

I have enjoyed the blog last year so thought I would carry on again for this and look forward to a few comments as we go.

The last trip!

2009-12-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

With a week off and the first main frost of the winter this week I didn't fancy much fishing but was determined to go and Phil and Steve were also looking for perhaps the last trip of the year.

I was hopeful that Elinor would continue to fish whatever the weather. There are loads of fish in there, Ed is still stocking and catch returns for the last few weeks had been at 3 per rod. Not bad for early December!!

It rained most of the morning but surprisingly the thing I found most difficult was the cold. Although there hadn't been a frost the night before, the wind increased as the day went on and that was biting. My fingers got so cold that every half hour I couldn't move one so had to put my gloves on and warm up before starting again. At the end of the day I felt chilled to the bone.

Having said that I still saw quite a few fish rising out in front of me so I had confidence that every now and again the fish came around and they were well up in the water. We started on the far side between the dam and the spinney, for me it was a bit shallow and didn't think it would fish until things warmed up around lunch. However Phil proved me wrong quite quickly and had a nice rainbow on a damsel. It kept us going for another 20 minutes but I fancied the other side and we headed off.

Phil and Steve carried on past the spinney into the next bay but I stopped just before the boats. I saw fish rising quickly and that did me for the day. I used a ghost tip and two damsels all day until the last half hour and managed 3 fish.

I was once again surprised how close in they were and on small waters they do tend to cruise the margins. With this on my mind I got out of the water and stood further up the bank. With the wind right to left and out a bit I could do a few short back casts and then punch it up into the wind and it flew out. It's surprising by going backwards 5 yards I got a 5 yard longer cast. I just had to remember to retrieve it right in close. My first two fish took this close in. My third took on the drop at range but all of them must have been in just a couple of feet under water.

Phil and Steve were struggling but we all tucked in close together. It was only after Steve had been nattering and heard that some one else has caught on buzzers that he came back to try one. He had two quick takes so I changed my point and had a take. Phil then changed his whole cast to buzzers and suddenly was full of action. He managed to land 2 fish as well as a few takes and Steve then came over and dropped in to also catch.

It went quiet again for a while and Phil and I decided to call it a day. However Steve had got the bug and carried on for a while without success. All in all in rough conditions we had seven between us which on the day was a great result, perhaps only being beaten by a guy on pensioners point who at least had his 6.

I think that will be my last trip of the year now!

Draycote closing for 2010

2009-11-18T03:30:00.000-08:00

Just as i sent out the Barclays newsletter saying the National will be at Draycote again for next year I have received a letter from Keith Causer advising that Severn trent are closing the fishing in 2010 to facilitate alterations to the visitor centre and car parking.

I hope their plans add real value to the leisure facilities on site because the way they treated Phil Dixon last year after he made a great success seems to be repeated here. Keith has build a fantastic fishing water to rival Anglian Water. This will all be lost if they are not careful.

It is shocking!! I took the family for a walk round earlier this year and I had to get an icecream from a burger bar because the restuarant was closed as it did not pay to open. How do you get a state of the art facility and not use it correctly?

It is planned to open in 2011 but Keith's lease will have elapsed by then.

Bev's MNTFA Bench

2009-11-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

How many chiefs and indians does it take to position a bench? The answer is below, comments welcome!!

It was Bev Perkins wish that half the donations at his funeral go to the MNTFA with the intention that there was a memorial bench located on the Gorse Bank at Pitsford and this weekend it became a reality.

There is a fantastic view here and it will be a welcome resting place for many fishermen, walkers, families and cyclists.

Hope they all enjoy it!!

BIFF!!!

2009-11-08T13:12:00.001-08:00

Sounds like someone threw a punch, maybe the Haye victory against Valuev! no it was the British International Fly Fair at Stoke yesterday.

A couple of cars from the MNTFA made it and it was a really good day out. After you have been a few times it always seems a bit samey. However it is one of the biggest I have been too and plenty to keep you busy with demonstrations, talks, club stands, trade stands, fly tying etc.

The real difference I find to others is the way the fly tying is laid out occupying all down one side of a marquee, on a stage so that when you walk up to them the vice is at eye level, great idea. As you can see from this photo this is just half and then there was also the other side of the hall for more 121 tips.

There must have been at least 50 fly tyers tying a wide variety of flys. From personal preference I would have preferred more standard UK flies with different techniques but all in in all it was still excellent and I managed to pick up a few new tips.

Well worth a visit next time if you haven't before, you'll not be disappointed.

This weekend also saw the last beginners course of the year at Pitsford with Peter Hartley and my lunchtime slot. It has been surprising how many new beginners have been introduced to the sport again this year especially at Pitsford. The weather was kind and a few fish around so hopefully they managed to catch the odd one in the afternoon, they do quite often.

I have better start tying some fly's of my own now then!

Caption Competition

2009-11-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

At the England Eliminators this year Richard Slater took this photograph of Ash Cooper and myself obviously having a discussion at the weigh in. As you can see there has to be a caption in there somewhere!!

As advised in the MNTFA newsletter please feel free to post any captions or e-mail me on kevrowley@live.co.uk and I will read them out at the AGM.

MNTFA Winter Programme

2009-11-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

The MNTFA Winter Programme is almost on us now with the first one starting next Thursday the 12th November. The programme is looking good this year.

The events will be held at the the Old Northamptonians Rugby Club, Billing Road, Northampton 7.45pm for 8pm and everyone is welcome, please come and join us!

The programme is:

November 12th- Richard Slater
A good opportunity to listen to club angler Richards match fishing experiences and of fishing for the England team

December 10th – Charles Jardine
Charles is a leading UK ambassador for trout fishing and he is focusing his talk on tying and comparing new and old patterns for reservoir fishing and how they and materials have developed.

January 14th 2010 – Mark Haycock
Our own club angler Mark will speak on his England Team experience this year and his approach, flies and tactics.

February 11th 2010 – Iain Barr
Current World Champion & England Team Member that won the gold medal at the World Championships will talk on his approach to reservoir tactics and fishing methods for England this season.

March 11th- AGM with Nathan Clayton from Anglian water giving us an update on the forthcoming season

A rest for tired legs

2009-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Having been in the lakes for the last two days and yesterday having completed the "Hartsop Horseshoe" my legs and feet were feeling a little tired. As I looked up at the first hill it was 2000ft straight up the ridge from the valley and part way up I realised I hadn't done this for a while as I took a few breathers and viewed the stunning scenery. Once up though it was a great walk and very exhilarating. On the picture below I walked from the right peak to the highest on the left - Thornthwaite Crag at 2500ft, following the ridge around 4 high peaks.
Out to lunch would have been nice, but a boat on Ravensthorpe today was the ideal rest! Although I hadn't reckoned on Phil giving me "a hell of beating"!

We had the hot info from Mike Philpott on where to go and what to do, unknown at the time he had also given the same info to Mick Foster and yes you've guessed it when we arrived Mick and his boat partner Graham Hutchins were in P1 and catching.

The fish had been cruising 40yrds off shore from the lodge to willows bay so confidently we dropped the anchor next to them in P2 and had a quick chat and a bit of banter.

Phil set up with two black and green flies on a sinker. I say sinker because he had said earlier in the day it was a Di3 then changed his mind to a Di5 later - tactics at play i am sure!! He used it to great effect though as he jigged and twitched it back all day with similar flies and managed to land 9 fish all around the two pound mark. This is his best catch of the year and a great effort on the day. Here he is below concentrating on that elusive 10th. never mind - next time!

I however struggled. I switched around too much between flies and lines not being able to settle on anything in particular. I ended with 3 on a concert blob and a Montana all caught on a Di5. The fish seemed to be settled on the bottom between us and the lodge but a good number running along the shore. I definitely spent too long on the Di7 but casting into shallower water.

It was a nice day, overcast with a bit of sun and the wind variating between light ripple and a flat calm. Ravensthorpe as ever was timeless and as below the boathouse view wouldn't have changed much over the last century.

We had a great day and met up with Mick and Graham afterward who had caught 3 and 10 so we didn't do too bad from P2.

The cat got the turkey!

2009-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

I fished the MNTFA fur and feather yesterday and took the first prize turkey and yes using a cats whisker.

The plan for the day was spot one from the dam, spot 2 from pensioners point or spot 3 fishing into the dam from the river side. It was the first time I had fished with a walk off and luck was with me as I drew number 4. There was a very light wind so spot one it was and i managed to be the first there fishing off the concrete slipway.

I set up with a ghost tip just to cut through the calm and about a 12ft leader of 6lb mono with just two flies. I had looked at flouro carbon in the water and it looked white so started on mono. The flies were a black daiwl back on the dropper and a gold head cats whisker on the point. The cat was nothing clever on a 10 short shank hook with a chenile body. There was a boat a bit close in but plenty of fish splashing infront of me, the scene was set.

The fish were at the end of my cast so I decided to slow it down to a figure of 8 and the first fish took the cat on the drop after 5 minutes, nice! They didn't come thick and fast but in the next half hour i was sitting on 4. It was at this time that my mind then started to think about the need for a decent fish and how I would get that, luck i suppose. Well i cast out and on the the first pull to straighten the line the water errupted in that type of noise that you know is more a thump and wallow rather than a splash, yes a decent fish! It kept heading for the weed but manged to side strain it back into open water a few times, negotiated a couple of testing runs, managed a test of strength as it twisted and turned in front of me and then it was in the net. It was my best of the year to a 6lbs 6oz rainbow. Yes it was a stockie but all the same it was a nice fish and one of the reasons you go to Elinor, and it didn't dissapoint.
It was then that I decided to catch and release and by 10.30 I had 8 fish while all around me there was very little being caught. A bit greedy!

Barry Jones had a couple in the corner and Richard Slater joined me but the fish seemed a little tightly shoaled and difficult to get too. it was then that the wind started to increase and the fish moved to the other corner of the dam. I dried up as tdid the boat infont but the float tubers and Roy McLester started.

I carried on flogging the water till almost 3 without success. It was one of those moments that made me think I wasn't going to keep my 6th. So I thought time for a move. I could see Phil off the pensioners point so thought i would pay him a visit.

I must have took some luck with me as he only had 2 but was into a fish when I arrived, a nice 3 and a half pounder that I netted. He had just moved on the point and was now casting across a windlane as the fish were running up, a perfect ambush! Over the next hour he manged to catch another 4 and it was his first limit in a competition, and 4th place, good angling!

I settled in just behind the point and manged a good number of takes but no fish. It was just before 4 and I still had one to catch but it was never in doubt as it locked up across the windlane and it may have been only one and have pounds but i was taking no chances and finished.

Powie had laid on soup at the lodge, a great touch! and as we weighed in it was obvious that it was going to be closer than I thought. Barry had bagged up and Roy had finished with returned a fish a total of 12 on a bead headed bloodworm. Powies mate from Ireland Mick o'flynn, came in with 5 fish including a 5 pounder and they were all a good size but as always Richard Slater had moved into the other corner of the dam and managed to bag up with his last fish coming at 4.28 along with a 5 pounder too, things were very close.

Fortunately I manage to pip Richard by half a pound and my first MNTFA win was in the bag.

Saving them for Sunday

2009-10-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Phil fancied a trip to Elinor this week in prep for the MNTFA fur and feather on Sunday and it was perfect timing for me with a few days off. I also invited another beginner Steve from the club. Steve has been catching a few from Pitsford but it has been difficult to find a spot. So I was hoping for a good bag of fish to keep everyone's confidence high.

Usually you are hoping for overcast conditions but the temperature had dropped and at this time of year a bit of sun can warm everything up. However it was a little nippy and cloudy all day but there were no shortage of fish around. It was a pleasant change to know there are fish infront of you but you just have to work at catching them. Normally we are always trying to find fish first. I always find Elinor either very easy or very difficult and there seems to be no in between. I am sure it is all around how your thought processes work! Today was going to be difficult.

I had a frustrating morning being just on the edge of range of rising fish and chucked all types of dries and nymphs at them without success. Phil was more productive and had one and a few takes on a green nymph but it was not a method. Phil's found another nice spot below.

When you looked around the boats there was a spot off the boat area that was very productive, in fact one boat manged to catch 40. We all changed spots to take advantage of this and initially it payed off. I had one on a daiwl bach and Phil had a lovely brownie that was returned on a lure which he passed to Steve who then had a lovely rainbow, that's better we all had fish. Unfortunately the day didn't get any better with no more fish and I spent the rest of the afternoon casting into the wind. It wasn't hard for everyone though as the guy next to me had his 6 including a 10 pounder and six pounder.

All in all it is a great fishery and we learned a lot so it wasn't all so bad.

We were just saving them for Sunday!!

A three course meal

2009-10-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying some time off this week and mike philpott and I had a day at grafham on Tuesday. Mike was there last week and with some local info we were looking forward to some good sport.

It was an interesting day and a true fisherman's day with fish rising most of the time but challenging to catch. There were fish rising on a consistent basis and they were around all day.

We started on a floater and slow glass with a cats whisker, snail and buzzer patterns. The fish were not jumping on too frequently but we had sufficient takes and follows to keep our interest and I had manged to winkle a couple out on a small cats whisker. We were both convinced that when you had the right fly on they would be easy but it didn't seem to come true. We had had many theories in the boat around what they were feeding on and were not convinced around was it fry, snails or buzzers?

Well the first fish I had put pay to that and when I spooned it, it had snails for starters, a big fry for main and some big juicy buzzers for desert. A real three course meal!

We were keeping an eye on the boat next to us and one guy seemed to be on dry's, a klinkerhammer as it turned out, he had a few and must have been one of the best for the day. I managed to get a few rises to a ginger hopper but they were not really that keen. After another good think I put on the big black buzzers and off we went. Mike was more comfortable on the buzzers and with a cat on the point we were off and running. We fished most of the day to the left of the lodge and by the nature reserve and finished out the front of the fishing harbour.

With 7 fish between us we felt that we had done the best we could and with the fish feeding all day not only did they have a 3 course meal but they must of been at an eat as much as you like restaurant!

Teflon Minkie's

2009-10-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'll have to check that last batch of black rabbitt to make sure it wasn't made of teflon!!

Yes it was one of those days when all around you were catching, not great, but i could still see the rods bending on a regular basis and yet for me it was just takes.

I had a single manned morning boat so geared up with a floating fry on a floater. Working my way down towards the dam nothing was doing so I set up my Di7 and a black and green minkie and headed for the other boats huddled off the tower. First drift through and I had a fish and thought I was going to be in for a good day.

However the next dozen takes all remained just that and i was left feeling quite frustrated. I changed flies and changed lines but kept coming back to the black minkie as the only thing I could get a take too. And they were only takes at that!

Everyone around me was pulling quick and with what I am convinced were not floaters. Half were drifting broadside and half point down but all consistently catching.

They keep saying black boobies on a floater in the lodge but it didn't work for me and I am sure a floater would have been too high in the water.

Graham Haywood was just heading out as I came in full of the same tactic. bet he bagged!

Never mind it was glorious day and a pleasure to be out as the sun shone and the wind had calmed from yesterday. There's always next time!

Barclays v Bank of Scotland

2009-09-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

15 a side with a practice day including a few drinks and then a competition fishing with one of the opposition and a sit down meal/presentation and a few more drinks. What an excellent event this is!

I have just had two days fishing on Draycote and managed to catch 25 fish, C&R of course. Despite an algae bloom, bright sun and cold wind Draycote still fished magnificently.

We managed to lift the TW Trophy again this year - which is a rare event in England- we caught 114 fish for 275lbs with the Scots catching 87 fish for 190lbs. remarkably for us we also managed to catch most of the larger fish too and the best fish of the day went to Steve Blundell who caught a magnificent rainbow weighing 12lbs 15ozs below

As you would expect Steve cleaned up on the prizes with the heaviest bag and best boat along with James Turner and their 16 fish weighed 44-8. Agnes Thomas took the best Scots bag with 8 fish for 20-3.

The other notable bags for Barclays were Ross Jordan with 8 for 22-14, Ralf painter with 8 for 19-12 and Martin Williams with 8 for 19-8. Neil O'shea also had a 4-12 rainbow. No less than 12 of the team bagged up with 8 fish and we were only 6 fish short of a maximum. Very impressive!

From the BOS side Mike Connet had 8 for 19-3, Kenny Wilson 8 for 18-10 and John Tullett 8 for 17-12. Dick Ness had a rainbow of 3-14 and Agnes one of 3-11.

Practice for me was with Mike Philpott and we managed to find a good number of fish in Toft, from G to H buoy and off Dunns bay. The algae was awful, I have taken a photo looking into water below and it was a case of on the downward shore of rainbow corner and the dam were unfishable and after being warned off never ventured over. Fortunately there were a good number of fish elsewhere.

We managed to take our early fish on either a Di3 and daiwl backs or a Di5 and sparklers in the morning and then I went mad in the afternoon on a fast glass with a sparkler booby and claret and black hoppers. Modesty forbids me to remember the numbers in the boat! Team talk was held without us, thanks! But as most people had caught fish the tactics and locations were not in question. Others had caught on a mix of lovely coloured lures but black and green and an orange blob maybe were the best. Pretty much all the stockies were in Toft but bigger fish out in the middle. Tactics were great and because people caught on different things we shared info but retained everyones confidence to choose what they thought was their best approach. Martin Williams was catching on the same as me as the action below shows. Well more like I was catching on the same as him after he passed the info over.

I was drawn with Kenny Wilson for the competition day and knew I would have a good day as he had similar fish to me on practice day and I had seen him ticking along a slow sink.

We started out from Biggin bay but after half an hour it was devoid of fish let alone any of the bigger ones that were there the day before. The usual jitters started to kick in! However a new drift starting from Lin Croft point out in the middle found us drifting on the edge of farnbourough shoal. I changed my line from the fast glass to a Di7 and the action started immediately and I put 4 fish in the boat in about the next 10 casts. Kenny was hot on my heels with a Di5 and managed a fish before the drift ended. We located the edge of the shoal perfectly and finished the morning session with 13 fish between us. Not quite as good as Agnes and Shane Tibbetts but I was more than happy. Kenny was set up with an orange blob on the top dropper and a black and green nomad on the point and at lunch it was clearly the team tactic.

Kenny caught a great fish on the blob as both of us saw it chase and come back around for a look a number of times. We both had time to comment on how best to catch it and with a last movement the fish turned and took -YES! Good angling!

I had a lively fish in the morning and tried to convince Kenny I should count it twice. I netted it quick and before I could take the fly out of it's mouth it had jumped out of the net and play it again before landing and releasing - surely that's 2?

After lunch the tactic was go back to the previous spot for Kenny to catch his 6th and then off to G and H buoy for some bigger fish. Well before I could get my line out he had one hooked and netted, very impressive.

With both on 6 in the boat we were allowed to C&R and the banter started from Kenny, its gone tough now, you'll never have time for two more, you better keep that small one, it'll be embarrassing going in with just 7, etc. etc. As 4pm approached Kenny kept his 7th a decent fish, I kept and I was mightily relieved my next one too, although Kenny was convinced it should have gone back! Spot on 4 Kenny had a another decent fish and started to pack up, it was as though he had planned it all along. I then decided that i would also would take my next fish as I couldn't seem to catch any decent fish and true to form it was about the same size as all my other small ones. All in a all a very pleasant and enjoyable day and a sun tan to boot!

Can't wait for the return trip to Scotland next year, Lake of Menteith, Carron Valley, Butterstone, any will do!!

Paul Eliot passes away

2009-09-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

In Neil o'shea's words
"It is with great regret that I have to let you know that Paul passed away last Friday after losing his battle against cancer.Paul was a great fisherman who, for many years, represented the South West region. He also fished for Barclays against the Bank of Scotland, even to the extent of missing a golf tournament in the Mediterranean for which he'd qualified so he didn't lose his place in the Barclays team. He was a wonderful character who will be well remembered by all those who knew him. After retiring from the bank Paul set up fishing lodges on his property at Wainsford House on the Rivers Fowey and Warleggan. He then worked tirelessly for his remaining years to improve the fishing on these rivers. I will certainly miss him and thought you, his friends, would like to know. Would you please circulate this to anyone who knew Paul but is not on this circulation list. Thank you. "

Paul was a fantastic character, a great fisherman and a good friend. John wilson dedicated his Barclays national win to Paul this year and with the Barclays v BOS fishing match this week he will be in all our thoughts.

The drought ends

2009-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

No not water drought, my lack of fishing!!

I can't remember the last time I went. It's been a busy August at work and even if I had the time I was a bit shattered.

It sounded as though it would be good this weekend with decent temperatures but a bit of cloud around so after the last half day boat i had and enjoyed I thought i would do the same. I was surprised there weren't too many boats out but yesterday they were all out so perhaps people tacking it on spec like me.

The fish has gone quiet up by the dam so thought i would focus on Stone Barn Bay and Pig stream if it was no good. I'd heard the fish were a bit deeper down so I started on a di5 and first drift across the bay I had a nice 2 and a half pounder on my orange booby on the point.

Another couple of drifts and on went the Di3 and again quite quickly another fish and also more action now. But another couple of drift and no more fish again I decided to set up the Di7. Just after I had done this John Mains stopped for a chat and he had managed 5 mainly on a Soldier Palmer on a floater. The Di7 didn't last long and on went the Slow glass and as I hadn't had any fish on my droppers I set up a red daiwl bach and a Soldier Palmer.

The fish still weren't that fast but I did manage another 4 on either the booby or Soldier Palmer. It was a nice routine of pulling quick so the booby bobbled on the surface, then figure of 8, then pull, then figure of 8, etc.etc. They seemed to like to chase and then take the fly when it stopped.

By this time I was fishing closer into Stone Barn and the fish were a bit smaller in here but welcome all the same. As the early afternoon went on it seemed to be getting windier and the clouds darkening. I thought it might drizzle later so left before 2 in time to watch the 20/20 international on telly in the afternoon. Very pleasant!

The Ashes alternative

2009-08-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

I had thought I would watch some of the 4th test yesterday and today but I just couldn't bring myself too watch the humiliation. never mind, a bit like fishing "you never know what's coming next" While the Aussies were finishing off I was on a single manned boat sitting in bright sun and flat calm at the Dam.

You may think that this was as bad as England's performance but no there were fish up and looking, well near the dam anyway and when your catching it keeps you busy.

My set up was a slow glass with orange booby on the point, daddy long legs and daiwl bach on the top. Pulling at a decent speed I had quite a few fish that chased me but did not sick. I did manage one on the booby and one on the daddy though and at the time was doing well.

Then there were a number of boats coming round looking to anchor so I thought I would get in first and stuck the pick down next to another boat that had done that a few minutes earlier and was already bending into fish. I then spent the next hour with nothing. It was only when I heard the say they were on buzzers that I thought I would change too. I left the booby and added to orange cheeked buzzers and the takes started. I had slowed down the retrieve and the takes were classic nymph takes as the line just moved away.

5 fish for a mornings fishing and I was really pleased, so rather than overdoing it I headed back just as the wind got up slightly to to some jobs at home.

lightening strike

2009-08-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yes it's always one of those occasions in a thunderstorm when your fishing with a carbon rod that it makes you very nervous.

Brad Gifford last week had a narrow escape - although I don't suppose he saw it quite like that - when out walking his dog at Elinor with Ed Foster. He sheltered under a group of trees in a storm and a bolt of lightening struck a tree and arched across to hit him on the shoulder. After being airlifted to the best burns unit in Birmingham he woke up the next day with 35% burns. I guess another couple of inches another way and erghhhh!

With no rod in his hand I guess it's a lesson when your times up, it's up. However in Brad's case, hope you get well soon mate and plenty of fishing left in you yet!

Grant Gibson's fun day!

2009-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Powie rang me up and said he was one short for the MNTFA fun day and would i fish with Grant Gibson? Well I didn't think I had fished with Grant before - although he corrected me that we had once at Draycote a good time ago - how could i say no and was looking forward to it!
It had been miserably wet for the last few days but fishing well on dry's. Here we were sunny and without a cloud in the sky wishing it would cloud over - madness!

We headed off to the dam to find the fish the bankies can't reach and it felt as though it was going to be a tough day. The fish didn't seem to high in the water so we started a drift across the boils. Grant was on a Di7 and tubes - as per normal! and i on a new di5 with booby, blobs and daiwl bachs. The boils were off and the fish didn't seem to be out in the middle so we headed back to the Dam and closer in. The fish were in a few shoals and lines but no more than 100yds off the dam or the sailing club bank. Grant struck first on the tubes but they weren't thick and fast, i then had the first of a number of jammy one's on a daiwl back at speed. The next two were painful, I was just un-doing a tangle and a fish rose for my booby ( nice!), a few swift pulls and I was connected, as i netted it and pulled the fly out of its mouth I realised it was on a daiwl bach and then suddenly realised i had another one on the point as it took off and buried the fly up to the bend in my index figure. A swift removal and with blood pouring down the line I managed a nice hand netting manoeuvre.

This had made me realise that the fish were up in the water (and hooks are painful!) and I switched to a slow and the fishing got decidedly better taking another 4 fish to an orange booby and a daddy long legs.

As we were out catching Dave Marchant and Alan Harding the banter started. Every time we went round for another drift they would shout out how many they had caught, just a few more than us. Alan is catching one of their rare fish below!

Grant was a couple of fish behind but seemed to find what we both thought was the perfect cast of a sparkler booby and a lite brite damsel on a kelly green intermediate. It was almost like muddler fishing years ago with the bow wave behind the fly. Great fishing! He managed to catch up and his last two fish were much better including this 6lbs 6oz rainbow below.

Powie, Clarky and lady's had laid on a fantastic BBQ once more and we sat down to a late lunch with as much alcohol as you could drink and as much Micky take as you could handle.

For me it was probable second again although Ash had 7 too, but can you believe Grant also won the duck race and took the money as well as best bag and best fish, magic!

A great fun day!

Gravels and an early night

2009-07-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

It was a bit windier that I really wanted but had set my mind on fishing so to the hell with it i'll just sit on the bank and relax if it's no good.

I turned up on the gravels and allegedly it was fishing best off the point into North Farm bay but I spotted Martin Nelson off the New Gorse and thought I would start there. You can't tell it's Martin but he is nicely silhouetted against the sun.
I started on dries but quickly changed as there were no fish rising and put on the midge tip with a gold head damsel and a daiwl bach. The rod felt like casting a broom handle compared to the 5 weight but I soon got used to it and was pushing a decent line out.

I had my mind elsewhere, half on the sunset and half on what i had outstanding when I finished work and seemed to be on fishing auto pilot pulling back my gold head. A couple of light thumps and I lifted into what I thought was weed but no my lift was halted and a nice 2 pounder headed out to sea. I had one more fish on but it was soon off and I was left holding a slack line.

It wasn't a rewarding evening and after a couple of hours thought I would head home for an early night.

A circular storm

2009-07-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

I had put off evening fishing last week because the wind didn't drop in the evening and I thought that would reduce the fly life. However I had decided to go last night whatever.

Fortunately it was looking good with some cloud and a little wind but not too much. As I arrived over Pitsford Causeway Nathan and Stuart were repairing the fence where it appeared that a car had gone through. Fortunately there was nothing in water so it must have done it's job and held the car back. I have looked at the fences around Pitsford on the causeway and they are starting to fall into dis-repair. Nathan has been doing his best to repair them but they don't look the same. Hopefully they will see them as a hazard now and give him the money to replace them. With the volume of people around the water now it would be great to see some quality new fencing in keeping with a great facility.

I headed on to the gravels as I had been hearing good reports. Phil had moved along a bit nearer the Holly Bush on Serman's bank. I didn't stay as I felt i needed to be nearer a bigger concentration. When I arrived there was about 8/10 people stretched along but still still room for a few more so I slotted in just off the end of the New Gorse. It showed promise as there were one or two fish topping although further out with the ripple and as the sun started to go down I felt confident.

I put up my 8ft 4 weight rod and fancied a bit of sport on Dries. I started with a red hopper on the top dropper and a claret one on the point and then changed the point to amber, orange then ginger. I managed to get two drownings, I can't call them takes as I didn't feel a thing but I definitely saw the fish come up for the fly.

It was all looking promising and then I looked up at the storm coming over. It wasn't a tornado or a twister but it was certainly a menacing circular shape. I felt the first drops of rain and gave in. I had a bit of a laugh as the guy next to me also engaged in synchronised reeling in and packing up. I jumped in the car, headed off and it then chucked it down, perfect timing!

Eyebrookitis

2009-07-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

Many years ago now when we were fishing Eyebrook you would catch a fish and you were descended on by boats. Most of these would anchor as close as they could and if you were drifting then quite often in your drift. There were a good number of boats, fish would be localised and you could easily see anyone catching in at least half the water.

We named the phenomenon EYEBROOKITIS and after Sunday I can confirm that it is still as virulent today as it has always been and just as infectious as swine flu!

It was the MNTFA Eric Goodman Trophy and as it is judged by your two heaviest fish it was definitely a success with three fish over 5lb. Ash Cooper was 3rd, Karen Slater was second but with Eyebrook's biggest fish of the year a 14lb 15oz rainbow, Pete Daniels took it by storm.

We managed to get the threat of a duck out of the way for Phil after 10 minutes with a nice rainbow on a Carrot Fly dry but it didn't follow through on the promise it showed. I missed out on the fist drift as we started our drift half way towards Robbo's cabin but unfortunately because of the higher winds the fish seemed to have run up wind into the calmer water. Once back out of the wind I put on the orange hoppers and started to catch fish.

Three down and I said to Phil, orange is working great mate, I've got orange on but not as much interest as you, here have one of these. Very nice he said BUT THERE RED! Well there you go - the colour blindness working in my favour again, sorry!

We managed to catch 6 and 2 by about 12.30 but after that I got enough takes to keep me on dries but none of them were sticking. I felt the afternoon was a bit frustrating as I was getting enough interest to keep me on dries but the fish went off a bit. Also there were more people that decided if you can't beat them, then join them and there were more anchored boats sitting over fish that made the drift and the return trip very difficult.

In hind sight Ash Cooper and Colin Faulkner were catching on intermediates and Boobies and if I had changed then maybe I could have kept them going.

I was a bit too grumpy maybe but I must ask myself the question "I never catch big fish, why am I fishing in a big fish comp? never mind I must support where I can as Powie does a magic job of the organising!

Just waiting for the sunset

2009-07-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at home watching the tennis and there's only so much wobbling the eyes can take. I looked out the window and the wind was dropping away, the skies bright so I though what a great night for some dry fly fishing as the sun sets.

As I arrived round on Rigby's point there was Phil in his usual position.

I set up it and the wind was calming off but there was not a rising fish in sight, I tried on both sides of the fence and then jumped in the car to the gravels and Stone barn bay. There were a good number of anglers there but after sitting and watching, again there were no fish rising and no one catching. Everyone it seemed was waiting for the sun to go down and the fish to come up. So I headed back to Phil.

The sun was going down great and the colours changing.

I fished, nymphs, damsels and dries but essentially it was only when the sun went down that we started to see a few fish rising. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be enough and as the ripple was out a good way the fished with it.

There were loads of flies in the sky and on the water. It was great to see a sedge land on the water and be chased and mobbed, skimming on the surface-a mating ritual I expect! I did see a couple of fish come up and take fly from within this.

I also realise now why chironomids are called buzzers as apart from some large green buzzers over my arms and legs there was a small swarm of smaller ones buzzing around my head and there was definitely a constant buzzing noise getting loader as more flies joined in. They look like stars in the sky but are really green "buzzing buzzers" caught in my flash!

As pleasant as it was to be out not only did we not catch but as the cloud came over no great sunset either -what a shame!

Unsettled

2009-06-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

No not the weather, me!

I thought it would be a nice evening, it had been a warm day but that wind was around. I agreed to meet Phil on Rigby's point and had been fishing for 15 mins when he arrived but it didn't seem right. The wind was coming in towards the point, there were no wind lanes and it felt uncomfortable. I thought I would make way for Phil and headed off to sailing club bay where I knew Chad, Grant and Roy had managed to catch a load last week on Daiwl Bachs. The wind would certainly be more comfortable there.

I started in Sailing club bay but with no fish moving it wasn't long before I had worked myself along the straight, into Brixworth Bay and back again. That was it i had had enough sat on the bank and waited for conditions to change.

By this time I was convinced that wind wasn't going to drop. There were a few sedges and buzzers about but not many on the water. It didn't seem the fish were feeding either. A guy turned up and fished next to me now so this got my motivation going again. I saw one fish rise and convinced myself that the fish were there but not feeding so as it started to get dark I put a green pea on the point and pulled a little faster and for my efforts a passing fish must have thought it looked tasty and I was into my only fish of the evening. It fought well and had saved a blank evening and just as I kept taking a photo in the net it livened up. Returned to the water he swam off to feed another day.

Just as I was leaving Phil gave me a call and he had had one on a dry but lost it and fish at the death had been rising around his feet. Sounds like he had a frustrating evening too but more lively at the end than me.

Boat 13. Unlucky this time

2009-06-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

It was the odds and sods eliminators this weekend and I needed a real good day to go through.

Practice day was looking good, decent ripple and overcast. The fish were up and feeding in the top. My key learning's were Rectory Bay, Hedge end and G buoy were my key spots, Floater the top line and any flies with with a red head.

Mike Philpott was my practice partner and set me up as best he could finding the fish, the line and a good number of flies. After I started on the wrong gear I was playing catch up and with Mike bagging up by 2, I was only half hour behind him and catching up fast, after he had a few rests (It's the age you know). In fact I am sure one of these was actually mine as he had a double hook up without knowing it and after netting the first he was all tied up. So I gabbed the line from the net and played and landed the second. As you can see from the photo below he was highly delighted.

Hares ear, Charlie Chaplin, Daiwl Bach's and Crunchers were probably the best flies and it seemed strange that the fish must have been very deep and coming up for the flies as the intervening depths seemed devoid of fish. The fish were a decent standard and the 4lb 1oz rainbow below is my second best of the season

All in all a good day and I was ready.

Competition day and I was feeling confident. The wind had dropped and more sun than cloud but I was hoping that this would all be better for nymphing. My partner for the day was Paul Wild who is Treasurer for Rutland Fly Fishers and the FFMFA so was looking forward to something in common.

WE agreed on rectory Bay and as we stopped Paul flicked his flies out and had a fish, second cast the same and another. I wouldn't have minded but I was getting no interest. Another two fish for Paul in the next 40 minutes on Crunchers and I was left having no option but to change to the Slow intermediate with a booby and nymphs.

I had no luck what so ever, a couple of soft pulls but nothing of interest. At this point I was ruing my conversation with John Mees about boat 13 on two occasions and if I am honest my day was done at that time.

However the wind had picked up slightly and I decided to go with what I knew best and stick with it. The floater with a cormorant variant, Daiwl Bach, Cruncher and Charlie was put together and I stayed on it for most of the day and persevered. It was a good tactic and I started catching, not many but a fish, then another, then another and I was growing in confidence. It was a bit frustrating that they weren't coming quicker but it was amazing how the fish went off when the sun was out and then come on top with cloud. We were working around the clouds now and preparing, five, four, three two, one, yes there's a fish!! A cast across wind into its path, leave the line to settle and then a couple of long pulls and it all tightened and a fish was flapping about on the surface, hooked!

I do enjoy catching off the top and my only regret is that it wasn't faster.

While Paul had the fist 4, I had managed the next 6 so the luck was not with him either. We ended the day on 7 and 5 and thought we had done fairly well with no luck. However it is amazing what good company you are in when then were anglers all over sitting still - bagged up.

Edward and Brad had also struggled on the day but managed to go through to the National Final because of their Rutland placings. Richard Slater won the day with 8 fish for 23lb 6oz with time bonus and managed to finish 16th overall which should be enough to go through. Ash Cooper had a great day as well with 8 fish by 3pm. Stewart Thomson also had a good day finishing 3rd and 24th overall. Craig Barr came 4th and managed to take the overall top spot with just 7 points.

I managed another 27th place which was 24th overall without any luck. So next year i'll have to make my own luck and give it a go again.

Sedges, Sedges everywhere

2009-06-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

I had just got in from work late and shattered, Julie was out and I was settling down with my tea and the lead up to South Africa vs New Zealand live on the telly ( Cricket was last week this was football!) and the phone goes. Phil's on Rigby's point and only been there 20 minutes and has two cracking fish on the bank - not your recent stockies this time. What a dilemma!!

Fortunately Julie came back earlier and could look after the kids, so decision made i headed off for the last couple of hours.

When i arrived Phil had just lost his sixth so I quickly pinched one of his hare's ear's ( blimey it was well tied - tail a bit long though!) and jumped in next to him in the bay next to Rigby's. With the wind blowing left to right there was a wind lane that started off the trees and headed into the narrows. There were fish rising all around but mostly the nymphers were in the wind lane. I managed to get a couple of pulls but they didn't stick and then one broke me at distance. Usual mistake as in a rush I was still using the leader from the dam at Ravensthorpe where it was bashed about.

Phil caught steadily on his cast of sedge pupa, hares ear and cruncher. He was nicely placed to be easily casting into the wind lane and with a new rod and borrowed line tray the distance was looking great.

I managed a few more takes and fish on a lite brite hares ear and as the sun went down it was feeling great.

As the nymph fishing got more difficult the sedges came alive and they were everywhere buzzing around. Once again there were a number of different species that was surprising but it must be just my observation getting better. The feeding fish I thought had switch to the dry so I put a couple of dry sedges on with the hares ear in the middle. After a few encouraging drownings I started short lining and got more interest fished as a bob fly and another fish chased and took my hares ear.

It was well passed 10 when we packed up and we reflected on Phil's success. He had caught and returned 8 which was his first limit of the bank and second highest catch. Excellent!

With the sedges still everywhere we headed off home.

Ravensthorpe stockies

2009-06-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Arrived at Ravensthorpe and it was a nice evening, the sun was out but a brisk wind blowing onto the dam. I fished all down the platforms with a nice left to right wind but no success and never even found a fish.

The sun was starting to set as the last boat came in with Pat Flynn and I thought I'd walk round and see what they had done and maybe head off. They had had fish but not too many but did make the comment that they had stocked today and should be fishing the Dam.

Worth a try I thought, why not!

The wind was blowing in so I changed the nymph set up to a single gold head damsel on the midge tip. After 10 mins of a slow figure of eight there was nothing but the minute I started to pull fast, bang I was into a fish.

Looking into a nice sunset in front it was a pleasure to be out. The fishing was not clever but it was great to be getting takes and fish. I manged to return 5 before the takes started to dry up and the owls started to hoot to each other from different areas of the lake.

As lovely as it is to be fishing Ravensthorpe on a pleasant evening with the sun going down, it's always better when there are 350 stockies in front of you!!!

Put it down to experience!

2009-06-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the MNTFA Bruce Richardson Trophy and I was fishing with Phil Cross. Initial plan was to catch a few of the Pines while they are feeding, move onto the Dam and bag up, bear in mind that the narrows and small half might be fishing, make sure phil doesn't get a duck and keep dry. Well we failed all ends up!

It was raining when we arrived and continued solidly all morning with some heavy periods. Not great for Phil as he was still struggling with a cold, but when we didn't connect with any fish from Rigby's point it wasn't starting great.

As we pulled up at the dam there were people catching around us and we both had takes early on. However it turned out to be a real struggle and I managed just two on a Di3 and cats whisker. I had the same fly as Don Moore who managed to catch 15 on the day (Jammy Devil) but even though we persevered I never really seemed to be convinced about a method. Sometimes you need to change and then have a take to confirm your doing it right but I didn't seem to have any of that. I was in the right area, with the right flies at nearly the right depth and i was getting no interest all.

I'll just have to put it down to experience, some days it goes for you and others it doesn't. I kept working hard to find that consistant method and place but at the end of the day that's why we go fishing. If it is always easy, i'd get bored.

There were a few good bags on the day all from around the boils/creek with Richard Slater having 8 on the drift and pip jeffs and partner 8 each at anchor on the mouth of the creek as the fish ran round. Richard managed to catch the bigger fish with a great weight of 8 fish for 22lb 7oz and the trophy below. Don just in second with 8 for 21lb 9oz. With 114 fish caught on the day there were quite a few people that had a better day than me.

Oliver's first trout

2009-06-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have heard of beginners luck but this worked perfectly.

Hot on my success on Wednesday I headed back to Rigby's Point with my Nephew, Oliver, aged 5 who was staying for the weekend. When we arrived there was a boat in really close but after a quick chat we slotted in and they stayed where they were, cosy. For the second time on the trot I flicked out my line and pulled off some more to cast and saw a flash again. "Hold this Oliver" I said, "Lift the rod" and yes as the picture shows below he was into a fish, Brilliant!

A small fight but unfortunately slack line and it was off. So I cast out, handed him the rod and said pull back slowly and wow! we were in again. This time it was well hooked in the scissors on a size 14 hares ear and was not getting off. We played it for a good while just to be on the safe side and as below we had a proud Oliver with his first trout a 2lb 20z rainbow. Hooked!! With interest waning a little I got my 8ft river rod out and he had a bit of casting practice. I managed to catch one more and we took it in turns to play. Oliver was in charge of the net this time and landed it perfectly. "The fish in the net is very heavy" said Oliver.

It's not always this easy!!

Credit Cruncher

2009-06-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

I finished work earlier on Wednesday, the family were over Silverstone doing the race for life and as the wind was a little less and a few clouds in the sky I really fancied an evening boat and headed to Pitsford lodge. When I arrived I had forgot that because AWA expected less anglers this year due to the credit crunch they had reduced the boats in time to 8.30 on Monday and Wednesdays. The bailiff seemed to feel sorry for me and suggested I head to the Pines.

All my favourite spots were taken but determined to at least unwind I muscled in. I had only flicked my fly in as I pulled off more line and thought i saw something flash and lifted straight into what I am sure was my biggest fish from Pitsford this season. It fought like mad as though it was never hooked. When I returned it, with no camera or scales to hand it was at least 4-8. Majic!

I then landed another three all to cruncher, hares ear and daiwl bach. After an hour of almost a take a cast it went dead, I think it must have been just the fish moving off but it did coincide with Panc coning in next to me perhaps cutting off the fish.

Martin Nelson turned up next and we had a good chat about his massive fish at Ravensthorpe and how he is catching too many fish for his ticket so he has upgraded - how good is that!

8pm on the dot and someone flicked the switch back again and the takes started. After a few misses I had a very soft take lent into the fish and it felt like I had hit bottom. It then started moving so I knew it was a fish but it was still a deeper slow fight and thought it was a brownie. However without a great fight it came in and was a Pike around 8 lb that had taken my hares ear. Fortunately the small fly was in between the teeth and couldn't be cut. After a tricky operation I had my fly and returned the fish.

The wind calmed and the place was alive with flies. A buzzer hatch, Caenis and loads of sedges. Grouse wing cinnamon and even a few great red sedges. The two mallards I recon would have had neck ache the following day as all night they were snapping at the sedges. I couldn't see how many they were catching but they looked expert.

Panc was catching well and had a rainbow of 4-12 that gave a great fight.

I ended the evening with 7 and had really enjoyed it. My main fly was a variant cruncher I had just tied up, maybe I'll call it the Credit Cruncher!!

Best Ravensthorpe Rainbow of 2009

2009-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

It seems like ages since I've been fishing but as most of the fish have been away from the bank in cooler water I don't think I have missed too much. However another batch coming up.

I just wanted to say congratulations to Martin Nelson who last week caught the largest Rainbow from Ravensthorpe for the last few years a massive 14lbs 8oz on a damsel from the dam.

He only began a few years ago and spent the winter before last tying flies at the Pioneer with us. I hope it was on your own tying Martin, well done!

Early pint in the pub

2009-05-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

After all the boat fishing it was was back to reality this week with an evening blank on Pitsford. I started on the North shore but the wind was light but blowing into your face. I moved a few spots down the bank and into Stone barn bay. However no fish moving and no interest. Mike turned up and we flirted with the Gravels but when we got there it didn't seem fishy.

We got the bins out and spotted fish being caught of Stilton point so off we went.

Another hour off the gorse bank and now it was getting colder and didn't feel as though it was going to "come on" so an early pint in the George at Brixworth was the best option.

President's Team win Barclays Bank National

2009-05-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

John Wilson the Barclays Bank Fly Fishing President dedicated

the win to Paul Elliot who has fished for the club for many years.

We were hoping to get Paul along to fish this year but as he undergoes another batch of chemotherapy the club wish him all the best. John Wilson, Neil O'shea, Karen O'shea and Martin Williams caught 22 fish for 59lbs 3oz to lift the team trophy.

Mike Philpott had the The biggest fish Trophy was shared Martin Williams had

best catch of the day between Gerald Farnell and John the most fish with 8

with 8 fish for 21lbs 8 ozs Wilson, 5lbs 10oz Rainbows for 20lbs 10oz

What another excellent two days! Although I had to organise it with Mike it went off smoothly and I enjoyed the fishing more than I was expecting.

Practice day went well and we managed to get all the way round. The Di5 and a tequila blob seemed to be working best. We had fish on a damsel but I just didn't feel I could catch on a natural even though there were fly's hatching and a few fish on top. The high winds seemed to have churned up the shoals and coloured the water but it was clearing fast. After the high winds this week it was a nice ripple and strengthened slightly during the day.

We started a dream catching big fish just outside the boat dock and as you can see here Mike is taking the fly from a 5 pounder.

With that spot in the bag we drifted all our way round finding bigger fish at Dunns bay and rainbow corner. With 3 main spots and a method we were ready for the competition.

Would you believe it, it was a complete change on the competition day and even the wind had gone around 180 degrees. The boat dock was devoid of fish and so was Dunns Bay. We managed to pick up one a piece near the tower, I had decided to reel in and bang a fish was on. Mike said they might need roly poly, and bang he was in to. It still went quite. We had heard that Karen O'shea had 3 on a single drift and Powie and Clarky one each in rainbow corner so although it was a difficult morning we still had to work hard.

The day completely changed for me when Mike had his next fish off the inlet on a size 14 Cruncher. It suddenly proved that they would take the naturals if they were in front of them. I then rigged up the midge tip with a Damsel, hares ear and cruncher and was feeling confident. This is when the Micky take started that i couldn't catch them properly. The next 4 fish were lucky - it does help!! I had one as I pulled in to a short line, started the motor out of gear, lifted my rod and thank you very much! The next I was convinced took correctly but turned out to be foul hooked! Then I cast out, got off my seat to get lunch and of it went, finally as we cut the motor and cast in it took the fly off the top. It proved to me that they would take the fly static and this helped later.

Karen and Neil, Powie and Clarky had added any more, Tony Hague and Dave Kilburn were anchored up as were Phil Kidd and Martyn Denton. Doug Scott and Vernon Beak (aka Charlie Drake) were also persevering but struggling. A move was needed!

We decided to see if other fish had woken up now that the wind had got up a bit so decided to start off the boat dock. As we pulled in, I couldn't believe that the only other boat on the water that had found these fish was Dave Currie and Bill Robinson, trust Dave! As we drifted behind Dave had a fish on but i kept seeing Simon Summers and Derek Thompson bending into fish off the dam, so over we went to drift alongside and bang we were in. We then proceeded to finish off our limits by 4 pm on a mixture of the same flies.

We were sitting pretty at this time but the fish gradually came on the feed and a good number of people took advantage especially Neil o'Shea and Paul Ravenscroft who took 6 and four fish in the last hour. Fortunately a good number of people caught in this last hour and made a great difference to the overall competition making sure that most people caught fish. A few others bucked this trend and caught steadily through the day at anchor including Shane Tibbetts and Neil Felton and Dave Sutton-Lloyd and Gerald Farnell. The rain managed to keep off thankfully and it only started raining as we we tucked into our meal. After the prize giving we managed to down a few pints to round off a great few days.

The other results were:
Second Place was Barclaycard with 58lbs 5oz and Ian Pow, Kev Rowley, John Clarke and Mike Philpott

Third Place went to Radbroke Hall with 22 Fish for 58lbs. Paul Ravenscroft, Dave Currie, Bill Robinson and Steve Blundell.

Talbot Butler Trophy

2009-05-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Haddon family were great to be around when I was younger. I worked for Arnold on the market and in his fields at Pitsford and they were a second family for me. James taught me to fly fish and together we had some brilliant fishing expeditions all over the country, The Lairg Trophy, opening day on the pines at Pitsford and Drinking/Salmon fishing around Edinburgh to name but a few.

It was fantastic when Arnold beat his fight against cancer so this charity match to help raise funds for the ward that helped him through I had been really looking forward to it.

It was my third day on the trot this week and I was hoping for a nice day, anchored up ticking back some nymphs but that wind just didn't let up! I was fishing with John Wilson - not the one off the telly but the one from Barclays who I hadn't fished with for a while. John is a great friendly competitor who keeps me on my toes as well has having a nice day out.

It was a difficult choice at the start of the day, table bay or Stone barn? After making room for Dobby to get into his boat and rescuing another that went adrift from the platform we were in a chase with Powie and chad who had also decided on table bay.

It was difficult to anchor in the wind. We shifted position a few time but the first few hours were going to plan with 4 fish caught between us on my melanistic buzzer and a daiwl bach. It was clear then it was going to be a tough day for many. The fish then switched off and John decided to try a wet2 and caught another along with a few takes on the blob. Damm! This made us think that if we want to catch more fish we were going to have to drift and cover more water and yes nearer the dam in the white horses.

We battened down the hatches put on the Di5, Sparkler booby and blobs, pulled in the anchor, threw out the drougue and took a deep breath.

As we drifted from the Pines to the overflow the number of takes increased. It was difficult to keep in touch with your flies all the time hense a number of missed takes but we did manage to catch fish. We had our drifting line sorted to hit the red buoy on the way to the overflow, next time around john would say "make sure you aim for the blue bouy" next time was "make sure you aim for the yellow buoy" Yes, Yes so I realise now it was actually green! And the micky take didn't let up and after a couple of last minute motor starts and drogue retreivals John says "just in case kev, that sign on the on the dam says turn off your engine when travelling down the overflow" Great!. I got my own back on the journeys upwind as i timed the wave splash perfectly with sandwich mouthfulls!

Well by this time we were thinking we were doing alright and would be in with a good shout when John Goodman shouted over and asked what we doing. We thought nothing at the time of saying we were catching on blobs because they would have had to work hard to catch up. But fair play to John he went along the dam further and managed to get the anchor to hold off the point and then proceeded to bag up up in double quick time on the recent stockies.

We then realised that if we were to be in with a shout we needed to do the same and managed to catch the last few to finish off with 8 fish each. We would have finished earlier but as John had what we thought was his last fish on it was pulling very hard and we were convinced it was a big fish. As I sat there with john's net in my hand I did what they called later "an Arnold Haddon" and as it made a run round the back of the boat it got caught on one of the flies on my packed up rod. As I lurched forward to free it, the fly stuck in my fingure, the fish went free and John's net went overboard and - as Gavin and Simon who were looking on, later recalled - floated out of site. Nice! I then pulled out the prizes list and reminded john that if he finished in 4th place the prize was a new net. 3rd place must have seemed like an anti climax! here's John Wilson weighing in.

The weigh in was a simple occasion as the weather had affected the catches more than I had thought and perhaps only 8 to 10 people had caught out of the 50. Dobby summed up the day in his usual way, with his pants down.
It was then to the pub for a few beers and nice meal and the obligatory speaches. John Goodman took first place, myself second, John third and Simon took 4th and the best fish of 3lb 6.

Nice day!

Boat 13. Unlucky for some, frustrating for us!

2009-05-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

It was the first round of the Midlands Eliminators this weekend as we all embarked on the route to try and fish for England. I practiced with Phil as I showed him around the water for his first time on a Rutland boat. It was blowing a gale and very difficult to control your flies but we managed to catch 7 between us and had 3 good spots. The fish were coming well to a Di5 with a Blob, cormorant and a sparkler. Not my usual techniques but needs must and I can pull along with anyone. It got to just before lunch and we found a few fish in Yellowstone when all of a sudden there were boats everywhere, the whole water was crawling. It appears that there was a Youth National championship on.

I had forgot what a great event these are as everyone tackles up on the boat dock awaiting John Mees to give us a briefing and then everyone milling around awaiting the klaxon to sound. There is great banter, Mark Haycock taking the piss out of my bib and braces asking if I was going course fishing! and many more.

My partner for the day was Paul Haskey or "Woody" below asking himself the question - will I be pulling lures or nymphs on the floater? Well it was both.

We started next the boat, flat calm and bright sun, a complete change from yesterday, another argument not to bother! We had a take each on the Di5 but it didn't feel right so we headed off to Stockie bay where a few other Loop team members were. As we arrived fish were being caught and Brad Gifford was doing the best with 4, he had another and quite surprisingly headed off. Fortunately he finished off with 8 early in the afternoon just into the North arm.

Paul was quick to change onto the floater but it took me a few minutes to work out what I was going to do. Daiwl Bachs and buzzers I thought and changed to the midge tip. Paul was off and running on a Daiwl Bach with the first fish and then a second. We followed Ed Foster and Craig Barr into the point off Stockie Bay and I was watching Ed play a fish when I felt a tap on my line, concentrate! stop the retrieve, start again and the line tightened up and I was into my first fish, YES!! That's it I can relax into it now. We had sussed that the fish were in a very tight shoal and when we got it just right we were into fish. The number of Holographic red Diawl bachs increased on my team and more fish came. Ed and Paul were on the fast glass, again it took me a while to change but then I was keeping pace again.

Ed and Craig got themselves into the A1 position and it was flat calm they just had fish after fish and as Craig bagged up at 12.20 Ed was only 10 minutes behind him. Ed had been ahead and was catching the better fish and as he ended up winning the day and it was very well deserved.

We slotted into the spot and Paul took full advantage and I just managed to hold onto his shirt tails. It was flat calm, deathly silent apart from me banging about in the boat with my net, boat seat, fly boxes, you name it, Oh and Paul laughing and taking the piss. Yes Ok it's been a while. At 1pm Paul had 7 and surely the 8 would be a formality. Well this was where the luck changed. From now on it was going to extremely frustrating for both of us. It didn't matter what we did but he couldn't buy a take and ended the day on 7. I on the other kept loosing fish 3 or 4 maybe but they just wouldn't stick.

Last couple of hours both tearing our hair out - well me at least!! we headed off to the church. The wind was increasing so we were back out with the Di5's to release some frustration. I managed to catch a few and get myself to 7 but not without loosing more fish.

We both ended on 7 a piece but a frustrating day in boat 13 could have been so much better for both of us. I managed a creditable 27th place so it's all still to play for a Grafham next month.

It was a very sad occasion as the weigh in was delayed. Dave Hodgson complained of chest pains over the last couple of days and sadly died of a heart attack in the car park with paramedics fighting to save his life. What a way to go on the banks of Rutland having bagged up and in the top ten of the eliminators! I was not close to Dave but I know many of the club member are.

It was a grumpy day for Ash who couldn't bring himself to share and info ( that's if he had any ) when we caught up in the North arm but at least he and Sheamus kept their spirits up for the photo below in the weigh in Q.

I'm shattered and fishing again tomorrow!