Fishing and guiding have been pretty thin on the ground recently. A combination of ill health and less than ideal conditions have conspired to keep both me and my fly fishing gear bone dry.
So when a friend asked if I’d like two days guiding work on the river Eden, I leapt at the chance.
The planets were aligned, the river conditions were good and I was once again, independently mobile!

 

Julian and Anita had booked the learn to fish package at the Tufton Arms Hotel in Appleby but the resident guides were unavailable so I stepped in to help.
They had both dabbled with fly fishing but were looking for the opportunity to really get to grips with it as Julian has recently retired. They also said that whilst a fish would be very welcome, it was not expected.

 

It wasn’t really expected by me either as the river was still to stir from it’s winter slumbers. On the previous days recci I saw only 4 or 5 flies and not one rising fish. It wasn’t going to be easy.

 

We fished with traditional north country Spiders and both had a couple of tugs at their Greenwells Glories before Anita’s perfectly played Brown Trout was expertly beached. (I’d left my scoop net in the car!)

Julian showed an acceptable level of competitiveness as he worked hard to redress the balance after missing two strong takes. Eventually, his perseverance payed off and he too landed an excellent Brownie.

 

Changeable cool winds and light showers kept the insect activity and ultimately the fish activity to a minimum but we covered a lot of ground over the 2 days.

 

After Cumbria, they were heading up into Scotland for some more fishing. Fortunately, their route would take them right past the John Norris shop in Penrith as Julian had compiled an extensive shopping list, sorry Anita! However, I suspect that there might be a little something on that list for you too!