Long Hot Summer…. August 2018

September 2, 2018

 

I shouldn’t really complain but whilst this summer has been great for the sun worshippers, it’s been a challenge for us fisher folk.
Part of the joy of flyfishing is being able to regularly experience the great outdoors. That however, means that you just have to take what mother nature throws at you and try to adapt the approach to the conditions on the day. As such, it is particularly satisfying for me when clients succeed “against the odds”. These are some of last months highlights.

 

 

August got off to a flyer with a first ever Grayling for first time fly fisherman Richard. Whilst it was still very hot,
the weather was just starting to cool down and it made for a much more comfortable day on the river. The bright sunshine kept all but one fish down near the bottom so we switched to a nymph. A couple of good fish were landed and one very good fish lost but a great day was had by us both.

 

 

After attending one of my Chirk training days Charlie had ventured onto the river a couple of times with a friend. Sadly, it hadn’t gone well and he was still in search of his first Grayling. A few minor tweaks to his approach and his Grayling drought was over! Charlie managed a couple of cracking fish and all on the dry fly too! We didn’t even mind getting soaked by the unscheduled downpour.

 

 

Chris was thinking of joining Corwen Anglers as he was becoming despondent with not only his local club but also his personal fishing. A few hours on the Dee were just what he needed to reignite his fishing flame and he too took several fish on a well presented dry fly. A quick rethink of his set up and casting made all the difference in the low, clear water.

 

James with a cracker!

 

‘Younger’ brother Michael with an even bigger Grayling!

 

Returning brothers James and Michael brought two friends with them this time. Master of camouflage Peter and Birthday boy Adrian. They fished hard in some atrocious weather but they all took fish on the dry fly. All except Peter that is, who spent most of the day on his phone. He did however take some excellent videos and photos. I must also say that although we didn’t get a picture of Adrian’s fish, it definitely counts as my netting skills on this occasion, left much to be desired.

 

Both Adrian and Tom fished hard…
…but the larger fish eluded us!

 

It’s always a pleasure to be able to share the Welsh Dee with overseas visitors. Adrian and his 11 year old son Tom had been in touch from Canada to say that they’d like to try fly fishing on their impending family visit to Wales.
We’d only planned a half day but such was their enthusiasm, we stayed well into the evening. They fished superbly but didn’t really get their just rewards. Several fish were missed and the one Grayling that made it to the net was rather small. That said, it was big enough to take a size 14 dry fly so it still counts!

 

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