I was heartbroken at having to leave the ski slopes early as the March snow was spectacular but I consoled myself with the knowledge that when I got back to the UK, the River Dee Trout season would be in full swing.

On my return, I received another body blow as I learned that the aptly named storm Gareth had wreaked havoc across North Wales and the River Dee had burst its banks.

 

All was not lost though. The Trout season in Derbyshire officially started on March 18th and although Gareth had done a number on the River Wye too, you could at least see where the river ended and the fields started.

 

I have waxed lyrical about this river before as it is very special. Whilst the River Wye isn’t a true Chalk Stream, it has many similar characteristics. The underground Limestone Aquifers not only keep the river at a relatively constant height and temperature, but they also help create an alkaline environment that that is rich in nutrients that benefit the rivers plant life and invertebrates.

 

All of the above add up to a feature that makes this river REALLY special, Its well established population of Rainbow Trout.
Yes, they were originally escapees but they are now fully “wild” and they thrive in this near perfect environment.

To protect them and allow anglers to take the odd Trout for the table, some marked Rainbows are stocked but as the stocked fish are incapable of breeding, they don’t have too much of an affect on the population of “naturally occurring” Rainbows.

 

So, after attending the official Cressbrook & Litton Fly Fishers opening day ceremony and partaking of a quick bacon butty, I sneaked off downstream for a couple of hours on my own to try my luck.

 

I wouldn’t say it was easy fishing but the rewards on this occasion were worth the effort.
A tad unusual to start the river trout season with a Rainbow but I’ve made the mental adjustment and I think I’m fine with it!

 

For more info on fishing and guiding on the river Wye, contact Trevor on 07794 117229