As I’m pondering of what to write in this little blog, I’ve a rough kind of framework, of things I’d like to add, but, my mind takes me back to the mind blowing shores of the calm and remote Llyn Bugeilyn, were I was at yesterday. A client had some family issues, so a change of a guided day was done. Tis never a problem, as I’m totally flexible with regards to my guided days…….To that end, I had a day to myself , so, I headed off into the mountains, after paying for my online day ticket with the Wye and Usk Foundation. I remember when this gem in the Plynlymon Massif was literally only a tenner for the day, now it’s some twenty four quid…. I think even the big angling umbrella will explode, one of these days, if day permits aren’t made more reasonable for all anglers …. There’s a huge void between middle aged folk, who aren’t really fussed about spending a hundred quid on four fishing visits, and then there’s the up and coming youngsters, who’d love to fish some of these beats…. It matters not to me, as I’ve acquired lots of private beats over the years and I use the extremely efficient wild streams season permit for £140 for all season….. That covers me, and my guided angler for the day. A superb, well oiled machine ………. Also, many angling clubs in Wales are way less than a hundred quid for a season, that includes winter grayling fishing too !!!! So, maybe I’m just being a tight, cynical angler, but, when did you last see a sixteen year old angler, enjoying some dry fly sport on the Usk !!!!!! Probably never!!!! Why ???? Because some of those beats are dear, let’s bear in mind, this is simply catch and release sport, some of these beats are close to forty quid, yes you heard me right, forty quid, for the day ………
Anyway, another busy few days with clients; A sublime day was had with Jeremy on the huge Claerwen reservoir last week, with masses of fish to the net on the bibio. Big numbers of Bibio Pomonae were blowing haphazardly all over the lake, with the resident trout having a field day. We had walked some considerable way across the moors, then dropped back down to some areas I know are very fishy, and actually Lady Luck was on our side. The prevailing westerly had created a slick, and with wind approaching from two directions, as it does frequently in the Cambrian Mountains, we were slap bang in the middle of it! Sport was hectic, with three or four dynamic hours, with savage hits to both a dry, and wets, just under the surface….. Great fun, and Jeremy had an absolute blast, just what it’s all about to be honest ……
The wild streams have been good too, now they’ve settled down. Looking at several locally, they really “spike” after the heavy rainfall we have had recently, but soon drop down to fishable, safe levels. I use the NRW RIVER LEVELS, online graphs, quite a lot. They tell me a lot about river heights etc etc, whether they are still rising, or dropping. I’ve collated over the years, best river heights too, for a particular stream. Tis great fun, to see a client net there first brownie, taken on a tiny dry fly…. The epitome of our sport, without a doubt !!!!
This weekend is another busy one for me, with a gent from London up in Rhayader for a few days guided angling. I’ll liase with Andy tonight, in one of the local pubs, too discuss with him, the itinerary for the next few days out in wild Wales. Fortunately, the weather looks favourable, with a typically “ good “ wild Stillwater day on the Friday, followed by two stream days over the weekend. One of my private portfolio beats has been ear marked for those two sorties !!!! The rivers should be just perfect for the weekend I hope, with some dry fly action on the cards ………
I must admit, it’s nice seeing the smaller streams actually running at a decent height, in nearly July. Tis looking favourable for all my wild stream, guided days for the next month, lovely jubbley !!!! Clients do love the sneaky, slow wading tactics required to close in on that splashy rise, tight under that alder tree. I talk through what’s required, how to approach, how to not “ line “ the target fish, and how to avoid drag. All the finesse tips, like how to apply your dry fly floatant are a recipe, for either the fish absolutely nailing the dry fly, or turning its nose up, with a refusal. The fly was presented correctly, drag was unnatural, or a client lifted off with a dry, with that dreaded pop ….. Aaaarrrggghhhhhh …. Lessons learnt , fish spooked !!!! On to the next pool……. This time, he’s more precise, more delicate , more switched on …. As I stand back, everything looks right ; yesssssssssssss, the flies presented perfectly …. Bang !!!!! Text book stuff……. A lovely rise to the dry, fish on !!!!! Quickly controlled, a beaming smile from a happy client. We shake hands, the stunning little brownie in the net is promptly released….. A dry fly angler is born !!!!
I’ll bring this wee blog to a close now, but I will say, enjoy your angling this weekend folks what ever it may be. Whether it’s tempting nervous crucian carp from a serene estate lake, hunting athletic barbel and Chubb on the middle Wye, or wading like a ninja up a babbling mountain stream in the wilds of mid Wales …. We are all the same family folks. Angling is our draw, it is our passion. It takes us to marvellous places. Enjoy it !!!! Finally, tight lines to you all ………. 😉😉🎣🎣🐟🐟🏴