As we gently slide into a rather changeable 2026, we’ve had it all over the last two weeks, from heavy persistent rain, through to Storm Goretti, her snow fall and associated hazards that come with it. Lots of trees across roads, from heavy snow on the branches of evergreens and rotten trees, through to treacherous roads, and of course schools and shops closed. The highways guys and girls do a cracking job of salting and keeping main arterial routes workable, and clearing and sawing fallen trees across highways.Now, that’s no easy task to be honest. Powys is huge, and there are thousands of miles covered, to ensure after you’ve defrosted your car, you can then get mobile safely ……… Certainly unsung heroes.
Now, something that dawned on me the other day, was the terrific variety of colours in the trout I, or clients catch each season. It’s just staggering, the variation on how one can be a buttery yellow, from the Westerly shoreline of Claerwen reservoir, but, scramble down the rocky, dust track shore of the Easterly side, and fish are dark, almost bronze in colour. That always fascinates me……
Genetic diversity , food and its environment play a huge part in the overall colouration, spots and in fact its shape too. Some in the upland llyns have huge eyes, and are squat, feisty little chaps. However, go to another llyn, and they may be lean, bright, and buttery yellow, with dashingly stunning red spots !!!!
These fish are true survivors, and adapt with the local conditions to become camouflaged effectively. How many times have you looked over a bridge, and the only tell tale sign is a moving tail fin, that is if that trout is just holding station, and not rising or nymphing . They are masters at camouflage, and, those spots don’t just make them look pretty, it’s super effective and with a trained eye, you can only spot that slight adjustment of the caudal fin and maybe the odd flick of one of the pectoral fins, just to keep its position in check on its favourite lie …….
The stream fish are just as stunning as the wild mountain llyn brownies. Some in particular spring to mind. River Arrow trout have those lovely red spots, and , even when fully grown, those parr markings seem to stay. They are totally stunning, and, very similar markings are on the feisty Lugg fish. The seasons diet also perks up those dashing colours. Like natures Maybellene factory ……… Because you’re worth it !!!!
Moving over closer to home, the Upper Wye fish are just as stunning, with more of a mottled, spotty affair displayed on their flanks. Similar to these, are the feisty, ferocious brownies of the Edw. These are some of my favourite fish to target, particularly after the mayfly hatch, as they are turbo charged, and looking at their absolute best in the dipping June sunshine !!
I think it’s fair to say, we all love bringing the first brownie to the net from a location you haven’t been to for some time !!!! The magical child within you takes over, your prize is captured just for a short time, you’re chuffed. Rod down, you raise the net, slip out the hook, and admire natures colours . A sly grin creeps in, as you marvel at the joy of Salmo Trutta at her best. With a gentle wet hand, she’s cradled and slipped back into her watery home….. just the best feeling !!!!
Then of course we throw a spanner in the works, with the fabled black finned brown trout, or Salmo Nigrippinis from the hallowed waters of Llyn Bugeilyn, one of my favourites, and only a stones throw from Rhayader. These glorious little chaps are like football hooligans, full of vigour, and fight well above their station !!!! Dark, and with stunningly formed spots, on the right day, these fish can be superb sport. As always, catch and release …. But, like many, if not all the mountain llyns, it’s a stunning place to loose yourself, and a couple of dozen brownies is always the icing on the cake ……..
As I scroll through photos of locations, clients catches, stunning trout, stream fish, and reservoir fish, the variations are truly endless. So, these few photos are literally just a snippet of the genetic variations that is Salmo Trutta.
She takes me to the wildest places Wales has to offer. She always sports the finest makeup, and, whether she’s from the smallest brook, or the largest wild, windswept reservoir, she’ll always be a joy to behold when she’s in the net….. And, as I always say, the best bit ….. slipping her back into the serenely fabulous….. H2O !!!!!
I’ll round off this very short blog with a look forward too…… As we creep along into what seems like the 52nd day of January, it’s nice to see the days are slightly longer, and, it won’t be that long, and it’ll be light at six at night . I’m always a glass half full kind of guy ….. Which, in a world of change isn’t a bad thing, to be honest .
Have a safe and healthy 2026 guys and girls. Enjoy the water, enjoy your fishing, and enjoy those special moments by the river, stream, or that quiet mountain llyn. I’ll probably see some of you, maybe on a river somewhere, or possible a secretive mountain llyn, tucked deep in the Elenydd…… Tight Lines for 2026 !!!! 🎣🎣🐟🐟🏴
