11 Jun 2026

SUMMER EVENING TROUT

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

It seems that time spins past ever faster as life passes by and with mid- summer approaching I decided to take full advantage of the long summer evenings. Wimbleball Reservoir offers an excellent value evening ticket catch and release with one fish for the table for just £25. Starting at 3.00pm until an hour after sunset gives six hours fishing at this time of year.

I set out along the path through lush green vegetation intending to fish Rugg’s bank. There was a brisk cool westerly breeze blowing into the shoreline and after an hour I decided upon a move to the calmer waters of Bessom’s. There were fish present as I made brief contact with what felt like a big fish and had a couple of tugs. There were very few fish rising and I hoped a few beetles might be present where the wind was blowing off the land.

Bessom’s was certainly far more comfortable and I could put out a good line with ease. I had set up a floating line, with a Montana nymph on the point a PTN on the middle dropper and a small black cormorant on the top dropper. I allowed the flies to sink before starting a slow erratic retrieve. On the second cast I missed a fish and then on the third the line zipped tight as a good rainbow powered away somersaulting from the lake amidst a flurry of spray. It was four pounds of full tailed power and a great start to the session.

Two more fish were brought to the net in the next hour both hard fighting rainbows of around 3lb in prime condition both tempted on the PTN on the dropper.

Early evening sunshine illuminated the scene as gig rowers powered across the calm waters. Horses frisked on the fields across the lake adding an air of drama to the landscape.

Working the team of flies slowly I settled into a pleasing searching rhythm with the occasional missed fish keeping me alert. As sport slowed I changed over to a blue-flash damsel on the point trying differing speeds of retrieve. A slow retrieve was rewarded with a fourth rainbow of close to 3lb. Then a solid take brought connection with what felt like a big fish. After a minute or so the broad shouldered rainbow came adrift after a headshaking display.

The next thirty minutes proved fruitless prompting a move twenty yards or so along the bank that proved no better. So as the light started to fade I moved back to my original position for that last cast or two. As I started the retrieve a good fish hit the lure hard erupting from the water before stripping line from the reel. After an exciting tussle a beautiful rainbow of at least five pounds graced the net provided a fitting end to the evening.

11 Jun 2026

BIG BROWN TROUT at BULLDOG

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Big Brown PB for Keith!

Paul and Keith had a brilliant day on the fly lake, wet weather certainly helps when it comes to fly fishing in the summer months!

Keith had his personal best brown in the morning at around the 5lb mark, and then completely smashed this PB with another one! 13lb5oz Brown

immaculate looking fish!

11 Jun 2026

RECENT RAIN BRINGS SILVER PRIZES

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Windows of opportunity are often brief on local rivers and getting to the waters edge when conditions are prime is the key to success.

Recent rain has brought the Taw and Torridge up a little encouraging a few fresh fish to forge upriver. Paul Carter fished a middle Taw beat to tempt a fine fresh run salmon.

Blakewell Fisheries Richard Nickell fished the middle Taw and tempted a fine brace of fresh run fish. A superb 10lb + sea trout and a fine fresh run salmon estimated at 13lb. For advice on catching salmon and sea trout from the Taw contact Richard at Blakewell Fishery.

I ventured to the River Torridge hoping to find a bar of silver but failed to drift my fly over a willing fish. The Rivers are a delight at the moment with luxuriant lush growth of early summer and an abundance of wildlife to watch. Hedging my bets I carried a light trout rod with a dry fly set up and before I left the river I dropped my fly over a rising fish to be rewarded with crimson spotted wild brown trout. When the rivers start to run clearer brown trout fishing should be excellent with the real chance of a bonus sea trout.

11 Jun 2026

From Land to Water: What is shaping our rivers?

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: At the Waters Edge, Conservation, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

As part of our Waters of Exmoor campaign, we are delighted to welcome Professor Penny J. Johnes, Professor of Biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol, for a talk on the many sources of pollution affecting Exmoor’s rivers, streams and coastal waters. She will explain how pollution impacts ecosystem health, and what can be done to control it in ways that benefit wildlife and improve water quality.

Professor Johnes has spent more than thirty years researching the relationship between what happens on land and what happens in our rivers and seas. She is one of Britain’s leading environmental scientists and has advised the government on reducing water pollution. We are very grateful that she has agreed to speak to The Exmoor Society about her work. This is a not-to-be-missed talk for anyone who wants to understand more about the pressures facing our rivers and streams – and what can be done to help protect them.

Join us at Dulverton Town Hall on Tuesday 23^rd June. Welcome drinks at 6.00 pm with the talk commencing at 6.30 pm.

Click link below for tickets and further information

From Land to Water: What is shaping our rivers?

10 Jun 2026

Association of IFCAs Launches New Film ‘Conserve’ on World Oceans Day

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: At the Waters Edge, Conservation, Sea Angling, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

To mark World Oceans Day on June 8th, the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (AIFCA) is proud to launch its latest film, Conserve, showcasing how IFCAs work to protect sensitive species and habitats in England’s inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), while ensuring sustainable fisheries can thrive.

The film explores the role of IFCAs in managing fishing activity within inshore MPAs, ensuring that the conservation objectives of these important sites are achieved while enabling sustainable use of these areas.

Conserve highlights the principles that underpin the IFCAs’ approach to MPA management:

Using high-resolution scientific data alongside local knowledge and lived experience
Working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop effective management measures
Ensuring management decisions are focused on meeting the conservation needs of each MPA
Adapting approaches in response to changing environmental conditions and emerging evidence

The film demonstrates how effective management of MPAs can support both thriving marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries.

Produced by Mindfully Wired, Conserve follows the successful release of the Association’s previous films, Lead, Champion and Protect. Together, the four films provide an insight into the work of IFCA officers and members who are dedicated to protecting our coastline and fisheries.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, Conserve highlights the important role Marine Protected Areas play in safeguarding healthy seas for future generations.

10 Jun 2026

PUTSBOROUGHT OPEN – Top Prizes

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Combe Martin have an excellent prize table once again from our sponsors Sakuma. Looking forward to another exciting night on the beach. It’s two rods, catch and release with weigh witness and photo. Always an enjoyable night and a chance to catch up with fellow anglers in the community.

JUNIOR ENTRY £5.00 with Junior prize and choice from prize table.

8 Jun 2026

SEA ANGLING – RESULTS

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Bideford Angling Clubs monthly sea rover was won by Paul Ackland with a fine specimen smoothound of 14lb 10oz. Robert Hancock was second and third with hounds of 13lb 3.5oz and 11lb 6.5oz. Stephen Found was fourth with a smoothound of 8lb 12oz.

Andrew Atkinson took first place in Appledore Shipbuilders June rover with a specimen smoothound of 12lb 1oz. Michael Hammett was second and third with a smoothound of 11lb 10.75oz and a bull huss of 8lb 14ozs.

Combe Martin SAC host their annual Putsborough Beach Open Match this Saturday with fishing commencing at 9:30pm and ending at 1:30pm. Booking in is from 8:00pm at the venues car park. The event is generously sponsored by Sakuma Tackle with the club providing a cash first prize of £100 with a runner up prize of £50.