Fly anglers from across the region flocked to Roadford Lake for the annual South West Fly Fair hosted by South West Lakes Trust an event that is a firm fixture in the fly fishing community’s calendar. The event was opened by guest of honour Charles Jardine who has attended the event for many years bringing his ever optimistic and buoyant presence. The fair was sponsored by Turral, Chevron Hackles and Snowbee.
The event above all is a wonderful opportunity for the Fly Fishing community to gather and socialise with plans made for the season ahead. The breadth of species and tactics employed by fly fishers is continually evolving and it is fascinating to debate these topics with fellow anglers who share their vast experience freely.
There seems to be a good upbeat vibe in the fly fishing scene at the moment and this was apparent as I wandered between the stallholders and attendees. A new season commences at South West Lakes Trusts rainbow trout waters on Saturday February 28th. At Wimbleball Reservoir fishing gets underway on Thursday, February 26th and anticipation is high for the wonderful sport enjoyed on this water high on Exmoor.
Fly casting is an important skill and Hywell Morgan, Charles Jardine and Gary Champion all gave excellent demonstrations making the art of casting look exceedingly easy. This illusion is testimony to their level of expertise and double haul, snake rolls were demonstrated and a wealth of tips cast out to a keen audience.
In the Fly Tying hall an impressive array of flies, lures and nymphs were created to tempt a wide range of species with tiny flies to tempt trout and grayling along with big gaudy lures for big pike.
There was certainly plenty to engage with and it was difficult to decide on watching the demonstrations or to attend the fascinating talks. I attended two talks and sadly missed Charles Jardines talk on the Fishing for Schools programme that helps young people from all backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or profound learning difficulties, by taking learning out of the classroom and into the natural world. More information can be found at their website. www.fishingforschools.co.uk
Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust gave an enlightening talk on wild brown trout populations. The complexity of genetic diversity within trout populations is a subject that science is starting to build a greater understanding of and this data is vital in conserving these incredible fish. Shaun’s passion and love of trout was very apparent as he reeled off a series of spectacular images of trout and their environment.
He emphasised the importance of river environments the value of trees and wood in rivers and how scruffy shaggy rivers provide shelter, food and varied flows. He explained the challenges faced by trout from agricultural pollution, poor river management, sewage pollution and climate change.
The importance of catch and release was emphasised with hen fish of particular value. The key points were : –
A trout is not just any old trout…
Massive natural variety & toolbox for change?
Each hen can be really important
Scruffy rivers are the business
Trout need to move around
Long lived if given a chance
Fabulous bellweather
Huge challenges…nature to help?
Brown trout are a key environmental indicator and if their populations are dwindling something is wrong. It has been suggested that if climate change progresses as expected many rivers will be devoid of trout if temperatures rise as expected. There is however hope as some trout populations have adapted to live within river systems where temperatures exceed those previously thought intolerable for trout. www.wildtrout.org
The next talk I attended was given by Rodney Wevill of the Fluff Chucker’s and took us to the tropical waters of Mexico where tarpon, bonefish, permit and rooster fish provide exciting sport for the fly angler. Rodney gave valuable advice on how to embark on the fishing trip of a lifetime at an affordable cost.
Rodney’s humorous accounts of warm water fishing and fish that strip lines from reels at an incredible rate certainly whetted the appetite for adventure. The dangers of sharks and crocodiles were also highlighted along with some alarming encounters with officialdom.
Leaving the fair late afternoon I was buzzing with anticipation at the coming months by river, lake and sea.
