24 Feb 2026

South West Fly Fair 2026

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

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.

*Leon Fisher and Charles Jardine get the show underway*

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.

John Aplin – Casterbridge Fisheries http://www.riverworks.co.uk with South West Lakes Trusts Leon Fisher

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 28^th. At Wimbleball Reservoir fishing gets underway on Thursday, February 26^th 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.

Jeff Pearce, Charles Jardine and James Christoforou talking flies

The Snowbee stand with Simon Kidd and Jonathon Dyson

2 Feb 2026

Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026

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

Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026

Many thanks to Tom Early for his report on the competition below ;- My own account follows

Our latest fly fishing competition at Bulldog Fisheries took place on the 1st of February 2026, and on arrival the conditions looked absolutely perfect. Overcast skies paired with still air set the scene nicely. Over a cup of tea and a bacon roll, plenty of fish were already showing, rising steadily along the far bank. Much of the early conversation centred around the recent stocking, with Nigel and Tom boasting of monster browns that had been introduced — excitement levels were high before a line had even been cast.

Following a quick peg draw, keen anglers made their way to their designated spots, patiently awaiting the starting horn. When it sounded, the ‘stocky’ rainbows came hard and fast during the opening hour of the competition.

Then came the first real moment of the day. Out on the point, with his rod bent double and a huge splash at the end of the line, it was clear Dave Chapman was connected to something special. After a lengthy fight and some expert netting from his son Freddy, the first big brown of the day was landed. Weighing in at just over 11lb, it was a cracking fish and gave Dave’s total weight a serious boost.

As the day went on, the rain arrived — heavy at times — and the fishing followed a familiar rhythm of sudden flurries and quieter lulls. There were moments when multiple anglers were playing fish across the lake at once, followed by brief pauses before the action fired up again.

Big browns continued to make an appearance throughout the day, particularly for Andrew Facey — quickly earning him the nickname “the man of many browns”. Fish after fish came to the net, including a double-figure brownie and a second biggen not far off, prompting a running joke that he’d soon need a wheelbarrow to carry his fish bag.

Just before lunch, the biggest fish of the day decided to show itself. North Devon Angling News editor, Mr Wayne Thomas, found himself locked into the battle of a lifetime. When the fish was finally landed, it was nothing short of spectacular — fin perfect and a prime example of what Bulldog Fisheries is capable of producing. Weighing an incredible 13.7lb, it was not only the largest brown taken from Bulldog’s waters in several years, but also a brand-new personal best for Wayne!

By lunchtime, anglers were soaked through and thoroughly hungry, so lunch was very welcome — cheeseburgers and chips all round!

Competition Results

1st Place: Andrew Facey – 5 fish, total weight 29.4lb

2nd Place: Dave Chapman – 5 fish, total weight 23.10lb

3rd Place: Chris Dunn – 6 fish, total weight 22.13lb

Biggest Fish of the Day: Wayne Thomas – 13.7lb Brown Trout

Many fish were landed throughout the day, including multiple Spartics and browns in the 4.5lb to 6lb range.

Overall, this was definitely one of the better competitions we’ve held. It’s always great to see everyone enjoying the venue, and knowing that our hard work is appreciated makes it all worthwhile

Onwards to the next one

The Cultivation of luck

Those big moments in angling are often the result of a bit of luck and there are many sayings used in relation to the luck factor. ” The harder I try the luckier I get” is perhaps one of the biggest in angling. Chatting with Nigel about the carp lake I pondered upon the investment of time when he commented on an angler having caught one carp in eight days fishing. Carp fishing by its nature is a discipline where the amount of time spent on the bank can be seen as hours invested results in success.

Fly Fishing and in particular competitive fly fishing is time constrained meaning that the decisions made on the day within a strict time frame are perhaps more focused. Thinking back over my many years at the water’s edge many of my personal best fish can be attributed to a big slice of luck that has to some extent been cultivated.

The big brown trout I caught during Bulldogs February Competition is a good example. I had started the day in peg 10 determined by a random draw. As is often the case the first twenty minutes are often hectic with the fish seizing anglers offerings with gusto. I capitalised on this early spell banking two rainbows though I could and should have done better as numerous fish came off after a few seconds of brief connection. A lesson that I have learnt is that in a competition keep at it if the fish are playing ball for they will often switch off quickly as a result of angling pressure.

The competitive format is that every twenty minutes the horn is blown and all move two pegs along. The next three moves resulted in just one fish for myself and by late morning I had still to catch that fourth fish to complete the morning quota. Colin Combe a friend from Wistlandpound angling Club had come for a chat and we talked of previous successes at various lakes. Fly choice is a widely debated topic amongst fly fishers and we both agreed that Bulldog Trout seem to respond to larger lure patterns. My own favourite is an olive damsel whilst Colin reflected upon recent success with a cats-whisker. Now I know the cats whisker is a very successful fly but it is not a fly I tend to use often.

Half an hour or so later I was fishing the point a good peg but success was eluding me. It was by now lashing with rain and there were only three of us left on the striving for that fourth fish whilst all other anglers chatted in the warmth of the hut beside a roaring woodburner with hot drinks and biscuits. Tom walked over and perhaps taking pity upon us told us we could fish where we liked during the last twenty minutes.

I took the opportunity to walk ten yards to peg ten where I had started the day. I carefully tied on a catswhisker and checked the hooks bend for it was a fly that had resided in my fly box for quite a while. I cast the fly to what I perceived was the hot spot and after two tweaks of retrieve all locked up as a big fish hit the fly. Five apprehensive minutes or so later a big beautiful brown trout slid over the rim of the net.

It was a very lucky cast destined by being in the right place at the right time with a fly at the lines end that tempted the trout. In a stocked Stillwater big fish are no wiser than small fish. If there is any skill it is in the landing of the fish as a big fish can break free as they often do. Checking those knots, hooks and removing those line weakening wind knots are key to capitalising upon luck.

The burger and chips went down well as we chatted of fishing, country sports, healthy eating, cooking, local meetings with rock stars and a wide range of wider topics wisely keeping clear of politics and other contentious issues.

The afternoon session proved harder going with most struggling to complete their six fish limit. I did add another brown trout of a couple of pounds and lost a good rainbow of perhaps four pounds when the hook pulled. Chatting later it was obvious that the trout were nipping at the tails of the flys without fully committing.

It was cheery bunch at the weigh in as the days catches were admired and memories captured before heading home with plenty of trout and prizes.

28 Nov 2025

Anglers Paradise 2025 – Lure Weekend Results

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

The 2025 Anglers Paradise Lure Fishing Weekend once again proved to be an enjoyable and productive event that proved that awide range of species can be tempted using artificial lures. Lure Fishing is perhaps the fastest growing aspect of UK angling. Congratulations to all the winners below and credit to Anglers Paradise for being creative in running the event across their many lakes.

The event was generously sponsored by Capital Angling, Rapala, Fortis Eyewear, Fox Rage, Okuma Europe, Devon Baits and Okuma Freshwater UK.

THE WINNER OF THE 2025 LURE WEEKEND

The Champion catching 7 different species was HARRISON WOODHAM! Not only was this Harrison’s first ever Lure Weekend with his Dad, but he’s the youngest to have ever won it at 16 years of age!!

Harrison caught – Pike, Rudd, Mirror Carp, Common Carp, Perch, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.

Absolutely amazing angling Harrison, massive congratulations from us all!! What an achievement beating 35 other anglers!!

Harrison has won a week’s holiday for two to Anglers Paradise, 3 rods (from Okuma and Fox Rage), a £200 voucher from Capital Angling, a pair of Fortis Finseeker sunglasses, a reel from Fox Rage, LOTS of Lures from Rapala, and LOTS of other goodies from our other amazing sponsors!!

WELL DONE HARRISON – OUR YOUNGEST EVER WINNER

THE 2025 LURE WEEKEND WINNING TEAM & CHAMPION OF THE CAPTAINS Was…Team FOX RAGE and the Champion of the Captains was BEN HUMBER!

The Team won with 9 species caught between them which consisted of – Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Rudd, Mirror Carp, Common Carp, Catfish and Chub!

That is some amazing angling, massive congratulations and well done to you all, very well deserved.

Teamwork makes the dream work and you guys all fished your socks off and certainly worked as a Team!

Massive thank you to our sponsors for the amazing prizes!

BIGGEST CATFISH

The Winner was…NAT WORSFOLD! Nat caught a 78cm Wels Catfish from the Easy Cat Lake after losing one.

Congratulations Nat and WELL DONE! Great angling!

This was a close one with just 1cm between the 2 Catfish that were caught by participants, shortly after Nat caught hers, fellow team member Tom Wass also landed a Cat but his was 77cms!!

Certainly an action packed Lure Weekend that’s for sure!

BIGGEST PIKE

The Winner was…NIKKI WILLIAMS, who caught a 89cm Pike from Valhalla!

Congratulations and well done Nikki! There were plenty of Pike caught and you caught the biggest!! Great angling!

BIGGEST PERCH

The Winner was…MATTHEW COLEGATE who caught the biggest Perch measuring 35cms from the Specimen Tench & Orfe Lake!

This was the 1st Fish caught in the competition too, Matthew had all the anglers trying to beat it but they just couldn’t quite beat 35cms!!

Congratulations and well done Matthew!! Amazing angling and an awesome Perch to win this category!!

FISH OF THE WEEKEND

The Winner was…THOMAS WILSON who caught a CHUB from the Mystery Lake!

This is the first ever time that a Chub has been caught during the Lure Weekend and was without a doubt the Winner for the Fish of the Weekend Category!

Congratulations and well done Tom!! Amazing angling and you have now made Lure Weekend history in being the first angler to catch a Chub

31 Oct 2025

An Autumn Day at Wimbleball – Exmoor’s Premier Trout Water

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

It had been too long since my last visit to Wimbleball Reservoir and on arrival at the lake shoreline I was shocked to stand at top water level and gaze at the distant boat launching pontoon far away at the water’s edge.

The lake now at less than 30% capacity demonstrates the impact of a dry spring followed by a long dry summer. The recent Autumn rainfall has had little impact so far and we can only hope for a very wet winter to restore the reservoir to full before next Spring. Abstraction from the River Exe will be key for Wessex and South West Water in achieving this goal for the lake is a shared resource that provides water across Devon and Somerset. I believe there are plans to build a new reservoir adjacent to Cheddar Reservoir that will take some of the load off Wimbleball but this is several years away.

There was a brisk North West Wind blowing which would undoubtedly influence where to fish. After loading the boat I headed up to Bessom’s an area that had been producing and is often productive at this time of year.

The road bridge stood high and dry a stark indication of the low level already mentioned. Autumn leaves in shades of bronze stood as a backdrop to the scene. It was indeed well worth visiting the lake to witness the banks revealing scars from its living past before the huge concrete dam held back the River Haddeo that joins the River Exe a mile or so below Dulverton.

The water at this shallow end of the lake was rather murky as a result of recent rain. I thought this could be the reason I could get no action as I searched the water with my flies. I headed to the dam end of the lake and passed the two other boats fishing the lake. I enquired as to success to be told that they too were struggling to find the fish.

I ventured into the deeply wooded Upton Arm hoping to find some shelter but the North West Wind seemed to be increasing in strength making fishing difficult. It was fascinating to explore the steep slopes with the rotting roots of tree’s an eery testament to the valley that was flooded in the late 1970’s.

I felt slightly ill at ease alone in this secluded area and decided to head back up to the dam area where I found more sheltered water. After half an hour or so I still failed to connect with any of the lakes trout. I was using a sinking line with a damsel nymph on the point and a black cormorant on a dropper. This was a combination I felt confident with and my gut feeling was to stick with this and search for fish.

I headed back up the lake again trying the shallow end. It was one of those days when things just seemed hard going. Those days when the wind catches the fly and it ends up stuck right in the middle of your back forcing you to disrobe to remove it. The fly you have just selected and put on the seat blows off into your fishing bag resulting in five minutes playing find the fly.

Deciding on another move I pulled the starter rope to be met with a brief splutter and total engine seizure. Looking over the back of the boat I spied a short length of rope wrapped tightly around the prop. It was impossible to remove the rope in situation so I had to haul the outboard on to the boat. The rope was solid and there was no way I could untangle it. All I had on me was a pair of line snips totally inadequate for cutting the rope free. Fortunately a friend of mine was within hailing distance and was able to assist cutting the rope free with a pair of robust garden scissors. A valuable lesson was learnt; always carry a knife in your fishing bag just in case you need to cut yourself free. Luck was to some extent on my side though for if this had happened whilst in the Upton Arm my days fishing would undoubtedly have been ruined. As the long row back against the strong wind would have been challenging to say the least.

Persistence will generally pay off and I headed to the North shore where I found better clarity and deep water close to the bank. I stuck to the same fly combination and was encouraged to see anglers in another boat enjoying some success as their rods flexed as a fish splashed in the water.

I felt a momentary tightening of the line that injected a degree of optimism and belief. Five minutes later there came that delightful tug on the line as a rainbow trout devoured one of my offerings. The fish fought hard leaping from the water and giving numerous strong runs that tested both tackle and my nerves.

I was relieved to pull a splendid rainbow of around 4lb 8oz into the net. It had taken the black cormorant on the dropper and I noted that the barbless hook was held by just a sliver of skin in the side of the mouth. I noted that it was now cloudy with light drizzle, the wind had dropped and it was undoubtedly a couple of degrees warmer. A brace of rainbows followed in the next half an hour and with the light starting to fade I called it a day contented with success on a hard day.

These hard days are often more rewarding than those days when fish come easily to the lures.

As I drove away in the fading light a barn owl glided close to the road and I slowed down to watch it settle on an old farm trailer. The privileged sight of this ghostly bird still lingers in the mind as I reflect upon the day fishing Exmoor’s premier trout water.

28 Oct 2025

SEA ANGLING RESULTS

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

Stormy conditions may have deterred some anglers from venturing forth but the turbulant waters often stir up food close in encouraging fish to feast upon the proceeds.If you can wade through the dogfish a specimen fish could be the reward.

Kevin Legge took first and second place in Combe Martin SAC’s October Rover with small eyed ray weighing 8lb 12oz and 6lb 13oz. Third place was taken by Nick Phillips with a bull huss of 6lb 4oz.

Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour sea rover was won by Paul Ackland with a dogfish scaling 2lb 2oz.

12 Oct 2025

Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters…2025

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

Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters…

The final round of the Trout masters was held at Roadford Lake today.

With challenging conditions, bright sun around mid day .

Series leader Roger Truscott set out on a mission to put a good gap between himself and his closest challengers, and mission completed, Roger finished on 17 Browns with Runner up Wayne Thomas on 12.

Rodney Wevill getting the biggest Brown of the day at 39cm with Keith Burnett runner up with a nice 38cm fish.

A total of 55 Browns caught for the day

A massive thank you to Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust for Partnering up with Fluff Chuckers and providing the Brown Trout Masters Cup and the overall winners prize of an all water season ticket.

Turrall Flies, YETI Europe and Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room for the prizes for each individual events.

And to all the anglers that have taken part over the year.

This series of events have become a great fun day on the water, all taking part have joined in with smiles no matter what their individual ability has been.

Looking forward to next year and hopefully build on the past two years,

Nice to see anglers that are normally fishing for Rainbows taken up the challenge of chasing these lovely Brown trout, not always the biggest or the easiest to catch but proper fishing for sure.

Round 3 Results.

1. Roger Truscott

2. Wayne Thomas

3. Kevin Selkars

4. Rodney Wevill

5. Keith Burnett

6. John Huckings

7. Richard Adeney

8. Jon Hopper

Final overall Results after Three Rounds.

Points

1. Roger Truscott 5 (Brown Trout Master 2025)

2. Wayne Thomas 8

3. John Hucking. 12

4. Keith Burnett 13

5. Rodney Wevill 14

6. Richard Adeney 25

7. Kevin Sellars. 27

8. Steve Retallack 27

9. Steve Lawes. 32

10. Matt Woods. 32

11. Simon Peters. 35

12. Jon Hopper. 36

13. Dave Cook. 36

14. Peter Williams. 39

15. Phillip Hoskin. 41

16. Ben Eliot 42

Thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work putting this enjoyable and friendly event together. All three venues run by South West lakes Trust provided excellent fishing in stunning scenery. I look forward to next years series of events. Hartd to comprehend the passing of a season that started in late March on the wide wild expanse of Colliford as we looked for the first martins and swallow arriving from Africa. The middle summer event was held at Fernworthy high on Dartmoor as heavy rain gave us all a good drenching but failed to deter the trout that were caught in good numbers as swifts and swallows darted across the water. And at Roadford its waters seriously low after a long dry summer I caught sight of a straggler swallows and martins leaving for their winter home in Africa.

5 Oct 2025

A Danglers Diary – September 2025

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

I sometimes wonder what anglers want to read on North Devon Angling News in addition to the latest news from around the region. I thought it might be worthwhile taking a look back at the beginning of each month at the venues I have fished over the preceding month and the triumphs and trials I have encountered.

In early September Pauline and I celebrated our 40^th wedding anniversary. It is a testament to Pauline that she has accepted my obsession with angling throughout those fiorty plus years supporting me great with patience. (Most of the time; for there are times when I have undoubtedly overstepped the mark a little).

We celebrated at the Tarr Steps Inn beside the glorious River Barle that once teemed with salmon during the Autumn months. I remember catching a silver grilse on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral back in 1997. The river like many has suffered a dramatic decline in its salmon stocks though its wild brown trout are still abundant.

In the Exmoor Town of Dulverton it was good to see minnows shoaling in the leat that runs past Rothwell & Dunsworth the book shop that always has a tempting array of fishing books.

An antique cased perch catches my eye…whats the story behind it?

The Glorious Wye

Whilst the River Wye in Herefordshire frequently makes the headlines regarding effluent from Chicken farms and agriculture it is still a beautiful rIver. its salmon runs have plummeted but it is still home to some wonderful Coarse fish. I extracted a few bronze flanked chub on a trip in the middle of September.

This chub found rolled meat to its liking.

Evening light on a tranquil Wye.

HOME WATERS

The quiver tip back on home ground…

CORNISH REEF

The annual trip to fish in the Looe Basher was once again an enjoyable excursion visiting familar haunts.

A brace of comber for myself and Chris Hayton

Spectacular red gurnard

Dominick is king of ling catching his third in three years.

Broken tips for two!

An un-welcome sign on the quayside where I spent many hours fishing as a child. Floatfishing for pollock after dark on Autumn evenings remembered with great fondness.

IN HOPE OF SALMON

THOSE WILD BROWNS ALWAYS OBLIGE

The beauty of a wild brown trout from the higher reaches of a local river.

Many thanks to Anglers Paradise for inviting Pauline and I to their 40 year celebrations.

2 Oct 2025

Hints of Gold and Autumn hues as the Salmon and Trout season ends with a flourish

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

The salmon and trout fishing season on North Devon’s rivers has closed with a flourish as September rains have rejuvenated the rivers to bring a very welcome flush of cleaner oxygenated water. Since late Spring the rivers have languished with low levels and high temperatures resulting in fishing being suspended for an unprecedented number of weeks.

September rod catches for salmon and sea trout on both the Taw and Torridge undoubtedly make up a significant percentage of the years total with an estimated thirty to forty salmon caught on both rivers throughout the month. This has been great news and a positive end to the season.

Ian Blewett secretary of the River Taw Fisheries and Conservation Association closed his season in style tempting four salmon from the Taw during the final days of the season.

The historic Little Warham Fishery is changing hands after close to ten years in the custodianship of Anthony Wilmington and Amanda Milner. Anthony and his family are moving to a new location in the Torridge Valley where their deep roots with the river and its fish will continue. In a fitting close to an era Anthony tempted the biggest salmon from the Torridge this year estimated at over 20lb his second fish in a week as the river fined down following the big spate. Tony Bennett and James Crawford also enjoyed success during closing week of the season at Little Warham.

Amanda sent me this lovely account of the final day at Little Warham :-

The fishing was excellent and everyone enjoyed themselves. Lunchtime at the hut was full of reminiscing, and little Brook (now seven!) closed our time at Little Warham with the very last cast of the day.

As you can imagine, it was quite emotional for us both, reflecting on everything we’ve experienced here. From arriving to a house untouched for 50 years, to developing the holiday lets, to all the riverbank conservation and restoration Anthony has carried out — it’s been quite a journey. The fishing has been the icing on the cake, along with the lifelong friends we’ve made. All of this has deepened our connection to North Devon and to the Torridge.

What means the most to us is knowing we leave behind a lasting legacy at Little Warham — not only through the restored banks and healthier waters, but also in the spirit of community and friendship that has grown here. It feels good to know that the work and care invested will continue to benefit others long after our chapter closes.

Our next venture will carry those roots forward. We’ll continue offering holiday lets, while Anthony expands his passion for guiding and tuition on both the Taw and the Torridge — opening the sport up to less able anglers as well. He’ll also be available for consultancy and support to riparian owners, drawing on his hands-on experience with the riverbank restoration and specialist tree operations. And of course, we’ll remain active in campaigning against river pollution, with the support of Fish Legal.

I said to Anthony that he couldn’t have wished for a better fish to mark his last week here — the biggest of the season on the Torridge. Really, you couldn’t ask for more.

Below is a link to my report on visiting Little Warham in 2027.

LITTLE WARHAM FISHERY

Seth Tuson tempted a fine sea trout from a beat lower down the Torridge.

My own river season ended with two sessions in the closing week. The first to a Middle River Torridge beat that I have fished regularly over the past fifteen or so years. The conditions appeared to be perfect with the river carrying a healthy tinge of colour as it fined down following the long awaited spate. It was a delight to drift the fly across familiar lies and I expected a pull at any moment. It wasn’t to be however and I couldn’t help but reflect upon previous September days when I had caught salmon and seen plenty of fish showing. It seems that salmon fishing these days is very much like the National Lottery. You have to buy a ticket to have a chance but winning is so often just a dream.

I closed the season searching the Upper reaches of a Taw tributary where I found feisty wild brown trout with flanks of bronze and olive hues decorated with crimson spots. These jewelled delights have been at my lines end since I was a child and still bring that same sense of joy.

11 Jul 2025

Fluff Chuckers at the ARUNDELL

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

Many thanks to Rodney Wevill for organising this excellent event on the Arundell Waters and thanks for the write up below ;-

What a fantastic day we have had at the Fluff Chuckers – Fly Fishing Fanatics / Arundell Rivers Event Rivers Event.
We fished in pairs on different beats on the river Lyd.
One from each pair fishing in the morning and the other doing the afternoon session.
It was going to be a nymph, klink & Dink or dry day.
It soon became obvious that a single dry looked the favourite with Rodney Wevill taking the most fish in the morning session with 7 fish including two sea trout off the top on a sedge.
We stopped for lunch / coffee back at the Arundell shop and deli .
The afternoon session was slightly slower but Richard Adeney managed to land 3 Browns after losing several fish , taking the afternoon win.
Nice to see Wayne Thomas landing a nice Grayling the only one for the day.
The biggest fish of the day was the first sea trout of the day for Rodney , as with all the events if someone wins more than one class/prize they choose which one they would prefer and hand over the other to the next in line.
The next in line was the up and coming young man Ozzie Gough who had 4 countable fish
And also 4 more just under the 15cm minimum size, well done Ozzie and your dad got the Lakedown beer seeing as your only 14 the day’s results ended up like this
Morning most fish. Ozzie Gough
Afternoon most fish Richard Adeney
Biggest fish of the day Rodney Wevill
A massive thank you to the sponsor/partners Yeti , Lakedown Brewery Co and the Arundell Arms Hotel.
Another big thank you to James Christoforou who heads up the Arundell Fishing and it was his idea to have a Fluff Chuckers Event on their waters.
Everyone enjoyed the day and the format, the river was absolutely stunning in fact it is very well looked after with good access without losing any of its wildness.
And also the Arundell Arms being a great venue in itself with the Hotel , Bar , Delicatessen and the Fly fishing shop stuffed full of everything you need and all the Orvis range and lots of Yeti products, great to see the business doing so well after several dacades being a top sporting hotel
Hopefully we will be doing a few more of these events and maybe a grayling event in the cooler months.
Fair to say we are very happy with things today.

MY ACCOUNT OF THE DAY – Wayne Thomas

I had been looking forward to this event for some time with its format of fishing and observing. I am always keen to learn and watching another angler searching the river was always going to be a learning opportunity. Though being scrutinised by another angler was also a little bit out of my comfort zone and I readily admit that my fishing is not always cool, calm and precise.

I arrived at the Arundell just before 8:30am and was soon chatting with fellow Fluff Chucker’s who were all relishing the day ahead. Head of Fishing James Christoforou greeted us and was as always full of contagious enthusiasm. There were still a few sea trout being caught despite the low river levels and with a bit of cloud cover and light drizzle things looked promising.

There were only six of us fishing the event that was split into two sessions of three hours each. With each pair observing for one session and fishing the other.

Partners were determined by drawing names out of a hat despite a suggestion from the youngest contestant that we use a lucky dip app on a mobile phone. With partners set we then tossed a coin to decide who would fish first.

My partner was fourteen year old Ozzie Gough who has been doing work experience at the Arundell. It was apparent from the start that Ozzie was very keen on his fishing and eager to learn. We set off for Beat 3 on the River Lyd and exchanged fishing chat freely on route talking of all disciplines of angling. In addition to a passion for angling my partner also had a mature and in depth understanding of the sport.

Ozzie had won the toss and elected to fish the morning session. From the start it was obvious that he knew what he was doing as I watched him commence a search of the river.

Reading the water is a skill that Ozzie had undoubtedly learnt well as he flicked his weighted nymphs into pools, runs and riffles with apparent ease. I was very impressed with his use of the bow and arrow cast and its accuracy.

Several small brown trout succumbed to his skill and I was delighted when he was rewarded with a stunning wild brown trout of 25cm.

The morning session drifted by quickly even though I wasn’t fishing and Ozzie ended with four trout above the minimum size and another four below this.

We returned to the Arundell and grabbed a coffee and a snack from the deli before connecting with fellow Fluff Chucker’s to compare notes. Rodney had undoubtedly stolen the show with a brace of sea trout and several brown trout.

Refreshed we headed back to the river and it was my time to search the water under Ozzie’s watchful eye.

Having watched Ozzie carefully I had a few ideas of where to concentrate my efforts but was also conscious that having been covered earlier in the day the fish may have been disturbed. Whilst this probably wouldn’t impact upon the wild brown trout and grayling too much it might have disturbed the sea trout that are generally considered to be more sensitive.

I had decided to carry two rods which in hindsight was a mistake. My intention was to cover the shallow riffles and glides with a duo set up and search the deeper water with the heavy nymph set up.

I started Ok searching the deep water without incident and making brief contact with a few small browns that came detached after a few seconds. I switched over to the duo set up and after a few casts decided I needed a heavier nymph on the point and a slightly longer

length between dry fly and point.

At this point the wheels came off my fishing to some extent as in the shady confines of the river I found retying the small flies and light line a little tricky. Stubbornly refusing to change my polaroid’s for standard specs I wasted a few minutes getting increasingly frustrated at the eyes that in younger days would have seen with a clarity long forgotten.

I did manage to raise one small brown trout to the dry but this came off. After another minor tangle with the duo I decided to concentrate on the deep nymphs and hope for bigger fish. The time seemed to be racing past and I knew I wasn’t fishing particularly well and the temptation was to rush.

Ozzie spotted a good sized sea trout or grayling and casting aside any competitive tendency offered me an opportunity to cast at the fish. By the time I had scrambled to the elevated bank it had evaporated from view to remain a secret of the river.

As we approached the top of the beat I missed a couple more chances. The deep slow water above the weir failed to inspire and the white water beneath the weir seemed devoid of fish.

I decided to work quickly down covering the best spots as there was less than an hour remaining. Fishing in the same pool I had hooked a sea trout in a week ago I was delighted to feel a decent fish gyrating on the line. A glimpse of silver made me think sea trout but the sight of a decent grayling was very pleasing as it slipped into the net to avoid a blank. At 29cm it was a good fish and due reward for an afternoons effort.

I fished on down and spotted a sea trout with a minute left in the competition but It eluded my offerings and the afternoon ended all too soon.

We headed back to the post competition meet up and on reflection there were lessons to be learnt. I would probably have been better advised to carry one rod and stuck to one method. I should also have swapped over from polarised to clear Lense’s to tie on my small flies.

On a plus note it was a pleasure to share a day on the river with a young and enthusiastic angler. I could not help but reflect on the fact that fifty years ago at fourteen years of age I had far healthier rivers to fish in with runs of salmon and sea trout that would be exceptional today. The tiny rivers I fished now devoid of fish had an abundance of feisty wild trout. At the time I really didn’t know what a paradise I was living in. Shifting Base line syndrome ensures that young Ozzie accepts today’s natural world and appreciates it.

It is easy to get despondent about our rivers but historically many West Country Rivers have recovered from dark times as I discovered when I dipped into a book I bought recently. The Salmon Rivers of England and Wales, by Augustus Grimble, published in 1913.

Documents a sad state of affairs with many rivers blocked by weirs, heavily netted, poached throughout the year and polluted with effluent from Industrial mining.

26 Jun 2025

A glimpse of silver – Arundell Summer Fishing

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

The season certainly seem to be drifting by on life’s current in an ever increasing speed and it seems only a short time since I was last at the Arundell for the grayling day back in early March. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/03/06/arundell-spring-grayling-day/

Over three months later and the grayling closed season has passed and summer sea trout are ascending the rivers of the Tamar catchment. The Arundell boasts twenty miles of water amidst lush landscapes of the Devon and Cornish borders. I had arranged a day’s fishing with my good friend Jeff Pearce and had arranged to meet at the Arundell tackle shop for 9:00am.

Traffic at Bideford delayed my journey and it was 9:30am before I arrived and apologised for my lateness. Jeff had enjoyed chatting with fellow fishing guests and James Christoforou who is the venues head of Fishing.

James is a breath of fresh air with an abundance of passion and optimism befitting an angler from a younger generation. James talked of the recent upturn in fishing in the rivers following a good summer spate with good numbers of sea trout showing along with a few salmon. These migratory visitors really are the icing on the cake with abundant wild brown trout and some stunning grayling providing consistent opportunity’s for anglers.

It is always well worth listening carefully to advice from experienced local anglers and James certainly knows the hotels waters intimately explaining to Jeff and I where to fish and suggesting which flies to use and how to fish them.

Jeff is a keen exponent of nymph fishing and engaged in an in depth discussion with James delving into the intricacies of fly design. Like many other anglers I know including myself he carries an extensive selection of fly patterns yet in reality only fishes with a tiny proportion of them. My own interpretation of the discussion is to some extent that there is some basis in certain flies working well on specific rivers. This could be in part be due to anglers following trends and traditions. It is also likely that certain colours are more visible in certain tinges of water colour. The weight of a nymph is undoubtedly vital in ensuring that a fly gets down to where the fish are so the stronger and deeper the pool the heavier the fly needs to be. So the perfect nymph for the Arundell waters is perhaps a tungsten silver headed jig style with black body and sprinkling of silver flashy sparkle.

It was late morning by the time we actually arrived at the waters edge keen to start exploring the deep pools and runs. We both carried two rods one set up with a dry fly and the other with a nymphing set up.

We started fishing on Beat 2 and Bridge Pool where Jeff commenced the days quest drifting his team of nymphs slow and deep as a rather nonchalant duck observed proceedings.

The lush green foliage of late June hung over the river its course carved through rocky bed rock over thousands of years. As I often say each river has its own unique character and the River Lyd is undoubtedly one of the West Country’s finest and after recent rainfall to flush sediment its waters seemed to be in sparkling health.

BB that great Countryside Writers Children’s Book ‘The Little Grey Men’ is a classic tome that captures the magic of a rivers journey and the shaded waters of the River Lyd somehow resonated within the pages of the book. This morning could easily have been a day BB describes “ After a soft grey morning, the sun had slowly broken through the clouds, and every blackbird and thrush in Lucking’s Meadow began to warble and tune up; the first opening bars of a great symphony in praise of life”. My ponderings on gnomes dwelling in the shady banks of the River Lyd are undoubtedly deluded for BB states “ For secrecy was of utmost importance, especially in these modern days when discovery would mean the end of everything. Why these little creatures had survived for so long is puzzling, because though they lived in this rural countryside, it was by no means ‘wild’ in the sense that some parts of Devon and Cornwall are wild, and there are, to my knowledge, no gnomes left now in either of these last two localities, though I understand they are still to be found in some parts of Ireland”.

We fished carefully up through deep shady pools that hid their secrets as sunlight broke through the vibrant green canopy of midsummer. We were both using bright indicators to suspend our nymphs to just trip the riverbed. This was not traditional fly fishing and the purist would certainly not approve. We are going through a revolution in fly fishing at the moment as technics from across the wider world are embraced by a younger generation who push the boundaries and break down the barriers between disciplines.

Watching our bright indicators drift slowly through deep calm pools is little different to trotting with a float and what’s wrong with that?

There is no doubt that catching on an upstream dry fly is more satisfying and that delectable moment of deception is one to savour. However life is short and in these modern times if we want a younger generation to embrace the sport then perhaps we have to accept a wider range of tactics and values. It is perhaps possible to draw comparison with today’s cricket scene. The traditionalist will always extol proper Test match cricket; five days of endeavours to be savoured and analysed. A younger generation will perhaps prefer the wham bam thrust of 20/20 cricket that is all over in just a few hours.

Jeff was first to connect and I watched as a sea trout gyrated in the strong current as it was persuaded to the waiting net. The silver flanks glistened as we admired its beauty before slipping it back into the cool waters.

Boosted by this success we both searched intently drifting the nymphs through the pools. I hooked a small brown trout that shook the hook and caught a couple of small parr.

We then took a break to drive a short distance to the fish beat 3 a stretch of river that we had fished back in early March when Jeff had caught a grayling and I had lost one.

We went our separate ways now alternating between pools immersed in our own endeavours to a large extent. When we met up a short while later Jeff was excited to recall the capture of a fine sea trout estimated at around 2lb at had made his reel scream as it battled gamely.

It is often the case that when I fish with Jeff we seem to mirror each other’s catch’s and when one of us enjoys a good first half the other succeeds in the second half. This was certainly my hope as I searched the pools attempting to read the water carefully focussing on those sections that took my fancy.

The deep fast water towards the head of the pools and runs tempted me and I searched these areas in preference to the slower deeper areas.

I undoubtedly missed a couple of fish as my indicator dipped beneath the surface or twitched vigorously with my strike finding no connection.

Then that wonderful moment of connection came and a bar of silver erupted from the water leaping almost to eye level before coming adrift after just a few seconds of adrenalin fuelled excitement.

Ten minutes later I hooked another larger fish that battled hard again leaping from the water before diving deep and under the far bank where I feared the line would catch in the roots of bankside trees. I savoured the bending rod and feel of a good fish in the strong current. I knelt at the water’s edge and guided the sea trout towards the waiting net. Then elation turned to dejection as the hook hold gave and my silver prize disappeared with flick of its tail.

The two glimpses of silver leaping and gyrating on my line are lodged in that deep file of memories in the mind. Merging with the lush green of early summer clear glistening water following a summer spate. The electric blue of kingfisher and the cheerful echoes of chiff-chaff and wren song in a river valley. Damsel flies and dragon flies haunting the river margins. As many of BB’s books commence,

The wonder of the world

Its beauty and its power,

The shapes of things,

Their colours lights and shades,

Look ye also while life lasts.

I caught up with Jeff at the weir pool and told of my losses. We chatted and fished the deep water above the weir together. A few trout dimpled the surface and Jeff switched to dry fly tactics whilst I persisted with the deep nymph tactics and missed a couple of chances.

We had planned to pack up at around 5.00pm but a glance at the time revealed it was now past 6.00pm and after ten or so last casts we reluctantly walked back across the waterside meadows to return home. Already plotting further trips with a youthful enthusiasm that belied our years. The indicator deep fished nymph will certainly be used elsewhere to explore those deeper pools when the fish are not rising.