15 Mar 2026

THE INTRIGUE OF A PRIVATE LAKE

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

Over the years I have often spoken with Lewis Hendrie at various fishing shows and events across the West Country and it is always apparent that we share a deep passion for angling. So when Lewis suggested a fishing trip on a lake or river it was too good an opportunity to miss and a date was set. As is often the case natures script doesn’t always cater to our own desired narrative and our plans for the day would have to fit the weather to some extent.

The plan was to potentially split the day into two sessions seeking an end of season grayling on the River Exe or fishing on a Private Lake. On the eve of the fishing day the weather men’s prediction of gale force winds and driving rain failed to dent our enthusiasm and we arranged to meet at the White Horse Inn, Exford with our options open.

https://www.exmoor-whitehorse.co.uk

A warm seat in the pub beside the fire was a good starting point for the day and we chatted fishing in depth over a hot coffee. Lewis has been Fly Fishing in the West Country and beyond for many years and is a respected fishing guide and tackle consultant who is part of the Hanak UK team.

https://www.hanak.eu/en/about-us/company-hanak

Lewis writes:-

Basically the initiative behind Team Hanak UK is that we run workshops around the country that are free to all as an incentive to try and encourage younger people and more people into the sport of Fly Fishing. With a platform hosted by some of the best Fly fishers in the industry (that make up the Hanak uk) team we are able to provide the highest level of knowledge, advice and demonstrate a series of presentations and method displays to help people along their Fly Fishing journey. With an incredible team that are more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge and even give away their trade secrets to help all those that attend. I’ve been a level two qualified coach for 19 years but guided under the influence and watch of Nick Hart as an apprentice guide for a period spanning 20 to 21 years.Within the workshops that we run we incorporate brands that we have tried and tested and are completely behind due to the quality and durability of their products. This way the workshops aren’t biased to an individual brand although we fly under the Hanak UK banner because all of us absolutely love their range.

Lewis has competed at National, European and World Level. Fishing one World Championship, two European Championships and is multi capped at Home International level. He represented the England youth team from 13 to 19 years of age and has represented at senior level since.

The Fly Fishing world is changing at a rapid pace at present with new techniques being adopted by the fly fishing fraternity. I am presently reading Theo Pikes informative and thought provoking book – River Trout Streamer Fishing. We discussed the potential of these methods and Lewis fully endorsed how effective streamer fishing can be on UK rivers.

I told Lewis how my own fishing has been stifled to some extent by long standing traditions and how frustrating this can be. I recalled a discussion last year with the late author of the book ‘Gently Down the Stream’. Nicholas’s opening greeting to me was, ‘Are you an upstream or a downstream man’? To which I replied after a moments pause; “ I cast to where the trout lie”. A reply that Lewis related to as we went on to discuss the rapid development of fly fishing and how it can be applied to our local rivers over the coming season.

Fully charged with enthusiasm after an hour of fishing dialogue that evaporated all too quickly, we headed for the intriguing Private Lake that nestles within a moorland fold that is part of a Country Estate. It is always exciting to head to a new venue and Lewis fired up the anticipation as he described the very special brown trout and spartic trout that swim within its waters.

We arrived at the entrance gates and Lewis asked how good my car was on soft wet ground? My mind raced back to a near stranding close to a local river and I suggested caution. No problem replied Lewis let’s take mine it should be Ok; more of that later the eagerness to get fishing was strong and overruled the caution of common sense as we were to find later in the day.

And so we bumped our way down the track to arrive close to water’s edge. The lake undoubtedly had a unique character and despite the howling wind and driving drizzle it held a certain beguiling beauty. The onset of Spring seemed far away on this wet wild, windy and inhospitable day.

We tackled up eagerly with Lewis urging me to commence fishing from the first platform that offered some shelter from the conditions. I had elected to start off with a floating line and a long leader with gold-head black-lure on the point. No finesse required using these tactics and I opted for 10.5lb fluorocarbon leader.

I deduced that the water wasn’t deep as I peered into the peat stained lake and put a line out across the wind ruffled surface. I just love the anticipation of casting into unfamiliar waters hoping to unlock the mysteries of the lake.

https://www.fishpal.com/england/devon-cornwall-somerset/bradleypond/

I paused and allowed the fly to sink before commencing my standard erratic retrieve. Third cast and wallop a good fish hit the lure and a flash of orange flank was momentarily glimpsed before the hook hold gave. It looked and felt like a good fish, they so often do when they come adrift.

Confidence was fully charged now and a couple of casts later I connected again and this time my prize came begrudgingly to the waiting net. Lewis bounded over sharing the joy of success and keen to capture the image of this beautiful brown trout.

It wasn’t long before Lewis was connected to his own prize and I dropped my own rod to rush over and capture his triumph.

From this point in the day we could both just settle into the routine of fishing in the moment far from the troubled wider world. Birdsong resonated despite the gale force wind and driving rain. Each cast brought expectation and hope; it was good to be alive.

Another brown trout seized my lure and we admired its silver hued flanks so different than the first two fish we had tempted. The diversity of the brown trout gene pool is amazing and my mind drifted back to a fascinating talk delivered by Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust a few weeks ago. Whilst these fish were not true wild fish their beauty was undeniable and their behaviour by now undoubtedly as if wild.

We both moved around the lake searching the water and I lost another good sized fish after a brief connection but it seemed as if the lakes inhabitants had switched off. Lewis and I are both persistent souls so whilst a retreat for a pub lunch at the White Horse Inn seemed sensible another cast or ten was required.

It was close to 3.00pm before we actually headed for lunch but our earlier haste to reach the water brought a problem for the wet and slippery slope was not negotiable and so we had to walk to my car a few hundred yards away. The walk was eased by an exceedingly strong tail wind.

Dinner and a hot coffee were indeed a welcome interlude as Lewis darted to and fro gathering delivery’s for the forthcoming West Country Trout Festival at the Arundell.

Late afternoon and a couple of hours daylight remaining it was back to the lake after seeking help from the adjacent stables. Fortunately we came upon a friendly soul who cheerily agreed to bring over a tractor when her duties at the stable were completed.

Lewis and I arrived at the lake expectant with renewed vigour. I swapped my floating line for an intermediate and once again began to search the water. I savoured the stark landscape and tried to picture the lake in a few weeks’ time as the delightful symphonies of Spring and Summer would once again fill the air. Skylarks, cuckoos, swallows and chiff-chaff would surely sing and vivid blue damsel flies will flutter around the margins as speckled trout slurp flies from placid waters.

The trout proved elusive, the rescue of the van went without issue and the light began to fade from the day despite swapping my polaroid’s to my standard lens. The bare trees danced in the wind, rain lashed across the water and we both walked towards each other acknowledging that it was perhaps time to go after just a few more last casts.

Wet waders and waterproofs were slung into vehicles and we both shared a cheery farewell for despite the weather we had enjoyed a great day at the water’s edge and vowed to do it all again before too long.

2 Nov 2025

A Danglers Diary – October – 2025

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

October has to be one of my favourite months to be at the waters edge.

Roadford Lake – Brown Trout Masters 2025

Pleased with runner up for 2025

Grey Mullet in local harbours –

Tuna two estimated at 300lb

The days takes it toll

Chasing memories these giant fish are perhaps the ultimate in British waters very much a team day out with mates with all credit to the skipper Dan Margetts and John McMaster. The day was like a sea safari with dolphins, sea birds diving into bait balls and of coarse huge fish to test tackle and stamina.

A few hours spent casting for Autumn salmon with my good friend Jeff in deepest Cornwall before heading home.

Back to normal with a plague of North Devon dogfish

Better fish are there if you can get through the dogfish

Kevin with one of three small eyed he landed. Good to catch up with a fishing buddy of close to fifty years.

Proud to have an article in the last edition of Fly Culture Magazine

Something to read on those cold Winter nights. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/10/28/35531/

(Above) Grandad takes new generation to the waters edge.

I end the months chasing hard fighting rainbow trout at Wimbeball and enjoy success with a pristine fish of close to 5lb.

15 Sep 2025

End of season flourish for Devon Rivers

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

http://www.halfmoonsheepwash.co.uk

After a long dry summer North Devon’s rivers are now rejuvenated as heavy rain swells the flow. The salmon that have been waiting in the estuaries are now surging up river. On the Lower Taw close to twenty salmon have been caught as the rising water bring fish up. As I write this the Taw and Torridge are in full spate with fishing virtually impossible. It is expected that as levels drop and the clarity improves salmon and sea trout will be spread throughout the rivers with fish likely throughout the catchments.

The Rivers of Exmoor including the Lyn, Exe and its major tributary the Barle should all be worth a try.

Salmon and sea trout have also been reported from the Arundell beats on the Tamar and its tributaries.

8 Sep 2025

PROTECTING OUR SALMON – Dates for your diary

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

https://www.exmoorsociety.com/individual-event/protecting-our-salmon-history-threats-and-their-future-on-exmoor

The iconic salmon have migrated up through Exmoor’s Rivers for thousands of years yet their extinction could be imminent if we do not focus our efforts on saving these beautiful enigmatic fish. It would be tragic to walk beside these waters without the chance to glimpse a salmon.

THE 2025 Salmon Run with the Westcountry Rivers Trust also highlights the plight of salmon see below for details.

Salmon Run 2025

5 Apr 2025

Chasing Wimbleball Rainbows

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

Early April and to me this is trout season proper and where better to spend a day chasing rainbows than the fabulous Wimbleball nestled amongst Exmoor’s rural landscape.

I was fishing with my good friend Bruce Elston who had recently enjoyed catching his first double figure rainbow from Anglers Paradises Catch and release trout lake. We had originally intended to fish from the bank but recent catch reports indicated that the boats were starting to produce.

I was full of confidence despite the strong Easterly wind and bright sunshine. There was rain and cloud forecast for the afternoon so if the morning proved hard the afternoon would give a change of conditions.

We met at the boat pontoons for 8:30am after a pleasant drive as the morning sun rose to burn off any lingering morning mist. We were greeted by Mark Underhill who has worked so hard to make this fishery one of the best in the west country.

It was good to catch up and chat about prospects for the day and how well the fishery has been fishing recently. Judging by recent posts on social media the size of the rainbows this year are well worth chasing.

It was my turn as boat captain today and I suggested we start off with a drift or two in Cowmoor Bay that would offer a degree of shelter from the strong wind. We headed up into the wide bay towards the far end and commenced drifting using a drogue to slow the pace. I hooked a rainbow on the second drift that came adrift but this at least gave that much needed confidence boost.

It was good to spot the first martins of the spring swooping over the water after their long migration from the African continent. The sighting of the spring migrants always boosts my spirits knowing that natures cycle is still turning as it should.

It soon became apparent that even with a drogue the drift was a bit too brisk and I suggested we head up to the dam end. We tied up to the rope that marks the dam area and spent half an hour searching the deep water to no avail.

I was using a fast sink Snowbee line with an olive damsel on the point and a bright orange blob on the dropper. Bruce was using a single black damsel.

The calmer waters of the Upton Arm beckoned we motored up into the wooded bay that always inspires. Wooded banks with branches trailing into deep clear water. Buzzards gliding high above and birdsong drifting in the spring air.

Action soon came our way as we drifted close to the bank with the trout seemingly close to the edge patrolling the steep drop off contours. We caught fish pretty well every drift throughout late morning. All hard fighting fish averaging between 2lb and 3lb.

When our catch rate eased we decided to try the opposite bank where the wind was blowing harder. First cast I noted a swirl behind my fly as a trout lunged at the fly. The wind was pushing us rapidly into the bank and as I lifted the rod a huge rainbow appeared behind the lure turning away as I ran out of water. Bruce and I both gasped in awe at its size. One of those would certainly make our day!

With the wind making it very difficult we decided to take a break and return to the calmer bay we had been fishing and take a bit of lunch with the anchor lowered. I grabbed a sandwich and an iced coffee between casts. Bruce set up a nymphing set up with a sight indicator and allowed the set up to drift gently just off the overhanging tree line.

Bruce missed a couple of takes but it was third time lucky when he tightened into a fish that took off with a stunning turn of speed. Bruce hung on and relished the pulsing rod as line was ripped from the reel on a couple of long runs out into the bay. Eventually the fish settled into a closer range tussle a couple of rod lengths from the boat. Each time Bruce encouraged the fish close to the net it would surge off again. It was obviously a good fish that we estimated at around 7lb. It wasn’t until it slid over the rim of the net that we got an idea of its true size. A deep flanked fish in perfect condition with wide and powerful tail. Bruce decided to keep the fish and we were both stunned when the scales told a weight of 9lb 14oz!

What was most thought provoking was that the fish we had seen earlier appeared much bigger than this one. We caught a few more in the bay and then embarked upon a search back on the far side where we had seen the big fish.

We found that if we positioned the boat carefully thirty yards or so off the bank we could drift into the shoreline where the trout were lurking then start the motor and push back out to drift back in; zig zagging along the bank like this we searched the margin adding trout or missing takes most drifts. I also glimpsed another monster of a rainbow that missed my damsel by an inch as we ran out of water at the end of a drift.

Sport eased for the last hour as rain started to fall. Bruce commented that it had been his best days trout fishing ever and he relished the exciting tug of the trout smashing into the lure. We headed back to the pontoon arms aching slightly, reflecting upon another day of memories made. We ended the day on seven trout each averaging close to 3lb with one solitary wild brown trout. The coming months should bring plenty of great days on this wonderfully wild water. Its stunning rainbows testament to an ambitious stocking program.

In addition to the stocked rainbows there are also some stunning wild brown trout that undoubtedly exceed 10lb! Now that really would be the fish of dreams….

2 Mar 2025

A NEW SEASON UNDERWAY AT WONDERFUL WIMBLEBALL

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

A NEW SEASON UNDERWAY AT WONDERFULL WIMBLEBALL

The Exmoor landscape glistened with frost as the sun climbed in the clear sky. I negotiated the icy roads on my way to Wimbleball on the last day of metrological winter.

A veil of white mist hid the reservoir from view as I approached with not a breath of wind.

Several anglers were already at the water’s edge and had enjoyed early success. I was meeting with my good friend Jeff Pearce who had assisted with the launching of several boats offering advice based on the previous days opening.

I had already set up my Snowbee Diamond 2 Fly Rod #7 4-Piece – 10′, in combination with a 7wt, Intermediate line with black lure on the point and small diawl bach on a dropper. This was my go to set up early season and I was to use this throughout the day. I had a few casts in the boat bay whilst Jeff continued to assist arriving anglers with the boats.

The mist was lifting quickly as late winter sunshine quickly warmed the air. The lake was mirror calm only the departing boats rippling the waters. I captured a few images of the scene and poured a coffee. It was good to be back at this jewel in the crown of West Country Fly Fishing.

This was day two of a new season and anglers the previous day had enjoyed most success fishing from the bank. The most successful flies were undoubtedly black and green perpetuated by the fact that most anglers choose this pattern early season.

Jeff and I had a cunning plan to utilise our boat to move around beaching the boat at promising areas and fish from the bank. Our first point of call was Bessom’s an area that gives access to reasonably deep water. I was full of optimism and belief but the first hour passed without any connection to the lakes residents.

Jeff was first to connect tempting a typical hard fighting rainbow on a black booby fished deep and slow. Despite lack of success I persisted casting out and working my lure back slowly inch at a time with the occasional speedy twitch and pause.

Persistence and belief generally pay off and suddenly the line zipped tight and I enjoyed the delectable throbbing of life transmitted through the line the rod absorbing the feisty rainbows attempts to shed the hook.

We spent another hour or so catching another six rainbows the best around 3lb 8oz. Whilst we could have stayed and caught steadily we decided upon a change of scenery moving to Cowmoor and an area of bank that has been cleared to allow easier access and plenty of room for the back cast.

It didn’t take long before the rods were bending and reels singing as rainbows hit our lures treating us to acrobatic antics as the fish leapt cartwheeling on our lines end. Jeff had by now changed over to a similar set up to me and tempted fish on a regular basis. We ended the day on fourteen trout averaging 2lb 8oz the best probably 3lb 8oz. Jeff lost what felt like a big fish of which many have been stocked the best topping 10lb.

The day will be remembered for the warmth of the sun the beautiful scenery, good company and of course those hard fighting full tailed Wimbleball rainbows. In many ways it was another perfect day that ended all too soon.

Opening Day Report from Wimbleball Fishery.

Seven boats and twenty-nine bank anglers attended opening day on Thursday. Some great catches were had, pictured was Simon Peters, from the bank at Cow Moor the fish were cruising the bank, you’d get 1 or 2 quick succession then it would go quiet for a while, ended up with 15 fish between two anglers, including pictured one around 5lb.

Peter Duckett had 3 right off from by the flagpole.

Anthony Cartwright had a great day on Friday fishing the bank from Ruggs, catching 16 fish on a mixture of floating lines with lures to shooting heads and boobies. Picture of decent fish in margin by rod, not far off 10lb.

Kieron Jenkins with the best of a 21 fish total from the boat saturday, with most fish coming from Bessoms with some lovely overwintered fish from around the Pontoon.

Best method was fishing di7 and two boobies (pink and black) slowly at depth. Plenty of positive vibes from anglers, bank seemed to outfish the boats weather was so different from previous seasons and the cold temperatures with bright sunshine put the fish down a bit but some still caught on floating lines and diawl bachs! Get those online returns in, as at the end of the month Wimbleball admin will pick a random catch return for a free take 2 fish then catch and release ticket.

9 Feb 2025

Trees for Salmon – Planting Day at Landacre Bridge

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

Over the past twelve months or so I have helped introduce the film Riverwoods to audiences across North Devon. The film highlights the vital link between tree’s and salmon within complex ecosystems. So when I learnt that West Country Rivers Trust were holding a tree planting day beside the River Barle close to the iconic Landacre Bridge I felt that I should attend and join this effort to improve this environment for the salmon.

Those who follow my posts on North Devon Angling News will know of my dismay at the dramatic decline in salmon populations across the UK and beyond. I have been visiting the River Barle since I was a child when I would play in the cool clear waters fascinated by the minnows and trout that darted to and fro. Later I fished for Salmon inspired by the writings of previous generations who enjoyed an abundance hard to imagine today. Thirty years ago I walked the bank in late Autumn to glimpse salmon huddled in deep pools prior to spawning.

It is poignant to reflect upon the plight of Exmoor’s salmon an iconic symbol of the Rivers health and the wider indicator of our planets health. The river is in trouble these flowing waters that teamed with life are dying and it is up to us to reverse this trend.

Our son James works with the National Trust’s wetlands team across North Devon and joined me as a volunteer. We took photo’s as we planted tree’s that will hopefully be there in twenty years or so when our granddaughter can perhaps visit to see where her grandad looked to the future. It is my hope that salmon will still be migrating to the Barle then as they have done for thousands of years.

Many thanks to Dan Osmond (below) for his in depth account of the day below: –

Trees for Salmon – Planting Day at Landacre Bridge

There’s an old cliché that, ‘salmon live in trees’ but there is a deep and intertwined relationship between these fish and the vegetation that symbiotically supports both, not just the salmon. For trees, salmon bring rich nutrients from the sea up with their migrations to their spawning grounds. Numbers vary by ecosystem and health of salmon populations, but in some areas it has been observed that up to 70% of all nitrogen in trees comes from these migratory fish. This is reciprocated and for salmon, trees provide richer feeding opportunities through falling terrestrial insects and bolstering aquatic ecosystems with leaf and coarse materials for aquatic insects. Not only this, but trees provide resilience against climate change, through evapotranspiration and shading, vital in Southern England as climate threatens the already endangered Atlantic salmon. The benefits continue, as when trees succumb to the wind or are dragged in by beavers, the woody material aids natural processes in forming river stability and forming scours and complex habitat, all of which provides refuge for all different life stages of fish.

The view of the Barle valley from Landacre bridge is a treasured site for many local to or fond of Exmoor. This area is a site of Special Scientific Interest, both for the species-rich mire found within the floodplain but also for our friend the Atlantic salmon. The Barle is an area still supporting high numbers of spawning fish within the Exe despite declines across the catchment and has some of our highest annual electrofishing results for juvenile salmon each year. Despite the picturesque scene, this area is vulnerable, with high browsing from red deer and cattle leaving the banks bare of vegetation, and now showing signs of erosion that left unchecked would leave this very valuable area degrading further.

It was with this concern that we decided to step in with our ‘Trees for Salmon’ planting at Landacre Bridge. Supported by advice from Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), we set about a strategy of ‘applied nucleation’, whereby small clusters of trees are planted to act as a dense source of future tree recolonisation. This has the added benefit of small enclosures deterring deer from munching vulnerable young trees, the leading cause of the lack of vegetation in these parts. The work was funded through Natural England’s Species Recovery project and site visits and collaboration with their team allowed us to target our planting exclosures in areas that would not negatively impact the mire habitat but bring about an overall improvement in the long-term hydrology and habitat function at this location. Being such boggy ground doesn’t make the job easy however, with the team from Three Atop Woodland Services manually installing the tree protection exclosures, even through the worst of this winter’s blizzards. All of this was wonderfully supported by the enthusiastic permission and help of the landowner Jo, who has been watching and caring for the salmon in these headwaters for many decades.

With all that goes on behind the scenes, it was with relief that we were able to bring 1,500 young trees and a cheerful group of volunteers to Landacre Bridge on Sunday the 9^th of February – the sun was even shining! After some words about the importance of the area and purpose of the day from local angler, Ueli Zellweger, and able demonstration from the WRT tree planting ninjas, Jay and Rob; the group of 25 dispersed across the valley to put trees in the ground at the exclosures. A mixture of native broadleaf trees were planted in, with sessile oak, alder, rowan, blackthorn and hawthorn forming this future riparian woodland community. So able and enthusiastic were our volunteers that by lunchtime, hot leek and potato soup in-tow, all of the trees had already been planted! After some warm bowlfuls and more fishy conversation, folks made their way back on home and the truck was loaded to return to the yard, 1,500 trees lighter. Though the effects of the hard work will take time to see, I look forward to returning to seeing these same plants in a couple of decades and the opportunities that they provide for the river ecosystem. Against the ongoing declines in biodiversity, most evident in freshwater migratory fish of all vertebrate groups; the day offered a positive opportunity to put boots on the ground, get mud under the fingernails and do something about it. We hope for many more opportunities to do the same again and scale up these restoration activities to support our wonderful rivers.

Dr. Dan Osmond

Senior Fisheries Scientist

Westcountry Rivers Trust

19 Dec 2024

READS AND PRESENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR

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

A new book just published is Nicholas Fittons’ book ‘Gently Down the Stream’. Hardcover, 182 pages. priced at 19.95. In stock at Lance Nicholson.

Nick is a long time member of the Dulverton Anglers Association.

A perfect Christmas gift to yourself, or any other angler in your life!

I have ordered my copy and will write a review in the New Year

Michelle Werretts excellent book is also available at Lance Nicholsons.

( Below) Border Country Belts are also available in the shop and make a superb Christmas gift.

https://www.bordercountrybelts.co.uk

http://www.lance-nicholson.co.uk

10 Sep 2024

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL

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

Since Mark Underhill and his family have been managing Wimbleball Trout Fishery it has gained a reputation as one of the West Countrys best venues. Its hard fighting trout and spectacular scenery bring anglers back time after time. Trevor Telling was a very well-liked and respected member of the Wimbleball Fishery team giving valuable advice to visiting anglers inspiring them with his positive and friendly demeanour. Trevor has undoubtedly played a significant role in building Wimbleball’s reputation. Trevor loved Wimbleball and it’s anglers and was remembered at a Memorial Competition at the reservoir on September 8th, 2024. The competition was organised by Alan Cross a close friend of Trevor. Below is Alan’s full report.

The competition was opened by Karen Telling (Trevor’s wife) who thanked everyone for their turning out in weather that only fishermen could appreciate.

Total money raised on the day from fishing entries, raffle and donations was £305.
That is all going to the South West Fishing for Life charity. Trevor was a fishing instructor with them, helping ladies who are going thru cancer treatment.

Sale of Trevor’s fishing tackle and donations previously total of £1,565 went to Exeter Hospice Care who looked after Trevor in his final week’s and supported Karen and Charlotte.

A Total of 3 bank fishermen and 22 boat fishermen took part in the competition.
The winners were
Martin Williams with 8 fish total and a biggest fish of 6 lbs 9oz’s for boat fishing and Andrew Hill with 2 fish and his biggest fish was 4 1/2 lb’s.
Both fishermen were presented with a memorial shield by Jeff Pearce from Wimbleball Fishery.

A total of 56 fish with a combined weight of 119 lb’s 6 oz.
Winners of the raffle prizes of boxes of flies from Trevor’s own selection were
Wayne Middleton
Andrew Hull
Neil Jones.
Three ladies and their instructors from the South West fishing for Life charity turned out to fish as well, they didn’t want to enter the competition but enjoyed their fishing catching a further 4 fish.
Karen closed the competition by drawing the raffle and congratulating everyone on their catches and again thanking them for turning out to remember Trevor. This will be an annual match to celebrate Trevor and of course allow us fishermen to talk about how big the one that got away was.

I shared a boat with Snowbee Ambassador and Wimbleball team member Jeff Pearce and as always enjoyed a great day of fishing and fishing talk. The fishing proved to be challenging but with the combination of determination, trial error and experience we managed to catch five superb hard fighting trout. It rained pretty well all day but this failed to dampen our enthusiasm as the misty vistas still gave a certain dramatic back drop to proceedings.

http://www.snowbee.co.uk

*Jeff Pearce with a typical Wimbleball rainbow*

The warm and convivial atmosphere at the start of the day and conclusion were a fitting tribute to Trevor whose spirit lives on at this jewel in the crown of Exmoor Fly Fishing.

22 Aug 2024

Birthday trout from timeless waters

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

Birthdays inevitably come around each year reminding of our progress on life’s journey a time to celebrate life, to reflect and perhaps to recalibrate.

My wife Pauline had treated me to a fine leather belt celebrating the wild brown trout of Exmoor from https://www.bordercountrybelts.co.uk

A fine present that oozes quality, craftsmanship with the pleasing fragrance of real leather.

Inspired in part by the belt what better way to spend a birthday than with my wife beside a river that teams with wild trout and the occasional grayling?

Late August is a pleasing time to visit Exmoor with its heather clad rolling hills interspersed with yellow gorse. The roadsides decorated with bright loosestrife in shades of pink. The trees are starting to take on early hues of the coming Autumn, seasons on Exmoor seem to arrive earlier and later than in the lower lands.

We arrived in Dulverton late morning, grabbed a pasty and sausage roll from the deli to enjoy at the water’s edge later. We visited Rothwell and Dunworth bookshop to check out the fishing books of which there are always a good selection. A good old fashioned traditional second hand antiquarian bookshop that it is easy to spend half an hour or so browsing in, so much more aesthetically pleasing than scrolling through the clinically sterile internet. Having been tempted in the bookshop we headed to Lance Nicholson’s to see what beats were available on the https://dulvertonanglingassociation.org.uk/general.php Beats. The Beat I wanted to explore was Old Woman’s the associations latest acquisition and to my delight James told me it was free and promptly wrote my name in the book.

Before heading to the river bank we grabbed a coffee and popped into the Exmoor Society’s Office to learn about their Rivers day on Saturday August 24^th. https://www.exmoorsociety.com/individual-event/exmoor-rivers-day

There is always something special about exploring a new water and Old Woman’s Beat oozed a timeless aura from the moment we left the car and strolled into the lush green field that borders the river.

A herd of Friesen cows were grazing at the far end of the field. Old farmhouses were nestled a distance away in the valley, Oak woodland bordered the river with dense oak woods further down the valley.

The River Exe flowed between ancient oaks, at low summer level now peaceful and serene. Swallows swooped over the summer landscape, sunshine broke through the high white cloud and a strong breeze ruffled the leaves that had now taken on the deep darker green of late summer.

We arrived at Old Woman’s Pool and hut half way down the beat. A picnic table providing a pleasing spot to take our lunch as we savoured the timeless scene. Fishing Huts are undoubtedly places that absorb angling history as anglers from generations pause to take a lunch and debate the issues of the day.

We scrambled down the bank to the rocky foreshore where I threaded the line through the rings of my 7ft Snowbee Classic. I had purchased a couple of deer hair dry flies in Lance Nicholson’s after asking advice on what fly pattern to try. Pauline gave me sound advice and suggested I sit a while and watch the water as she had spied a couple of fish rising in the pool above.

A kingfisher flashed downstream a streak of iridescent blue that always inspires. Large dragonflies hovered above the water and a wagtail paused upon a rock on the far side of the river. It was indeed good to pause before casting in haste savouring the ambience and scenery of the river.

I waded carefully into the shallows and worked my way slowly up the pool flicking the bushy dry fly into likely looking spots as I tried to read the water.

I didn’t really expect to catch in the smooth water as I have always found the fish easier to tempt in faster riffled water with plenty of oxygen especially during the days of low summer flows and higher water temperatures.

After exploring Old Woman’s pool with the dry I decided to head down river and fish back up exploring the faster deeper water with a New Zealand style set up. After fishing a couple of likely runs to no avail I removed the bushy indicator fly and tied on a heavy nymph.

I plopped this upstream allowing the heavy tungsten nymph to search deep down in fast dark water. The lines tip paused as I followed the progress and I lifted to feel that thrilling life transmitted through the line. A beautiful wild Exe brown trout was admired before releasing back into the cool water.

I fished on and hooked a bigger trout in the next pool. The fish darted to and fro causing a few moments of anxiety as it momentarily became snared in some weed. Gentle pressure brought it free and I slipped the net under another pleasing trout of over 10”.

After lingering for a chat with Pauline who was reading the latest Exmoor Magazine at the water’s edge I returned to explore Old Woman’s pool again sending the heavy nymph into the deep dark waters.

At the head of the pool I waded carefully across the shallow shingle that runs into the pool. I noted that the shingle gives way, the water plunging into the dark mysterious depths of Old Woman’s Pool. I pondered upon the history of the pool and how it had got its name. Had those deep dark waters that offer so much life also taken life in the distant past?

I messaged James at Lance Nicholson’s later enquiring about the pools name. He told me he would seek details from Michelle Werrett who may be able to elaborate upon the legend of the old lady who was taken by the river. Several anglers have talked of a presence they have felt by the river at this spot. I can well imagine the atmosphere of the pool as the light drains from the day beneath those ancient oaks.

I plucked my copy of Michelle Werrett’s fine book Song of the Streams and opened its pages to rediscover her accounts of fishing the Old Woman’s beat. I suggest you look out a copy and enjoy her evocative and descriptive prose.

Copies of the book are available at Lance Nicholson’s or online at https://www.medlarpress.com

I fished a few runs and pools upstream reverting to the new Zealand set up. With no further takes and no fish showing it was a good time to depart and head off in search of an evening meal to complete those birthday celebrations