Bruce Elton enjoyed a day to remember at Bulldog Fishery banking this superb personal best brown trout scaling 11ln 10oz. The fish was tempted on a buzzer after missing the fish on a large black snake fly. Bruce also caught a 4lb 8oz brown trout and four rainbow trout of between 2lb and 3lb.
Results
1st – Dave & Fred Chapman – 25lb 6oz
2nd – Nick “Lennie” Tamlin – 25lb 5oz
3rd – Pete Davey (Fishing for Heroes) – 24lb 8oz
Biggest Fish of the Day
Honourable Mentions
Fly Fishing enthusiasts flocked to the Fox and Hounds at Eggesford last weekend for a gathering organised by Trout and Salmon magazine. The event featured talks from a wide range of experts covering fishing tactics, their fishing lives and how this connects with the natural world at the water’s edge and beyond.
The weekend proved to be a resounding success, a great social occasion that helps the fly fishing community to flourish. Whilst Fly Fishers tend to be solitary throughout much of their time pursuing their quarry there is also pleasure in sharing the joy. This was apparent throughout this event. Pauline and I could only fit in the Sunday morning of the event but it was apparent from all we met that it had all gone exceptionally well with thanks to Pete Tyjas, all at the Fox and Hounds, the exhibitors, the speakers and of course the attendees.
The Fox and Hounds has a rich history as a Country Fishing Hotel and should be treasured for these establishments are at the heart of fly fishing tradition and history. Many once thriving hotels have ceased to exist, the Carnarvon Arms and Tarr Steps Hotel on Exmoor are two that readily spring to mind. I have fond memories of both hotels and view their demise with sadness. It is of course the decline of salmon that contributed to their closing for salmon and the anglers who chase them bring valuable economic benefits to the local area.
The Taw still provides excellent fishing for wild brown trout that seem to be thriving an indication that the main issues with salmon decline are at sea. The Fox and Hounds offer fishing on nearly 4 miles of fishing on the River Taw. The lightly fished beats are maintained in their natural state.
Fishing small streams
Pete delivered a heart felt talk on his fishing life with valuable tips on casting and how to approach the water. It seemed appropriate that as Pete prepared to start numerous martins appeared high above as they migrate into their Spring and summer home.
Harry displayed dry fly and duo techniques with great enthusiasm explaining in detail how to read the water and manipulate the flies to best effect. Giving valuable advice as to tackle set up and how to apply.
Fred Brown gave an inspiring talk on the use of streamers and how to fish them. He explained how these lures often tempt the largest inhabitants of the river. It really does make sense as the larger trout will generally turn cannibalistic to maintain size. I have recently finished reading the excellent book River Trout Streamer Fishing by Theo Pike and intend to explore some of our local rivers with streamers.
North Devon based Pete Tyjas is the new editor of Trout and Salmon Magazine that has been in circulation since 1955. Fly fishing is undoubtedly enjoying an influx of new thinking with a younger generation embracing tactics from across the globe. There is of course a rich vein of history and tradition interwoven in Fly fishing evolution over the centuries that should also be treasured.
Whilst away in the Cotswolds recently I spotted an interesting book entitled ‘The Diary of a Test Fisherman’ 1809 to 1819. I have skimmed through the book and will read fully in due course. It will be fascinating to note how times have changed as this book was published before F M Halfords; Dry Fly Fishing in Theory and Practice that was published in 1889.
Whilst Pauline and I were only present for the Sunday morning and Sunday lunch it was obvious that all who attended had been privileged to enjoy a unique weekend full of warmth and laughter. It was reassuring to witness the experts finding the tree branches from time to time. When I catch the branches I hope to avoid any spectators yet; I would appreciate a dedicated team of assistants to untangle fly and leader from the guilty branches!
The raffle at the end of the event raised £410 towards river conservation projects.
Sunday lunch was extremely enjoyable with a vast range of topics debated covering the natural world and the more worrying wider world.
The Fly Fishing community gathered at the Arundell for the first day of the West Country Trout Festival on March 14th the eve of a new River Fishing season. It proved to be a highly enjoyable day of learning, socialising and tackle browsing. My mind is overwhelmed with images, thoughts and plans for a new season so rather than try and report on the day with long winded narrative I will simply post images and relevant captions with links to relevant websites.
David Pilkington got the talks underway enthralling the audience by reading an extract from his highly anticipated book that reflects upon a lifetime at the water’s edge. His narrative tells of social change and declining salmon runs interspersed with rich and relevant humour.
David Oakley delivered a fascinating and informative talk on the work of the Wild Trout Trust. He highlighted the many issues that impact upon our rivers including; Agricultural pollution, Physical modifications, Waste Water, Urban pollution, Invasive species, Abstraction, Hydro and global warming.
He outlined the benefits of wood in rivers, The renaturalisation of rivers after years of misguided abuse. The importance of shade and the return to natural wiggling and meandering water courses.
Jeff Pearce presented ‘Echoes of the Run: Can salmon still thrive in our South West Rivers? Jeff has lived close to the River Fowey for much of his life and has an intimate connection with the river and its fish. He explained the sad plight of the salmon and the issues that threaten their survival as they migrate from high on Bodmin Moor to their Ocean feeding grounds and back to their birthplace.
Jeff showed the vital work being undertaken on the River to give the sea trout and salmon a fighting chance.
The impact of Colliford and Siblyback Reservoirs was highlighted along with the hatchery that is being used to compensate for the loss of vital spawning grounds.
Click on links below for more info: –
https://billparrydavies.vhx.tv/products/tidal-reach
William Entwisle
Discussed the expansive strategies being developed by SWRA, including their sea trout and salmon action plan and smolt augmentation initiatives. I missed much of this talk but picked up at its conclusion as William talked of a Noah’s Ark to help salmon to survive as the destructive fishing industry is regulated via international agreements.
Alex emphasised the value and unique importance of English Chalk Streams. There are 210 chalk streams across the world 160 of which are in England with the others in France. The delights of fishing throughout the seasons were described with tactics and approach outlined with in-depth analysis of the trout’s view of the world.
https://www.aardvarkmcleod.com/water_type/chalkstream/
Charles is a gifted teacher and introduced his inspiring Fishing for school program with vigour and passion. The bugs life world of River Fly transfixed the audience and introduced the universal value of Latin across the scientific community. He explained how viewing the abundance of life in rivers linked to art and broader learning. Full details of Fishing For Schools can be found at :-
What we Observe
Is not nature itself,
But nature exposed
to our method
of questioning.
Werner Heisenberg
From Charles talk of Latin and life within the water we moved on to a little psychology as Nigel Nunn introduced his world of fly tying. Asking; How trout see things and why they take a fly? Nigel’s non symmetrical scruffy flies are designed to give the illusion of life. A great deal of thought, observation and experimentation is behind the designs of Nigel’s creations that tempt wily trout across the globe.
Nigel related to the names of some of his flies an example being the Gypsy Queen a vibrant pink and green fly, alegedly named after an Irish saying:-
Pink and Green
Should never be seen
Except on the back of a gypsy queen.
Nigel agreed with my comment that one of the most important factors in fly choice is Confidence and belief in its effectiveness.
https://www.nigelnunnflies.com
Dom talks coarse fish on the fly the new frontier; exploring a wide range of West Country venues suggesting that Fly Fishing offers opportunites to target many species not tradionally targeted with Fly Tackle. Species targetted by Dom included perch, Rudd, pike, carp, bream, roach, chub and even huge catfish.
Jeff Pearce and Nigel Nunn creating tempting flies with a dash of banter and a cheery grin.
Exhibitors host a multitude of stands in the Tamar Room. Quality tackle, flies and holidays to tempt both angler and trout!
UNIQUE FLIES Offer fine quality barbless flies for river and lake
All the way from France
Casterbridge Fisheries (River Frome)
The River Frome home of the UK’s biggest grayling and stunning wild chalkstream trout.
Veniards & The Fly Emporium – Fly Tying materials and accessories at their finest.
Wimbleball Reservior Fly Fishery
Picaris The UK Distributor of Peux Fly Fishing, Fasna Fly Fishing and Diamond Back Fly Rods.
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
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.
The Arundell Arms is a 300 year old Coaching Inn set in West Devon that is at the heart of the West Country Fly Fishing Scene. The Arundell has a rich fishing history and has hosted many influential anglers and gifted literary scholars during its history as one of England’s precious country hotels.
On the evening of February 28th Pauline and I joined with friends to listen to a talk by the well known angling author John Bailey who is also the lead angling consultant in the popular BBC Two series, Mortimer & Whitehouse : Gone Fishing.
I have many of John Baileys angling books and my favourite is ‘Travels with a Two Piece’ published in 1985. The book takes the reader on a journey around the UK with John and his trusty vintage split cane fly rod. Within the pages of this delightful book are stories of fishing in the West Country with particular relevance to the Tamar and its tributaries. The magic of night fishing for the wily sea trout of the Lyd are encapsulated in this pleasing prose from the book. “ The pool lies under the gloom and disorder of Gathered Wood. There is a silence there, enough to hear the small brown trout moving on the shallows, so silent you fancy you hear the moon above slowly spin in the sky, the owl float in the air or the mists actually rise from the meadow dips. There is a magic in the very earth this night.”
In the forty odd years since these words were written much has changed in this world and yet the rivers still flow and anglers still fish these waters hoping to connect with the wild fish that swim within.
In 2025 John revisited these waters as part of the Gone Fishing Team and his talk described in detail the processes involved in the production of this highly popular program its vital human element and the dynamics between its three main characters, Bob, Paul and Ted the dog. The entertaining and informative talk was delivered with a liberal sprinkling of humour. The genuine warmth and honesty of the show emphasised throughout.
There are many who watch Gone Fishing who are not anglers and yet they are entranced by the adventures of Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as they cast their lines into waters across the UK and beyond. The program focuses on wild fish from wild waters a factor that is undoubtedly a reflection of John’s passion for such waters.
I expressed to John my belief that one aspect that makes the show so popular is that it relays the joys of companionship at the water’s edge and doesn’t actually take the fishing too seriously. For whilst John is a dedicated angler like myself many non- anglers would fail to grasp the depth and passion involved.
Wild rivers their value and the value of wild fish was discussed in depth along with the complex links between angling the community and the environment.
The impact of a changing society upon angling for young people was debated at length. I’m sure that many in the audience related to a time when children would fish alone and learn for themselves. Both John and myself could relate to a childhood spent at the water’s edge wandering free without fear in what is now a distant age. Few of today’s youth are likely to enjoy such freedoms.
The Arundell is a special place steeped in history and a tranquil oasis from the troubled world in which we live. After a delicious meal my wife and I retreated to the reading room its shelves abounding with angling and countryside titles in keeping with the hotels essence. There have undoubtedly been many interesting conversations within the timeless comfort of this room.
Bulldog Fly Fly Fishing competition 1st March
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I guess that is to some extent what raises the excitement level when returning to a favourite venue after a few months absence. Wimbleball Reservoir nestling in Exmoor’s rolling countryside is a special fishery that has been rejuvenated over the past decade under the management of Mark and Trudi Underhill. It’s hard fighting rainbow trout provide exciting fishing set in a lake that gives pleasing the illusion of wild fishing.
The last time I had visited the lake was back in October when the water level was alarmingly low at around 25% and the boat jetty was a good walk from the water’s edge.
On the second day of the season on February 27th we found the lake brim full after a very prolonged spell of wet weather that was in truth what was needed to replenish the lakes and rivers across the country.
Reports from opening day were encouraging with a good number of big trout banked and plenty of good catches. Top fish being a stunning double figure rainbow for Roger Truscott who had travelled up from Cornwall.
After negotiating Exmoor’s water logged roads I arrived shortly after 8.00am to find Bruce all tackled up and ready to go at the boat departure area. Several other anglers were already eagerly waiting to launch as fishery staff bailed out the boats and fine-tuned the outboards.
The top end of the lake has a good track record early season so we set off to Rugg’s and Bessom’s to try our luck. And so the search began with Bruce and I casting our choice of lures on sinking and intermediate lines. I was expectant from the off and fished a black lure and cormorant slowly with occasional twitches to impart life.
( Above) My normal early season go to flies.
After an hour without so much as a pull the reality that its not always easy started to dawn. But with the misty rain easing and occasional glimpses of brightness in the sky all was good and as the sweet melody of a wren’s song drifted from the marginal tree’s I just relished the moment.
It’s always wise to keep a close eye on other anglers to determine if they are catching noting where and with what tactics. Constantly moving boats tends to indicate a lack of action whilst clusters of boats is often an indication of shoaling fish.
Whilst it is improper to crowd in too close its also wise to sidle a little closer as Fly fishers are generally a friendly bunch willing to share info and help each other. It’s not a competition after all and guys just wanna have fun.
After trying several areas Bruce and I had not had so much as a pull and by midday my confidence was just starting to ebb a little. Early season experience told me that a black fly fished on either an Intermediate or sinking line would work. However watching the anglers fishing other boats it appeared that they were catching on floating lines with a slow retrieve.
Our Friend Jeff appeared close to our boat and after a cheery greeting asked how we were doing. As I relayed our lack of success the line ripped tight and I was into a hard fighting rainbow that nailed the black lure with startling savagery.
My friend fishing on a nearby boat spoke of floating lines, long leaders black lures and cormorants. Encouraged that my fly choice was good I swapped my new Snowbee Intermediate for a Floater. I tied a Montana to the point and put a dial-bach and a cormorant on the droppers. Bruce meanwhile also changed to a floating line and tied on a bund drifting a team of nymphs as he enjoyed lunch.
Over the following three hours we enjoyed consistent action fishing teams of nymphs slowly. This was delightful fishing as a gentle breeze rippled the water and late winter sunshine illuminated the lake and leafless trees.
Birdsong filled the air and I watched a pair of grebes practicing their Spring courtship routine. It seemed that Winter was losing Its grip as the day drifted along on calm waters.
With an hours fishing left and sport slowing we decided to have an hour in the boat bay before leaving. Other anglers had also had the same idea and several boats fished as a heavy squall swept across the lake.
Heavy rain beat down but failed to dampen our enthusiasm. As the rain passed by sunshine broke through and a rainbow appeared adding vivid colours to the fading day.
We banked the boat and compared notes with fellow anglers. It seemed that all had enjoyed success with floating lines and small dark flies most effective. Bruce and I had boated nine good rainbows averaging 2lb to 3lb. Other anglers had faired equally well with one angler reporting eleven trout to the net along with tales of bigger fish coming adrift.
It was good to be back and I look forward to my next trip on this wonderful lake.