Blakewell Fishery are holding a Spring Time Fly Fishing Competition on April 25th. See details below :-
LAKE RECORD TIGER TROUT @ Bulldog Fishery
David Minall has caught a new lake record tiger trout weighing 9lb at Bulldog Fishery. The fish was one of a five fish bag all taken on buzzer patterns.
THE ARUNDELL WEST COUNTRY TROUT FESTIVAL
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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
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.
WILD TROUT TRUST
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.
Fowey Rivers Association
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
SOUTH WEST RIVERS ASSOCIATION
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 JARDINE
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 JARDINE – FISHING FOR SCHOOLS
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 :-
NIGEL NUNN
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
DOMINIC GARNETT
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.
LAKESIDE
IN THE COCKPIT
Jeff Pearce and Nigel Nunn creating tempting flies with a dash of banter and a cheery grin.
BREAK TIME
EXHIBITORS HALL
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.
The organising and coordinating of such of an event takes months of careful planning and behind the scenes work. James Christoforou, Lewis Hendrie and all at the Arundell are to be thanked for their efforts.
THE INTRIGUE OF A PRIVATE LAKE
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.
JOHN BAILEY AT THE ARUNDELL
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.
Below future dates for the diary :-
Bulldog March 1st Competition
Prospects good for Fly Fsihing Competition
Last minute tickets might be available
Bulldog Fly Fly Fishing competition 1st March
12 tickets available
Includes:
-Breakfast 
-lunch 
-6fish ticket 
-Refreshments 
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes 
+ Biggest fish of the day prize 
Contact us direct for details
A New Season At Wonderful Wimbleball
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.
South West Fly Fair 2026
Fly anglers from across the region flocked to Roadford Lake for the annual South West Fly Fair hosted by South West Lakes Trust an event that is a firm fixture in the fly fishing community’s calendar. The event was opened by guest of honour Charles Jardine who has attended the event for many years bringing his ever optimistic and buoyant presence. The fair was sponsored by Turral, Chevron Hackles and Snowbee.
The event above all is a wonderful opportunity for the Fly Fishing community to gather and socialise with plans made for the season ahead. The breadth of species and tactics employed by fly fishers is continually evolving and it is fascinating to debate these topics with fellow anglers who share their vast experience freely.
There seems to be a good upbeat vibe in the fly fishing scene at the moment and this was apparent as I wandered between the stallholders and attendees. A new season commences at South West Lakes Trusts rainbow trout waters on Saturday February 28th. At Wimbleball Reservoir fishing gets underway on Thursday, February 26th and anticipation is high for the wonderful sport enjoyed on this water high on Exmoor.
Fly casting is an important skill and Hywell Morgan, Charles Jardine and Gary Champion all gave excellent demonstrations making the art of casting look exceedingly easy. This illusion is testimony to their level of expertise and double haul, snake rolls were demonstrated and a wealth of tips cast out to a keen audience.
In the Fly Tying hall an impressive array of flies, lures and nymphs were created to tempt a wide range of species with tiny flies to tempt trout and grayling along with big gaudy lures for big pike.
There was certainly plenty to engage with and it was difficult to decide on watching the demonstrations or to attend the fascinating talks. I attended two talks and sadly missed Charles Jardines talk on the Fishing for Schools programme that helps young people from all backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or profound learning difficulties, by taking learning out of the classroom and into the natural world. More information can be found at their website. www.fishingforschools.co.uk
Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust gave an enlightening talk on wild brown trout populations. The complexity of genetic diversity within trout populations is a subject that science is starting to build a greater understanding of and this data is vital in conserving these incredible fish. Shaun’s passion and love of trout was very apparent as he reeled off a series of spectacular images of trout and their environment.
He emphasised the importance of river environments the value of trees and wood in rivers and how scruffy shaggy rivers provide shelter, food and varied flows. He explained the challenges faced by trout from agricultural pollution, poor river management, sewage pollution and climate change.
The importance of catch and release was emphasised with hen fish of particular value. The key points were : –
A trout is not just any old trout…
Massive natural variety & toolbox for change?
Each hen can be really important
Scruffy rivers are the business
Trout need to move around
Long lived if given a chance
Fabulous bellweather
Huge challenges…nature to help?
Brown trout are a key environmental indicator and if their populations are dwindling something is wrong. It has been suggested that if climate change progresses as expected many rivers will be devoid of trout if temperatures rise as expected. There is however hope as some trout populations have adapted to live within river systems where temperatures exceed those previously thought intolerable for trout. www.wildtrout.org
The next talk I attended was given by Rodney Wevill of the Fluff Chucker’s and took us to the tropical waters of Mexico where tarpon, bonefish, permit and rooster fish provide exciting sport for the fly angler. Rodney gave valuable advice on how to embark on the fishing trip of a lifetime at an affordable cost.
Rodney’s humorous accounts of warm water fishing and fish that strip lines from reels at an incredible rate certainly whetted the appetite for adventure. The dangers of sharks and crocodiles were also highlighted along with some alarming encounters with officialdom.
Leaving the fair late afternoon I was buzzing with anticipation at the coming months by river, lake and sea.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Angling clubs traditionally hold their AGM’s at the start or end of a season and these events are an important social gathering for the membership. The meeting is a reset point for the club enabling members to guide the committee as to the direction the club should follow and an opportunity for the committee to engage with members.
I attended two AGM’s in the past week the first was that of South Molton & District Angling Club on February 10th and the second was Dulverton Anglers Association on February 12th. Both events were well attended and reflected anglers vital links to conservation of river habitats.
South Molton AGM
This was the clubs 57th AGM and was held at South Molton’s Masonic Hall. Close to thirty members attended and it was very much business as usual as club Chairman Ed Rands addressed the members and introduced the committee officers as they delivered their reports.
Before the formal meeting commenced Daniel Skeat’s and Karen Saunders of the West Country Rivers Trust gave an informative presentation outlying the valuable work undertaken across the region via the Teign and Taw Fisheries plan. The funding for much of this work is from the governments Water Restoration Fund.
Karen and Daniel gave an outline on work with the farming community to effectively manage maize crops to reduce soil run off that is causing serious issues for salmonids spawning sites.
Electro fishing results across the Taw catchment gave some room for optimism with fry counts encouraging across some sites.
The Taw shad eDNA survey results were inconclusive with only a tiny percentage of samples giving a positive indication of the presence of shad. It is known from anglers catches and observations that both twaite and allis shad are migrating into the River Taw and as this is an annual event spawning is probably taking place though there is not yet conclusive evidence.
The West Country Rivers Trust are working closely with the North Devon Biosphere , National Trust and other organisations to improve river and wetland habitat.
The club continues to thrive in an everchanging world with members enjoying excellent wild brown trout fishing on the River Bray. The long dry summer impacted upon fishing during the latter part of the season though a few migratory fish were contacted during the final days as rivers responded to rain.
The clubs boat trips proved generally productive and enjoyable and more are planned for the coming season.
Trophies were awarded to Jim Ricketts for the best specimen fish with a black bream of 3lb. The Mac Trophy for the biggest Trout was won by Ed Rands with a brown trout of 4lb 8oz and the Hancocks Bass Trophy by myself with a bass of 7lb. The biggest fish trophy was awarded to Ed Rands for a tope of 25lb.
Dulverton Anglers Association AGM
https://dulvertonanglingassociation.org.uk
The Dulverton Anglers Association AGM was held at the Anchor Inn, Exebridge, on Thursday, February 12th. The venue meeting room was packed with close to fifty members keen to support the club and hear the talk by Pete Tyjas the new editor of Trout and Salmon Magazine.
The hard working committee briefed the members on a successful year with the club in excellent financial health. The club now has close to 300 members who enjoy access to fishing on nine beats of the Upper Exe, Barle and Haddeo.
Habitat improvement was high on the agenda and it was clear that there is a dedicated team who carry out regular work across the associations waters.
Pete Tyjas was given a warm welcome and delivered an inspiring, entertaining and informative talk on West Country Fly Fishing, his life and Trout and Salmon Magazine. Pete was the owner of Fly Culture Magazine for seven years and had built a sound following via this high quality quarterly magazine. He was recently given the opportunity to take on the role of Trout and Salmon Magazine editor. It was too good an opportunity to miss and Pete seized the chance to impart his own style to this long standing publication.
Pete told how he moved to the West Country in 1999 inspired by the writings of John Gierach and Mike Weavers excellent book The Pursuit of Wild Trout. Pete spent several years as a fishing guide & Instructor at the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel. The hotel has a long history as a fishing hotel with waters on the River Taw a river that Pete calls his home river.
Pete gave numerous valuable tips on fly presentation and how to approach the river. He conveyed a deep love for fly fishing, trout and the rivers in which they live. Through Fly Culture a thriving community has been forged that Pete will undoubtedly continue to build upon via Trout and Salmon Magazine.
The future of Fly Fishing and the direction of Trout and Salmon was high on the agenda with social media and AI constantly influencing society and readers habits. Pete oozes passion and optimism for the future believing that there could be a shift back towards traditional print media as what is seen online becomes increasingly false.
The price of Trout and Salmon is now less than a pint of beer and offers entertainment and inspiration from both new and established writers fishing a wide variety of venues. Pete is keen to connect with all fly anglers ensuring that those venues fished by the majority of anglers feature alongside those prestigious rivers like the Tay, Tweed, Test and Spey.
A WEEKEND DEDICATED TO FLY ANGLERS
Trout & Salmon Gathering
CALL 01769 580345 TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
We’ve blocked off our entire country hotel in Devon exclusively for a special weekend, 27-29 March 2026, to welcome in the new fly fishing season. Presented by Pete Tyjas and Trout & Salmon Magazine, the weekend will feature an exciting line-up of speakers, with exhibitors and demonstrations throughout the weekend. It’s an opportunity to get together with fly fishing enthusiasts and experts from across the country for a relaxed weekend of all things fly fishing.
Bulldog Fishery in top form
Stillwater Trout anglers continue to enjoy top spot at Bulldog Fishery where Chris Warner-Hill put together this bag that included a fine 6lb 8oz spartic.
