With the weather still considerably mild, the last 2 weeks have been a veritable bustle of activity… lots happening on the Vision front which is all very exciting, and at last an opportunity to get out onto the water with friends and clients without fear of cancellation. We’re fortunate in many ways ‘doon sooth’ in that many of the chalkstreams are still quite fishable in conditions where others would suffer, be that of level, clarity or otherwise… for this I am thankful as it’s been the measure of some exceptional days out grayling fishing.
Although I do however say ‘grayling fishing’, trout continue to be extremely active… they’ve obviously forgotten to set their clocks!
Warren and I hadn’t been to our bit of the Wylye as yet this autumn, so with him having procured another a nice camera the previous day… to check out the river, fish and take some pictures were but an array of excuses that came to mind as a reason to make the journey forthwith.
With the river looking beautiful and autumnal as it should, and having faffed about for what seemed an eternal age with our cameras, a half hearted attempt to fish in what felt like a very ‘still’ and ‘nothing’ type happening afternoon soon drew to a close as the clock struck 5… couldn’t see a ruddy thing then anyway.
Following on through the week, David klinking the dink during a great day out on the Itchen.
The Itchen also looking vibrant, colourful and full of life… above and below.
Yet having frequented here more often than not over the last 2 weeks, it remains well above average depth with a flow to test your metal should you feel the urge. Warren unwittingly demonstrates.
When needs must, tiny #18/20 offerings, dropper rollers and some beasty shot to get down deep.
Pretty tactics they aren’t, but my do they work… do bears s##t in the woods?
Just as you’ve sidled up to the perfect pocket, positioned yourself just so and set up your rig…
… don’t you just love em?
The highlight however – could there possibly be one other than fishing?
Well yes!. A new addition to the family, a rescue dog from here. Murphy is of Irish stock, we were keen on Guinness as a name but shouting it across fields made us sound like delirious alcoholics so we though better of it. He does look like a Murphy though I’ll grant you that.
Therefor our veteran flat coat Holly now has a play thing, she’ll be all the better and perkier for it.
Chew all you like but stay out of the rod room… grrr.
Why do I feel less likely to be fishing and more likely to be dog walking all of a sudden, perhaps I can teach him to catch fish… Gollum… now there’s a name I didn’t think of.
Enjoy your grayling fishing if you’re able… tensioned lines all ~ Jim
