Dry fly fishing - The Peacock

Decided to have a day on a new stretch of river so went for the long(ish) drive to the river Wye in the heart of Derbyshire, a stretch run by the Peacock at Rowsley. As ever I was keen to get off so crept out  of the house at half past six and hit the road. It is so good to drive when all is asleep!!!

Had a very warm welcome at the hotel where I picked up my map and looked at some of the entries in the returns book. Was no aware that this day ticket allows you to fish in the centre of Bakewell. The tourists feed the hungry trout so they have grown on a little. One report was for a 36 inch trout! Not my idea of the perfect day so I opted for the stretch just after Haddon hall.

This stretch meanders its way through a proper pasture. I started at the bridge as the casting was easy and it always takes me a few the get in the groove. Decided not to fish but just to watch the river and see what was happening. Lots of little rises to very small flies, probably midges.

In between the rannuncular fish were chasing down the smallest of flies. Managed to hook into the first fish of the day. A very welcome little rainbow trout.

Small but perfectly formed!!!

Just after the weir I hooked into another small trout (made the fist one look like a monster!!) but it was just so good to be proper dry fishing and catching!

After a great lunch and a well earned break from the sun (arms getting quite red now!!) I set on up further away from the car park finding more turns riffles and runs....an absolute dream. Spent a frustrating half an hour casting at a number of huge trout all of which did rise to my fly only to turn away at the last minute. I am sure I could see a little smirk on their face. Did not seem to matter what flies I chose they all were tempted to rise only to back of at the last minute. Ah well next time!!

Found more fish and as directed got into position and stayed still for 5 minutes to allow the feeding pattern to start. Second cast and a lovely grayling snapped up the size 18 Adams.

Heading back towards the car park there was time for a few more casts along by the bench with another little rainbow coming to the net. There was no problem in tempting the fish all day long but small flies meant a number missed bites. Off to South Africa so could not stay late but the last hour has seen lots and lots more fly life. Think I will return for an evening before the summer is out.

 

The River Coln, Fairford in the Rain

After a while with no option to get out on the river I took advantage of a free Sunday. I drove down early in the morning and was confident of having a good day. Just after I had set up and paid in the Bull I headed to the river to a few drops of rain started to drop on the low river. The shower lasted only a few minutes before it turned into a deluge.... and it did not stop.....not at all......I was so happy I had invested in all of the good kit as it meant I could fish on. I managed to stick it out for a few hours and caught some good fish.

The swans did not mind the rain..........I don't think!!

With a very soggy arm one final little wild trout came to hand and I decided to call it a day, head home, and dry out!!