Grayling flies for October 2015 on the Derbyshire Wye

Making the transfer from dry fly fishing to wets and nymphs is made easier by taking out my Tenkara and sort of Czech nymphing it down the river. This little tungsten beaded quill fly, when bounced across to a rise, took a grayling from the surface. Great control on the Tenkara!
Just updated my grayling flies for October on River Diary page

Five go fly fishing on the Derbyshire Wye in sunny October

As the long shadows lie acrosss the river meadow after a very hot day in October the last three fishers return. What a perfect day for trout fishing on the clear water of the Derbyshire Wye.
This blog exists to encourage more women into fly fishing. "Ladies of the stream" (the groups name) are slowly bringing more women into fly fishing.

We started the day with Bernie Maher (figure in the river) doing a kick sample for us - our dapper bearded chap on the bank is Chris, who kindly responded to my request for some help on the day. Thanks again Chris. Thanks also to Bernie who also responded to my call at very short notice! You may recall Bernie featured in an earlier post - it concerned a lawnmower in the lake. Bernie runs Presss Manor fishing lakes and also gives casting tuition.

With the book and the results from the kick sample, Bernie told us what we could see in the tray. Explaining the 'lifestyle' of the different critters. Apart from a bullyhead - which you  may observe in bottom left of the tray, I recall we saw mayfly, blue winged olives, rhyacophila, but not many shrimps. It is always amazing to learn that these tiny creatures may live for up to two years in the river - then the majority of them emerge for a day and die. The River fly partnership has a very good web site for more information. You can also get the app 'Match a hatch' which shows the flies in superb detail, when they are about and what artifical flies you may use to represent them.

Bernie points out what the artificials may represent - fly box courtesy of Chris Worthy.
Fly casting took me quite some time to aquire a - sometimes erratic - ability to cast those tiny flies across the river, but Bernies ability to rationalise the artificial flies down to green things, brown things etc. is a very good point to start at!
We were joined in the afternoon by Peter Arfield of Bakewell fly fishing shop, Who generously gave some fly casting tuition to a new fisher in the group.
We are planning some grayling days for Autumn. If you would like to join us please go to the contact page and send an email. Also have a look regularly at the Women's fishing days on the blog. If you 'Follow by email' you will be informed when I put up a new post.
Tight lines

Grayling Society winter meetings Bakewell, Derbyshire 2015 to 2016

Grayling Fishers programme

Below is the programme for this winters talks.  As usual we will be meeting at the Rutland Hotel in Bakewell, starting at 7.30pm.  The cost remains the same at £3.00.  Everyone welcome, you don't need to be a member.

October 14  Don Stazicker

         A Colorado Flyfishing Roadtrip

Don is traveling to Colorado in September, and he will be brining us some first class video and stills from his trip - he tells me you can get pretty close to the trout in some of the tailwaters there.  Don is a highly-skilled fisherman and a GAIA-certified fly-fishing instructor, and those of you who have seen his work before will know that he is also a first class photographer.

November 4  Alan Henshaw

  Grayling in the UK  plus Fish Rearing.

Alan is the Team Leader at the Environment Agency National Coarse Fish Rearing Unit at Calverton.  Alan will be telling us about fish rearing, and the history of the unit.  He will also talk about the history of Grayling in the UK.  I have been told by those who heard Alan speak last year that this was one of the best talks they had been to - not be missed.

December 2  Jack Perks

Jack is a professional wildlife photographer, with a keen interest in conservation.  

Jack aims to photograph all the freshwater fish species in the UK - over 50 in total, and has studies the lifestyle and behaviour of each species.   He will don his wet suit and snorkel when appropriate to get up close to the fish.

He has worked for the BBC filming for Springwatch and Countryfile, and on angling series such as Mr Crabtree goes Fishing.

January 13  Mike Green

Angling Escapades

Although Mike is a passionate pike fisherman, he is an all-round angler who loves all types of fishing.  He has traveled to many countries in pursuit of all manner of fish - including carp fishing in Ireland and France, to catching Peacock Bass from the Amazon and Rooster fish in Baja, Mexico.

February 10  Stuart Crofts

Stuart needs no introduction, this time he will be doing some fly tying, and importantly talking about how and when to fish the flies, helpful for those who don't make their own flies.

March 9  Dave Southall

        A Fly For All Seasons

Dave is a regular contributor to angling magazines, and well known for his imitative flies.  Dave will be showing us the invertebrates that one might expect to encounter at any season of the year and the imitations that might be used for both trout & grayling.

Updated womens fishing days. Day in October in Derbyshire

Proposing a day on the wonderful Wye in Bakewell on October 4th 2015
Any female anglers wishing to join us? Contact via the blog. Beginner or any level - if you are interested in trying fly fishing, just curious, or keen to get more fly fishing in - contact and come along and enjoy an activity which will see you spending time in the countryside watching the wildlife and learning a little about the river

Updated the River fly diary page

Finally got round to updating the River fly diary page on the blog. Moved on to Windows 10, which seems to be making life a lot easier for moving things about from phone, tablet and computer. Plus we finally have fibre broadband - less time for making a cup of tea whilst everything downloads.
My favourite fly at the moment is the Hackled coachman. Will see how long it persists in catching fish!
Size 18 barbless hook. Peacock herl, red thread, tag of gold tinsel. Hackle brown with a white hackle in front.

Water water everywhere and not a drop to fish

We saw many beautiful rivers on our trip to Italy this month. Unfortunately I was unable to fish any of them as I had not taken fly fishing gear - it was a walking holiday in the Piedmont area. Just to give you a taste of the area I have a couple of pictures and a video

The river above is the Chiusella. Within easy walking distance of where we were staying. A mile or so upriver of this is a swimming spot named 'Devils mouth' (Bocca diablo - in Italian? Or something like that) where we watched Barbel grazing the rocks in the clear water.

I did note that the most accessible spots of the river were in the no fishing zones!

Just to give you a little more feel for the strength of the water here I attach a video. This was in Fondo, a high village - with very small communities (many abandoned) living even higher up. I know because we did the high route then back along the river.

Climbing in Yorkshire and no fly fishing

Expecting the heat of summer to break once the school kids started their summer break, we decided to take a trip to Yorkshire before school finished. Not to fly fish - but to do some walking.
Unfortunately schools finished on the Wednesday not Friday and the weather (of course) broke. We thus found ourselves wandering around Malham Cove in the rain! It was, at this point still reasonably warm, unlike the following two days!
The scenery was still fabulous. We walked from Malham Cove up to Malham Tarn and back via a limestone gorge that was so long I couldn't even get it into a panorama picture.
Continuing along the top edge to the further end, we then found ourselves descending steeply on damp rocks. The rain had lifted but left our descent a little slippy. Part way down we met a young lad and his father coming up. "Were we aware it becomes a bit of a climb down the waterfall further down?" said the dad. Oh, said husband Mike. "Are there plenty of hand holds?" "Yesss, plenty" came the reply. Well his son couldn't have been more than 10 so I thought it should be within my ability and physical stretch. I do not enjoy climbing, but we had already come quite a distance!
Going further down to a plateau formed behind one of the waterfalls we came upon a group of Germans who had just climbed the waterfall. "Oooh, it is DANGEROUS" said a very tall guy. Huh, think I, we have followed German guide books abroad that warned us of precipitous and dangerous drops on walks before - only to find no problem at all. Just exaggerating thinks me.
So on we went, trying to keep to the dryer bits - which soon ran out.... as we were in pools of water picking our way round.
Then we arrived at a sudden view down. Children splashing in the water, people looking up at us. Too late to turn back. I had already had a small scream as I wobbled across one rock. Mike then advised me to face the rock, rather than come down backwards. Amazingly I had realised the same thing at that very point.
Suffice it to say that the very steep bouldery climb down - with almost enough hand and foot holds - made me feel very hot and nervous. Our descent seemed slow - but perhaps terror made time stand still? I found comfort in the fact that the smoothness of the top of the hand holds meant we were choosing the correct route down - which swung this way and that as we traversed and descended.

This painting (actually preliminary sketch) by James Ward in 1811 gives a picture of our descent. I was pleased I had not turned back - but I would not do it again!
My reward came later as our walk continued past a much smaller waterfall. In the pool of which, were many, many trout.

As we watched, there must have been a short hatch - as suddenly four or five trout rose to take something from the surface - then, just as quickly, stopped.
Very pleasant. Even the sun shone strongly for those few minutes we stood there.
And, as the sun has now come out now we are home, I think it is time to head to the river to see if the fish are rising in Derbyshire.
Tight lines

Wonderful Wolfscote Dale and fly fishing on the river Dove

Ladies of the Stream
Well, we had four women fishing at Wolfscote on the Dove.

Hilary took some very good shots of the river and fish. The landscape and surroundings in this popular walking area are stunning.
The morning gave us some heavy rain - which did not dampen the spirits for fishing in this beautiful spot. The wind then set up which also did not stop us casting a fly - frequently at the trees!
Derbyshire County AC had given us this day fly fishing - for which we all say thank you very much.

The river held some large grayling (and trout). The grayling being a good indicator of clean water. Clearly a river in good heart.
There are three different groups that currently own the stretches past Charles Cottons Temple, Wolfscote and down Beresford Dale. All to be sold - as far as I have been told - to one owner. Let us hope that the fishing remains accessible to those of who appreciate fishing such water without it breaking the bank.

Ladies of the stream fly fishing at Wolfscote July 2015

The Ladies of the Stream fly fishing group meet again to fish the delightful Dove at Wolfscote Dale. Courtesy of Derbyshire County Angling Club.

More detail on "Womens fishing days" page
If you wish to join our group of fly fishers please contact through the blog.

1 woman fly fishing? No - 5 go fishing!

Ladies of the stream fly fishers met at a beautiful spot on Cressbrook & Litton stretch of the Derbyshire Wye and had a wonderful day fly fishing for the wild browns and rainbows.

The event began with bacon (or egg) butties, cooked by the erstwhile head keeper - David Percival. You may note we have a man in the picture - not chef David but Don Stazicker, GAIA qualified instructor and our man to do the kick sampling plus quite a bit of other support and guiding.

Kick sampling and an expert to advise on what is in the box - is always interesting and informative. I can now tell a leech from a midge larvae. Thank you Don.
We had a bullhead in the box - which concerned Hilary as she thought it may eat everything. Craftily a mayfly(?) nymph attached itself to the back of the bullhead - quite out of danger. It was a bit like watching films of sharks with much smaller fish hitching a ride in their slipstream.

Time to get to the river and fish!

Don was a fount of knowledge and support - showing Ange how to catch that trout!

Thank you from Ladies of the Stream

Ladies of the Stream would like to say a grand thank you to Cressbrook & Litton for giving us the opportunity to fish this lovely stretch of river. Thanks also to Hilary for organising the event.
The Cressbrook & Litton is a wonderfully organised and run club, revering both the river environment and the fly fishers. Its river stretches running through stunning Derbyshire scenery. Not only that - but they also do day tickets! Follow this link to book.

Future events

Now I must do the update of future "Womens fishing days" for Ladies of the stream, with our next event July 7th at Wolfscote, courtesy of Derbyshire County Angling Club.

Ladies of the stream

"Ladies of the stream" is a get together of women to enjoy fly fishing. If you are interested in joining please make contact. Our aim is to get more women and girls fly fishing. Whether you have no knowledge of what fly fishing is, are a novice or able fly fisher please contact to join the group.
Fly fishing is a superb pastime. I can think of no other more pleasureable activity than walking along a river - fly rod, landing net - constantly observing the river and surrounding flora and fauna. Delightful fly fishing therapy.
Tight lines

Tenkara - 29 rods and counting

Choosing to attend a Tenkara tuition day on the last day of May would, I had hoped, been a summery event - but it was cold and windy - even with the sunshine. At least it didn't rain!
Paul Gaskell and John Pearson of Tenkara Centre were an entertaining and very informative duo. With John using a 10 metre leader on his rod, Paul played the part of the fish - not in the river of course. This amusing exercise explained how to handle a fish and, most importantly, bring it to the net. With no reel to wind in line, clearly a technique was needed.
We tried quite a few rods - and weren't they all very different. I had taken my old Stonefly tenkara rod, but decided to keep it hidden; aware that if I compared it to some of these I would find it wanting.
Unfortunately my free 'Mamushi Kebari' fly made from a piece of skin from a Japanese Pit Viper (Mamushi) is a little too heavy to use as a dry fly - so I will save it until the end of the trout season. I fish the 'dry fly only' stretch of the Derbyshire Wye. No wading, dry fly only - saves a lot of baggage whilst fishing!
I did not buy a rod but I did buy a 4.5m dry fly leader; the Fujino tenkara midi, a tapered leader. I tried it on the river Bradford on 4th June. The 4th of June was that very hot day last week. After the cold spell we have been through I am sure most of us noticed it.
The mayfly were not very apparent during the morning. My casting, initially, was a little erratic, but I gently got a grip on it. In fact I arrived at the river with the new leader on and then struggled to remember the knot required to hold the tippet against the stop knot I had tied. Finally my visual memory kicked in as I remembered John's demo of tying a Palomar knot which you can check out on the video link - 3rd video down the page.
It cast much better than the loop I had been forced to cast with until I remembered the correct knot. I don't suppose this system would work with a fly line would it?
Having finally got the set up and casting a little better I did proceed to catch fish and bring them in on the long leader, applying the method we had been shown at the tuition day. The video is somewhere on the Tenkara Centre site too.
Unfortunately one of the larger fish had not seen the video - it shot off across the river, I lowered the rod to the side and successfully turned the fish round, and unfortunately it was clearly disgusted at this manoeuvring and quickly did a back flip and broke off the fly.
Standing on the footpath on the Bradford chatting to a chap, for quite sometime actually - which proved extremely productive - we were watching probably more than a dozen fish, the large fish chasing off the competition (the clarity of the Bradford water is fantastic), watching the mayfly and other emergers coming up through the water and the fish following them up. In fact standing so long the mayfly spinners came back - dipping like wagtails well above the water. 
Intermittently I cast, and then, quite casually, the biggest fish we had been admiring, sauntered over to the Philip White dry emerger and took it! I took a very deep breath awaiting the explosion as I lifted the rod... the fish held it tightly..  for quite a few moments...  then... flipped it out... to my great relief.
I flicked the hook and line back, took hold of the fly, which immediately dropped off the tippet into my hand......
Clever fish those River Bradford trout!

James Ogden, fishing the Wye below Bakewell Bridge June 5th

This coming June 5th will mark 150yrs since James Ogden, fishing the Wye below Bakewell Bridge, demonstrated his original floating dry flies to an audience of locals, fishermen, agents and keepers. Dry Fly Only was adopted the following day.
As a testimony to the man, who literally risked his neck to prove his flies would catch fish, we are planning a re-enactment this coming Ogden Day.
A horse and carriage will transport 'Mr Ogden' from the Peacock at 9.30am to Bakewell where an assembled crowd will watch 'Mr Ogden' use the tackle of the age, to try and hook a fish. No pressure. The media will be there to record the occasion.
The Peacock at Rowsley invite you to join them. Peacock - 9.30am. Bakewell Bridge 10 - 10.30am depending on the horse...

You can read a downloadable version of Ogden on Fly Tying 1887 from the Fishing Museum. . Originally published in Cheltenham, 1879. First editions are now very rare and extremely expensive. The author first fished in Derbyshire before moving to Cheltenham where he perfected a practical method of dry fly fishing. This illustrated book contains fascinating and informative descriptions of his methods with the floating fly, which he claims to have invented some 40 years before his book was published. Contents include: On Fly Dressing - Favourite Standard Flies - On Salmon Flies - The May Fly - The Green Drake - On Rods _ Hints on Casting - On Reels - On Fly Lines - Minnow Fishing - Ireland - Baskets and Nets. Etc.

Tenkara tuition on 31st May 2015

Just booked myself onto the Tenkara tuition and rod testing day on Sunday 31st May hosted by Discover Tenkara. The venue is near Sheffield so not too far.

Tenkara requires a gentle casting stroke, slightly different to our regular casting technique. The rods are usually longer, but the casting line is usually restricted in length. But apparently the Discover Tenkara team have been trained to cast a very long line ie 3.1m rod and 7m line. Now that would help me try for those trout that I spot that are just outside my current line length!
I must remember to ask how you bring in the fish to the net!

Inspired fly fishing

Amongst the hundreds of emails that pop into my inbox there are a number which have a link to a web page worth viewing. This is one on an email from Grey's by Lisa Isles.
It clearly and concisely states aspects of:
accuracy
presentation
river craft
tactical decision making
and a generic fly selection
Her overall top tip:

"Take your time and fish the water in front of you as effectively as you can."

Folow the link and see if you agree.
Tight lines

Ladies of the Stream - fly fishing in June

It has been arranged with Cressbrook & Litton fly fishers for a day fishing for the Ladies of the Stream (which is an open group of women fly fishers - for those wishing to learn more about fly fishing).

Meeting spot to be finalised.

Time - around 9.30 - 10ish

We start with coffee and bacon butties

Don Stazicker will do a 'kick sample' in the river - to see what flies it suggests we may fish with.

Then go fly fishing! Or just watch.

Please respond if you are interested in taking part.

Open to all females wishing to discover the elegant art of fly fishing

Mayfly in April

My first fly fishing saunter along the River Bradford on 29th April 2015
Unfortunately it became a bit of a battle against the wind, rain, and, at one point hail stones!
By the time I got up to those big lazy pools with those big lazy fish - nothing was rising!
I decided to do a few photographs of the fish instead. But even then, if you stopped, the fish got wary and moved away - if you kept walking they stayed around.
But my battles with the elements were rewarded by this:

A mayfly. Slightly shocked at what I saw spiralling over me, I paused only momentarily before leaping to catch it in my hand. Success - it sat on my hand as I took a few photographs.
Someone really ought to tell those fish!

Updated the river fly diary page for April

Just updated the River fly diary page - at last. Sorry too busy fishing and allotmenting!

The Mergansers are on the river too! This grayling escaped the clutches of one of them.
A little luckier than the 10" rainbow which, whilst being netted by David on the Derbyshire Wye, was attacked by a fish somewhat larger than it. Thus becoming (in the words of Peter Arfield) an ex-rainbow. Now was it a pike that took this fish? David thought it was a very large brown. There are pike in the Derwent, so what is to stop them heading up into the Wye? Any thoughts?

A sunny day by the river in April

Ok so I had just enjoyed a week in Mallorca walking in the high stony areas with lots of sunshine and swimming in a cold sea, but to return to sunshine and flyfishing on the beautiful Lathkill was quite perfect.

I know they say the sunshine puts the fish off, but the effect of the sun on me whilst wandering along the river puts a very positive spin on the day ahead. Thus I arrived on the Derbyshire Lathkill - knowing it would be a good day. Not a lot of fly life, but the fish came up to the fly.

The colouring of a wild trout is quite amazing to observe. Generally they go back in to the river with such speed it isn't until I look at the pictures that I see the markings. If you enlarge the picture you will see the adipose fin (that little one near the tail) is red. Also the base line of the tail is marked by a red line. And those spots - beautiful.
And yes, I enjoyed my day fly fishing the Lathkill.
And when I get time I will post the flies that caught the fish on the River Diary page. But not tonight - and maybe not tomorrow - as I intend fishing the Wye!

April 1st 2015. A rainy start to the trout fly fishing season on the Derbyshire Wye

We seem to have been having April showers through March, so April 1st was no exception. Between, sometimes heavy, showers and gusting wind I managed to catch a few fish on the River Lathkill.
I had made a fortunate choice, as the River Wye was closed after such heavy rain. Though most of the Lathkill was difficult to fish.

The water was up to the top of the arches of the bridge. Some yukky scum had made its way into this beautiful river too. But it was a little calmer than the rest of the river. In fact to the left of this pool, by the weir the current was a little vicious, making the fly drag quite quickly.
I tackled up with my 7 foot 4 weight rod and 7 foot (Luke Bannister) Stu Crofts style, furled leader and a quite short, 2 foot, 6X Rio tippet. It cast precisely and well in spite of the wind - though of course, I did pause when the gusts were extreme!
The fish I caught were most beautifully coloured. This picture is the second fish I caught and quite small. But the larger fish were also highly spotted with red. I also noted on all the fish the rear top small fin was a deep magneta red. Also a red line along the base of the tail fin.

A beautiful fish, caught on a barbless fly and quickly returned to the river. See the River diary page for the flies that caught the fish.

Ladies of the Stream fishing Barlow in the rain - then the wind blasted in!

Sunday 29th March. Rain and wind forecast. A day on Barlow Lakes booked and tuition organised with Peter Arfield.
Well it started off just spitting with rain. No wind yet, which Peter thought was a shame as he had expected to teach us how to cast a team of flies in a wind!
Of course the wind arrived, just as he was leaving to get back to the shop.

On we struggled, in the wind and the rain. Hilary catching fish all over the place it seemed (see picture above). I was damp, daunted and hungry - I don't care for bacon butties - which the rest of the group had stocked up on before fishing.
I wouldn't say we had a good or wonderful day. It was the first bad weather day we have had for our women's fishing group - The Ladies of the Stream. I suppose it had to happen at some point.
Let us hope that our future days on the river will bless us with good weather!
If you wish to participate in our future events and you are a potential or actual women fly fisher, then please make contact.
We will have to restrict numbers for the river fishing events. We hope to begin setting up regular meets for instruction, advice and support. Watch this space!

Angling Trust Volunteer Champions

That fishing is addictive is, I consider, a benefit of the sport. What activity could be more pleasant than spending time at a beautiful river or still water location, standing quietly or moving slowly at the bankside, always observing everything around; the birds, wildlife, insects, fish, the clouds and the moving water.
Tremendously relaxing.
I set up this blog with the intention of getting more women into fishing. It seems to be outside the scope of many. Indeed I was one who failed to know what fly fishing - as opposed to coarse fishing - was. As a child I fished with my father. But even then I wandered along the banks of streams, never sitting still, as the coarse fisher does. I would not decry coarse fishing, but I do delight in wandering along rivers.
Having already begun arranging days for women at the river or stillwater and struggling with how to keep it moving forward - I have now discovered the Angling Trust Volunteer Champions. I will let you know how I get on. But I sugges that you follow the link and take a look yourself

 

and perhaps join the Angling Trust?

Barlow Trout fishery, women’s day fly fishing 29th March 2015

I have organised a day at Barlow Trout fishery on Sunday 29^th March. The day is for ladies who would like to cast a fly on the water. Whether novice or accomplished fisher.

Instruction will be by given by Peter Arfield of Bakewell Fly fishing between 9.30 and 12. Peter will assess the requirements on the day and give appropriate coaching and advice for the water, the weather and the group.

If you do not have equipment, or are unsure if you have the correct rods etc, please let me know before the event and they will be supplied.

Catch and release fishing for the day will be included in the cost of the day which will be £20.

Having never been to Barlow Lakes, I am assured that the setting is quite natural and there are facilities and food on site. Please check out the website for directions and more information. Postcode for navigation is S18 7TJ
Please let me know if you wish to attend the day.

If you receive this post twice then I know my new blog is working on Wordpress 1womanflyfishing!

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Grayling meeting Rutland Arms Bakewell 11th March

A reminder of the final meeting of the season at the Rutland Arms, Bakewell. 

March 11th at 7.30 with Steve Cooper of Cookshill.

Don't forget to renew your fishing licence

Almost time to get your fishing licence renewed. It expires on 31st March. Check out the Licence to fish page which details all your options for renewal.
David Miller is the artist who has painted a series of postage stamps and also paints the designs used on the fishing licences.

BFFI 2015

I attended the BFFI show last weekend. Attendance seemed good. The place was warm. But the internet was wobbly, which meant card payment was not easy (note to self - perhaps that was a good thing).
Chatted to lots of folk.
What did I learn? Well I watched the fly tyers for a while. Whilst watching Stefan Larsson tie some neat slim flies, he gave a good tip - When tying up a fly with a post, put a little super glue, carefully, around the base of the post. You then have a firmer post to hackle around.
I picked up some 'reelwings' from Joseph Ludkin to try on some of my dries this year. Will report back when I have tried them. They certainly seem light and fine so shouldn't twist up on casting. Looks a good website too.

 There with my brother-in-law, Gary, who bought a very neat, hand held fishing microscope, with light. Perfect to use when on or by the river. Small and perfectly formed it is called a 'Hookpoint pocket magnifier'. The website is Spirex Aquatec. You can also clip on your fishing fly, or check out in detail that amazing fly someone has given you - before you lose it to the tree gods....

 This is the base tray, which swings round to allow you to place your critter. The light makes it easy to see the detail.

The fly fair wasn't just about fishing. I also perused some fantastic paintings and prints by David Miller. In fact I bought a print for my husband's birthday. Though this is not until April, I couldn't walk by the image of puffins, viewed from underwater. So I bought it and it is now hidden in the wardrobe.
I asked David how he sourced the info to make such amazing pictures - he takes his own photos - some of them from underwater. For the puffins he modified a bird decoy to look like a puffin and filmed the result, apparently at times with the puffins feet flapping against his face mask. Wonderful. The picture was even more relevant to my husband as these were Skomer puffins. He sails, and we have anchored overnight off Skomer, watching hundreds and thousands of puffins streaming over head. It is one of his regular anchorages as we keep our Folkboat in Dale, just round the corner.
I know he won't be looking at the blog, so my present will remain secret - I hope.

I picked up some flyers for fishing in different parts of the world - something generally out of my options, as my husband does not fish. But, of course, we have some wonderful places to fish here in the UK. I picked up a flyer for Ceiriog Fly Fishers and chatted to the chaps on the stall.

Looks like some rather beautiful fishing for a very low price indeed... £140 and no joining fee. Check it out.
If there are any other clubs out there who would like a mention on the blog, email me. Perhaps if there are a number I will add another page of club fishing.
In fact I have added a new page. It is 'Women's fishing days' and lists the events we have already had and will have more added as I organise events.
If you are a club who would consider hosting a 'ladies day' on your water, then please contact me. Fly fishing is such a wonderful thing to do, I think we need to open it out to more folk to enjoy.
It is with regard to the 'ladies days' fishing that I must now post this blog and get in touch with Anne Woodcock of Fish Pal. Who is, I hope, going to give me some pointers to getting more events organised.

Grayling meeting Feb 11th 7.30 Rutland Arms Bakewell. Also BFFI Fair

Hi All

A reminder of next weeks meeting at the Rutland Arms, Bakewell.  Wednesday, February 11th.

Stuart Crofts will be giving his new presentation on May Fly.  Stuart has been studying the may fly, and has some fascinating new information for us.  

The remaining meeting is on March 11th with Steve Cooper of Cookshill.  

The Antiques Road Map of Great Britain is featuring Bakewell and may well include the Fly Fishing Shop and Mr Peter Arfield - BBC2 at 6.30.  On TV this Thursday 12th Feb.

Just to whet your appetite for the fly fishing season ahead here is a picture of the Derbyshire Dove in snow and frost taken on the first day of February 2015.
We had walked from Hartington, across Highfield Lane and on down through Biggin Dale, arriving at Wolfscote Dale where it meets the river Dove.
I believe the fishing rights on this water, up and down of this stretch, have been sold. So who will be fishing them this year? Or am I incorrect and they have not been sold?
Certainly the river looked great – though we saw no dippers – just tree creepers.

To further whet your appetites for the season ahead - don't forget it is the BFFI Fair this weekend.

British Fly Fair International 2015

Staffordshire County Showground ST18 0BD
7th and 8th February
9.30am – 4.30pm

Tried trotting for grayling

Oops, and there I am wading! Not quite got the swing of the casting on a centre pin reel to launch it across the river from the bank. Partly complicated by the fact that the centre pin reel of my long dead father, was left handed! It is an old Avon Crown and not convertible to right hand. Strange really as my father was right handed. There is, I guess a story there, but not one I am going to discover.
I now hope my left handed son might at some point take up fishing!
Now I started off casting with the rod in my left hand - which worked reasonably well. Except having borrowed a 13' rod, it made my wrist ache quite quickly. Using the rod in my right hand resulted in a number of tangles as I failed to slow the reel. The instinct to use my thumb proved useless as it was touching the non moving part of the reel.
The maggots were as un-alluring as maggots have always been, but the fish liked them. Having at one point wandered off from my mentor, Mr Worthy, I did try a bead head red tag, but failed to tempt a fish.

Indeed had I ventured out on my own to try this sport I am sure I would not have caught the number of fish that came to the net – plus the one lost when I lifted into the fish and tangled with a tree.
Back to the drawing board on trotting then. Only a month to fish using this method now, so, hmmm, do I buy a right handed centre pin and a rod or do I think about a silk reel for my fly fishing?