tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33614266672350657232024-03-13T14:59:50.347+00:00THE EDEN ANGLERGeoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-28832567153499075872023-02-01T15:41:00.001+00:002023-02-01T16:10:03.175+00:00August in Eden...2022<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just like the previous month, August in Eden started with rain. Our rivers were starting to drop on the 1st, but overnight rain meant that all were rising on the 2nd. We lost the 2nd of August due to high waters. All were fishable again by the 3rd and after a week of coloured, but fishable water, it was a return to the sunny and hot weather that we've seen too much of this season. Great for holidaymakers but not for fishermen!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fresh water seemed to perk a few fish up in those early days of August and a few nice fish were found.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7rkKVq-hCiyqLo8LItiMooZi0tTjQrXhH5jPhhUlowkJcGbKrAT57LGiOXZh7Xa2XG_h0SePPeJ1IflUNRqcNiH5WJeiMc5Q-YjVaushxAXgOIXhib4i3lkKQQ_KN3xKJfuv15rIB6u7jYB-BebFaDpFsjbobDHfY4eah7tmTn1tsuCOZpmoKzySrg/s850/P80101581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7rkKVq-hCiyqLo8LItiMooZi0tTjQrXhH5jPhhUlowkJcGbKrAT57LGiOXZh7Xa2XG_h0SePPeJ1IflUNRqcNiH5WJeiMc5Q-YjVaushxAXgOIXhib4i3lkKQQ_KN3xKJfuv15rIB6u7jYB-BebFaDpFsjbobDHfY4eah7tmTn1tsuCOZpmoKzySrg/w400-h300/P80101581.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAhzMwspYoXOXrEqScTw54z7HeEQ_2tXSu_AgcAmIIHEfw-XzaGXu33L1J8binPm1EkY7S8ZJD-8QtwZVR5hCS4caoNgUi2toVj4CxvwI8WkBI2JR19yC8DNpKeJ13qbUPsi0lTLIIyt2BLW3Qy5C6qo93XmJIteSi3moorMuX121FyrAjECJD0fWsA/s850/P80502131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAhzMwspYoXOXrEqScTw54z7HeEQ_2tXSu_AgcAmIIHEfw-XzaGXu33L1J8binPm1EkY7S8ZJD-8QtwZVR5hCS4caoNgUi2toVj4CxvwI8WkBI2JR19yC8DNpKeJ13qbUPsi0lTLIIyt2BLW3Qy5C6qo93XmJIteSi3moorMuX121FyrAjECJD0fWsA/w400-h300/P80502131.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A few nice fish were encountered in August</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By the end of the 2nd week in August the rivers were very low in very hot conditions. Too hot to fish in and a couple of guided days were rearranged. It was cooler by week 3 and we had some rain that put a touch of colour into our rivers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdBCsUeQ7qZloflyKWIcpKp1zkbgvLSazvRZCyKBVPKOBlJx4lByUaI9xSK2frVPZ2XAnqH31yywIlFVh-Lc9JH-hQPlPg5AroGLA_a1-SWTAm0BKw1Qkfym8_mLziYqLXjYeUTxM_Q1enVAXFWSTcDzpowDy37befPxJKkQDavr3I98lTeWERaCcUQ/s850/P90502831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdBCsUeQ7qZloflyKWIcpKp1zkbgvLSazvRZCyKBVPKOBlJx4lByUaI9xSK2frVPZ2XAnqH31yywIlFVh-Lc9JH-hQPlPg5AroGLA_a1-SWTAm0BKw1Qkfym8_mLziYqLXjYeUTxM_Q1enVAXFWSTcDzpowDy37befPxJKkQDavr3I98lTeWERaCcUQ/w400-h300/P90502831.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David draws a fish to the net</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Much of August was taken up with tuition days, but guiding some more experienced clients brought success. David, who is becoming a seasoned angler in Eden, joined me for a couple of days and he had a couple of successful sessions with a number of fish to his offerings on each occasion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7B7b56GEjFg1jh8KDSL1KEWp5QRlCszywmxRbq2qA4_8cWhFvV3pIEEMahdnagvsmYmstB98IfQd6OwLTFHbbK7GQ2NnR5o6A2FdeA_xDaTNuexvxeRn_T3d5Yr92EDqOOggJPawQV90q0tpgeV1eZS8NwBzYf1I8hFlngx9yrjaG8_IYKmJOMWSnw/s850/P91103102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7B7b56GEjFg1jh8KDSL1KEWp5QRlCszywmxRbq2qA4_8cWhFvV3pIEEMahdnagvsmYmstB98IfQd6OwLTFHbbK7GQ2NnR5o6A2FdeA_xDaTNuexvxeRn_T3d5Yr92EDqOOggJPawQV90q0tpgeV1eZS8NwBzYf1I8hFlngx9yrjaG8_IYKmJOMWSnw/w400-h300/P91103102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The dry fly proved successful after rain freshened things up in August</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rain in week 3 certainlly freshened things up and a few fish were found to be midging in the margins on occasions. The cooler water also encouraged a few grayling to come on the feed too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SKCBeR50d_3O_M3PTCyLwajaK4WHDj5ro6aKOMjNUP33Ak3ta-UlmaiLj2Z1Um01bC7kPM8TIAO41EdCv3J-_CHrXBfgENXeTcY_u5xwnkPZo15NahKZQjyPTRvmbsx8KZdw3enYsCHM5CjLL0wfTqafNmrJwEDvhYa-eky6ocGK6AWB8ltRiuzuvw/s850/P82502701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SKCBeR50d_3O_M3PTCyLwajaK4WHDj5ro6aKOMjNUP33Ak3ta-UlmaiLj2Z1Um01bC7kPM8TIAO41EdCv3J-_CHrXBfgENXeTcY_u5xwnkPZo15NahKZQjyPTRvmbsx8KZdw3enYsCHM5CjLL0wfTqafNmrJwEDvhYa-eky6ocGK6AWB8ltRiuzuvw/w400-h300/P82502701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The cooler water also encouraged a few grayling to come on the feed.</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7YfVuxXs50L_8gHvVDcyn_Z6XJefcmGFDGA3F_7Zr9p10YiDB0WalfAR1QKIOp0gu8OmE57pDkQ3_iGqf3gZF-0myQtE-eO4XmI5qGAkxL99jauzjFHo3tiU9NVnM828Uc3iGV-0NUdTufCAUsMHunMQG2mwRb_QE-spZWSTLooSDcIInyQwRx9TFA/s850/P82202631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7YfVuxXs50L_8gHvVDcyn_Z6XJefcmGFDGA3F_7Zr9p10YiDB0WalfAR1QKIOp0gu8OmE57pDkQ3_iGqf3gZF-0myQtE-eO4XmI5qGAkxL99jauzjFHo3tiU9NVnM828Uc3iGV-0NUdTufCAUsMHunMQG2mwRb_QE-spZWSTLooSDcIInyQwRx9TFA/w400-h300/P82202631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>David had a couple of rewarding sessions in August</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The final week of the month saw a return to fine/hot weather and conditions proved quite challenging again.The fishing wasn't impossible, it was just tough </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">and it's times like these that having a range of techniques at your disposal and taking the time to perfect them can definitely be beneficial. The week was mainly filled with tuition and this was something I emphasised - it's never imposssible...if you take the time to learn the skills required.</span></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-74435107803259370272023-02-01T10:40:00.002+00:002023-02-01T11:29:53.786+00:00July in Eden...2022<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">July in Eden started with a touch of rain which coloured our rivers slightly, but the rest of the month remained pretty dry and hot. The conditions were challenging at times but perseverance prevailed for most and we had some successful debuts in Eden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chris and Amelia joined me on the first day of the month and Amelia did well to get her first trout on the fly.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb2Oh3gWcpvqzFkqRFqVNVPFtHNrfFCBHFdJFAcrexph5gvZrZrhhjyZ-j5keieCgqN01xGkzamaqnls11Q4ihkSwgY32eGw1Aes30U7wIsFsXmhULghc9DmQhj4_Y30IeOVxJurvbDTZw5Ry-Pd8C-RtuKxD_s7RBGGvTWCAhjekmCmAV5b8iWYcaA/s850/P70103701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb2Oh3gWcpvqzFkqRFqVNVPFtHNrfFCBHFdJFAcrexph5gvZrZrhhjyZ-j5keieCgqN01xGkzamaqnls11Q4ihkSwgY32eGw1Aes30U7wIsFsXmhULghc9DmQhj4_Y30IeOVxJurvbDTZw5Ry-Pd8C-RtuKxD_s7RBGGvTWCAhjekmCmAV5b8iWYcaA/w400-h300/P70103701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Amelia managed some action on her fly fishing debut</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rivers were still carrying a touch of colour on the 3rd, but a few fish were found working the margins and were tempted by our dry offerings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXZ9hnj6v8HbjLI0HWgV3zQlRpxdbbtHET58v9AvwdHJvWCttGKv1LvFBQ6hZfK6n9h4FySVKb0oIU5PaYQxcjRbpv_pddabe3UkC8EZiHR5VFn5JNhCr2b58Tc6WFynqH1IZap_kLKpDLN3yElAWm0JAVGRkR2xn1Od_iYiGJgZoVsAPgswMuWhkQg/s850/P70303841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXZ9hnj6v8HbjLI0HWgV3zQlRpxdbbtHET58v9AvwdHJvWCttGKv1LvFBQ6hZfK6n9h4FySVKb0oIU5PaYQxcjRbpv_pddabe3UkC8EZiHR5VFn5JNhCr2b58Tc6WFynqH1IZap_kLKpDLN3yElAWm0JAVGRkR2xn1Od_iYiGJgZoVsAPgswMuWhkQg/w400-h300/P70303841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tempted by the dry fly while working the margins</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The remainder of the month was largely dry and hot. We saw a significant drop in river levels and a lift in water tempertures. Fish were a touch lethargic in the warm water and the fishing was quite challenging at times. Most of the month was filled with tuition days (casting and techniques), but those that did fish did okay at times. Paul is a relative newcomer to Eden and he joined me for a day to familiarise himself with our waters. He fished well and, despite the tough conditions and the sunshine, he still managed some action!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQHbVoOwN1252OygjbGKYdUBhMPMN1r5zZ1AO55STZtyzV0JgbAwDd609l6gdBbMSdkjNFMn245qMpA-TlIRXl_24FOeE9gZZ4qk1HtRQ4pJun7bttSdJEjbJJrYbJKl_ghZX0RqVvwrk6vg8O3NFqhNUss7-hFioB5lVQaCGdag_JPN80z0t3UlSYw/s850/P70503871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQHbVoOwN1252OygjbGKYdUBhMPMN1r5zZ1AO55STZtyzV0JgbAwDd609l6gdBbMSdkjNFMn245qMpA-TlIRXl_24FOeE9gZZ4qk1HtRQ4pJun7bttSdJEjbJJrYbJKl_ghZX0RqVvwrk6vg8O3NFqhNUss7-hFioB5lVQaCGdag_JPN80z0t3UlSYw/w400-h300/P70503871.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Paul managed some action in the sunshine</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A spell of light rain and cooler weather brought a slight lift to our rivers at the end on July. The touch of colour and slight drop in water temperature perked the fish up and Andrew, another newcomer to Eden and fly fishing, managed some action at his first attempt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW9pvUX04YyCimFwMOzNYXIhJn89XEpj4By7nIZi3QkUMuJ6Qh3CZAJJc-h_eB0qpMfpZ-5hKiiGzmAF3JQfmAfYoM8hH3NdXsIzCqpFDwM3lAdufWlE9zPv8S3eW14S8Odky3rrhaw-lrpj600zu2HWdn_cOQfKDFpuo1GGiCilI67Q9EavRUxFk4A/s850/P72200921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW9pvUX04YyCimFwMOzNYXIhJn89XEpj4By7nIZi3QkUMuJ6Qh3CZAJJc-h_eB0qpMfpZ-5hKiiGzmAF3JQfmAfYoM8hH3NdXsIzCqpFDwM3lAdufWlE9zPv8S3eW14S8Odky3rrhaw-lrpj600zu2HWdn_cOQfKDFpuo1GGiCilI67Q9EavRUxFk4A/w400-h300/P72200921.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Andrew was trying fly fishing for the first time</i></div></div></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-44782761867548681042023-01-21T15:09:00.006+00:002023-01-21T15:39:54.789+00:00June in Eden...2022<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">May finished with rain, so June in Eden started with our rivers up a touch and carrying some colour. But the rivers were still fishable and the evening of the 1st saw our first good hatch of Blue Winged Olives.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpOci9QAbRFixZyKOFDs0RCbcoHxleskC32s00mPlAJ46PFAk6SPJe5FYxhpomFoTzaAB8pVYWxz2Dfvblh5twCMnvpfWvf-0s_-NNzaVpmSSWNYduRo6vMxZlWw_mKllbbJYSyRm0MO0-fjA0_PAzsdJlAXdyBSzwbsDy2bQ1qtg9iizEbXVN9XqzQ/s850/P60101861.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpOci9QAbRFixZyKOFDs0RCbcoHxleskC32s00mPlAJ46PFAk6SPJe5FYxhpomFoTzaAB8pVYWxz2Dfvblh5twCMnvpfWvf-0s_-NNzaVpmSSWNYduRo6vMxZlWw_mKllbbJYSyRm0MO0-fjA0_PAzsdJlAXdyBSzwbsDy2bQ1qtg9iizEbXVN9XqzQ/w400-h300/P60101861.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A fish to the Blue Winged Olive at the beginning of June in Eden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The river was still up a touch and carrying some colour by the 3rd of the month, but that worked in David's favour and he had a productive day! By the 7th all was back to a good level and clear, but overnight rain brought them up again on the 8th.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoucniQ1wX4Hu-M4EzEiuN3Xc5TcFB8S0Kq2Yza9UQrj6yTYPdW1zlZdIben5k4fxROcf50BI4q-GBRdziOrLoYaYb_PVp7eYF3ztM9Uy6AUnr3XWrvdnuazgw9QEGvkMxYHBzRl5ZRfWKssEE7zbytgWU5zz02wG615b7Ru3iU4Z2uWnHG16-RqhJQ/s850/david.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixoucniQ1wX4Hu-M4EzEiuN3Xc5TcFB8S0Kq2Yza9UQrj6yTYPdW1zlZdIben5k4fxROcf50BI4q-GBRdziOrLoYaYb_PVp7eYF3ztM9Uy6AUnr3XWrvdnuazgw9QEGvkMxYHBzRl5ZRfWKssEE7zbytgWU5zz02wG615b7Ru3iU4Z2uWnHG16-RqhJQ/w400-h300/david.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David is into a good fish in Eden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rivers were still carry some colour when I went out on the 9th to try out a new addition to my rod collection - the <a href="https://www.mackenzieflyfishing.com/collections/single-handed-fly-rods/products/nx1-river-double-handed-ka?variant=20110709358690" target="_blank"><b>Mackenzie NX1</b></a> 10' #3. The new rod coped admirably with all that I threw at it...dries, nymphs, French leader etc. and it was great to christen/test it with a good fish from our rivers. I was really pleased with it and it will be another valuable addition to my collection.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMhFFLa1mFffTBH5coTAMPWh8pHJbJhs43mtnKPAis0eobzpQzUjxSZpoD6CJ0kFMahbD6aFlgjXU8KQt3lGMpNxYXnBK2UDLgM4JOBjK7LLpvR9XpfaOCcQ8Qr1M9mMgUFff9bPc4maqW5n8rOm0keDRVL7PWoO3-zrsTaJ6bz3A1Zkm0OxGrbittg/s850/P60902781.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMhFFLa1mFffTBH5coTAMPWh8pHJbJhs43mtnKPAis0eobzpQzUjxSZpoD6CJ0kFMahbD6aFlgjXU8KQt3lGMpNxYXnBK2UDLgM4JOBjK7LLpvR9XpfaOCcQ8Qr1M9mMgUFff9bPc4maqW5n8rOm0keDRVL7PWoO3-zrsTaJ6bz3A1Zkm0OxGrbittg/w400-h300/P60902781.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A nice fish to christen the Mackenzie NX1 10' #3<br /><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The weather picked up towards the middle of the month, but not before Pete managed his first taste of boat fishing on one of our lake district waters. He coped well at his first attempt. A brief hatch of Mayfly brought fish on the feed and he managed some action on his debut.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrEkhainuSYOeu9cjH6CIP46N3HiKOl9DFS7VDWDzy8EXracI3VefgKAocyJF3OESamp3AtiTAdP-23u8QJ0LQ7nYdR-5njjK7j1ahupN4sLqJ93oBPNsnPRfaD2Vdw3mf-RtyaLEI9gVAu-13PFYmilRGWdGxBvfWQz5AkQHR8viEz-Ex_OdJm7TKQ/s850/P61402971.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrEkhainuSYOeu9cjH6CIP46N3HiKOl9DFS7VDWDzy8EXracI3VefgKAocyJF3OESamp3AtiTAdP-23u8QJ0LQ7nYdR-5njjK7j1ahupN4sLqJ93oBPNsnPRfaD2Vdw3mf-RtyaLEI9gVAu-13PFYmilRGWdGxBvfWQz5AkQHR8viEz-Ex_OdJm7TKQ/w400-h300/P61402971.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Pete with a fish on his boat fishing debut</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The dry spell around mid-June meant our rivers were quick to drop and the fishing was challenging at times. Andy came along for his first taste of fishing our rivers. Despite the tough conditions, with a low river and brilliant sunshine, he fished well and his efforts were rewarded with his first fish from Eden.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxVOGHAfjk6r0aWNcMoSa3tQfxpwGf5CDQA7PvLgp3IqIzdI96Cdwh_keGux-UYVO2npAO-1REtKK4uouQmPNvkUe40e7vFuxTJ_mIm7gqHlqYiIYllr2rnNRoYvt8O_CS5DPm_kFgrWfs3CT_ShmaNXFXNJXfVUUTmHFxUNOiJ3pDNTstacrldEBfw/s850/andy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxVOGHAfjk6r0aWNcMoSa3tQfxpwGf5CDQA7PvLgp3IqIzdI96Cdwh_keGux-UYVO2npAO-1REtKK4uouQmPNvkUe40e7vFuxTJ_mIm7gqHlqYiIYllr2rnNRoYvt8O_CS5DPm_kFgrWfs3CT_ShmaNXFXNJXfVUUTmHFxUNOiJ3pDNTstacrldEBfw/w400-h300/andy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>Andy with a fish on his first visit to Eden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sunny weather continued until the end of the month, but hard work and good fishing produce positive results for most that joined me on the river. Rain returned towards the end of the month, it was enough to put a touch of fresh water into our rivers, but not enough to stop us fishing. The fresh water seemed to perk a few fish up and I finished the month with a nice fish on a slowly rising river</span><i>.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6XHBdiS6oMTNLYdnC-FDB5hiVd-hKcrdHndpP97_WU4FO7uiD3sJ8vEIxIy-72z-y6JfqYW2tRqtZrdUi0NzkjlkT1bHBsFZZY1T00S3dE4_5dvJ9pkFtPf304B9pJv6NZl4j73k2oLLuXbWySaYKfzWGHnClgygNmgBH2sLtdpS11KucBH3aErTA/s850/P62703481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_6XHBdiS6oMTNLYdnC-FDB5hiVd-hKcrdHndpP97_WU4FO7uiD3sJ8vEIxIy-72z-y6JfqYW2tRqtZrdUi0NzkjlkT1bHBsFZZY1T00S3dE4_5dvJ9pkFtPf304B9pJv6NZl4j73k2oLLuXbWySaYKfzWGHnClgygNmgBH2sLtdpS11KucBH3aErTA/w400-h300/P62703481.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A nice fish on a rising river</i></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-10931767060962742322023-01-20T15:13:00.005+00:002023-01-20T15:54:13.427+00:00May in Eden...2022<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">May in Eden in 2022 was a relatively good month for both myself and my clients. The month started dry and then rain towards the end of the second week brought our rivers up and, even though they were soon back to a fishable level, they carried a touch of colour for the majority of the month.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Grannom were still showing in the early part of May, but they soon petered out, leaving us with the seasonal hatches of Olive Upright and Iron Blue Dun. Our lakes were starting to warm up and provided some decent sport on occasions.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJkVb9oxzAhekmwEXJldDBSeJ9rH2CFJZk6mihWVOB2dFBn251Nf70XMvUoFqjvw6SLjSc_gdQdlsJYAaqjuOHTlj5EG9jK8Lrd62aeF4VIZMRnI5-cJuBwfAszDEuWsHRctfTTTgn8QCsnTi8eZZTxYEFtLeX-u6lO2oL-A-4ltqqTsqOdHEnIsnog/s850/P50600311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJkVb9oxzAhekmwEXJldDBSeJ9rH2CFJZk6mihWVOB2dFBn251Nf70XMvUoFqjvw6SLjSc_gdQdlsJYAaqjuOHTlj5EG9jK8Lrd62aeF4VIZMRnI5-cJuBwfAszDEuWsHRctfTTTgn8QCsnTi8eZZTxYEFtLeX-u6lO2oL-A-4ltqqTsqOdHEnIsnog/w400-h300/P50600311.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David got some action when our lakes provided good sport in May</i></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were also treated to the occasional day of Black Gnat falls from week two of the month. The gnats are a favourite for our fish and they were soon on to them!<br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamXkRvcgRzzbWwE7VAgM5N3EEI5S1BelL6k8IcwGWMwY3QORNiDdNd-XbQFqi2_kuMNjToWKCyQ4yhHso1kxES4LwSE0B50gC8CORb0zto70_EPgA1hoW95lzGpyZxJEaF2P_NmieA8JvmPIb16RR_1I8zUvfK-JsA9FugdG-bKo5FBXIdtLPKmdlkA/s850/P51400671.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamXkRvcgRzzbWwE7VAgM5N3EEI5S1BelL6k8IcwGWMwY3QORNiDdNd-XbQFqi2_kuMNjToWKCyQ4yhHso1kxES4LwSE0B50gC8CORb0zto70_EPgA1hoW95lzGpyZxJEaF2P_NmieA8JvmPIb16RR_1I8zUvfK-JsA9FugdG-bKo5FBXIdtLPKmdlkA/w400-h300/P51400671.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A nice fish tempted by a Black Gnat</i></span></div><br /><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Hatches of both terrestrial and aquatic flies were good, our fish were reaping the benefits and some nice trout were encountered on occasions. Ian joined me for his first taste of fishing in Eden and he managed to mark his debut with a nice fish to his well presented spiders.</div><div style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRgnwTH2BQ4UId51_-7trYjSCLG9vBxzUlKDD3q71Yt44KvcTh48GbE7jB_M6HwM6M59s3H6lh9gs-3Trlm1Khpdt6oQBZ6eTpPzoczN-jOqlYObhRuSoJrXpcWbiJ7VBHrD5UXTxI5MZdhDaFShBvjM-1rAnN1JaB8NmYOrejyTiy0DCQyc-ccMUhQ/s850/P52001211.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRgnwTH2BQ4UId51_-7trYjSCLG9vBxzUlKDD3q71Yt44KvcTh48GbE7jB_M6HwM6M59s3H6lh9gs-3Trlm1Khpdt6oQBZ6eTpPzoczN-jOqlYObhRuSoJrXpcWbiJ7VBHrD5UXTxI5MZdhDaFShBvjM-1rAnN1JaB8NmYOrejyTiy0DCQyc-ccMUhQ/w400-h300/P52001211.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ian with a nice fish on his Eden debut</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our true Mayflies (Ephemera danica)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> made a show around the third week of the month. Traditionally they have always been known as a lake fly in our neck of the woods, but we are starting to see increasing numbers on our rivers. And, just like elsewhere in the country, the fish aren't slow to turn onto them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThy0NWrXpLeKEiXkOYWfDLc2s_11bO49LY_8x8bjiuSTTjYhE_oWhsTXuS9-6-h0Tyo-qPwYj0YikaiVw0ST1tvMBFoyFi8JO7ON_86CfCM9CO5EM1MU_7-rCAmSxxRhAw9n-WizQ9ndWfchr9pgiEhovHQji0FOCL0mX_gHuvaVJ_KEpycKKyTbcRw/s850/P52301531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThy0NWrXpLeKEiXkOYWfDLc2s_11bO49LY_8x8bjiuSTTjYhE_oWhsTXuS9-6-h0Tyo-qPwYj0YikaiVw0ST1tvMBFoyFi8JO7ON_86CfCM9CO5EM1MU_7-rCAmSxxRhAw9n-WizQ9ndWfchr9pgiEhovHQji0FOCL0mX_gHuvaVJ_KEpycKKyTbcRw/w400-h300/P52301531.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">Our true Mayfly (Ephemera danica)</span><span style="text-align: left;"> made an appearance in May</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j8uX1QFjzv1aBTGUJhLTz5Dpd1BAdnpOGbGGEj8T5KkEHGnogRnIcQDOkw0VjHZbmL-bffVSKuLW47RPe-n_0Kz8hlYxJzkD2YAI2sAtPq6YYkgvBH3rzt8y4Gi8SFbLi4JyD-KHnq82zmPS2p3LvKw85NnvVv-mynFaWTS6gcNP8-M0XiuYno9g7A/s850/P52701582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j8uX1QFjzv1aBTGUJhLTz5Dpd1BAdnpOGbGGEj8T5KkEHGnogRnIcQDOkw0VjHZbmL-bffVSKuLW47RPe-n_0Kz8hlYxJzkD2YAI2sAtPq6YYkgvBH3rzt8y4Gi8SFbLi4JyD-KHnq82zmPS2p3LvKw85NnvVv-mynFaWTS6gcNP8-M0XiuYno9g7A/w400-h300/P52701582.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike tempted fish to his Mayfly imitations</i></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf_GRuZfHRQqf30XL31wrqAFxrz2HuUl7sD1AtfHZKhnB8jBpOurZEcbmXqJZoDE1AoRy5Er6mMhufUJKyutysKSN_YW3_mU_Ufm615aEX4KRpof7yXSfFFDf1TegNMON9vXQizWcjdUNpV6om5XaHQhcTd09TRC3d8nk9XmR90FXBAC0OHloES90lw/s850/P52901831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcf_GRuZfHRQqf30XL31wrqAFxrz2HuUl7sD1AtfHZKhnB8jBpOurZEcbmXqJZoDE1AoRy5Er6mMhufUJKyutysKSN_YW3_mU_Ufm615aEX4KRpof7yXSfFFDf1TegNMON9vXQizWcjdUNpV6om5XaHQhcTd09TRC3d8nk9XmR90FXBAC0OHloES90lw/w400-h300/P52901831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Another bonnie fish tempted by a Mayfly emerger</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Mayfly hatches are far from prolific on our waters and they soon peter out, so timing can be critical. Unfortunately that was the case when Mike visited our waters for the first time. But the weather was warming up and our terrestrials were coming to the fore. He was fortunate to hit a day when the fish were on them and he managed some action to his dry imitations....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgd-URsDd-u2C63mqnG1_wvOa3Teoh_Mbl_c5OBFMy_3O-RMDpOntKorNerQfmeBXQOz5YaOGUKcQVEfubQdaKV8k6MnAe86hfWswyerSDS5zqWWFxp3yFbjQWWQB0pibjj-ug7j5OZ25Bg3ABdq-Wi3j3pgvHcG3kADaZjpkv5BJqGue4-JQQ4K6nA/s850/P52801701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgd-URsDd-u2C63mqnG1_wvOa3Teoh_Mbl_c5OBFMy_3O-RMDpOntKorNerQfmeBXQOz5YaOGUKcQVEfubQdaKV8k6MnAe86hfWswyerSDS5zqWWFxp3yFbjQWWQB0pibjj-ug7j5OZ25Bg3ABdq-Wi3j3pgvHcG3kADaZjpkv5BJqGue4-JQQ4K6nA/w400-h300/P52801701.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The fish were on terrestrials for Mike's first taste of our rivers</i></div></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-73326874421457363362023-01-19T18:09:00.003+00:002023-01-19T18:12:45.384+00:00 April in Eden....2022<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">April in Eden couldn't have got off to a better start. The 1st was far from an April Fool's day for me! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The day dawned bright and sunny with a bitterly cold North - North westerly wind and the occasional, brief, cloudy spell. A hatch of Large Dark Olives at 1330 didn't get much of a response, with only two splashy rises and a hatch of March Browns at 1415 didn't elicit much more of a response either. Only two fish rose when the emerging March Browns hit the surface, but it was a case of right place, right time for me. I covered one with my MB emerger, which was ignored, but the fish came up to my second offer. It was obvious that this was a good fish, but I didn't realise how good until it filled the net. I'd managed a rare Eden leviathan which turned to be a new PB for me!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WJipCOM3T6iKMYaZn0wgFF4Q3Z2nVg9r-98m-7aAM0ZogY7awQ7M2k4T6fEOh4FefuGNdtw6BCnIAJ5hHHSfRWjWiipMb_C-lrY0QP7vTF8z-mhJnnM60adOnj0WTWHqCds3d3m2wPNvsghiR185j1G9WCTFLkRMCKOCk7uxvyU3GVn1jMhv9UXKjw/s850/6lbs2ozs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WJipCOM3T6iKMYaZn0wgFF4Q3Z2nVg9r-98m-7aAM0ZogY7awQ7M2k4T6fEOh4FefuGNdtw6BCnIAJ5hHHSfRWjWiipMb_C-lrY0QP7vTF8z-mhJnnM60adOnj0WTWHqCds3d3m2wPNvsghiR185j1G9WCTFLkRMCKOCk7uxvyU3GVn1jMhv9UXKjw/w400-h300/6lbs2ozs.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A new Eden PB to a March Brown emerger</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The weather remained fine until the 5th before rain brought a lift to our rivers. Hatches of Large Dark Olive and March Brown had been reasonable up to that point and fish had responded relatively well to our offerings, providing sport for most of my clients. One was Bernard, he was over from France, my first none UK client since the Covid pandemic hit us. He was lucky to hit a decent hatch of Large Dark Olives and fish responded positively to his dry offerings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELwtMylePeEZqFeQiO_Rfin_I7jOxWqulQV3SoPj7T6WC_xhAGhGPaMT9acXmShFT9MmauGJN1R9y9_QiXB02D5yEZe4behuA8M76KHMu3XrleopUsVQdmHz3H0aRa5M1QYteDXAhOxjb_2uPeg6SjQP3Sr54Sb5YahDKJ_-jMFb7p8sBy0WwhVJ_sw/s850/bernard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELwtMylePeEZqFeQiO_Rfin_I7jOxWqulQV3SoPj7T6WC_xhAGhGPaMT9acXmShFT9MmauGJN1R9y9_QiXB02D5yEZe4behuA8M76KHMu3XrleopUsVQdmHz3H0aRa5M1QYteDXAhOxjb_2uPeg6SjQP3Sr54Sb5YahDKJ_-jMFb7p8sBy0WwhVJ_sw/w400-h300/bernard.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Bernard with a nice fish on the dries</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The lift in levels put paid to any fishing for a few days, but the river was back to a fishable level by the 11th. The weather remained dull and miserable, ideal for our spring flies, and decent hatches brought fish on the feed for my guided days in Eden.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pk3ESsUeCKG56JD3AgDRkZdCfEPTfj4i0eQGkuuA6q46T1xY26MI4B4zBfoWMP3jnpBpiZ5UkE0RGFOpfoReDWaz8nVZWeJu6QdmK-ewTCuvlTQpuSvTiSwnhnnYyW6Q6KXgJYeYk5dynRyDwZ7tj-dxHa08-lfLWs8sIlGbzIgxscLNgVzgxKVzgQ/s850/P41200011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pk3ESsUeCKG56JD3AgDRkZdCfEPTfj4i0eQGkuuA6q46T1xY26MI4B4zBfoWMP3jnpBpiZ5UkE0RGFOpfoReDWaz8nVZWeJu6QdmK-ewTCuvlTQpuSvTiSwnhnnYyW6Q6KXgJYeYk5dynRyDwZ7tj-dxHa08-lfLWs8sIlGbzIgxscLNgVzgxKVzgQ/w400-h300/P41200011.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Paul is into a fish during his first taste of Eden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our daytime hatching sedge - the Grannom - made an appearance on the 16th and the fish were straight onto them! By the 19th the hatches were in full flow and Grannom were migrating upstream in their 1000's.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhp9BfjlilmfM3gGFZ-DFGR63gQOK6LEMM-bqWSxtJ38Qzaj2EvLLQjgF8HatrmMtUK-XaxPBgnNOcPS7kyp0HqY3skJ8m8BkGxbyXGYGF9m_bzOAT_2B4DQeEpJ_eXWFtxi1RVy-nsAbt7Sd2BSarvIBOD0szAS60chWJx4vypwzsyBpDm-SIDnJ4Q/s850/P42000081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhp9BfjlilmfM3gGFZ-DFGR63gQOK6LEMM-bqWSxtJ38Qzaj2EvLLQjgF8HatrmMtUK-XaxPBgnNOcPS7kyp0HqY3skJ8m8BkGxbyXGYGF9m_bzOAT_2B4DQeEpJ_eXWFtxi1RVy-nsAbt7Sd2BSarvIBOD0szAS60chWJx4vypwzsyBpDm-SIDnJ4Q/w400-h300/P42000081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Grannom in their 1000's brought fish on the feed</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wh7GWCHarPp4CqlMU6dHEKy04Ghjj4pKQOBdoPsOn69mnu9be2GWN5QB6Gz9wdTUjVR4pA58SqKY6OMYTcYtxoD68Eo6fxKSfASCMP52mq1rnJtm7VYYfnQvEv9-a_3b6Jsi-sPJyNGu0QbEfEMQsoyJtvn2i-72VvSREkBV0AGpdKMaKXDtvV5XrA/s850/grannom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wh7GWCHarPp4CqlMU6dHEKy04Ghjj4pKQOBdoPsOn69mnu9be2GWN5QB6Gz9wdTUjVR4pA58SqKY6OMYTcYtxoD68Eo6fxKSfASCMP52mq1rnJtm7VYYfnQvEv9-a_3b6Jsi-sPJyNGu0QbEfEMQsoyJtvn2i-72VvSREkBV0AGpdKMaKXDtvV5XrA/w400-h266/grannom.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Grannom hatched most days in mid to late April</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Grannom and Large Dark Olives continued to hatch on most days and they were joined by Olive Uprights and Iron Blue Duns in the final few days of April. Sport remained good for my clients and most managed some action to a mix of dries, spiders and nymphs.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA2DjtC8A4eYYxhzmZXBsV2VAlMS7C0QHGNixDp_xRKhX77H-Txi8W268BbKnQq_VCQY742q408Sq2WyyFkjy0TTpxCcBzEtWvhHAimMpZizYP5ShDdkWJEljW_smX5WeNt4hnvMK7pXJqqgi9g9Ipl8vLbvHjtPNc3D_TASD9fbm788nreg0IupBiw/s850/P42200301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA2DjtC8A4eYYxhzmZXBsV2VAlMS7C0QHGNixDp_xRKhX77H-Txi8W268BbKnQq_VCQY742q408Sq2WyyFkjy0TTpxCcBzEtWvhHAimMpZizYP5ShDdkWJEljW_smX5WeNt4hnvMK7pXJqqgi9g9Ipl8vLbvHjtPNc3D_TASD9fbm788nreg0IupBiw/w400-h300/P42200301.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A PB for David when the Grannom were on</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YCm1JWL_wPkVpKtq_z2NmMLPfZe_CCsCzgYeS7AZ-kwC4cStopKLDwzGKLU1Dpt02af_88oZezvHYEY5DUucROpaGis1yCRvmDzStOKBm1-rsf12tp0a1Kry_EL_8cu-ADxvfq-XJ8w0JQyc2175wA3kSVF-I10_s7GaVYfZsw_sOux88Y72VSdz5w/s850/trevorapril.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YCm1JWL_wPkVpKtq_z2NmMLPfZe_CCsCzgYeS7AZ-kwC4cStopKLDwzGKLU1Dpt02af_88oZezvHYEY5DUucROpaGis1yCRvmDzStOKBm1-rsf12tp0a1Kry_EL_8cu-ADxvfq-XJ8w0JQyc2175wA3kSVF-I10_s7GaVYfZsw_sOux88Y72VSdz5w/w400-h300/trevorapril.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Trevor is into a nice fish!</i></div></div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-43099740440060168162023-01-18T16:17:00.003+00:002023-01-18T18:43:35.468+00:00March 2022 - A new season in Eden<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The 2022 season kicked off with showers and bitterly cold westerly winds. Our spring flies made a show, but hatches were sparse and relatively short-lived affairs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rising fish were at a premium during those early days of the new season and most fish came to sub-surface offers, either deep offerings in the form of weighted nymphs or a team of our north country spiders fish just under the surface.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIwNlYix6eUDcc7-JuPwM8roRUbgxxj4F_tRJBB_n4ib8S7lVeELIukx6-zcko-TUOCxrIQ-QtEdcdOVKlNjGK7p8_B-uCYZtDUQhzLUBk7iRAgm5UrA0TuPuWyLgqFFUJONuA0BWWLW6zrRxs9RuhOxTHOmCPs_QmUtHK4llVcoYGGhiFDDVIf8H5A/s850/blog17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIwNlYix6eUDcc7-JuPwM8roRUbgxxj4F_tRJBB_n4ib8S7lVeELIukx6-zcko-TUOCxrIQ-QtEdcdOVKlNjGK7p8_B-uCYZtDUQhzLUBk7iRAgm5UrA0TuPuWyLgqFFUJONuA0BWWLW6zrRxs9RuhOxTHOmCPs_QmUtHK4llVcoYGGhiFDDVIf8H5A/w400-h300/blog17.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>North Country Spiders tempted fish</i></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Grayling were keener to feed than trout initially and they dominated our early catches. We saw our first March Brown's on the 19th, but a day of brilliant sunshine put paid to any surface activity. A good, albeit sparse, hatch of Large Dark Olives brought a few fish to the surface on the 24th and we had a brief window of activity.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-nsHY7l1TbeeJ-zASGbQjb3zlzw9EZnxDhBWDm2dbP4LmPLTiEYNLvWYqxBl5gvydhgyb3J75vO6zDY2M-ULTrbcME-WaFIp4wSgHtlRuvi41LxUTGFtdPBMLQmyMoRGuCjYYPmZsix2Kn_Ag0eZb23F7bPfyInqzkO4pSZvACQtdCFZFuJg3iBZg/s850/largedarkolive.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-nsHY7l1TbeeJ-zASGbQjb3zlzw9EZnxDhBWDm2dbP4LmPLTiEYNLvWYqxBl5gvydhgyb3J75vO6zDY2M-ULTrbcME-WaFIp4wSgHtlRuvi41LxUTGFtdPBMLQmyMoRGuCjYYPmZsix2Kn_Ag0eZb23F7bPfyInqzkO4pSZvACQtdCFZFuJg3iBZg/w400-h266/largedarkolive.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Large dark Olives showed most days</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3SqK_thDPFTdgvePk9_-x9uyqXHkpg082RcyOmz2ozhgxPZc546TxWi9LIr438qK-BHh0-2twL0B43ElJbVe8mGhCwizi41nXgckHaaPYuu53cN_sKdYh0UhKzLeOHgabtBJPF506gInRgGJIenVDZXworHUNWDKqlz0PlzNSV_YABLDyKMdNJrbbg/s850/marchbrown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3SqK_thDPFTdgvePk9_-x9uyqXHkpg082RcyOmz2ozhgxPZc546TxWi9LIr438qK-BHh0-2twL0B43ElJbVe8mGhCwizi41nXgckHaaPYuu53cN_sKdYh0UhKzLeOHgabtBJPF506gInRgGJIenVDZXworHUNWDKqlz0PlzNSV_YABLDyKMdNJrbbg/w400-h266/marchbrown.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>March Browns braved the elements</i></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The final two days of the month brought bitterly cold easterly winds and frequent snow showers, but both March Browns and Large Dark Olives braved the elements and hatched in the few areas that gave shelter from the winds. Fish weren't keen to come to the surface in the adverse conditions, but nymphs and spiders produced spells of action.
</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmRriCACRgJYFsWp9bxe_GfYw5vWWnTcuqXSCg_jCIG7_WNDla0qkjYHAOuCzRUvGA4JkzK_rIKG8HY-yo0o4EqTzfCI6Du3oO-5wkLVX0ZPb3vkS9vSAdFqDMOcMYlVZvBVa7Y7ssIr-HYOOjphU4mf8KO0fwZeKD6SiGQFgBgnN5lxCc19d5jaE6g/s850/1lb11ozs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmRriCACRgJYFsWp9bxe_GfYw5vWWnTcuqXSCg_jCIG7_WNDla0qkjYHAOuCzRUvGA4JkzK_rIKG8HY-yo0o4EqTzfCI6Du3oO-5wkLVX0ZPb3vkS9vSAdFqDMOcMYlVZvBVa7Y7ssIr-HYOOjphU4mf8KO0fwZeKD6SiGQFgBgnN5lxCc19d5jaE6g/w400-h300/1lb11ozs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghurdB00mSeYZldtNftDKEzwgx4EhwfBUuMUho-rSl5IeuOetz-hrQC3uJugsDtEo9ZItCwoxJ7sqsLumM4ptJ_ak7wNmzhGJluMyaVbiUos8Vgh0Chudp6klZkWjvY_T_xdwVftm3qil8Db_mxpH2vSAQ7uPtwXwShq0gAxhXk44wCtvriT6Q5eRO_w/s850/2lbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghurdB00mSeYZldtNftDKEzwgx4EhwfBUuMUho-rSl5IeuOetz-hrQC3uJugsDtEo9ZItCwoxJ7sqsLumM4ptJ_ak7wNmzhGJluMyaVbiUos8Vgh0Chudp6klZkWjvY_T_xdwVftm3qil8Db_mxpH2vSAQ7uPtwXwShq0gAxhXk44wCtvriT6Q5eRO_w/w400-h300/2lbs.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Nymphs and spiders produced on the final two days of March</i></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-12802378285256381442021-11-27T15:00:00.001+00:002021-11-27T16:20:04.919+00:00September in Eden - the end to another trout season.<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">September in Eden saw the end of another trout season on our rivers. The month started dry and sunny. The rivers were low and they stayed that way until the final few days of September, when we finally got some wet weather in Eden and a slight lift in levels.</span> </p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Conditions were hardly ideal for those trying our great sport for the first time and challenging for guided days, but we did okay considering...and all coped with the conditions admirably.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcfp4sFLALU/YaIeNZwanRI/AAAAAAAAFSw/OYLM5YXaAlgscvQWBeExyp_IWZHqHMIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90503051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gcfp4sFLALU/YaIeNZwanRI/AAAAAAAAFSw/OYLM5YXaAlgscvQWBeExyp_IWZHqHMIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90503051.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Collin with his first grayling on the fly</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few grayling, despite the low water, began to make their customary appearance as we moved into Sept</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ember. Collin managed his first grayling on his first taste of Eden and decent numbers were occasionally fou</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">nd midging the flats.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMi3CsX_26c/YaIiiQ-ftzI/AAAAAAAAFTA/RrrMQxAFhakzdob_hO_HMslKqdnod8dYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90603111.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMi3CsX_26c/YaIiiQ-ftzI/AAAAAAAAFTA/RrrMQxAFhakzdob_hO_HMslKqdnod8dYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90603111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">More grayling in September</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUK7L-UlZYE/YaIfxO1h29I/AAAAAAAAFS4/W0ixqykrmlo5kn0WEMPs-wiW77jCB9HqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90703211.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUK7L-UlZYE/YaIfxO1h29I/AAAAAAAAFS4/W0ixqykrmlo5kn0WEMPs-wiW77jCB9HqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90703211.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>A first on her </i></span><i style="font-family: verdana;">fly fishing debut for Elizabeth</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's great to see newcomers trying our great sport for the first time and there was a quite a few in September. Elizabeth had her first taste and managed to get some action on the nymph on her debut.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nymph fishing dominated tactics for the remainder of the month. The occasional grayling could be found tempted to the surface by midge or aphids, but the trout were not interested. For them it was sub-surface offerings or nothing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDV0v6Dht1Y/YaIjPtVvYyI/AAAAAAAAFTI/BflIH2NHXhMYXu6tEGicAlGm8vJS6PlDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P91003321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDV0v6Dht1Y/YaIjPtVvYyI/AAAAAAAAFTI/BflIH2NHXhMYXu6tEGicAlGm8vJS6PlDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P91003321.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Trout on the nymph</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some nice fish were still to be found, but they did not come easy, they had to be worked for. Mark and Mike came for guided days and both scored on the French leader and small nymphs. French or European nymphing does not suit all, but there's no doubt that it is a very efficient way of working the water and it can be very effective at times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-INxnp4ESg/YaIjkrqpoMI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/3btCFvoDsIEjKLWUVqA2zD_p0R3vCxVBACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P91700291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-INxnp4ESg/YaIjkrqpoMI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/3btCFvoDsIEjKLWUVqA2zD_p0R3vCxVBACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P91700291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mark is into a fish on the nymph</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwdMb7dRsJA/YaIkCrHomCI/AAAAAAAAFTg/owGYbdw5l3Q7IBasvxiXEK_7076WUom5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P91900311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwdMb7dRsJA/YaIkCrHomCI/AAAAAAAAFTg/owGYbdw5l3Q7IBasvxiXEK_7076WUom5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P91900311.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Action for Mike</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a tough and very busy season, I decided to reserve the final week of the season for myself. The nymph still dominated - I didn't fish anything else, but I was rewarded with some nice finish to see out my season. The best was a beautiful 3lbs 6oz specimen that succumbed to a small nymph on the French leader.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLrlwhUyN2I/YaIyBHvu9nI/AAAAAAAAFTo/DM5hxvrD350x6Hk76NbrbCfvokB1PNC4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P92600831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLrlwhUyN2I/YaIyBHvu9nI/AAAAAAAAFTo/DM5hxvrD350x6Hk76NbrbCfvokB1PNC4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P92600831.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A nice fish at 3lbs 6ozs towards the end of September</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rain during the last few days of the season brought the rivers up slightly and perked the fish up for the final day. With no fly showing at the surface, it was another day on the nymph, but a good number of fish responded positively to my offerings. So, despite 2021 being a very challenging season, it was nice to finish it off on a positive note. Let's hope that the fish winter well and roll on the 2022 trout season! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAs_EPMo0iU/YaI0PwPpFeI/AAAAAAAAFTw/0qNfBkNjZ5YvzkyBL5DQvvlaVdXIj-lNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P93001321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAs_EPMo0iU/YaI0PwPpFeI/AAAAAAAAFTw/0qNfBkNjZ5YvzkyBL5DQvvlaVdXIj-lNQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P93001321.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A fish from the final day of the 2021 trout season</i></div></div></div></span></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-61331855548681734692021-11-21T10:07:00.004+00:002021-11-21T10:07:55.909+00:00Rain returned to Eden in August<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rain returned to Eden in August - to every fisherman's relief! The month began with the rivers low, but rain on the 6th brought a welcome rise. Eden was up approximately 27 cm (11 inch/ish) by the 8th and coloured.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwROWzRfP2Y/YZoX_gQ4O3I/AAAAAAAAFR4/xMoHPtMxSTAd9zCZovIibluAFYfwudwewCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P80800711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fresh water perked the fish up!" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwROWzRfP2Y/YZoX_gQ4O3I/AAAAAAAAFR4/xMoHPtMxSTAd9zCZovIibluAFYfwudwewCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P80800711.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fresh water perked the fish up!</span></em></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fresh water certainly perked the fish up and, as the river settled, a day on the nymph produced my best fish of the season!</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;">The river was still holding at a good level and carrying a touch of colour when David joined me. David's favoured method involves a traditional across and downstream presentation of a team of our 'North Country Spiders'. And it certainly paid dividends, with a number of fish coming to his well-presented offerings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBtGSdSCoK4/YZoYVl5KRDI/AAAAAAAAFSA/lvGlsw4_k9YqX0gUSIHXGZv7mLi0qMNvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P80901341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A nice fish from a coloured river!" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBtGSdSCoK4/YZoYVl5KRDI/AAAAAAAAFSA/lvGlsw4_k9YqX0gUSIHXGZv7mLi0qMNvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P80901341.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em>A nice fish from a coloured river!</em></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't just the nymphs that produced. The drop in water temperature seemed to have fish actively looking for food and I had a couple of enjoyable sessions stalking the bank edges, picking off some nice fish that were actively sipping on aphids.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWpABPdltZw/YZoYyKE2jKI/AAAAAAAAFSI/xH9Ru6EY1xwLv1J-Gqxgzt4sxw1_jDTuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P81301841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A nice fish sipping on aphids!" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWpABPdltZw/YZoYyKE2jKI/AAAAAAAAFSI/xH9Ru6EY1xwLv1J-Gqxgzt4sxw1_jDTuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P81301841.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">A nice fish sipping on aphids!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lNvJ4WMgts/YZoZCs8Qt1I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/A7tIVINJz_4pvIoxAh_OJPqDpGbd6bJ8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P82702801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An Eden trout comes to the net" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lNvJ4WMgts/YZoZCs8Qt1I/AAAAAAAAFSQ/A7tIVINJz_4pvIoxAh_OJPqDpGbd6bJ8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P82702801.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">An Eden trout comes to the net</span></em></div></em></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The unsettled weather continued for the majority of August. Although the rain wasn't heavy and our rivers were never massive, the levels did fluctuate and water temperatures dropped sufficiently to produce some decent fishing. Alan hit the river at a nice height and his good fishing ensured that his offerings were accepted by a number of nice fish!</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAujnxtbYkA/YZoZdg4e5jI/AAAAAAAAFSY/KGj13uC1ijk_7FLJfV6XMCHYRhl_fkwqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P82402671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Net at the ready!" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAujnxtbYkA/YZoZdg4e5jI/AAAAAAAAFSY/KGj13uC1ijk_7FLJfV6XMCHYRhl_fkwqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P82402671.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Net at the ready!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cooler water temperatures didn't just suit the trout; the end of August saw the grayling starting to come on the feed again. On some days there were decent numbers to be found sipping on midge and aphids. If you were lucky to in the right place when this happened a few could be tempted with suitable offerings. Based on observations, hopefully this bodes well for our late autumn and winter grayling fishing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM0mgtcz2r8/YZoZvyGOz4I/AAAAAAAAFSg/d_B2htegxnEmxL2eyZqj_eXRF1Lz5QFKACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P81802111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cooler temperatures suited the grayling" border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM0mgtcz2r8/YZoZvyGOz4I/AAAAAAAAFSg/d_B2htegxnEmxL2eyZqj_eXRF1Lz5QFKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P81802111.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cooler temperatures suited the grayling</span></em></div></div></div></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-21763400987599292202021-11-20T16:01:00.000+00:002021-11-20T16:01:16.991+00:00A dry July in Eden<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a dry July in Eden. The warm and dry spell continued and the rivers were down to their bones. Nymph fishing dominated most days and dry fly enthusiasts had to wait for the failing light of the late evenings.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrl5w07DgCc/YZjoHjxVU2I/AAAAAAAAFQI/Y8hYTLMZU5UsP_YMgH2-Lv5X5trMKvhZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P70202281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrl5w07DgCc/YZjoHjxVU2I/AAAAAAAAFQI/Y8hYTLMZU5UsP_YMgH2-Lv5X5trMKvhZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P70202281.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Tempted by a Blue Winged Olive</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The evening sport was good at times. We saw, albeit sparse, hatches of Blue Winged Olives, Sedge and Caenis, plus falls of Blue Winged Olive spinner. Fish turned onto them, with suitable imitations of each species producing action at different times throughout some evenings.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLC2Exd1Vw8/YZjo27K2xgI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/0OefTS8z4JMB48skBLk0N4RW0Kmtu4qQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P70602411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLC2Exd1Vw8/YZjo27K2xgI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/0OefTS8z4JMB48skBLk0N4RW0Kmtu4qQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P70602411.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Another to the Blue Winged Olive</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rivers were low and gin clear and surface activity was at a premium during the day. So sub-surface offerings came to the fore, which suited our agenda when Joe came for a day on the river. The remit was nymph fishing techniques and we looked at European nymphing techniques, traditional upstream nymphing and did a bit of work with the 'North Country spiders'. All techniques produced some interest from the fish, so it was a successful introduction for Joe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTZOyZWqfA/YZjpcGnebZI/AAAAAAAAFQY/Zr-bGksflZkkw2XERE7nA3GfcIUjsxROwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P71400101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eTZOyZWqfA/YZjpcGnebZI/AAAAAAAAFQY/Zr-bGksflZkkw2XERE7nA3GfcIUjsxROwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P71400101.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Joe took fish on the nymph</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When fish were tempted to the surface during the day it was, in the main, by some of the tinier morsels that occasionally present themselves to the fish on our rivers. So when Jon had his first taste of fly fishing in Eden, most of our day was spent targeting fish that were rising to Midge and/or Aphids. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9wBJDQhfS8/YZjpmJV2FuI/AAAAAAAAFQc/-wQFfdrXx-UwfOo7QqdVqG9Q43MuXU0hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9wBJDQhfS8/YZjpmJV2FuI/AAAAAAAAFQc/-wQFfdrXx-UwfOo7QqdVqG9Q43MuXU0hgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Jon scored with the Midge and Aphids</i><br /><br /></div></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM3ea7PmpnE/YZjrLZOBAPI/AAAAAAAAFQo/2-JXRIy9Kqso88J2jJuiME_ggX3-dXOJACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P72900301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GM3ea7PmpnE/YZjrLZOBAPI/AAAAAAAAFQo/2-JXRIy9Kqso88J2jJuiME_ggX3-dXOJACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P72900301.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Nymphs scored best!<br /><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rivers were getting very low by the third week of the month. Presenting nymphs in various ways, depending on depth and current velocity, proved the most productive in the bright conditions. And size did matter! Invertebrates at this time of year tend to be very small and our nymphs have to reflect this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDdVJXbyfqk/YZjrRCFck9I/AAAAAAAAFQw/R_dYBtQnDowqeXIcyXpfsv8Lk7UqRgMvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P73000541.jpg" width="400" /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>A fish on the nymph for David</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wet weather returned towards the end of the month and it rained all day for David and Sam's day in Eden. The trout didn't really appreciate the change in conditions. It was quieter than I'd have like, but both stuck at it and managed to get some action. A mix of North country spiders and nymphs were enough to tempt the occasional fish and save the blanks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBgn0TKda1g/YZjrP_GLk2I/AAAAAAAAFQs/Cs0Y8j2kcHQShMM1kohOel-7BOeP-lWBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P73000421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBgn0TKda1g/YZjrP_GLk2I/AAAAAAAAFQs/Cs0Y8j2kcHQShMM1kohOel-7BOeP-lWBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P73000421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Sam Shows off his catch</i></span></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-56670710962454349262021-10-29T16:28:00.001+01:002021-10-30T10:53:21.600+01:00June 2021...hot weather and Blue Wing Olives<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">June 2021 began with a spell of very sunny and very hot weather, but it also brought the season's first hatches of Blue winged Olives!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhYrcKNdUn8/YXvLXNVaxXI/AAAAAAAAFNI/z8TfmZ8O6fIuGIVQJ797jgiKrBQKkRD0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P60100291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhYrcKNdUn8/YXvLXNVaxXI/AAAAAAAAFNI/z8TfmZ8O6fIuGIVQJ797jgiKrBQKkRD0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P60100291.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">First fish of the season to a Blue winged Olive</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's great to see young people taking an interest in our sport. Hector joined me for his first taste of fly fishing, and he managed to get his first trout on the fly! So I hope that the day has given him the enthusiasm to try it again and/or take up fly fishing at some point in the future.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AompuWzf3H0/YXvOXOlGhLI/AAAAAAAAFNU/94UyW2RQhQsJWd-5a-XpsKfM_49kH39wACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/hector.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AompuWzf3H0/YXvOXOlGhLI/AAAAAAAAFNU/94UyW2RQhQsJWd-5a-XpsKfM_49kH39wACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/hector.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hector had his first go at Fly Fishing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The warm weather continued into June. Blue winged Olives were seen most days/evenings and sport was good. The month was mainly filled with newcomers to our sport, with the majority trying my <a href="http://www.theedenangler.co.uk/fly-fishing-lessons/" target="_blank">'Taster days'</a> . Although a few of the more seasoned anglers came too. With some, like Tony, trying Eden for the first time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OjLnLaK1zA/YXvOxx67PxI/AAAAAAAAFNc/ort3SZK5MYIjsj-mVotREDSsn0ZFnWyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P60400491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OjLnLaK1zA/YXvOxx67PxI/AAAAAAAAFNc/ort3SZK5MYIjsj-mVotREDSsn0ZFnWyAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P60400491.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">A first taste of Eden for Tony</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Blue Winged Olives, like many other species this season, weren't as prolific as hoped for, but we saw them most days. Some evenings we were seeing sport to a mix of Blue Winged Olive Duns and spinners, Caddis, Midge and Caenis. Daytime sport was a mix of nymphing, spider fishing and, occasionally, dries. With imitations covering BWO, Midge, Aphids and Beetles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kT2OFI9u-g/YXvQzGKD2VI/AAAAAAAAFNs/s2bkaCsxaNEphZY2TiWicqNwz4cANgYJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P60700841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kT2OFI9u-g/YXvQzGKD2VI/AAAAAAAAFNs/s2bkaCsxaNEphZY2TiWicqNwz4cANgYJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P60700841.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tempted by a Blue Winged Olive Dun</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The good weather continued and by the middle of the month the rivers were starting to run gin clear and low. We had a few challenging days in the conditions. Fish were reluctant to come to the surface in the sunshine, but enough responded positively to sub-surface offerings to get most, that braved the sunshine, some sport.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbvUpXRAlE/YXvTgg2qcQI/AAAAAAAAFN8/AjaWKZnOGa07RGQNzQMut8ulU05mHKWygCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/david.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rbvUpXRAlE/YXvTgg2qcQI/AAAAAAAAFN8/AjaWKZnOGa07RGQNzQMut8ulU05mHKWygCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/david.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">David with a nice fish to the nymph</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Td1sndwheE/YXvT_j5WHzI/AAAAAAAAFOE/WRdw5Y2kgxYT6GlGmnd4MpUkymbJjZMnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P61901671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Td1sndwheE/YXvT_j5WHzI/AAAAAAAAFOE/WRdw5Y2kgxYT6GlGmnd4MpUkymbJjZMnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P61901671.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ed is into a fish on his fly fishing debut</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A weather front blew through the area towards the end of the month. It brought a brief return to cooler and wetter weather.It didn't last long and the river only came up 2cm, but it was a very welcome lift. David joined me on the day that the rain swept through and he did well on a challenging day. The fish seemed reluctant to feed. All he got was a few tentative tweaks to his offerings, before the day was saved when his best fish of the season so far walloped one of his spiders!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO2Qbd263Fw/YXvVPMXwuCI/AAAAAAAAFOM/nsGfsfJvwPQqXAJAz-KmejaBzlxFFCQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P62502181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO2Qbd263Fw/YXvVPMXwuCI/AAAAAAAAFOM/nsGfsfJvwPQqXAJAz-KmejaBzlxFFCQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P62502181.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">David with his best fish of the season</span></div></div><p></p>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-11958249592570987712021-10-29T10:15:00.003+01:002021-10-29T10:32:21.341+01:00Maytime in Eden<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maytime in Eden started with bitterly cold weather and a relatively low river. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Paul joined me on the first day of the month and, despite the cold conditions, we had fly trickling off the river and fish rising. It was an opportunity for Paul to fish the dry fly and fish responded positively to his offerings. As per usual this season, the rise and hatch were brief affairs, but a change to our 'North Country Spiders' brought a bit more action as the surface activity slowed.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOGYe9X7OvI/YXrZR7HKz6I/AAAAAAAAFLc/KrzajsqKiy0SILVxb6kohip6MS7iMVrAACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P50100101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOGYe9X7OvI/YXrZR7HKz6I/AAAAAAAAFLc/KrzajsqKiy0SILVxb6kohip6MS7iMVrAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P50100101.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Paul had action to the dry fly!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first weekend of May brought another spell of heavy rain, which fell as snow on the fell tops. The rivers were high and the remainder of the week remained bitterly cold. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Water temperatures have been all over the place during the early weeks of our season. They were 10°C on opening day, then dropped to 7°C before rising to 9°C and dropping again to 5°C. It's hardly surprising that our hatches, along with associated rises, have been sparse and unpredictable! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rivers were settling down towards the end of the first week and, although it was still bitterly cold, Large dark Olives and Olive Uprights braved the elements and made a show.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY1a-0hrECU/YXrdDmHTVnI/AAAAAAAAFLs/dFfkX_XawAg6b2D6i5m3YLehuu3Lk5nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P50700891.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY1a-0hrECU/YXrdDmHTVnI/AAAAAAAAFLs/dFfkX_XawAg6b2D6i5m3YLehuu3Lk5nvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P50700891.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Tempted by an Olive Upright</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More rain over the second weekend of May brought the rivers up again, but they settled enough for Colin's day on the Tuesday. We got some sunshine, a hatch of Olives and Colin managed some action to his offerings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k304sVzgneg/YXrgg6NdK9I/AAAAAAAAFL4/getMZUDv6Nc0aaWSx0T5uPaKCzLimDLbACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P51100271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k304sVzgneg/YXrgg6NdK9I/AAAAAAAAFL4/getMZUDv6Nc0aaWSx0T5uPaKCzLimDLbACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P51100271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Colin got some action!</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After high waters forced a cancellation earlier in the month, Jimmy joined me for his taste of Eden and to work on our river techniques. We looked at a few different things and most worked on the day, but the dry fly produced the best spell of action. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biTlclAREUk/YXriNBtRPPI/AAAAAAAAFME/in5bNxEvlfo7G5F6702GB-W6OznC_H_cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P51300391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biTlclAREUk/YXriNBtRPPI/AAAAAAAAFME/in5bNxEvlfo7G5F6702GB-W6OznC_H_cgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P51300391.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Jimmy into a nice fish on the dry fly</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a bit of a warm spell during the third week of the month, the hatches picked up and so did the fishing. Although most of that week was spent doing casting lessons rather than fishing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">David joined me towards the end of week three. The plan was to look at some of the techniques that we employ on our rivers, put them into action and to do some fishing. We had hatches of Olive Uprights, Iron Blue Duns and Brook Duns...David got some action on the dries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18ToxMvHFns/YXrmaQXEOhI/AAAAAAAAFMM/zgSvS_SB7vs1X084olfx9NA9FgPEwrdDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P51901201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18ToxMvHFns/YXrmaQXEOhI/AAAAAAAAFMM/zgSvS_SB7vs1X084olfx9NA9FgPEwrdDgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P51901201.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David got some action on the dries</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The warm spell didn't last long. We were back to strong winds and heavy rain on the 20th and the rivers were up again for the third weekend of the month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">David had been hoping for a day on Ullswater and the river levels made it an easy choice. It proved a good move, conditions were perfect, fish fed well and David got action throughout the day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYzuzHMAro/YXrpWPBZomI/AAAAAAAAFMU/p3fdFCT55VoT4Y5wd0g6U5D7mCuGW60JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P52101461.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAYzuzHMAro/YXrpWPBZomI/AAAAAAAAFMU/p3fdFCT55VoT4Y5wd0g6U5D7mCuGW60JQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P52101461.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David got perfect conditions for his day on Ullswater!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More high waters meant that a couple of guided days had to be cancelled in the second half of the month. But all settled down for 25th and the Yellow May Dun made their first appearance of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mike joined me for his first visit of 2021, we got the hoped for hatch, managed to find some rising fish and he enjoyed some sport to the dry fly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeehGUdQBLI/YXrqt1edKOI/AAAAAAAAFMc/Vft2oH1DKAAN6O00HeRE9KvNxAZrrAiEACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P52602271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeehGUdQBLI/YXrqt1edKOI/AAAAAAAAFMc/Vft2oH1DKAAN6O00HeRE9KvNxAZrrAiEACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P52602271.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike tempted fish with his dries</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-KX52_i3wE/YXsWMlqeAiI/AAAAAAAAFMk/GuVhQbwcDIkFa-1XyUvv-aVDqIURV22AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/mayfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-KX52_i3wE/YXsWMlqeAiI/AAAAAAAAFMk/GuVhQbwcDIkFa-1XyUvv-aVDqIURV22AgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/mayfly.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>First Mayfly on the 28th</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our biggest upwing, the Mayfly (Ephemerella Danica), were about a week late this year, I didn't see my first until the 28th. But it was nice to see them join the party and hopefully a sign that the river was coming to life. We had a number of species hatching on some days and some great sport to the dry fly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN10RMJvMoI/YXsWQ2NeTdI/AAAAAAAAFMo/TQGhCz31kngEnGNy5Dm8_UYYriEPfM0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P52802611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN10RMJvMoI/YXsWQ2NeTdI/AAAAAAAAFMo/TQGhCz31kngEnGNy5Dm8_UYYriEPfM0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P52802611.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A Brown to an Olive Upright</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We saw the month out with the river settled and some decent hatches. David joined me in the latter days and his favoured method 'North Country Spiders' were put to good use. His well-presented team produced action throughout the day and he made contact with a decent number of fish.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3GyK8KLoWQ/YXsX2dWveUI/AAAAAAAAFM0/66mYHXMrz4I_EYFyROC2wgeecwNTxhgnACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P52900171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3GyK8KLoWQ/YXsX2dWveUI/AAAAAAAAFM0/66mYHXMrz4I_EYFyROC2wgeecwNTxhgnACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P52900171.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David scored on the spiders</i></div></div></div></div></div></span></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-25982827588725293112021-10-28T12:30:00.001+01:002021-10-28T12:30:57.604+01:00April in Eden...2021<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">April in Eden started off with the rivers high and dirty. It wasn't all bad news though - Covid restrictions were relaxed on the 29th March and we were allowed to move around a bit more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rivers had settled by the 4th and normal service resumed, albeit with bitterly cold northerlies and long spells of sunshine! Luckily the rivers were still carrying a touch of colour, which compensated slightly for the sunshine and we saw trickles of our spring upwings. My first fish of the month fell to a March Brown imitation.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD9NE9lkARo/YXpz8LOdkQI/AAAAAAAAFKE/bDeDV_yxOgYmkxgh1_bx_U30nH0bF_nggCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P40101211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TD9NE9lkARo/YXpz8LOdkQI/AAAAAAAAFKE/bDeDV_yxOgYmkxgh1_bx_U30nH0bF_nggCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P40101211.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>First of April to the March Brown</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The northerly blasts continued until mid-April, giving us a spell of very cold wintry weather, with snow at times!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our spring flies weren't detered by the weather. They still came, just not in the numbers that we normally see and hatches were very short-lived affairs. But if you were prepared to wander and watch, you'd normally come across the occasional fish that was being tempted to the surface.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xjNalf1vyI/YXp3MQV8HAI/AAAAAAAAFKM/mkOWC3mJCik3inhqzf06CCgyD3bpvHUXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P40700061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xjNalf1vyI/YXp3MQV8HAI/AAAAAAAAFKM/mkOWC3mJCik3inhqzf06CCgyD3bpvHUXgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P40700061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>The occasional fish was tempted to the surface</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZ1is3dAFpo/YXp4cq5b6QI/AAAAAAAAFKc/oXkCaqi04c4AfwR-56gQltx_IHd_2MCkACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P41400951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZ1is3dAFpo/YXp4cq5b6QI/AAAAAAAAFKc/oXkCaqi04c4AfwR-56gQltx_IHd_2MCkACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P41400951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>A large dark Olive feeder</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cold weather kept our Grannom hatches at bay in the early part of the month. It was the 17th before I saw my first meaningful hatch of our seasonal daytime sedge. And with water temperatures driven down by the cold snap, the fish were reluctant to come to the surface with their usual vigour, on what I normally class as their first big feed of the season!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Luckily the fish fed well to a good hatch of Grannom when David joined me for a day's guiding. He managed to score on both dry and wet imitations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKqe24quYFI/YXp9qXuBFsI/AAAAAAAAFKk/KVtOrRUzH20eGD6kSJ4E_4UKMEFKFQP5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42001211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKqe24quYFI/YXp9qXuBFsI/AAAAAAAAFKk/KVtOrRUzH20eGD6kSJ4E_4UKMEFKFQP5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P42001211.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>David hit a hatch of Grannom</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObSmxTIvwkg/YXqA5mMdI5I/AAAAAAAAFKs/7eCbxItETxcmSBt5QddrK7lR2w27HWZgACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42201471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObSmxTIvwkg/YXqA5mMdI5I/AAAAAAAAFKs/7eCbxItETxcmSBt5QddrK7lR2w27HWZgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P42201471.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A Grannom feeder for Trevor!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trevor joined me for his first taste of Eden. After a morning spent working on techniques, we were fortunate to hit a mid-afternoon Grannom hatch and Trevor got a nice fish on his debut!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final week of April saw the rivers very low, following a long spell of very cold, dry, sunny weather. The fishing, despite a reasonable show from the Grannom, had been tough. But The Grannom are normally followed by hatches of Iron Blue Duns and Olive Uprights and this year was no different. Mike arrived just in time to hit this latest batch of upwings and our river performed okay for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHDrDe89vXQ/YXqEp0a1GCI/AAAAAAAAFK0/eOYEnqswGSEO3e4GCxgCihoap8fDsOkCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42801781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHDrDe89vXQ/YXqEp0a1GCI/AAAAAAAAFK0/eOYEnqswGSEO3e4GCxgCihoap8fDsOkCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P42801781.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike hit hatches of Iron Blue Dun and Olive Upright</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nazo6i7Zb64/YXqFxuJXtUI/AAAAAAAAFLA/tKItcbOTGeYu3I0mZ3z1hwt6WiUQjnWtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42902411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nazo6i7Zb64/YXqFxuJXtUI/AAAAAAAAFLA/tKItcbOTGeYu3I0mZ3z1hwt6WiUQjnWtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/P42902411.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Olive Upright</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-EikuqBKQk/YXqF8T3jwyI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Z4L0vcQ80h4SX78b6hxnFjSgeJO-v-htACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42902491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-EikuqBKQk/YXqF8T3jwyI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Z4L0vcQ80h4SX78b6hxnFjSgeJO-v-htACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/P42902491.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Iron Blue Dun</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our seasonal flies still refused to show in their usual numbers, but we saw trickles of Large Dark Olive, Olive Upright and Iron Blue dun during the final days of the month and if you were fortunate to be in the right place....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPe6zce2Vns/YXqIjnDeWnI/AAAAAAAAFLU/NXl9AXgYQgsbDi-DF4s90iGqGHmsKYhhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P42902211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPe6zce2Vns/YXqIjnDeWnI/AAAAAAAAFLU/NXl9AXgYQgsbDi-DF4s90iGqGHmsKYhhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P42902211.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />If you were fortunate to be in the right place....</div></div></div></div></div></span></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-91195999383125923532021-10-27T16:37:00.003+01:002021-10-27T16:57:42.517+01:00March 2021...Another season begins in Eden!<span style="font-family: verdana;">Our 2021 brown trout season kicked off on Monday 15th March with us still in the grips of our latest Covid lockdown and, following weekend rain, our rivers in flood!</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The one positive about this recent lockdown was that fishing was seen as being beneficial to our mental state, so it was allowed as part of our daily exercise routine, but with limits on travel. We were only allowed to fish rivers and stillwaters that were classed as local, in relation to where we lived. Luckily, that was not an issue for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our rivers were big and dirty for the first three days of the new season, but all was good by the 18th. Although still carrying a touch of colour, they were fine and our seasonal flies - Large Dark Olive and March Brown - made a brief show to get a few fish on the feed. And I made a good start to the season when I found a nice fish sipping on Large dark Olive emergers!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmO3tfdy7us/YXlZbmaSg4I/AAAAAAAAFJU/J-0rUJxvDpAVLr0-nL3_0ig5FItbr-UxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P31800482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmO3tfdy7us/YXlZbmaSg4I/AAAAAAAAFJU/J-0rUJxvDpAVLr0-nL3_0ig5FItbr-UxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P31800482.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>First fish of the season on an Olive Emerger</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our rivers settled down and remained fishable until we had more rain on the 28th. Cold winds swept through the system most days and hatches of our spring flies were sparse and short-lived affairs. But wandering with the dry fly or speculating with our North Country spiders produced some action on most outings.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVbtdd6AcK0/YXluu5o3bDI/AAAAAAAAFJs/VaC71YODv7M9sJcwWDDUVPrjcsfDjwO1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P32400931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVbtdd6AcK0/YXluu5o3bDI/AAAAAAAAFJs/VaC71YODv7M9sJcwWDDUVPrjcsfDjwO1ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P32400931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">A bonnie fish tempted by a March Brown spider</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwUBB-SkhHQ/YXlvhW4YlLI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/6m0SaTjilc0xXb_bK9FHoGWgateWmzUyACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P32601031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwUBB-SkhHQ/YXlvhW4YlLI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/6m0SaTjilc0xXb_bK9FHoGWgateWmzUyACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P32601031.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">The spiders produced!</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another spell of heavy rain on the 28th blew the rivers out on the 29th and 30th, but they were okay for the final day of the month. The river was coloured, but fishable. And, although the Large Dark Olives and fish were not too keen to make a show, the day was saved when a sparse hatch of March Browns was enough to tempt the occasional fish to the surface....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVCuBHq8_Ig/YXlv2CAD53I/AAAAAAAAFJ8/su9mindTXtcaAlEk_kFd33vLw-NdxH5UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P33101131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVCuBHq8_Ig/YXlv2CAD53I/AAAAAAAAFJ8/su9mindTXtcaAlEk_kFd33vLw-NdxH5UwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P33101131.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tempted by a March Brown dun!</span></i></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-85939859058799589952020-10-24T19:11:00.002+01:002020-10-24T20:06:04.529+01:00September in Eden...another season draws to a close.<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">September in Eden saw another season draw to a close. Due to the unprecedented events of 2020 and the early season lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, it's been a much shorter season than normal - and it seems to have flown over! But, compared to August, we finished with a relatively good month and, despite a mix of fluctuating river levels and days of bright sunshine, most who visited Eden managed to get some action.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyl5IUlKVc/X4Rbr6cpzNI/AAAAAAAAE9A/zxZGDZcuBwAKAHJATnDtWrO7Df4KyrzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90102171.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyyl5IUlKVc/X4Rbr6cpzNI/AAAAAAAAE9A/zxZGDZcuBwAKAHJATnDtWrO7Df4KyrzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90102171.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leo is into his first trout on the fly</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Young Leo and his dad stopped off for their first taste of fly fishing at the start of the month, and they both managed to get a bit of action...which was great, especially for Leo, and hopefully it will have given him the incentive to carry on with our great sport.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMOuyR86yYs/X4Rcg0qi9KI/AAAAAAAAE9I/JWVzyK9RKPYdyIJJXbGHf8WdqfTmcz33ACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90502491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMOuyR86yYs/X4Rcg0qi9KI/AAAAAAAAE9I/JWVzyK9RKPYdyIJJXbGHf8WdqfTmcz33ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90502491.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A trout from a coloured Eden<br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Early September saw fluctuating water levels but, luckily, not enough to stop us fishing and all was good for Mike's rescheduled visit. He'd planned an earlier visit to concentrate on the dries, but Covid put paid to that. Surface activity was in short supply, our Autumn flies were refusing to play, so Mike concentrated his efforts sub-surface and his offerings produced action for him, including an Eden PB!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMOzQ6GeJaU/X5ARzYetPoI/AAAAAAAAE-M/7OYZGlM_M7825H7NvDsXLlAZrtIT1bBJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90803001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jMOzQ6GeJaU/X5ARzYetPoI/AAAAAAAAE-M/7OYZGlM_M7825H7NvDsXLlAZrtIT1bBJgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90803001.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike into a fish on his day in Eden</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLDqtLPYLfE/X5ASUyTO-GI/AAAAAAAAE-g/C5CeCbYADF0_1k8Hgss1P5RTeZgg6KDVACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P90803121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLDqtLPYLfE/X5ASUyTO-GI/AAAAAAAAE-g/C5CeCbYADF0_1k8Hgss1P5RTeZgg6KDVACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P90803121.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike shows off his Eden PB</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4WGQUYkC74/X5AStqG97YI/AAAAAAAAE-o/Po_EhWDOuSkb5jvecLtv05oApP_RvJSXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P91603661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4WGQUYkC74/X5AStqG97YI/AAAAAAAAE-o/Po_EhWDOuSkb5jvecLtv05oApP_RvJSXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P91603661.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mark into his first fish of the day</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mid-September was relatively dry. The rivers were dropping and clearing. But our trout fed well with most of our sport coming to nymphs on the French leader and North Country spiders, although one or two that were introduced to 'The duo' and 'New Zealand dropper' did pull fish to the nymph with the occasional one coming from nowhere for the dry. Steve had his first go at Eden and managed his first grayling and an Eden trout to 'The duo'.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEC08XRbXM8/X5ATGHS-agI/AAAAAAAAE-w/XIbA5lzJUiY2yyzaa8ofpbmlbXoB6feVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P91703801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEC08XRbXM8/X5ATGHS-agI/AAAAAAAAE-w/XIbA5lzJUiY2yyzaa8ofpbmlbXoB6feVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P91703801.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Steve with his first grayling on the fly</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq4NqAQ-txw/X5ATx35IMZI/AAAAAAAAE-4/BG8lU0iSqhI6LT6UoMskvFN_xH1-J3ocgCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P92905391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq4NqAQ-txw/X5ATx35IMZI/AAAAAAAAE-4/BG8lU0iSqhI6LT6UoMskvFN_xH1-J3ocgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P92905391.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Alan brings a fish to the net</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alan was my last client of the trout season. And the best was definitely saved until last, when his first fish of the day was a PB at 3lbs 6ozs and the biggest fish caught by any of my clients this year. We mixed things up on a bright autumn day in Eden and Alan went on to score on the spiders and rise fish to dries. So it was a really positive end to my 2020 trout guiding! Let's hope that the positive vein continues into our winter grayling fishing.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pV_t-22fub0/X5AT0z0R2iI/AAAAAAAAE-8/H63Rya7CNccs1GghZA1aZX6Tx5y3TYy6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P92905241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pV_t-22fub0/X5AT0z0R2iI/AAAAAAAAE-8/H63Rya7CNccs1GghZA1aZX6Tx5y3TYy6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P92905241.jpg" width="400" /></i></a><br /><i>A beautiful 3lbs 6oz Eden trout for Alan</i></div></div></div></div></div>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-9616470750539627532020-10-03T17:39:00.001+01:002020-10-03T17:39:30.085+01:00 August - another unsettled month in Eden!<span style="font-family: verdana;">August was another unsettled month in Eden! Heavy rain on the evening of the 4th brought our rivers up and we lost a few days whilst they were settling back to a more fishable level. Once they did, we managed ten days of settled weather before rain on the 18th heralded a very unsettled final two weeks!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT4hbdVzyZM/X0jQkK2_j1I/AAAAAAAAE68/gc7F7ZkMxlg3yUckzKVKgw84Ii_s3vO4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P80500721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CT4hbdVzyZM/X0jQkK2_j1I/AAAAAAAAE68/gc7F7ZkMxlg3yUckzKVKgw84Ii_s3vO4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P80500721.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mitch is into a fish as Oli watches on</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Days were lost but, luckily, not too many and most visitors to Eden managed to get some action. August has never been a month for much in the way of surface action, so most of our efforts were concentrated around sub-surface offerings. Mitch and Oli stopped off for their first taste of fly fishing in our area and, for young Oli, it was his first go with a fly rod. It's great to see youngsters trying our sport and Oli got some action, so hopefully his positive debut will inspire him to try again!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpxbhj-H0e8/X0jQkOC_gpI/AAAAAAAAE64/ZV1sYQ7sXoAwTugIMP7QPetAUseLW441QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P80500741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dpxbhj-H0e8/X0jQkOC_gpI/AAAAAAAAE64/ZV1sYQ7sXoAwTugIMP7QPetAUseLW441QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P80500741.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Oli has a trout in the net</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't all positive. We've always associated August with 'dog days' and so it proved at times, with the fish playing hard to get. But, most of the time, hard work prevailed and we got some reward for our efforts. Colin had a tough day when his visit coincided with a more seasonal spell of August weather, but we rang the changes and moved around and managed to get fish to cooperate!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIjwEjrvVG0/X0jSGLxeKsI/AAAAAAAAE7M/yWOhCPQ4_T8zdWe66aseTL5sLNhxF8UDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P81400911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIjwEjrvVG0/X0jSGLxeKsI/AAAAAAAAE7M/yWOhCPQ4_T8zdWe66aseTL5sLNhxF8UDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P81400911.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A fish for Colin on a tough day in Eden</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wet weather on the 18th brought a spell of unsettled weather and fluctuating water levels, but it was very welcome. We needed something to perk the fish up and the cooler water temperatures did the trick. Pete was out with me at the beginning of the unsettled spell and he hit it just right, when a few nice fish responded positively to his offerings!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djcrfa2cegs/X0jSiGwyOjI/AAAAAAAAE7U/jgVtyol_V4wXtuRmLKTB6wVwwxzLYxfawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P81801021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djcrfa2cegs/X0jSiGwyOjI/AAAAAAAAE7U/jgVtyol_V4wXtuRmLKTB6wVwwxzLYxfawCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P81801021.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Pete shows off a nice fish!</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsEW1Jpnwa8/X0jSveASLrI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/LvljkxlI_fs4X2WWauAeppGrcPDa2grSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P81901121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsEW1Jpnwa8/X0jSveASLrI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/LvljkxlI_fs4X2WWauAeppGrcPDa2grSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P81901121.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Beth into her first fish on the fly</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cooler, unsettled weather and water temperatures continued for the remainder of the month and it helped a few newcomers to Eden, and fly fishing, to get their first Eden trout. Harry had an awful day, weather-wise, for his visit. It poured down all day and he ended up fishing a rising river, but the conditions suited the fish, they turned onto the feed and he had a good deal of action before the river peaked and the fish turned off....</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2z7QlPR0IE/X0jS1TX07VI/AAAAAAAAE7g/1Gpqa8UTmRQ59pgMKGxwC1Y_qLjlVn8MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P82101231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2z7QlPR0IE/X0jS1TX07VI/AAAAAAAAE7g/1Gpqa8UTmRQ59pgMKGxwC1Y_qLjlVn8MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P82101231.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Harry with a nice fish on his river debut</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHVjJMeBQ7g/X0jT9235NBI/AAAAAAAAE70/2G73QVrbdCgK-A2zhI87jsF_eEjjUL1tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P82701501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHVjJMeBQ7g/X0jT9235NBI/AAAAAAAAE70/2G73QVrbdCgK-A2zhI87jsF_eEjjUL1tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P82701501.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A lift in levels perked the fish up</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have a good selection of rivers in Eden and we can normally find somewhere to fish, but the severe weather blew all the rivers out in the final week of the season. A few days had to be rearranged but, hopefully, not completely lost, just delayed until better times. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nXgzucZZPk/X0jT9w68heI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Yzg4s_RZFzoxhw1cvpKLdrPu8XR2pTbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P82701471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nXgzucZZPk/X0jT9w68heI/AAAAAAAAE7w/Yzg4s_RZFzoxhw1cvpKLdrPu8XR2pTbEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P82701471.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Another nice fish from a high river</i></div>
Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-67795730170681721402020-08-26T12:36:00.000+01:002020-08-26T12:40:50.168+01:00Eden in July - great sport amid fluctuating river levels<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eden in July was a month of unsettled weather and some great sport amid fluctuating river levels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The month began with a falling, coloured river and the first two weeks consisted of a series of rising and falling waters. But it didn't hamper our efforts too much and a mix of nymphs, either on their own or in conjunction with a team of our North Country spiders, produced some good sport for some of our visitors to Eden.</span><br />
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<i>Colin is into an Eden trout</i></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Colin joined me for his first trip of the year to Eden. The river was coloured and falling and the fish weren't too co-operative for him. But some well presented flies did produce some action, and we were fortunate to find a few fish working the flats to give us a short period of dry fly fishing!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-7aMwTZaZU/X0Y7n8St6tI/AAAAAAAAE5E/0p09IlmFNEYm3lJhcPqGfacsmJ7okOIGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P70200501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-7aMwTZaZU/X0Y7n8St6tI/AAAAAAAAE5E/0p09IlmFNEYm3lJhcPqGfacsmJ7okOIGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P70200501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Fish came to a mix of dries and nymphs</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The coloured water didn't stop fish from feeding and a day off between guiding sessions produce some good sport, and fish, to a mix of dries and nymphs - either on their own or fished together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoWREbkc5zA/X0Y7SeoqGrI/AAAAAAAAE48/-gsrW7TuRFUTSdUdWvq2PUG4Dghx4-NhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/colum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoWREbkc5zA/X0Y7SeoqGrI/AAAAAAAAE48/-gsrW7TuRFUTSdUdWvq2PUG4Dghx4-NhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/colum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Colum into his first river trout</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Colum and Finn joined me early in the month. Colum for his first taste of fishing our rivers and Finn for his first taste of fly fishing. Both did well on a relatively tough day, and a flurry of activity in the afternoon ensured that they both got some action!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oc88wmRot4/X0Y7SboY3hI/AAAAAAAAE44/d-O00nY8qB8UExMa6lcGB4UAUeSvpQ_VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oc88wmRot4/X0Y7SboY3hI/AAAAAAAAE44/d-O00nY8qB8UExMa6lcGB4UAUeSvpQ_VwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/finn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Finn plays a decent fish</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The weather remained unsettled and river levels were up and down during the first half of the month. I was a touch concerned for the visit of Eben and Otto. We'd had rain the night before and the river was expected to rise. We decided to go for it though and the boys had a great day! We fished a rising river in the morning and both had some sport, including a river PB for Otto! The river switched off as it peaked around lunchtime. But it turned quickly and began to fall. The fish switched on again mid-afternoon to ensure that the boys finished the day with a flurry of activity. So all worked out well, despite my earlier concerns - it's a funny old game sometimes!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64DLcnfuL60/X0ZAUXS-K5I/AAAAAAAAE5Q/jXZGjiDnNVA1vKahj0SVkFehdjcGx1bUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P71001601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64DLcnfuL60/X0ZAUXS-K5I/AAAAAAAAE5Q/jXZGjiDnNVA1vKahj0SVkFehdjcGx1bUACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P71001601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: start;">Otto with his river PB</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYIKi3yVvWs/X0ZA8MtWGqI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/R6aYyw8l128CnZnUzT2Rs0FY3wFgkD56gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P71001961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYIKi3yVvWs/X0ZA8MtWGqI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/R6aYyw8l128CnZnUzT2Rs0FY3wFgkD56gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P71001961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Eben is into a fish</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The weather and the river settled down during the middle of the month and all was pretty stable for David's visit to Cumbria. The fishing wasn't easy and he had to work hard for what he got, but hard work and persistence often pays off. A few fish and some action on each of his days on the river ensured that David was rewarded for his efforts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7ikEigUgvo/X0ZDyRngUbI/AAAAAAAAE5s/yXCIoCZNlQgIfUE0ep2EueDGSCNq6uhbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P71500321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R7ikEigUgvo/X0ZDyRngUbI/AAAAAAAAE5s/yXCIoCZNlQgIfUE0ep2EueDGSCNq6uhbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P71500321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>David brings a fish to the net</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv8MC8EHtNk/X0ZD9s4HfKI/AAAAAAAAE5w/422yeweyzvQPnuwFRla8Cj_Xz_1sWEN1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P71600381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv8MC8EHtNk/X0ZD9s4HfKI/AAAAAAAAE5w/422yeweyzvQPnuwFRla8Cj_Xz_1sWEN1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P71600381.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>An Eden trout to a well presented nymph</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Settled weather continued into the third week of the month. Rising fish were pretty hard to come by, but the nymphs and spiders produced some action, and fish were caught and lost by most that joined me for a taste of fly fishing in Eden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then the weather changed for the final week of the month and we were back to changeable weather, rain and fluctuating water levels. Strong westerly winds made life difficult at times, but I did get the occasional reward by sticking at it!</span></div>
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<i>Hard work in strong westerlies brought some reward</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The final day of the month saw Robert join me for his first taste of fly fishing. After going through everything needed to take up our great sport, we looked at casting, flies, rivercraft etc. Then Robert fished for his first trout on the fly. After of few unlucky missed chances he eventually got his first fish - it may not have been the biggest, but it was certainly welcome, and it was bigger than the first trout that I got when I first started fly fishing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hopefully this taste of our great sport will have been enough to get Robert hooked....</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6IT--dvj1E/X0ZHkbMIx5I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/wtwJUk-ra18IC77506FlOWrfgXozQpYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P73100511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z6IT--dvj1E/X0ZHkbMIx5I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/wtwJUk-ra18IC77506FlOWrfgXozQpYigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P73100511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Robert with his first trout on the fly!</i></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-22134731829014705012020-08-26T10:14:00.001+01:002020-08-26T10:58:53.806+01:00June and a return of the rainy season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm sure that our seasons are changing. The pattern nowadays seem to be that we get summer-like weather in the spring and then by mid-June it begins to turn autumnal and the rains come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This June seemed to be following the same pattern. By the time Keith joined me on the 4th the weather was changing, the river was coloured - from overnight rain - on the 5th and on the 6th our rivers were rising after another spell of overnight rain. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3x3xASkNnKI/X0FIO7_9aTI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/zhckl_-mA2k_doHrw2mHyRrKYK9CPhavACLcBGAsYHQ/s850/P60400291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3x3xASkNnKI/X0FIO7_9aTI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/zhckl_-mA2k_doHrw2mHyRrKYK9CPhavACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P60400291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Keith with a river PB</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Keith had joined me to look at the various river techniques and all produced some action on the day. The dry fly proved the most productive and a rising fish gave us the opportunity to look at fly choice, correct approach and good presentation. Keith's approach and presentation was spot on and after his first fly was refused we made a change and an Eden PB (for Keith) obliged by taking the fly on the first drift!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VllqflVYqYQ/X0FJbmeokrI/AAAAAAAAE3s/WYidN9oOAAo6nOBoq7tXsqRGoo2gjLXHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P60500531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VllqflVYqYQ/X0FJbmeokrI/AAAAAAAAE3s/WYidN9oOAAo6nOBoq7tXsqRGoo2gjLXHACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P60500531.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>A BWO Dun produced some nice fish on occasions</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">June is the time of year when we see our best hatches of Blue Winged Olives and I experienced my first good daytime hatch on the 7th. The fish aren't normally slow to get on them and the day produced some great dry fly sport to appropriate dun inmitations.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf44PIImRic/X0FKGZMC75I/AAAAAAAAE30/hiGq3xs8lkcIk5OCXLUXdIhpeHqtqodawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P60801581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yf44PIImRic/X0FKGZMC75I/AAAAAAAAE30/hiGq3xs8lkcIk5OCXLUXdIhpeHqtqodawCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P60801581.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Another one to the BWO</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good hatches of BWO's continued until the 12th of the month, when we had our second good lift in river levels following a spell of heavy rain. A drop in water temperatures and a coloured river seemed to curtail the hatches. Rising fish were at a premium, but a change to the nymph continues to produe some action for myself and clients.</span></div>
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<i>An Eden leviathan to the midge</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the odd occasion that we did encounter rising fish they didn't seem too interested what had become very sparse hatches of BWO's and were more prone to react to a variety of midge imitations, although Yellow May duns were beginning to be more prevalent and they were also attracting some attention from the fish.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRAokNnxRPE/X0FPVHQPlrI/AAAAAAAAE4I/VxxYWYi_qTwqgEpeTgOlxdcavsD8C455QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P62301821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRAokNnxRPE/X0FPVHQPlrI/AAAAAAAAE4I/VxxYWYi_qTwqgEpeTgOlxdcavsD8C455QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P62301821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>A nice fish to The Yellow May dun</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The remainder of June remained unsettled with fluctuating river levels. The dry fly sport slowed but , when we did get out, the fish responded positively to a variety of sub-surface offerings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajs6S7drc2o/X0FPYZIcxYI/AAAAAAAAE4M/O8U1zfYjqz89nmM1Q0CQflVfJtR0xZayQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P63000171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajs6S7drc2o/X0FPYZIcxYI/AAAAAAAAE4M/O8U1zfYjqz89nmM1Q0CQflVfJtR0xZayQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P63000171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>One to the nymph in a coloured river</i></div>
Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-70106206055137015662020-05-29T18:13:00.000+01:002020-05-30T11:35:24.823+01:00We're Back!!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a long break following the UK government announcement and subsequent Coronavirus lockdown on the 23rd of March, we're back and my guiding and tuition will resume. Please see my website (<a href="http://www.theedenangler.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.theedenangler.co.uk</a>) for more details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fishing in the Eden Valley is back. Although some clubs, for fear of overcrowding, are currently restricting their fishing to members only, but that will hopefully change in the not too distant future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It seems to have been a very long break and I'm not going to lie, as a fishaholic, I've really missed my fishing fix. But I'm not going to whinge about it! I would/could never have the audacity to whine about not being able to go fishing when so many poor souls have lost and will continue to lose their lives to this terrible disease!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did manage a couple of outings before the lockdown. February's rains and high waters ran into March and the first week of the season was a bit of a washout. Then things settled down towards the end of the opening week and we began to get our spring hatches of Large Dark Olive and March Browns. Bitterly cold easterly winds made life a touch uncomfortable but fish were beginning to respond quite well to our seasonal upwings, and then all got shut down on the 23rd.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97ysKmMsUI/XtEcI07B3LI/AAAAAAAAEzE/AdI72dobRBwNHYDcAFPuPR9_mJ16aQoKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P32102401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z97ysKmMsUI/XtEcI07B3LI/AAAAAAAAEzE/AdI72dobRBwNHYDcAFPuPR9_mJ16aQoKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P32102401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Fish began to respond to seasonal upwings, then we got the lockdown!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a 7 week lockdown we were allowed back on our waters on the 13th May. We'd missed the cream of our early season hatches of Large Dark Olive, March Brown and Grannom. But that was soon forgotten when we were treated to some excellent hatches on the first day back. We had a variety of species on the water including Black Gnat, Iron Blue Dun, Olive Upright and Brook Dun. The fished seemed to benefit from the break and fed with gusto, so it was great to be back!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKuzVCnpcrQ/XtEfs2bf_qI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/aRR1aQQyxr4n7H7K5O1G6kZldAIAx_EsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P51300141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKuzVCnpcrQ/XtEfs2bf_qI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/aRR1aQQyxr4n7H7K5O1G6kZldAIAx_EsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P51300141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9QskCcvuSE/XtEfxTfHLmI/AAAAAAAAEzU/KFUIJaozb2wa7WMtff6SREO4W5-2hOC9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P51300241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9QskCcvuSE/XtEfxTfHLmI/AAAAAAAAEzU/KFUIJaozb2wa7WMtff6SREO4W5-2hOC9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P51300241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Fish fed well on the first day after Lockdown!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The fishing continued to be good for the first two weeks following the cessation of the Coronavirus lockdown. Yellow May Dun and our 'true' Mayfly (Ephemera danica) j</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oined the party. When fish weren't on the larger upwings and terrestrials they turned to midge and aphids, and when they weren't on the surface they responded well to sub-surface offerings</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yG3qfljXV-w/XtEvyQOpn2I/AAAAAAAAEzk/2EhbbKSDKFYO_KQ5a0QVOksrLMzp3yQvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P51600403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yG3qfljXV-w/XtEvyQOpn2I/AAAAAAAAEzk/2EhbbKSDKFYO_KQ5a0QVOksrLMzp3yQvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P51600403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Yellow May Dun</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHuwFnAG5sY/XtEwSyRtOGI/AAAAAAAAEzs/G2TFGBh2844LyS7fvqgtNVXoe-5EktGSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P51801111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHuwFnAG5sY/XtEwSyRtOGI/AAAAAAAAEzs/G2TFGBh2844LyS7fvqgtNVXoe-5EktGSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P51801111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Fish fed well following the cessation of lockdown</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It wasn't all positive. The fish weren't suicidal, you still had to work for them. The rivers are low and the fish easily spooked. We've had virtually no rain since early March, the sunniest April on record and the driest May. Gale force winds over the 23rd and 24th of May made life difficult. The upwings of early May disappeared during many of the month's sunny periods, meaning that rising fish were often at a premium. Those that were rising were often more interested in sipping on the tiny morsels that found themselves trapped in the meniscus and our artificial offerings had to reflect this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May ended with a few days of cloudless sunny skies and daytime sport was tough. But on a positive note: it's the time of year when we can think about getting out in an evening. Sedge aren't showing in force yet, but they can't be far off. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year saw a return of good numbers Blue Winged Olive in June so, hopefully, we have that to look forward to. And when the cloud returns daytime sport should improve, with our efforts more confined to terrestrial and/or sub-surface offerings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May provided a very positive resumption to our sport, below are a few photos of the flies and fish from a great month in Eden:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJbm8VkM7E/XtE6lIVoHcI/AAAAAAAAEz4/NOqYAwFAyzI1vPm03tZ1vNn3c6LrA1M4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P51800851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJbm8VkM7E/XtE6lIVoHcI/AAAAAAAAEz4/NOqYAwFAyzI1vPm03tZ1vNn3c6LrA1M4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P51800851.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-37003413657785004072019-12-05T16:00:00.000+00:002019-12-05T16:06:19.593+00:00Another season draws to a close.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">September began the way that August ended, in fact it seems to have been the pattern for the whole of our 2019 summer: a series of wet fronts blowing in from the west!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a high river on the 1st, cold winds and showers on the 2nd and a rising river on the 4th! But it wasn't all doom and gloom. Fish are resilient creatures and they seem to be capable of acclimatising to, and living with, whatever the elements - within reason - throws at them. This year, despite unseasonably low temperatures and fluctuating river levels, has - in my opinion - been the best year on our rivers since the devastating floods of 2015 swept through our region. The trout have been back in good numbers and a broad range of sizes. Fly hatches have been excellent at times. The Blue Winged Olive hatches were tremendous this year - we had great hatches back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's but I think these were the best that I can remember!</span></div>
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<i>David draws a fish to the net</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As already mentioned: the first week of the month followed the unsettled pattern. David had showers, rain, cold winds and a rising river during his few days in Eden. But, by varying techniques to suit the conditions, he had a relatively productive time. And that can be the secret to success sometimes - have a variety of techniques at your disposal and learn how and when to use them.</span></div>
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<i>David with a nice trout</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike joined me to look at various nymphing techniques. The river was carrying colour, but fish fed. We looked at Upstream nymph, Czech nymph, French leaders and even managed to squeeze in a bit of North Country spider fishing. A few fish obliged, we managed to get some action to each discipline and Mike caught his personal best for the river with a trout that weighed in at 2lbs 10ozs!</span></div>
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<i>A cracking fish for Mike!</i><br />
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<i>Ian into a fish in Eden</i></div>
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<i>Mark scored on the nymph!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The second week of the month brought more rain and rising rivers and a few days of guiding/tuition were lost to the elements. Luckily the weather and river settled by the 12th and we got back to fishing. The 13th was lucky for Ian and he managed to christened his new gear on a couple of fish. Mark had a positive Eden debut and got some action to the nymph after we'd done a bit of fine-tuning. </span></div>
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<i>Mike is ready with the net!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike was up for his latest visit to Cumbria, he's become quite an accomplished river-man over the years that we've fished together and a relatively full Eden wasn't as much of a challenge that it would have been when we first met. He can normally cope with anything that I throw at him nowadays, so we mixed it up a bit to cope with different depth, current velocities etc. and Mike was rewarded with a relatively good number of late-season trout.</span></div>
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<i>The final fish, on the final day, of the 2019 trout season</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The final week of the season was a bit of a challenge with intermittent spells of rain and fluctuating levels. A couple of days of tuition were lost, but I managed to scratch around and find some fishable water most days. I thought my season was over on the 27th of the month: with a rising river and a wet weekend forecast I thought that was it - season done. But temptation got the better of me; I had to fish the final day; there wasn't a lot to go at but a hunch paid off and I managed to fish the final afternoon of the season and finished it off with my last trout of 2019 - a beauty that hit the scales at 1lbs 9ozs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2019 has been a really positive season. There were definite signs that the river is recovering from the floods of 2015. Trout were back in good numbers and we had some great hatches, so let's hope that this positivity carries into 2020 and beyond. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the Grayling yet. They don't appear to be back in the numbers that we had pre 2015; but I'll be out in search of them this winter, so we'll see....</span></div>
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Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-8553282665083648392019-09-22T10:05:00.005+01:002019-09-22T11:13:54.248+01:00A soggy August!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">August was a wet month in Eden! River levels were up and down throughout the month, but we were lucky. We didn't lose many days on the river and when we did, our local lakes provided a good back-up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a big lift at the end of July our rivers were out on the first day of the month, but they quickly settled and fished from the 2nd, and the fish fed well!</span></div>
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<i>Fish fed well when the river settled</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another spell of heavy rain on the 9th saw a 2 metre lift in some areas and they were blown-out for four days. Although still a touch on the high side, they were back down to a fishable level for Matt and Tiger's visit. The river performed well for the guys, they both fished well and their efforts were rewarded with a number of fish on their day in Eden!</span></div>
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<i>Matt plays a fish!</i></div>
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<i>Tiger got some action on Eden!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our local stillwaters are often a good alternative when the rivers are high - confirmed by two successful days during another unsettled spell....The fish were up at the surface gulping down a mix of Fever fly and midge, and we had two productive sessions presenting a selection of dries.</span></div>
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<i>Tolu is happy with her first Rainbow trout!</i></div>
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<i>Paul is into a fish!</i></div>
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<i>Paul with his first Rainbow</i></div>
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<i>A lively rainbow comes to the net!</i></div>
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<i>Ready with the net!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a settled spell during the final week of the month, which worked well for Jonny's first attempt at fly-fishing. He came for one of my <a href="http://www.theedenangler.co.uk/fly-fishing-lessons/" target="_blank">'Taster days'</a> and we had what I class as the 'perfect scenario'. We looked at the gear - what we use and how it works, casting with a fly rod, reading the water etc. and then we fished. Jonny went on to finish the day with his first trout and his first grayling!</span><br />
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<i>Jonny plays a grayling</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite two very different days - one calm and fine, the other wet and windy - the river performed well for another two first-timers to Eden. Danielle, who was new to fly-fishing, and her husband Pete, a more experience angler, both caught a number of fish on their days.... </span></div>
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<i>Danielle shows off one of her fish</i></div>
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Pete is into a fish!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So although August in Eden was a wet one: the fish did respond well to the conditions and fed well when we did get on the river. September is the last month of our 2019 trout season. So let's hope that the weather, and fishing, gods smile on us and we have a positive end to our season!</span></div>
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Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-27717584182178385012019-08-10T07:49:00.001+01:002019-08-10T07:49:32.784+01:00July in Eden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">July was a drier month in Eden. The rivers dropped back and daytime sport was a bit more challenging at times. But, all - I hope - enjoyed it and it was great to welcome a few to Eden who were having their first taste of fly fishing.</span></div>
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<i>Mike is into the first fish of his latest visit!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike resorted to the French leader on his latest visit to Eden. Although sport was not as prolific as it had been on his previous visit in April, he still fished the technique with great skill and got some reward for his efforts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The warmer weather and lower river suited our evening sport and we had some good late evening hatches. Caenis and midge tempted fish to the surface early evening, before the sedge made their typical short-lived appearance to turn the fish on for their final feed of the day </span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">as the light faded</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T26hH6G2wA/XU2kSc3GIpI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/o8AT-2hCidITbEjWiRqPlj0jp7TxCRfwQCLcBGAs/s1600/P70601191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3T26hH6G2wA/XU2kSc3GIpI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/o8AT-2hCidITbEjWiRqPlj0jp7TxCRfwQCLcBGAs/s400/P70601191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Evening sport was good at times</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X46O7Y_g98Y/XU2jjYtmTAI/AAAAAAAAEfA/59eoe9ktuPwVyB4Vy4sJ5cHwbCbKk05NwCLcBGAs/s1600/P71200191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X46O7Y_g98Y/XU2jjYtmTAI/AAAAAAAAEfA/59eoe9ktuPwVyB4Vy4sJ5cHwbCbKk05NwCLcBGAs/s400/P71200191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Mark with a fish on his first visit to Eden</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's great to see lots of first-time visitors to Eden. One of the latest was Mark and it turned out to be a very positive day of firsts for him: his first visit to our great river; his first British brown trout; his first British Grayling and nearly his first Salmon! We were both surprised when a silver-tourist of about 7 pounds took his size 14 nymph and tore off across the river like an express train. A mighty fight ensued with the great fish motoring up and down the river taking Mark down to his backing three times before managing to dispose of the hook!</span></div>
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<i>Mark is into a Salmon!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The end of the month saw a return to wet weather. Heavy rain on the 22nd brought a rise in levels and they continued to fluctuate for the remainder of the month. As is usual, once the fish acclimatised to the changeable conditions they fed well and we had some great sport and good catches during the final few days of the July!</span></div>
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<i>A wet end to the month livened things up!</i></div>
Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-57596424593380250962019-08-05T21:18:00.000+01:002019-08-05T21:32:18.690+01:00June was a great month in Eden!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">June was a great month in Eden! May's unsettled weather continued into June, the river held at a good level throughout most of the month and we had the best hatches of Blue Winged Olive that I've seen for many years!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jS7vjlRujns/XS7a_-kjX_I/AAAAAAAAEdE/ycPPJT8Y2S4QP83JzXLElPTF81Vn6A4dwCLcBGAs/s1600/P60206171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jS7vjlRujns/XS7a_-kjX_I/AAAAAAAAEdE/ycPPJT8Y2S4QP83JzXLElPTF81Vn6A4dwCLcBGAs/s400/P60206171.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Hakan worked the upstream nymph to good effect</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rain at the end of May brought our rivers up, but they settled at a nice level to produce the opportunity of good sport during the first few days of June. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daytime hatches were pretty sparse and sub-surface offerings in their various forms dominated our approach! It was certainly the case for Hakan on his first visit to Eden, but it was an opportunity to introduce him to a technique that he wasn't familiar with - upstream nymphing - which he picked up well and his efforts were rewarded with some action.</span></div>
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<i>A great start to Trigg's first taste of Eden</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It wasn't all about dredging the depths with nymphs though and our 'North country spiders' produced the goods on occasions too. Trigg was over from the US and after a short demonstration of how we fish what his fellow countrymen more commonly term 'Soft hackles' he was soon into his first British brown trout! </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SR-LT8szULE/XS7bbvP77tI/AAAAAAAAEdU/zCjjpaUZiMoEofhU0FSG9tE2jupiTJeqwCLcBGAs/s1600/P60806781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SR-LT8szULE/XS7bbvP77tI/AAAAAAAAEdU/zCjjpaUZiMoEofhU0FSG9tE2jupiTJeqwCLcBGAs/s400/P60806781.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Steve into his first lake trout</i>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As mentioned in the May blog: I have seen really positive signs that our river trout population is recovering from the devastating floods of 2015 and it seems to be the same for our lakes too. Steve stopped off on route to a loch fishing holiday in Scotland. The remit was to work on his casting and look at lake/loch techniques. After spending the morning on casting, it was time to fish and the Mayfly (Ephemerella Danica) began to hatch right on cue. The hatch brought the fish on and it was really positive to see good numbers of fish taking advantage. It was also a great opportunity to set up a 'lake rig' with Mayfly imitations and look at presentation, retrieve rates etc. - and Steve's hard work was rewarded....</span></div>
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<i>A lake trout for Charlie</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our 'true' Mayfly made an appearance for Matt and Charlie's day in the lakes, and so did the fish, with a few responding positively to their offerings and both brought fish to the boat.</span><br />
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<i>Matt is into a fish and it's gone under the boat!</i>
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<i>Day two and another nice fish for Charlie</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day two saw Matt and Charlie having a taste of our rivers. Overnight rain had put some fresh water in and they were still rising slightly, but a few fish fed and Charlie finished the day with the best fish of the trip!</span></div>
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<i>Success on the'French leader' for Phil</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The middle of the month brought another spell of heavy rain and one gauge on the middle to upper Eden showed that the river peaked at 1.31 metres (approx 0.9m up on normal) on the 14th. The extra water brought more tolerable temperatures, our rivers carried a tinge of colour for much of the remainder of June and our trout remained active. Many days saw fish confidently midging the flats - even in relatively bright conditions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most who joined me for a day on the river had sport: including Phil who worked on his 'French nymphing' with positive results; Ed, who got his rewards after some good work with the nymph </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and Bill, who fished the final day of the month and topped off his first taste of Eden with some action....</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJiTbLoATy8/XS7coq-bbUI/AAAAAAAAEd8/niZQqVnMSpgfNlz5m0WBiUnpCKp7b2rmgCLcBGAs/s1600/P62800591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJiTbLoATy8/XS7coq-bbUI/AAAAAAAAEd8/niZQqVnMSpgfNlz5m0WBiUnpCKp7b2rmgCLcBGAs/s400/P62800591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ed with a nice fish in a sunny Eden</i></div>
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<i>Bill is into a fish!</i><br />
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Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-57384563035022701972019-06-05T14:23:00.001+01:002019-06-05T14:23:49.891+01:00A Joyful May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May was a very changeable month, but we had some great sport with most <a href="http://theedenangler.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eden Angler</a> clients seeing action on their days out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The month started with cloudy days and cold Northerly winds. The fly weren't put off though and we had some great hatches of Iron Blue Dun and Olive Upright. Fish were on both species and some days produced good sport to the dry fly and spiders.<br />We also saw really positive signs that our rivers are recovering from the massive and extremely damaging floods that swept through our region in 2015. There definitely seems to be more fish about this year, fish between 8 and 12 inches (20-30cm) that have been in relatively short supply over recent years! Which bodes well for the future.<br /><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14KEO1iaPag/XPevZGKmTJI/AAAAAAAAEUU/oqF49dcb7HQ1lUYek38zUW-aeL_mzcJtgCLcBGAs/s1600/P50906961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14KEO1iaPag/XPevZGKmTJI/AAAAAAAAEUU/oqF49dcb7HQ1lUYek38zUW-aeL_mzcJtgCLcBGAs/s400/P50906961.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Colin with a beautiful lake trout</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suitable weather is critical for productive days on our lakes. It's been hard to come by with this years changeable weather and high winds, but everything fell right for Colin's visit. The day started with a good fish and although sport wasn't prolific, good fishing ensured that Colin ended the day with a reasonable number of fish.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWD0b4ja4QM/XPevtu22SDI/AAAAAAAAEUc/LpX7dFJKv-MsrYUAa6sQhFt83sKvZtaSQCLcBGAs/s1600/P51007272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWD0b4ja4QM/XPevtu22SDI/AAAAAAAAEUc/LpX7dFJKv-MsrYUAa6sQhFt83sKvZtaSQCLcBGAs/s400/P51007272.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>A river Brown Trout for Colin</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rain coloured the river towards the end of the second week of May and the slight drop in water temperature slowed hatches for a couple of days. But fish still fed and a change to sub-surface tactics still produced action. Tim came to work on the dry fly: tactics and fly selection. The surface sport was slow for his day. So after covering what he came to do, we changed to presenting a sub-surface imitation, which ensured he finished the session with a few bends in his rod.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFR7niJIs10/XPewCKqPMmI/AAAAAAAAEUk/XfKMj3BrrlUqyTHPWOcnW41fErdVfIaTACLcBGAs/s1600/P51107451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFR7niJIs10/XPewCKqPMmI/AAAAAAAAEUk/XfKMj3BrrlUqyTHPWOcnW41fErdVfIaTACLcBGAs/s400/P51107451.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Tim draws a fish to the net</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunshine hit the region on the 12th and we had 12 days of summer-like weather. The Iron Blue duns and Olive Uprights petered out. Our fish turned their attention to the midge and the many Aphids that were falling to the water, and we enjoyed some great sport to dry imitations of these tiny morsels. <br />It wasn't all about small stuff though. Mayfly hatches seem to get better with each year on our rivers and this year was no exception. Yellow May Duns also hatched and we had days when fish were on both or either of these larger upwings.<br /><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTzB9NBsrs/XPewM0FdKaI/AAAAAAAAEUo/YiiQJ_xfn40TV9PLb4Rn9QRSYyHRwmETwCLcBGAs/s1600/P51207491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiTzB9NBsrs/XPewM0FdKaI/AAAAAAAAEUo/YiiQJ_xfn40TV9PLb4Rn9QRSYyHRwmETwCLcBGAs/s400/P51207491.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Ollie tempted a fish with his Midge imitation</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7i1HRlwE5g/XPewXNXeNuI/AAAAAAAAEUw/YwYVjA0ZqQwxQ9dbva1XmYwOVpa3bRCVwCLcBGAs/s1600/P51906342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7i1HRlwE5g/XPewXNXeNuI/AAAAAAAAEUw/YwYVjA0ZqQwxQ9dbva1XmYwOVpa3bRCVwCLcBGAs/s400/P51906342.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike into a fish on his debut</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3FYqrvHgs/XPewgE8JqhI/AAAAAAAAEU4/RIn81Vvo3MwL4nXDO5cPSXtYyAP4WH83wCLcBGAs/s1600/P52206371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yI3FYqrvHgs/XPewgE8JqhI/AAAAAAAAEU4/RIn81Vvo3MwL4nXDO5cPSXtYyAP4WH83wCLcBGAs/s400/P52206371.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Mike with a fish to a North Country Spider</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLMK8ad7k-0/XPewj7OWY8I/AAAAAAAAEU8/HI-LzovSn48dX1EfQYat5OCrW9ZNiHEGQCLcBGAs/s1600/P52306531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLMK8ad7k-0/XPewj7OWY8I/AAAAAAAAEU8/HI-LzovSn48dX1EfQYat5OCrW9ZNiHEGQCLcBGAs/s400/P52306531.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Jason into a fish in Cumbrian sunshine</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final week of the month saw a return to unsettled conditions and a welcome lift in levels. The lift was slight, only about 6 inches (15cm), but it was welcome as the warm spell had meant that weed growth was becoming prolific, and a nuisance, in some areas and surface scum was building and becoming an issue. <br />The extra water freshened things up after the warm spell and fish reacted well to the nymph. This slight change in levels was right on cue, as one or two clients came to look at nymphing tactics/techniques and the additional water suited this perfectly. We looked at the French leader and it's various uses. Decent numbers of fish reacted positively to our offerings - which is always good when you're looking at new techniques.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KhdzGgYC7E/XPewpD34eRI/AAAAAAAAEVA/6zTQ2PUyu3IRoy7ZjWtk6mm9ezXOA0EsgCLcBGAs/s1600/P52606221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KhdzGgYC7E/XPewpD34eRI/AAAAAAAAEVA/6zTQ2PUyu3IRoy7ZjWtk6mm9ezXOA0EsgCLcBGAs/s400/P52606221.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>John draws a fish to the net</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt21pHp7qF8/XPewyeO-vkI/AAAAAAAAEVE/By-ApT0rpuMnzCwoJt4U4KIv9HR6oOAHwCLcBGAs/s1600/P52906301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt21pHp7qF8/XPewyeO-vkI/AAAAAAAAEVE/By-ApT0rpuMnzCwoJt4U4KIv9HR6oOAHwCLcBGAs/s400/P52906301.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Thorsten christens his new rod</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The month finished unsettled, with colder weather, spells of rain and fluctuating levels. A bit different to last year and the unseasonably hot weather, low rivers and high water temperatures. I know which I'd rather have and hopefully there'll be plenty to look forward to in June!</span></div>
<br />Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-39173359689269386632019-05-15T15:07:00.001+01:002019-05-15T15:29:56.062+01:00A fickle April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are many sayings about the changeable month of April and it didn't disappoint this year. It certainly was a fickle month. We had rain, hail, snow, and horrible easterly winds. But we also had some great hatches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">March Browns and Large dark Olives continued to hatch in the early part of the Month. The Grannom came early and lingered on for about three weeks in the changeable conditions. We had falls of Black Gnat and beetles. Then at the end of the month we saw the arrival of Olive Uprights and Iron Blue duns. And on top of all that we had a few fish midging in late April sunshine!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2NX5ycUMBA/XNwGwcmNWZI/AAAAAAAAESw/5IadMlctwJ4vnTTWusN-6w4CFArp64rVACLcBGAs/s1600/mh7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2NX5ycUMBA/XNwGwcmNWZI/AAAAAAAAESw/5IadMlctwJ4vnTTWusN-6w4CFArp64rVACLcBGAs/s320/mh7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Mike is into a fish on a snowy day</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mike joined me at the start of the month and he had three very different days. On his first day we had sunshine (which our spring flies don't like). So there was very little fly, apart from a few March Browns, and the river was dead. On his second day we woke to snow. The fields were white and it was bitterly cold. Mike was rather pessimistic about our chances, but I reminded him that it was fishing and you can never tell, as fishermen we have to remain optimistic. As it turned out he has his best day, with good numbers of fish reacting positively to his offerings throughout the day! Day three was challenging with very strong ESE winds and sunny intervals. But, with a positive attitude following day two's success, Mike worked hard and managed to get some action on his final day.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGf3goIWZLk/XNwI2c7c9OI/AAAAAAAAETY/YQkA6ZN5O1wfDMSvDRtA7b3_7_aW_HVTQCLcBGAs/s1600/mike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGf3goIWZLk/XNwI2c7c9OI/AAAAAAAAETY/YQkA6ZN5O1wfDMSvDRtA7b3_7_aW_HVTQCLcBGAs/s320/mike2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Changeable weather for Mike but good sport</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW-z1M324x8/XNwLtstSYVI/AAAAAAAAETk/-9pGrJmMj5wfEh3One5o6ePebj3UI9x4ACLcBGAs/s1600/toby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW-z1M324x8/XNwLtstSYVI/AAAAAAAAETk/-9pGrJmMj5wfEh3One5o6ePebj3UI9x4ACLcBGAs/s320/toby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Toby with his first fish from a northern river</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">April was a bad month for winds. They were blasting in from the East most days and this slowed hatches. Luckily this was not the case for Toby's visit, when we had two flushes of fly (lunchtime and late afternoon). Each flush perked the fish up and he got some action during each.</span></div>
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<i>The Grannom arrived</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Grannom arrived early again this year. That's the second year on the trot that they've been a couple of weeks early. Our daytime sedge is a sun lover and we didn't get a lot of sun, so the changeable conditions meant that we didn't see them on a daily basis like we often do. But when we did get the sun they were out in their thousands! </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGIj55S1QWE/XNwHa0wm4iI/AAAAAAAAES4/TMRlCcPUB2QTCetgLAI9J1glLSDLFJsjgCLcBGAs/s1600/sb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGIj55S1QWE/XNwHa0wm4iI/AAAAAAAAES4/TMRlCcPUB2QTCetgLAI9J1glLSDLFJsjgCLcBGAs/s320/sb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Steve plays a nice fish</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strong easterly winds on Steve's day prompted a quick rethink and change of venue to a more sheltered spot. It proved a good move. It was more comfortable fishing for Steve, and we found a few feeding fish.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKIqXQrofvA/XNwHee2PHYI/AAAAAAAAES8/VOHNz7zBERYcejJyKochXQqcDjXNJRRiACLcBGAs/s1600/sb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKIqXQrofvA/XNwHee2PHYI/AAAAAAAAES8/VOHNz7zBERYcejJyKochXQqcDjXNJRRiACLcBGAs/s320/sb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A nice fish for Steve</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The conditions remained changeable. We had bitterly cold easterlies and spells of warm sunshine. For those that were in the right place at the right time we saw very good falls of Black Gnat and Beetles, with fish gorging on both. Towards the end of the month we started to see hatches of Iron Blue duns and Olive Uprights. Iron Blues are definitely not sun lovers, so the changeable conditions suited them and we had a few days when we had very good hatches.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcH15kJwYdo/XNwH-dkSYRI/AAAAAAAAETI/2dZmwigAYhoQjHaflghINCxYtkR8OpQKgCLcBGAs/s1600/P40906641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UcH15kJwYdo/XNwH-dkSYRI/AAAAAAAAETI/2dZmwigAYhoQjHaflghINCxYtkR8OpQKgCLcBGAs/s320/P40906641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A fish during a good hatch of Iron Blue Dun</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the end of the month the Grannom had petered out and sunny weather put paid to any chance of Iron Blue duns and Olive Upright (although more were still to come in May). A few fish still fed in the late April sunshine but pickings were slim and those that did feed turned to the midge. And suitably sized patterns did produce some action....</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YtAWwew6QJw/XNwIL_ZIeTI/AAAAAAAAETM/BbtDvvCzPUM2mreAJwIs56thNixbFktAACLcBGAs/s1600/P42906611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YtAWwew6QJw/XNwIL_ZIeTI/AAAAAAAAETM/BbtDvvCzPUM2mreAJwIs56thNixbFktAACLcBGAs/s320/P42906611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A midge feeder on a sunny April day</i></div>
<br />Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361426667235065723.post-38892419092340251812019-05-15T12:10:00.002+01:002019-05-15T12:12:08.442+01:00Here we go again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another trout season in Eden kicked off on March 15th. Strong winds and heavy overnight rain meant that opening day was a bit of a washout - then Storm Hannah hit us on the 16th!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlL0ZaTE8kY/XNvm5gMYfHI/AAAAAAAAER4/hUtgpXKjqFo7_PtAKyi9RTJs-QYkYai-wCLcBGAs/s1600/bt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlL0ZaTE8kY/XNvm5gMYfHI/AAAAAAAAER4/hUtgpXKjqFo7_PtAKyi9RTJs-QYkYai-wCLcBGAs/s320/bt4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A nice fish to start the season</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRNCeBOXxa0/XNvnOXiC25I/AAAAAAAAESE/eAlSiKcQftgYZJITqgpAlDU7O_uY8FBoQCLcBGAs/s1600/P32607201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRNCeBOXxa0/XNvnOXiC25I/AAAAAAAAESE/eAlSiKcQftgYZJITqgpAlDU7O_uY8FBoQCLcBGAs/s320/P32607201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>March Browns were hatching</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">The river was dropping and fishable by the 19th and my season started well with a 3lbs 5oz beauty that was feeding on March Browns. Early season hatches of our spring flies - March Browns and Large Dark Olives - were short-lived affairs, often as short as 25 minutes, and it was often a case of being in the right place at the right time.<br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMv9RSel7wE/XNvm_mXUjwI/AAAAAAAAER8/paOy50jb3LI6hv3lOIuRbB800PtbSYvugCLcBGAs/s1600/2003191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GMv9RSel7wE/XNvm_mXUjwI/AAAAAAAAER8/paOy50jb3LI6hv3lOIuRbB800PtbSYvugCLcBGAs/s320/2003191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A nice fish to the March Brown emerger</i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8a0wiQRn0/XNvv2jImtJI/AAAAAAAAESk/g-XQZNUhrxccz_zYyhOzKxM33oXx4-bfwCLcBGAs/s1600/mbemerger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8a0wiQRn0/XNvv2jImtJI/AAAAAAAAESk/g-XQZNUhrxccz_zYyhOzKxM33oXx4-bfwCLcBGAs/s320/mbemerger1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Some fish preferred the emerger</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Strong easterly winds made life difficult on some days, but stunted hatches of March Browns and Large Dark Olives continued. Although fish seemed reluctant to feed in numbers. During one hatch I only came across four 'oncers' but they rose within range and I managed to cover all four with a March Brown emerger </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi9w-75gQrA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi9w-75gQrA</a>)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and three came to the net! That seemed to be the pattern in the early days of the season - a hatch was needed to get a few fish on the feed, sometimes very few, and all was quiet preceding and following the hatch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pMjTp0TrLs/XNvnHLVNb3I/AAAAAAAAESA/95EEG1yciAUU6tdVKhWDkNV0M54YJMqMQCLcBGAs/s1600/P32207001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pMjTp0TrLs/XNvnHLVNb3I/AAAAAAAAESA/95EEG1yciAUU6tdVKhWDkNV0M54YJMqMQCLcBGAs/s320/P32207001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Large Dark Olives had fish on the feed</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unsettled weather continued for the remainder of March and river levels fluctuated. Large Dark Olives and March Browns hatched simultaneously and both species tempted fish to feed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytz-H_6GNRA/XNvnWZ8TkBI/AAAAAAAAESI/FbanFBkKBUIrbv05fgIqoCHpGUtMt9ItgCLcBGAs/s1600/P32907461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="850" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytz-H_6GNRA/XNvnWZ8TkBI/AAAAAAAAESI/FbanFBkKBUIrbv05fgIqoCHpGUtMt9ItgCLcBGAs/s320/P32907461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Fish on Midge at the month end</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The challenge some days was 'what were they on' Sunny intervals on the final day of the month had fish on both species and even the odd one sipping on midge. That day I was forced to ring the changes and fish came to imitations of all three!</span></div>
Geoff Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400344972132359294noreply@blogger.com0