Fishing Journal

Should we stop Stocking?

2010-12-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

As I haven't updated the blog for ages I thought I would today. I also thought that I would change the focus of the blog to be more about the upkeep of our rivers and their habitat rather than my fishing.

Anyway here's the first one - Rob Hartley and My arguement against stocking the club rivers. To be voted on, by referendum, this winter:

Background to stocking.

We currently stock the Dove from the stepping-stones to the section where a wooden board walk runs along the Derbyshire bank.

The stocking takes place at the start of the season (beginning of May). For the past two years we have stocked approximately 250 all female triploid fish. Triploid fish are sterile with very little breeding instinct. The EA will only allow trout of this sort to be stocked from 2015 we adopted it in 2009.

The fish have to come from a fish farm in Dorset, as this is the only one that is safe for the white crayfish present in our section of the Dove. Those of you who help on the stocking days over the last few years (and even though I oppose it, I was one of them!) will have seen the state of the trout by the time they got here.

The cost of the stocking is in the region of £900 - £1,400.

Last year Sheffield Trout anglers also stocked at Ludwell farm with 100 of the same fish.

Our view

We are very fortunate to fish in Cotton and Walton’s footprints. How much better to also become a wild trout and grayling river again? Better still to catch a fish that lives and breathes the Dove? I am sure you have all felt the disappointment when a hard won fish turns out to be a stocked one.

We (Rob Hartley & Alex Swann) are proposing LADFFA stop stocking for a trial period (3 years). If the trial is successful we would suggest the club becomes totally stock fish free (accept following pollution incidents or similar).

The wild residents

The wild fish in Dovedale are just that. Yes it been stocked for perhaps over 100 years. But they have survived pretty well – studies on their DNA show they are still wild.

On average there’s 1 takeable fish per foot of bank (confirmed by numerous electro-fishing results). This means Dovedale probably contains 4300 plus takeable fish.

Also if you realize LADFFA have never (or in the last 15 years) stocked Grayling in Dovedale and yet has superb Grayling fishing in the Dale, you can see we are not achieving anything.

Reasons why LADFFA should stop stocking farmed trout

1. The money would be better spent elsewhere, such as habitat improvements, acquiring new waters or tackling poaching.

2. Stocking is largely ineffective given how many stocked trout don’t survive the winter or simply don’t hold in the club’s water. An EA study on The Dove (by Tim Jacklin and Roy Sedgwick) found very poor over winter survival or retention, with consistently low (<3%) catches of fish stocked the previous year. This is consistent with most studies of this kind. Cresswell et al. (1982) found that less than 1% of stocked legal-size brown trout contributed to the catch in the season after stocking. One of the reasons the fish disappear is likely to be malnutrition. Winter is a crucial time for the survival of fish (including wild fish); food supplies are limited and mature fish have to recover from the rigours of spawning.

3. The fact that stocked fish don’t survive is still a problem for the wild ones. Brown trout compete for food and space in rivers. The stocked trout are large and coupled with the more aggressive behavior typical of domesticated fish, means stocked fish can competitively displace wild fish (reviewed by Weber and Fausch, 2003, Einum and Fleming, 1997). Poorer later survival of the stocked fish means they do not compensate for the displaced wild fish (McGinnity et al., 1997, 2003; Fleming et al., 2000; Ferguson et al., 2007). So displacing wild fish with stocked fish reduces the likelihood that wild fish will spawn successfully and limits self-sustaining wild populations.

4. What do the stocked fish live on when food is short? Barnard, Wyatt & Maidstone 2007 found that stocked trout in UK rivers are more likely to eat juvenile trout and grayling than native fish – anyone noticed how many more small fish there are about since we reduced the amount of stocked fish?

5. But we want to catch a decent sized fish not small ones. As stocked fish displace smaller wild fish out of their lies and present intrusive competition for the available food they reduce the growth rate for wild fish. Barnard, Wyatt & Maidstone 2007 proved that in UK rivers the stocking of large fish will directly lead to a reduction of native fish of similar size.

6. Look to the successes of The Haddon Estate’s policy of no-stocking on the Derbyshire Wye - “It is clear to us now that 100 years of stocking trout into our rivers has been folly. Wild trout fishing promotes healthy rivers with more fish and larger specimens“ (Haddon Estate Fisheries, 2007). Also look to EA backed Wild Fisheries Protection Zones (e.g. River Ebble and headwaters of The Itchen) and voluntary moves by other angling clubs to ‘go wild’, such as Manchester Anglers on the River Ribble.

7. Wild fish are stronger and fight better than stocked fish. EA research (National Trout and Grayling Fisheries Strategy Newsletter, 2009) has demonstrated “the low ‘fitness’ of farmed trout in the wild”. Wild fish provide a more challenging quarry and are more rewarding to catch.

8. High levels of easier-to-catch stock fish can serve to attract poaching. But not just human. Nickelson (2003) argued that due to the way in which they respond to predators and the way in which they ‘stay together’ (nursery pool anyone?) the introduction of farm-reared salmonids can increase predation on wild fish through the attraction of predators.

9. Stocking increases the risk of spreading invasive species such as non-native shrimp and signal crayfish. It also presents risk through the co-introduction of parasites or parasitic diseases, as seen in the case of Anguillicola crassus, a parasite that has heavily depleted eel populations.

10. Fish farms have a negative environmental impact, not least from driving a tank full of stocked fish up from Dorset. Another example is the manufacture of fish farm pellets which uses disproportionate levels of fish protein stripped from populations of declining marine species such as sandeels (although more so with salmon pellets than trout).

11. The EA (Stocking Fish - a guide for fishery owners and anglers) recognise that “The ecology of a natural water involves a balance between water chemistry, aquatic plants, algae, microscopic organisms, invertebrates, fish and other wildlife that lives on or around the water. The relationship between each organism can be complex and delicately balanced. Introducing fish may disrupt this balance, with irreversibly damaging consequences”. The EA recommend a precautionary approach of “if in doubt - don’t stock”.

12. Whilst Triploid stocked fish are not technically ‘genetically modified organisms’, they are unnatural and are invasive to a natural environment.

13. Stocking can promote a flawed thinking amongst anglers that better fishing comes through stocking more fish. ‘Going wild’ recognises that better fishing comes through improving river habitat which allows wild fish to thrive, along with fly life, bird life and other river species. It also promotes a positive image of an angling association that is environmentally responsible and takes serious the wider stewardship of the river’s eco-system.

14. The level of stocking in recent years has been much reduced, yet many members report extremely good fishing over the same period.

15. Wild trout fishing fits strategically with The National Trust and Natural England’s policies on conserving the natural environment. Natural England (draft position on fresh water fisheries, Feb 2010) believe “Our river and standing water habitats must be restored, so that they can support healthy native fish populations” . The National Trust (Management of Freshwater Fisheries, 2004) “encourage the development of self-sustaining fish stocks, without stocking.”

Some common arguments for continuing to stock just don’t stack up:

1. One argument against stopping stocking is that other angling clubs continue to stock The Dove upstream. That’s a somewhat self-defeating argument (two wrongs don’t make a right) and it will take a progressive angling association such as LADFFA to take the lead.

2. It is sometimes argued that the Hotel water will be stocked if we don’t. But the hotel has never stocked the river (or not in the last 10 years), only LADFFA. Why would this change?

3. It’s argued that the EA might not allow us to stock again if we stop stocking. I have spoken to them on 11th November 2010 and they have confirmed in writing that stocking is reviewed every year. If we decide not to stock for a period of time this will have no bearing on the decision if we want to again. However during the trial we would still apply to stock but not do it – a belt and braces approach.

4. It’s argued that there will be no fish of any size to catch and pressure during the ‘high season’. As already mentioned, there is likely to be over 4,300 fish of takeable size in the Dale. Will 250 stockies really affect this? In addition the science says that if we stop stocking the amount of takeable fish will increase.

5. Another argument is that to stop stocking would deter new members and less experienced anglers who welcome easier fishing for stocked fish. That view should be balanced against growing lobby of anglers who, through preference, would choose wild-trout waters and join clubs that do not stock. For evidence of that lobby, see the growth of wild trout passport schemes (www.wildtroutfishing.co.uk) and the Wild Trout Trust (www.wildtrout.org). Also see the example of Kirkby Stephen and District Anglers, who ceased stocking in 2005 with positive results. They saw little impact on membership and, whilst initially losing a few members, have since gained members of a different type and, as a result, the club is now in a much stronger financial position. As an alternative, less experienced anglers might consider a session with a vastly experienced river fisher like our member Philip White, helping them not only catch a few fish on their next visit but on EVERY subsequent visit.

6. Stopping stocking does not mean a complete ban on taking fish for the pot, just that members should show some restraint. LADFFA’s catch returns demonstrate the members already take very few fish for the pot.

7. It’s sometimes argued that poaching will continue and at least they will take the stockies. The stocked fish are a magnet for poachers (bird, mammal and primate) as they mill around slack water areas (as they did in their stock ponds) for a few weeks after stocking. Lets remove the temptation.

Bentley Brook 2nd Jan 2010

2010-01-02T10:01:00.001-08:00

This fishing trip really started yesterday.

I got up early with Theia and kept her quiet till lunchtime. Only returning her to mum's boobs then taking her back so mum could have a little more rest.

A bit later I casually mentioned fishing today.

I set off before light and the temperature dropped to -7 on the way.

Sunrise was spectacular though:

But not quite as good as the bacon bap I stopped for.

On arrriving at the brook it was in good nick.

Although I had to spend twenty minutes defrosting by boots. I'd left them wet in the car and they were solid!

On the way down it started to snow:

And get heavier:

But what a starting place:

Fishing was the usual bentley brook farye. A black shadow here. A take there.

But as the snow got heavy it wet my hands and they got very cold.

One other interesting site on the way home though.

The roads covered with sheep eating the fresh grit.

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Thursday 24th December

2009-12-26T14:44:00.001-08:00

Having managed to shut down the office on Wednesday I nipped up to Dovedale.

On the way there the weather could be described as clement:

As I got there just before nine the carpark was still closed.

Anyhow. I just drove on and parked by the bridge. Not sure I should have done that buy hey?

I'll tell you hey - I spent all morning thinking the car would be stuck in the snow.

It's been ages since I've been up to Dovdale. And as the snow was fresh I found myself walking rather than fishing. By the time I'd got to the bridge I'd picked up three out of season trout.

I'd come up here to see if I could stalk one out.

I saw a fish. Ok size sitting mid swim so I waded out to within about 6ft and tied on a tribomb.

Cast once, twice, three times. The forth time it took and I had a fish:

Not to bad. And the best way to catch them. With the car playing on my mind I packed up and set off down the river.

The car came out first time.

Home early. Mrs happy a good day.

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Norbury, Sunday 13th December 2009

2009-12-16T12:32:00.001-08:00

Friday 11th - 9.00pm

Weather's looking good for Sunday. Time to tie some mighty pinks:

Saturday 12th 8.10 am

Weather still looking good. Although cold. Must find gloves.

Sunday 13th 8.23 am

On the way I stopped for oatcakes. There was pissed up people in there on the way home. A good effort.

Anyway weather looking great:

On arriving at ellastone. It all looked good; the river was clear and high.

I headed down to the Rocester end. The only one so fantastic.

On tackling up and heading to the river. Dissapointment. A dozen or so guys all fishing.

Bugger.

Caught one.

But bugger pretty much sums up the day. Very hard going with only four fish.

However another angler caught a 6 inch rainbow - a legendary dove wildie?

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Is this the perfect fishing hat?

2009-12-05T01:20:00.001-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

BB Saturday 15th August

2009-08-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Bentley Brook.

I don't know what to say.

I started fishing at about midday and finished seven hours later.

During that time I experienced wonder, excitement, awe, beauty, a pounding chest, dissappointment and was humbled.

On arrival I tackled up and wondered up stream of the ford. A shoal of sticklebacks enterained me until the second cast when I was into my first fish. A perfectly formed 6" grayling.

As it started to rain I wandered back to the car for a jacket and decided to fish downstream of the ford.

A couple of casts later, a kingfisher flew between my rod and the line. Two seconds later my second fish, again a 6" grayling, then a 2lb, then another. It seemed like a good day ahead. It even stopped raining.

The walk down was great to. I'd bought a tape measure for the stiles (working party repairs next weekend) so had to do a little work on the way. Butterflies of allsorts seemed to be everywhere.

Large trees had fallen and once down a little way it was clear that nobody had been down here for months. This one had actually snapped another clean.

No path, so jungle warfare it was.

I dabbled in a couple of places and picked up 2 browns, one about 5" and the other well over a pound, covered in scars - a battler.

Once at the bottom I started to work my way up. Slowly.

Heart in mouth.

At all times there was a fish in front of me or a puff of sediment where they used to be. I took another two graying, and missed four more fish before getting to the canal stretch.

How do you approach this?

I dropped in.

I love it here. Working up slow like a cat. The first thing I noticed, a shoal of baby grayling round my feet no more than 2" long maybe half dozen of them.

Then perhaps a vole, perhaps not, then again, but to difficult to tell.

Shortly followed by two lightning blue flashes as the kingfishers come zipping past, banking in the last milliseconds to avoid me.

A fish, but not for long, it throws the hook.

There's mint (loads of different types) and cress everywhere on the brook.

As I turn a corner just at my feet a grayling shoal with two very large fish at the head. No more than 2ft from me. To close to even drop the nymph on.

I remember the tight casting trick and take the end section off my rod. A 2lb grayling takes the nymph.

Bloody hell. My rods in half I have a fish on it runs and takes line. Unusual for a grayling. It comes back. Straight past me.

I work it in, touch the leader, it's off,

But this being game fishing I'm counting it.

After that in every riffle I take, rise or lose a fish some to dry others to nymph.

I phone my mrs. I not bothering going home for tea.

Eventually I get back to the ford pool. Three trout sitting there. One at monster. I get into position. I cast, they scarper. I wait. They come back. I cast more carefully. They scarper. I repeat this. A few times actually. One looks at the dry. The nymph catches. It moves away. They all scarper. I wait. They come back. One takes the nymph. The hook doesn't set.

Bentley Brook. It always promises for next time.

Oh I then saw the vole. Definatly swimming in the pool above the bridge.

I had one of, if not my best fishing day today.

Tuesday 4th August, Dovedale

2009-08-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

Having heard great reports about fishing at Dovedale from the previous evening myself and Rob Hartley ventured up to Dovedale.

Getting there at about 7pm we passed at least one angler who was into 4 fish 20 yrds up from the bridge.

It looked good. We went on past the bouncers that were keeping people away

They clearly saw the quality of Robert and myself and waved us through. Even Russell Crowe kept his distance.

Unfortunatly so did the fish.

If fact so much so I narrowly avoided a blank with only one trout.

What was good to see was the amount of pasioned new members out fishing.

Friday 31st July - Dovedale

2009-07-31T13:59:00.001-07:00

I came up to dovedale in the vain hope of having a nice late afternoon, early evening session.

I was coming equipped with new flies and a good outlook on life. But as I sit here and write this by the nursery pool having caught one fish. I'm thinking about whether or not the rum and raisin will be the highlight of the trip.

The river is well up and coloured there's sedge and blue winged olives about but no fish.

Shall I go home or change tactics?

I decided to try a dry a promptly caught another fish.

Moving up the river I bumped into phill from Crewe. Who'd been on since lunch and was having a fine afternoon.

He reminded me about the duo method and I started to fish properly I finished up with 6 or so.

Dovedale 22 July - keeping the faith

2009-07-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

After been stuck indoors for a couple of weeks. Sitting in the office at 7pm I thought that I would pay the dove a visit.

I've long had a theory that it the Trent by the Michelin is good then so is dovedale.

It didn't fail me.

The river was at winter levels and the perfect cup of tea in colour.

I started on the duo and soon moved to pure dry taking around 4 fish.

There were loads of spinners and rising fish on the nursery pool.

Keep the faith gentlemen.

Bloody rain

2009-07-19T14:02:00.001-07:00

I've not fished for over a week and the weather reports are shite.

Milldale 11th July

2009-07-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

I ventured up to Milldale today. With the intention of fishing down with 'wets' and then back up on the duo.

I started well with 2 or three browns and a decent grayling of around 2lb.

I have noticed that when fishing a sculpin. I get a lot of takes but only hook up around 10%. This maybe because of fly design, I'll have to work on this.

On the way back up I found the little fellow below

hanging, hooked from a disgarded fly. I managed to extract it and after trying to bleed me and then a ten minute nap in my palm he promptly flew off.

Perhaps a little reminder for us to collect dangling flies.

Having done. My bit I hoped karma would play it's part and I would have a great day.

It didn't. I finished the day with 8 or so fish and lots of tangles.

Testing from my phone

2009-07-15T00:57:00.001-07:00

Hello all.

Just a quick test from the phone!

-- Post From My iPhone

Churnet - Lord's Bridge 28th June

2009-06-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

I arranged to meet Kev up at Lord's Bridge for a quick evening session.

We wandered down to the bottom of the Fenton stretch and fished up.

In this part of the river there is 6ft nettles that bloody hurt.

But just like the rest of the Churnet it's fabulous fishing under a canopy in places.

The day was very hot without much rising. So I opted for the Sculpin to start - I don't know what it is with this technique - I hook up perhaps one in 20 takes.

As we moved further up I changed to a duo and caught grayling, two chub and perhaps half a dozen trout - to olives, balloon caddis and the mary quant.

As we left the river mist was forming - great atmosphere:

Trout in the Trent - they are there!

2009-06-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

I fancied a little trip to the Trent again today.

I'd been on one exploratory visit a few months ago without luck - as well as once last year.

The banks are hard going - very overgrown and the river has been completely straightened and all sorts through Stoke.

I started up behind the university - plenty of course fish about, with the river running clear it was easy to spot bream, chub (some decent sizes), pike, and plenty of roach making out in the faster riffles.

I came across two other fishermen - both about 11 - with nets who'd spent the day catching lobsters.

It took me 20 mins and a demonstration of how to catch a roach in order for them to stop following me.

Anyway further up I spotted a decent size fish sitting mid flow in about two foot of water - about 50yrds up.

I couldn't get in to get to it and the banks were made up of over 6ft of nettles, Himalayan balsam, and that sticky one.

Anyway battled through it to where the fish was - leaving the last few strands on the bank for cover - I peered over.

And bloody hell it was a trout of over a pound.

Now the cast - 6ft high balsam everywhere - decided to go for the sight nymphing use your rod like a pole, held above your head like a sound man technique.

Dropped in the nymph - it sailed straight past him.

Tied on a wet - it sailed straight past.

Tried to take photo's - if it wasn't taking I had to prove it existed.

Camera has no polarizing lens.

Tied on a heavy nymph with three beads - one of which is orange - tyzack loves this pattern.

The fish took. I struck.

Bloody hell.

There's a five foot drop to the river - straight down the vertical concrete edge.

Following the instruction from passion for angling — just jump.

I did.

Landed and then slipped onto my arse in the river (quite cooling actually - it was hot yesterday).

The fish was still on.

Quickly landed it.

Quick photo (it did have some bird damage).

Hey presto - wild brown trout in Stoke - that hasn't been nicked out of the wye.

Eastwall 26th June 2009

2009-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

I came back from holiday last night and after popping into work (in order to go to the pub for lunch).

I decided to go and find me some trout.

I didn't fancy dovedale and didn't have enough time for milldale or BB. So decided to give Eastwall a little go.

I fished down stream with a wet and had a few takes and only one trout. On the way back up I had some great fun with a shoal of chub (perhaps dace) the smallest of which is below.

I also had one grayling to a nymph.

I really enjoyed myself and will be back!

Thursday 4th June - the Dove - UFF

2009-06-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be asked if I wanted to fish the Dove at Rocester on the UFF water today.

They have a few miles of river between Rocester and the confluence with the Churnet. It's a very old club with about 30 odd memebers and a very long waiting list.

The water here really is spot on with good marginal vegetation with good access points, on this part of the river the Manifold has joined but never the less it is still classed as a limestone river.

In fact you could describe the fly life as prolific.

The club could be described as old fasioned. They stock heavily (including rainbows) and feed the fish over winter - to help them survive!

I caught plenty of fish although the ratio of stockies to wild fish was very disappointing with many having disabled pectoral fins.

During the heat of the day I fished the deeper faster runs with a sculpin, hoping to land something a little bigger than the characters up at Dovedale. I wasn't disappointed - my first fish was a grayling - since when did grayling take fry?

Anyway I landed some decent sized fish and lost one of about 4-5lb at the net before the mayfly came out and I moved onto a more gentlemanly pattern:

Tuesday 2nd June - Dovedale

2009-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Before I went up to Dovedale I'd been asked to show to auction winners (Cancer Research) around Bentley Brook. Just as on Saturday, Mayfly were out later on but it was exceptionally hot.

I did manage to get some shots:

After dropping them off with Malcolm I headed down to Dovedale.

As I was setting up my rod spinners were landing on the car. It seemed like it was going to be a good night.

However I started fishing, and spotted Trugg ahead of me. Which was bad news in some respects. But on the other hand he did owe me £20. I caught up and collected.

Funnily enough once I got ahead of him - even 10 yards I started catching, a couple of good fish a couple of smaller ones.

After chewing the cud for a while we both moved up and bumped into Roger and Neil H.

And as the fish continued to rise we had what I believe to be a fantastic nights fishing for all of us. I had plenty of fish between 12-15 most of which were cast too and caught once seen rising rather than searched for.

To give you an idea of the hatch - I tried to video it -

On the way back we were told that Roger had caught at least five fish out of the stepping stones pool - and as I was casting to anther two or three rising only minutes later - it just goes to show that the fish a bloody everywhere - a truly great night with some great company.

One final thing - I spotted this fella - a resonable size fly I thought. But what the hell is it.

Saturday 30th May, WTT, Bentley Brook and Milldale

2009-05-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

After a Friday night out on the pop I was up at 6 and sitting in the living room watching some dramatic reconstruction of the Battle of Hastings.

I'd arranged to meet Kev at the Bentley Brook (in order to go onto the WTT Agm) at 9.30 and it seemed like hours away.

I pushed through until 7.30 when I thought I'd set off and stop for Breakfast at the Windy Ridge Cafe. When I got there at 8.01 it was closed. So onto Ashbourne.

Where I had a very civilised bacon roll and pot of tea as the market was setting up. Kev called and we rearranged for Milldale.

On arriving at Milldale the river was still up and coloured and didn't look that fishable.

Anyway onto the WTT meeting. So very interesting talks and I learnt a few new things too: 1. Our club Secretary took a 3.5lb brown out of Crowdecote this week. 2. The wild trout in the Hamps have 40% farmed fish genes and the wild fish at Dovedale around 25% (this means they are less likely to adapt to changing conditions and are not as fit as they might be).3. The chairs in Youlgreave village hall are uncomfortable.

Joking aside the WTT do a grand job and for those of you who are not members - well you need to think about joining.

Once the meeting was over myself and Kev wandered down to Bentley brook. Walking down to the bottom mayfly were everywhere - clouds of them.

We started to fish up talking one or two fish along the way to mayfly patterns. One thing was strange above the first big weir the river level has dropped considerably (at least 2ft). I spent some time observing trout fly. As usual the BB was more like spook a fish, spook another, catch one and so on. Although I did catch this corker:

I fished the trip with 5/6 fish getting back to my car to find I'd left the window open and a cow had licked it all over leaving slobber everywhere.

We drove down to Milldale for the last few hours of light and whilst there was a few mayfly spinners about there were thousands of sedge flying upstream. Although the fish didn't appear to be taking them off the surface (perhaps the type that crawl up plants?). I had about the same number of fish here (5/6) gain to mayfly patterns.

Lord's Bridge 28th May

2009-05-31T13:31:00.000-07:00

After having a great time at Lord's bridge on Monday I thought I'd head up there again on Thursday night.

There was plenty of fly about mainly olive spinners and Mayfly spinners - although fishing was hard going and very slow.

I managed about 5 trout and a grayling in all to the Lunn's particular.

One thing was a little strange though - for the first time ever I bumped into Fenton members fly fishing!

Monday 25th May - Churnet and Dovedale

2009-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

I met Kev down at Lord's bridge this morning. And we both headed down to the lower reaches of the Fenton stretch.

As it turns out it's good fishing down there and yellow mays, and May's were coming off. After seeing the first one taken. I put on a mayfly and caught straight off:

Shame it was the wrong species.

I also came across this shuck - anyone any ideas what from?

We also came across two dead fish in the same place - I've nevr seen that before - one was a decent size:

We then wandered up to Dovedale and Kev parked at the top end. There was a number of people on the river - a group of five blokes from the hotel were fishing. For some reason the nymph and ignoring the mayflies - but each to their own.

I kept mayfly on and Kev fished the Lunns Particular I had recommended to him. He then caught more than me. I shouldn't have told the bugger about them.

Unfortunately my fishing went down hill, with lots of snags and the like. When it started raining, well I gave up.

Having said that ended up with 8 fish.

Kev showing us how it's done.

2009-05-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Milldale Saturday 16th May

2009-05-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit flued up at the moment and the weather has been terrible. So I wasn't intending to fish today.

Anyway the Mrs was having her hair done. An affair that takes at least seven hours.

So I trotted up to Milldale.

I thought the river would be flooded out. But on arriving it was up and a little coloured but certainly not unfishable.

As the Hardy is in for repair I set off with my nypmhing rod. As a sign of maturity in fishing maybe I am getting less an less keen on my shorter rods.

I wandering down to the board walk to start fishing taking the odd fish here and there in favourite pools.

The board walk is. Well. Great.

There were flys and fish rising everywhere - but near on impossible to catch.

So I moved up intending to fish the boards all the way.

The boards are a section of the river that is neglected by most anglers as it's fast water interrupted by a few pockets.

Anyway - I think it's my new favourtive place. Small wild trout grab madly at anything presented to them and even though the path is close by you are hidden from the public by trees in this almost vertically sided part of the river.

After bumping into Mr Booth I finished the day with around a dozen fish.

Lord's Bridge Monday 11th May

2009-05-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

What a shit night and sod's law.

I had a meeting in Stone at 4.00pm at a clients
which finished early - the weather was good so I headed off fishing.

Driving over there it was grand I was really looking forward to it. So much so I phoned Kev to tease him.

I arrived and set up - there were flys everywhere.

I cast a couple of times and then a sickening crunch. The new Hardy Angel Smuggler is now a 7 piece rod. Bugger.

Not disheartened I thought. Well even though it's windy I reckon a 3wt will be OK and headed back to the car.

To save time i sniped the fly's off at the leader. I was fishing a duo so i thought I would save some time.

I set the rod up - but could I find my bloody flies again?

No.

Anyway - I thought I'd walk down to the end of the beat and fish up.

On the way I got a call from Andrew Heath of the Trent Rivers Trust. More good news a Goosander has chosen the Hamps to bring up her brood.

Anyway onto the river.

Bloody Poachers.

Three of them spinning.

I saw them off.

As they drove off I took a note of the plate.

The same people from the Hamps.

I went home.

The lesson to be learnt.

Don't gloat.

Lord's Bridge Saturday 9th May

2009-05-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

I got up eraly on Saturday morning and ventured up to Lord's Bridge.

Whilst sunny it was cold and windy, with no real fish activity I caught one to avoid the blank and headed off.

Not before finding a spinner stuck in a tree. And then a bloke spinning. I moved him on.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was meeting Adam who was, for some reason, wandering around in his pants.

Anyway the start of the new fishing - I am standing in the new fishing when the shot was taken so downstream of the post on the left:

There is a fence here just upstream of the split and this is the bottom boundary:

And the gate to the feild:

Eastwall 8th May

2009-05-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Myself and Mr Hartley ventured up to the Churnet at Eastwall on Friday night.

There have been reports of the fishing going downhill here for sometime.

Flys coming off included some very large pale wateries - and with no fish to intercept them I am sure there will be more next year.

Sunday 4th May - Dovedale

2009-05-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'd arranged to meet Kev and Gary up at the Bentley Brook at 1.00pm.

As I was very early I decided to stop in Ashbourne for a nosey round one of the big old houses on teh main road that was having a house clearance. It was worthwhile - ended up paying £3 for a Brady bag.

When I got to BB. Gary was there and Kev arrived as I was setting up. It was cold and damp.

As the weather was a little clement we decided that Dovedale woudl not be so busy and to head down there. We were very wrong. It was heaving.

I spent most of my time on the boards section casting to rising trout in what can only be described as a storm of flys - mostly medium olives.

The JT olive was being refused as were most things. There were that many flys trout were not taking them all and many got away.

I counted 6 or so fish rising - but none came up for my camra.

I did see Trevor again - caught in the same spot. This is the third time I've caught this fish this season - he's got very distinctive markings - very unlike the other trout in the Dove.

All in all I finshed with 5/6 trout.

Sunday 3rd May - Trouting on the Trent

2009-05-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

I woke up after my day on the Wye, knackered and sore.

One plan for the weekend was to go a search for trout on the Trent through Stoke.

I'd decided to start near to Stoke Station and head up to Victoria Road where I had been told of trout in the river behind the Citroen Garage.

On arrival it looked promising:

The board stated that the area was managed for wildlife, it mentioned voles but no fish. I trudged on.

Soon after I had got into the water I disturbed a shoal of course fish. walking up the river is a in managed channel with concrete resentments. Although it backs onto a nature reserve on one side and the Uni playing fields on the other. I disturbed fish all the way up (the banks were high with a long drop to the river and no cover. Where there was movement in the river there was fish and some very big chub.

I finsished the day with a roach and a chub. And a renewed vigour to find trout in the Trent.

Saturday 2nd May - River Wye

2009-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

As My Belle was away in Sardinia for the weekend. I'd booked myself a day on the Wye at Haddon Estate.

I was planning to get up early drive over there and fish all day. Unfortunately the night before's the 8 pints and Lamb Rogan Josh were weighing heavy on me.

I thought the best bet was to get myself a breakfast at the hotel and it sorted me a treat.

throughout the day mayfly and olives were coming off. In the morning I had fish coming up for the JT Olive.

But I'd run out by lunchtime. And had to move on.

The afternoon sport was simulary good with some dapping where the river split and some nice long range casting into riffles.

It was a great day and at £40 a bargain.

One thing to remember though - don't kneel in the river without waders on - and don't grasp the nettle when you do so:

Saturday 25th April - Working Party

2009-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

I wondered up to Crowdecote today. As there was a working party arranged to put scaffold poles into cattle drinks.

I've not fished Crowdecote alot having only managed an out of season Grayling in teh trout season, and out of season trout in the grayling season and a a slip followed by going in above my head on my third and final visit.

It's a great little river up here and the work done by the Trent Rivers Trust in pollarding some trees should really help over the next few years.

There is bad news though the river really suffers from Eutrophication

This image shows the situation:

I kinda hope it gets sorted soon.

Thursday 23rd April 2009

2009-04-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

After hearing of my success on Tuesday night Kev gave me a bell at about 5pm saying he was on his way to Lord's Bridge.

As my business partner had just left to play golf.

The computer snapped shut and I was in my car.

Unfortunately driving home as I didn't have waders with me.

When I got there Kev was already fishing. And we wandered down to the starting point.

I'd already set up in the same way as Tuesday. Fishing up we I had about nine fish, all accept one to dry.

But what a one it was - my first Smolt.

Kev refused the offer of borrowing a fly but then this is how he reported the night.

After a little phone conversation I've ordered some for Kev today.

Tuesday 21st April

2009-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'd arranged to go fishing with Chris who runs Adept Vehicle Solutions We'd met at Potteries fly Club and he'd recently joined the Leek.

I sneaked away from the office at 4 and after picking Chris up we first went to Eastwall Farm. Before heading down to Lord's Bridge. What must be my favourite evening river.

The fish are not large, but they are all wild and rise freely. We walked down through into the Fenton Stretch and whilst Chris tackled up I showed him how it was done.

Either by fluke, luck or stupidity on it's part a skinny fish took my fly second cast.

There was plenty of fly life about again mainly midges and the odd Olive Spinner. The night continued very much as it had started with over a dozen fish coming up to the Lunn's Particular.

I tend to fish this with a small nymph below it - to make sure it's arse is wet.

And the best thing. I'd fished with I met tying flies and caught all night on a pattern I buy from Crystal River. Was that cheating?

Anyway - for those that are interested the link

Sunday 19th April 2009

2009-04-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

After arriving back from a christening in London. There was just enough time for a little trip up to the Hamps. I still haven't caught here since the work began and thought it might be nice to do just that.

It was a great evening with plenty of flies about.

On the way back up I saw this little crowd.

By the picture you can assess how brave I am!

Which resulted in a call to the police and then hanging around for 30 minutes whilst waiting for them to turn up.

Unfortunately they were next to useless. Standing in view of the returning poachers who just ditched the rods. And were sent on their way.

So I ended the day with another blank all round.

2009-04-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I should update you all on an excellent day on the Dove.

I've been painting all weekend so was really looking forward to the day. I parked at Milldale and then walked down/fishing the deeper pools on the way.

Once I'd got the nursrey pool it was 11.00 am and the olives were begining to come off and the tourists were arriving.

I had a little bit of "Mcdonalds" fishing for the stockies but soon bored and set of in earnest. The stockies are still shoaled up. I came across them in three places. They don't seem to be taking much as yet - still shiting themselves I reckon.

I also found a very long piece of Mono in the water - must of been about 15lb and about 50 metres of it - its didn't look like last years.

Moving up the river I had plenty of fish (over 15) - to nymph and dry.

Sunday 18th November 2007

2007-11-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

I went on the Grayling day - Norbury section of the River Dove. Organised by Rob Hartley.

Unfortunatly just after 6.00pm on Saturday night it started to bucket down.

The second misfortune was the Leek Oatcake shop closed - so no breakfast.

I arrived about 8.45 am and had to race down to the big bread brown. He wasn't there. I assume gone to find himself some sex.

I did wincle 2 grayling of about 7 inchs each from his pool. One to a purple UV snatcher on the dropper, the second to a deep grayling bug.

Above the weir I had a much nicer grayling and this beauty.

The Start

2007-11-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start this blog thing.

To keep you all - what anyone? - Updated. Also as a modern version of a fishing journal.

I don't know how long I will keep it up.

But here goes.

Alex