River Eden, Tweed and AAPGAI open day

I have been away for what seems like an age. The Eden finished it's salmon season on the 14th, I missed the last two days of it unfortunately but by all accounts I did not miss that much. Although conditions were about perfect for the last week it did not really develop, fish numbers were definitely down this autumn and I hope that this is just a blip in the whole scheme of things. Below are a couple of the pictures of fly fishing in the fog and it is the first time that I have seen success when there are these conditions.

Anglers are now turning their heads to the grayling fishing on the Eden, as long as the weather behaves, it is a beautiful time to be on the river. Those that are not venturing into Scotland where the fishing for salmon continues well into November will be in for a real treat with the condition of the grayling at this time of year. Not really my cup of tea that time of year in Scotland fishing for salmon where there are a lot of coloured fish; and many fallen leaves in the water that seem to keep you occupied for most of the day, (but I still go!).

The AAPGAI open day at Caer Beris Manor in Builth Wells was a great success on the weekend, there were many demonstrations covering fishing techniques, various casting workshops, one to one instruction and a lot of fun. This year Karl Humphries organised the event at short notice and did an excellent job, there was a good attendance and everyone looked after.

The next AAPGAI meeting and open day is the 23rd to the 26th March 2010 with the Open Day on the Saturday at Cockermouth -     http://www.aapgai.co.uk/body/events.html

Just got back from the Tweed at Tweedswood having spent three days there with my good friend Ed, a very nice venue to be and Kevin a superb Ghillie to be with, the water was a little low on the Monday but there certainly were plenty of fish about. I was very lucky and managed to get hold of six on the first day and landed just two, the takes were a little non-committal from the fish due to the conditions. By the Tuesday, there was an overnight frost which really dropped the water temperature and enhanced the clarity, along with very bright sunshine it was always going to be difficult, not a sniff! By Wednesday after another cold night and very cold and breezy day the fish now were in the deeper faster water, only with a very fast tip and three inch black and yellow tube did we get a result.

River Eden

After a quiet spell over the weekend where there was little activity, things are now starting to pick up a little. With the fair weather we have at present and the river settling in with clear water, the river temperature has dropped from 58oF to 48oF due to the cold clear skies at night. This morning we arrived on the middle river in thick fog, by 9.30 am Duncan Goldsmith had landed two hen salmon (photos to follow) on a small black and red fly weighing 5 and 15lb which were promptly returned. The fog lifted and things went a little slack until the evening around 6pm when he got hold of two more! There were some good numbers of fish moving during the period when the sun was hidden above the heavy mist, very encouraging.

River Eden

Perfect conditions after the last coloured rise of water for fly fishing but very few new fish running the river at present. It should be a very reliable time of the year for autumn salmon fishing on the Eden, other close by rivers like the Ribble and Annan are doing very nicely, I just hope that this a blip.

                                                          Hugh

                                                    Ian, Terry and Ronnie

The weather does not look too adverse for the rest of the week, maybe, just maybe if things settle down a little we may be able to get some decent sport toward the end of the week, it aint over till the f.. .... sings!