Seasons Greetings

A few hours practice with the single & double handed rod today with casting/fishing pal Chris. Conditions were not very favourable but at least it blew the cobwebs off in fact it was blowing that hard at times it nearly blew us over.

Hoping to get back into the sessions with Manchester Casting Club in the new year have missed the weekly sessions that were run by Andrew, great bunch of people.

2014 is nearly on us so on behalf of Cheshire Fly Fishing  I'll wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Tight Lines 

Ian Griffin

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End Of The Season

House Pool In Winter

Arrived up in Scotland for the last 3 days of the salmon season on the River Nith, staying again at Friars Carse Hotel. Forecast was relatively mild and the chance of an odd shower but nothing really much. Fairly bright when we arrived as you ca see from the photo but this soon clouded over.

River was a little bit low and very clear, water temp was 5 degrees C, Air Temp 7 so not too bad for the time of year.

Greedy Fish

Started fishing at the top of the beat and gradually worked our way down to the top of the Riding Stones, always expecting to feel the pull of a fish but nothing came. Mat managed to get a tug on the fly in the Shank which turned out to be one very greedy fish when you consider the size of fly against the size of the fish, still it was a fish.




We fished hard all day with just a few quick pulls that we put down to the trout or grayling. Saw quite a few salmon some coloured others fresh and one nice 15lb fresh fish that was landed by on of the other anglers fishing.

Friday saw a slight rise in the river after some overnight rain and more fish were seen along the beat but not caught. A few nice grayling came to the fly which was nice but not what we were after - yet anyway.

Saturday, last day of the salmon season and the prize at stake was the name on the end of season cup, it was just a pity that someone forgot to tell the salmon to turn up. Fish were seen throughout the beat but none were in the mood for taking so it was another blank, but then that's fishing.

Sunday and time to go grayling fishing, at least these lovely ladies were in the mood to play and some good condition fish came to the net.


So that brought an end to the fishing at Friars Carse for 2013, back in 2014 for more grayling, sea trout and salmon.





The Friars Carse Hotel are running a Winter Grayling Competition on the 1st march 2014 check out there web site for further details.

Tight Lines

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Back In The Groove

Returned from the US and had struggled with a wrist injury that needed some treatment that involved no fishing/casting, then I pulled my back out so have been feeling like a caged lion, but decided enough of sitting around so I went fishing for a few hours yesterday and try and forget about the pain.

Up to my local club water to see if there are any obliging rainbows about.
Weather was reasonable for this time of year in the UK about 7 degrees C with just a slight breeze, nothing really to bother about.
Had the lake to myself (I wonder why). It was interesting to see how much the level had dropped considering the amount of rain we've had of late, maybe the water authority are still drawing it off. Given the amount of vegetation that's now there it should do the trout well when it does fill back up they'll be plenty of feed in there. Water level should be up past the forefront of the picture.

 A few fish were rising as I arrived and things looked pretty good, started with a small GRHE on the point and a black pennel on the dropper, fished the margins and drop off points round the first 2 bays and didn't move a fish until I was further round the lake. Just off the far point on the shallows there was still the odd fish rising so it was these that I concentrated on and managed to get a couple of solid takes to the nymph - nice fish.

Switched fly to a Cormorant seeing as there was about six of bird type working the water, pesky things. Changed to a sink tip, this change of tactic resulted in another fish coming to the bank and another made good its escape.

It was good to get out again, but the wrist is suffering once more, more ice packs are needed. Should hopefully get out again next week for a couple of sessions before I head of up to Scotland for the last three days of the salmon season on the River Nith on the Friars Carse Hotel beat. Check out the site for the Grayling Competition in 2014.

Tight Lines

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Back In The USA - Final Part For 2013

Well it's finally come down to the last full day of a great 3 weeks. I've seen dolphins, manatees, sharks a Kemps Ridley turtle and had the privilage of releasing 72 Loggerhead hatchlings to the sea all from a nest that we sponsored in memory of our daughter Rachel.

Met up with Suzi Fox the director of Anna Maria Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring to pick up Rachels Plaque from her nest and caych up on whats been another tremendous year for the group of people. If you're ever out here check them out they are a great bunch of people and do invaluable work, maybe even keep up with them on Facebook.

Rest of the day was spent fishing and was hard work at first, very little bait fish around so no big fish to eat them. Gradually they arrived and though the bite was there it was still slow until I started fishing the 'slick' on the outer side of the bait ball and then it happened, each cast produced a good solid tug and a zip of the reel. A great session to finish. 

Back on Anna Maria Island in May 2014 but for now it's back home to the UK and just time to get the last of the salmon season in before it closes for the winter, but then there is always the Grayling to fish for.

Tight Lines

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk

Back In The USA - Part 4

At last things have started to hot up, slightly cooler guf sea temperature and the bait fish start to arrive, maybe it's time to get lucky.

Out early on the beach and the sea was guite calm, fly rod was set up with a home tied pattern of blue & silver with a crystal hair wing & tunsten bead eyes. Good cast and a fish hit really hard, on for about 30 seconds with a big strong run before it came free, checked the fly when it came back on the stainless steel saltwater hook was well & truly bent, must speak to my supplier. Fish came to the fly at a steady pace, then tailed off.

Switched to live shinners later in the day and hooked up with some energetic Spanish Mackeral, then spotted some large Snook crashing into the schools of bait fish, tossed a shinner in the area and hey presto the fight was on, a snook of about 3 ft long took the bait and went tearing off. Thought I was in control until it cleared the water and threw the hook - gutted. Had a slighly smaller one do the same a short while after.

Spanish Mackeral were giving me a hard time due to the amount of clean cut offs I was getting both to the fly and bait, so much so that I switched from 25lb to 30lb flourocarbon tippet, even trying Rio wire leader at one point but the bites seemed to disappear so went back to the flouro.

More snook crusing by and a quick cast and a very strong pull and I thought I was in only to see the distictive wing flaps of a ray heading far out into the gulf, managed to get it back under control and get it to the shore to find one very angry stingray of about 3 foot across, gingerly unhooked and it safely headed back into the gulf at a more sedate pace.

Flounders, Blue Runners & Needle fish have all also played there parts in this trip, one more full day left and heres hoping the snook turn up to play, if not then theres always the Tarpon in June when Cheshire Fly Fishing is back on Anna  Maria.

There may be chance of one last post before I leave this beautiful island if not keep following as I update you on my fishing journey - next major stop river Nith, Scotland  for the last few days of the salmon season, here's hoping for tight lines.

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Back In The USA - Part 3

Fishings been fairly steady from the beach with fish coming to the fly at a steady pace, unfortunatley they are mostly jacks, ladyfish and pin fish. There have been a few decent pulls and cleans snap offs so I can only presume that these are the spanish mackeral that are cruising by, I just need a few of them to stay on the hook.

Spent the half a day out with Capt Chad Gamble of Hook and Ladder Charters fishing for mackeral, sharks, red fish snook and trout.

Get the fly in quick theres a shark on the line

First stop was out in the Gulf where we were closely followed by a big dolphin that stayed along side us  for quite a while, I'm sure he was looking for an easy meal. Fish were up but trying to keep them on was the issue. The bite was on with the sharks as well as we had 3 screaming runs without managing to land a fish. No matter how hard he tried Mike couldn't get them to stay on the hook without biting through the wire leader, the most spectacular was the spinner shark that just went airbourne before cutting the trace. System was scaled up but they then grew shy of it and the bite stopped.

Time to move into the bays and chase the reds, snook and trout. Reds proved illusive all session and we only had one big snook take hold of the bait my wife had on only for it to throw the hook on the strike, a nice fish sadly lost.

Mrs G with a trout

Trout then became the species to taget and they were coming tp the boat think and fast but all under the 'slot' size. Mike managed a keeper, whilst my wife lost another keeper at the boat, it was just one of those days.

We also had a strange catch for the bay, a Remora, boy can they stick themselves to things.

Beach fishing has proved hard these last few days with very high winds and seas but fish are still there maybe not the ones I'd like but its still a pull on the line.

Watch out for the next installment of 'Back In The USA'

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Tight Lines

Back In The USA - Part 2

Fishing continues to be patchy with the fly rod, but its such a nice way to fish, so I'll persevere.

Took some time of this morning to go to a turtle nest excavation with Anna Maria Turtle & Shorebirds people. The work these people do never ceases to amaze me.

Lots of hatchlings made it out to sea with just these 2 little guys left in the nest (they'll be released later tonight when its dark).

Spent a few hours practicing jump rolls and speys casts before having a fish, mixed variety came to hand before stopping and watching the schools of juvenille manta rays patrol the shoreline surf, they swim right up to you before making the move round you. Did spot some adult ones of Bean Point and they were massive.

Lizard Fish

 Saw a Kemps Ridley turtle about 50 foot from me, great sight. Just packing up for lunch and I spotted a fish of about 2 foot long cruising towards me, so it was worth a cast it was only when it was coming to the surface and about 3 foot from me that I realised it was a small black tip shark, so that was enough of a signal for me, time for lunch.

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Tight Lines

 

 

 

Back In The USA - Part 1

Well arrived back on Anna Maria Island just after 3 days of very heavy rain, so much so that the run off from the rivers has turned Tampa Bay side of the island a rusty red colour, but fish are still being caught from the piers and the pelicans & dolphins seem to be doing OK.

Gulf side has also colourred up so fly fishing has not been overly productive. The bites have been there but more nipping on the tails of the flies rather than getting a good hold.

I did manage a few small jacks & pinfish so at least the rod has had a bend in it.

Sea has started to clear up and the fish are willing to take the fly, plenty of jacks, ladyfish & the odd needle fish all putting up good fights.
Interesting encounter with a tern that decided my clouser looked good enough to eat and pounced on it then tried to fly off.it wasn't happy. Luckily it just had the hook wedged in its rather sharp beak so it was just a matter of minutes before it was safely on its way.
Sharp heavy shower including hail put paid to last nights session which was a pity as the fish were again biting hard, same again this morning but this session was disrupted by some rael fishermen, a pod of dolphins came chasing fish to within 50 yards of the beach, wonderful sight.
Will try again this evening and see if I can manage to track down a snook or maybe a red fish.

 Keep watching for more installments

Tight Lines to all those who are out there fishing this coming week.

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Plenty Of Fishing Coming Up

Have been busy with lessons the last couple of weeks with clients of different standards. Hopefully the sessions have meet their needs and set them on the right track.

Soon I'm back of to the USA to get some fishing in for myself, will be back fishing the waters around Anna Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico. Hopefully the big red fish have move into the bays and the snook and spanish mackerel are plentiful of the beaches, but who knows when it comes to things involving mother nature.

A day trip is planed out fishing with Capt Chad Gamble of Hook & Ladder Charters, great guy worth a trip out with him if you're ever out that way
Will keep you posted of what's happening.

Have added some 2 day winter Fly Fishing Courses onto my website, location is the River Nith in Dumfries, staying at Friars Carse Hotel.

Not long till the end of the season so make the most of it whilst you can.

Tight Lines.

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

River Nith

3 days fishing on the River Nith in Dumfrieshire on the Friars Carse Hotel beat. Arrived Monday to find that the river was still running low and the hoped for rain hadn’t arrived, still fisherman are always optimistic. Target species’ were salmon, sea & brown trout.

Mat at Royal Cast

Fishing this time with me were Mat & Ray. Ray started the fishing off whilst I showed Mat the top section of the beat which was new to him, had first cast with double handed rod in the Royal Cast pool, nice deep pool and well shaded from the sun, no luck there so moved down to the Shank pool which looked promising, both of us fished it through twice without any luck though we did see a couple of salmon move at the tail of the pool. Plenty of smaller fish were feeding on the hatches.

After having a good luck from the path at the Forest Pool we decided to leave that till later and fish through the Riding Stone towards the House Pool. 

Then onto Marsdens, Island, Policemans & finally Fyfes Hole, no luck in any of these we only saw a couple of decent fish boil down the whole of the beat.

Ray at Riding Stone

Mats grayling at the Island

Tuesday & Wednesday were pretty much the same but late on Tuesday we started to see more & more sea trout and salmon crashing in the pools. At the end of the Ledges just before Marsdens  we spotted a shoal of sea trout crossing the gravel bar into the deep water. It was really frustrating to see more and more fish and not managing to hook up. The nearest we came was when Mat lifted into a fish at the tail of Marsdens and it took off straight into the snag just off the Island. Ray was also broken off twice on the single handed rod.

Due to the lack of water we also spent some time with the single handed rods and here at least we managed a good few fish from most of the pools and runs mainly browns with the odd nice grayling amongst them. Given the number and quality of these hard fighting fish it certainly bodes well for the future of the Nith. 

Here’s hoping the river will be at a better height to allow more fish into the system for when I’m next back.

Tight Lines to all those who are out there fishing this coming week.

For more photos and fishing course information visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Plenty Of Casting

Another quiet week, out practicing on my own Monday & Tuesday in quite windy conditions which all comes in handy.

Wednesday saw me over at Curleys for a session with Chris and our mentor Mike Roden. Good session, a few things to work on and keep sharp. Next session is on the River Ribble at Mitton as long as the rains not too hard and prolonged to push the height up.

Over with the lads from Manchester Casting Club at the night time, good to catch up with Chris again. Did some work on my spey casts, another good session I feel.

Thursday and it was over to Wincle for a couple of hours, managed to get a couple of offers to small nymphs.

Saturday nipped over to Stockport Fly Fishing shop as they had an Open Day sale on. Managed to keep the wallet firmly closed and in my pocket, even after I tried out the new Sage 5# Method fly rod, combined with a Rio Perception fly line ----- very nice. May have to have another go with it.

Waders should be back this week, all I need now is a new pair of boots, it's time I treated myself to some.

Tight Lines to all those who are out there fishing this coming week.

Visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Quiet Week

Quiet week overall so not much to report I'm afraid.

Wednesday session with Manchester Casting Club was cancelled due to the inconsiderate rain, still managed to get some practice in on my own and seeing the benefits.

Waders sent of to 'Diver Dave' in Aberdeen for a leak test (I know they leak) and a repair hopefully they'll be back soon and as good as new.


Friday afternoon went out to local still water, weather warm and very sunny, far from good fishing conditions. Had to leave about 7 pm so probably missed the best time but at least I managed to wet a line. No fish to report and very few showing.


Nice to see the red deer on the hill and the mass of butterflies on the thistles at the far end of the lake.


Today saw me meet up with some other instructors for a few hours casting and sharing ideas on different teaching methods and techniques. Good to catch up and share ideas.

Tight Lines to all those who are out there fishing this coming week.

Visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.

Drought But Still Sea Trout

Time for a bit of fishing, a couple of hours on Friday late afternoon was all I could manage then it was pack the gear away, load the car and head of up to Dumfries for 3 days fishing on the River Nith, staying at Friars Carse Hotel.

Arrived early on Monday morning to find the river at it's lowest for some time and where you would expect to see the pace of the river it was all very slow, just the odd runs from pool to pool that seemed to have any speed at all. Still we were here and going to make the best of it.
Set up both single & double handed rods and headed off to the top of the beat which was extended last year so is now about 2 miles in length all right hand bank with 17 named pools of various types.

Island Pool at the top of the beat is a narrow fast run that produced some small brownies up to just under a pound. No real hatch visible but the odd fish was taking stuff just below the surface.

Worked my way down the whole beat over the course of the day picking mostly browns with the odd grayling. Spotted a few shoals of sea trout in a few of the pools and they were the target for the night time.
Just before dark decided to fish the Policemans Pool for a few hours as I'd seen some nice fish against the far bank and the pool is easy to wade.
Two of us fished hard and didn't have so much as a pull, in fact we didn't even hear a fish so we retired to the bar beaten.

Next day the heavens opened and at first looked as though it would be like it all day but luckily it stopped about 10.30 and the sun came out again - time to head for the river this time concentrating on the Royal Stream, Riding Stones, Marsdens, Island & Fyfes hole at the end of the beat. Plenty of browns came to the net, the biggest about a pound and a half a lovely hard fighting fish.

Late afternoon produced a nice 2 pound sea trout from the end of the Riding Stone pool tight under the far bank in probably no more than two foot of water.

Early evening meal then back out again for another few hours, this time fishing the Riding Stones pool as I was convinced more fish were still there, and I was right half way down the pool and the first of 2 sea trout slammed into the Mallard & Claret fly. Neither fish was massive, best about one & a half pounds but still all great sport.
Wednesday before we left I had another walk up to the top of the beat to fish the Island Pool, again managing to catch some nicely marked browns. Back at The Riding Stones the small rise in water had made the  run just above the stone a place worth trying and was justly rewarded with another 2 small sea trout and a few more browns.

Given the warm bright weather and low water conditions the fishing was very good. Hotel management & all the staff made us feel very welcome and if you're ever in this part of Scotland give it a try.

 Back in training with my mentor for APGAI on Thursday, must keep updating the skill set.

These bright days are really making the fishing quite hard, but stick at it and try and fish the shaded parts of your water where you can.

Tight Lines to all those who are out there fishing this coming week.

Visit us on our Facebook page Cheshire Fly Fish or web site www.cheshireflyfishing.co.uk.