(Beat) 1 small step

Nothing to do with Moon Landings (if they ever really happened of course), but a few small steps on Beat 1. The picture below is one of several sets of steps installed/refurbished on the little-used Beat 1, so if you want to get away from the crowds at Trottenden or Harpers, this is the place to go. Park off the road at SmallBridge (see Beat or Spot Guide if you're not sure where it is) and walk up to the field gate and climb over then follow the hedge down to the river.

Beat 1 is a bit daunting at first look, as it is very steep-sided, narrow, and pretty deep in places, and rarely clear enough to see the bottom. That's why we've put in some good steps to access the best stretches, though a long net can be useful there, and if you walk to the top it becomes quite different. It can be good for nymphing, once you establish where the season's snag hazards are, and being undisturbed, it often has hatches provoking rises.

At the top end, it shallows out nicely and access is easy, and you can cast up into a big pool. If you advance to the second field (though you have to walk along the hedge to the gate), you can now access the big pool directly. There are alsoa few more spots before you reach the line of conifers which marks the upper boundary of our fishing rights.

Please bear in mind that this is part of Trottenden farm, and they don't like us walking across any of their fields and potentially trampling the silage, so always follow the river bank and hedgerows on the Trottenen fields. We wouldn't want to lose our access rights, especially after all the hard work.

All these lovely steps and ropes etc are thanks to another heroic work party on Easter Saturday.

As usual we were treated to delicious home-made sausage rolls from Andrew (thanks to Mrs Andrew really), and great coffee from Nigel, and doughnuts from Jempsons, with additional digestive services provided by Andy, Dexter, Keith, Matt, and Tony.

We're keen to hear how often Beat 1 gets fished, so don't forget your catch return even if you're unlucky.

Tight Lines

PeterB