Doing the Dirty Work

Today's work-party was a little different, as we deployed to the Reservoir for a bit of preparation for the impending conversion from a failed Trout stillwater to a haven for Tench and Crucian. Luckily everyone had brought waders this time, as our task was to prepare the swims by pulling out the Reed mace (the tall bullrush-type plants) and rake up some of the water weed.

We tackled all of the current swims, but as you'll know if you have ever entered the edge of the water, for every foot of water, you sink into a foot of black smelly sludge. The reed mace has an extensive root system, so when you pull up a plant, you get a lovely trailing blob of sludge with it. It didn't take long before all of the tools, and those using them, were liberally painted in smelly grey mud. This wasn't helped by slinging the plants onto the bank where they had to be collected in wheelbarrows and carted off to a suitable area for disposal.

It was hard work, but we were reinvigorated by the usual coffee and doughnuts, and between the 6 of us (Andy, Miro, Paul, Peter, Nigel and myself) we managed to do a pretty decent job. We even managed to wash off most of the mud, even if the odour still clings, leaving the Reservoir ready for its new residents. Can't imagine why so many people had to drop out of this work-party, but it was actually much more fun than it looked.

Meanwhile back on the river, catch returns have been steadily improving since the re-stocking a few weeks ago, though that happened at a very unfortunate time, and most of the fish stayed right where they'd been put in for several days. They're now much more widely dispersed, and they're good quality fish that aren't going to come quietly, as I found earlier this week when 5 of them got away. Of course that means you get much more fun before you reach the catch limit, but it's not really a skill I'm trying to develop.

A tungsten bead Duracell jig nymph seems to be doing quite well on the point in the faster water, but I've found a surprising number being caught on the dropper about 12 to 18" above it, often with a black PTN or Pink Tag. Sadly very few flies have been mentioned on the catch returns, but various jig quills, GRHEs and PTNs have been successful.

Quite a few members have been bravely using dries, which is always very rewarding when it works, but I'm seeing very few rises during the day (unlike earlier in the season). Several members have been fishing dries in the evenings however, with more success, especially with Grayling which should be getting more active now, and failing that, the Chub and Dace are often very obliging.

Remember, there's only about 6 weeks of trout fishing left this season, so don't miss an opportunity to explore the fast water and overhanging banks now that the weather is more sensible (and do mention on your catch return which flies worked for you).

Tight Lines

PeterB