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We've been remarkably lucky with the weather this October, especially compared to some years. We've also been quite lucky that the level has been maintained at a healthy 30cm ish most of the time, even if the flow has been a bit slow. We've seen some of the clearest water in recent memory, at times during the past few weeks. I've also received perhaps the biggest number of catch returns on a single day since last April, on Tuesday of this week. I suspect there could be a few members trying their luck tomorrow on the final day of the Trout season. In case anyone's in any doubt, the Trout season ends on 31st October here, so after that, you won't be able to stock your freezers again until 3rd April next year, unless you visit the Reservoir of course, which is well worth doing.

I decided, against better judgment, to try my luck today, just to experience a very coloured river at about the recommended limit level (40cm). In fact it resembled Builder's Tea, but it had a good flow, and apart from some extremely slippery patches (notably the 'Dog Beach' steps), the level was not a problem, especially as it was falling steadily all day, and is now back down to 30cm.

As it happened, I failed to attract the attention of any passing Trout or Grayling, and I can't really blame them, but it was nice to have the river to myself for most of the day. I kept reminding myself that it's all about Fishing, not Catching, especially as I'd had my best catch of the season a few days ago at Trottenden. That was a lovely Rainbow weighing in at just under 3lbs, which I had to play very carefully for quite a long time, so all the more satisfying for that.

I hope most of you have had some success, or certainly some enjoyment, fishing this year, as the conditions have been very favourable. I also hope you've met some pleasant and helpful fellow members on the river. It's been my experience that most members are more than happy to share their tips about fishing spots, flies, techniques, whether you meet them on the river, in the work-parties, or at the fly-tying evenings, so don't be afraid to ask, and to share.

This is one of the reasons for completing Catch Returns, not just so that we know which beats are being visited and what is being caught, or not. That helps with planning for stocking, river work and access improvements, but can also inform the committee's considerations of policies, so they are important, and are appreciated. I was asked recently if I could share more info from the catch returns, and as you may know, I do publish a summary at the end of each season, and report some highlights when appropriate. I also try to mention some of the successful flies being used, so it's particularly valuable to add a comment to your Return saying what you used; the more info I get, the more I can share.

For those of you canny enough to have signed up for Winter Fishing, the Trout season may be ending, but the fishing goes on, and I for one will continue fly fishing, but for Grayling, from now until March. That means scaling down the flies to 18s and 20s, and the tippet down to 7x, while trying to avoid catching those silly trout who haven't read the rules.

We have some new rules for this Winter season as you may recall, so that Beat 3B and the part of 3C above the Tractor Bridge, will be closed completely during the whole of March. The rest of 3C below the Tractor Bridge, plus 3A, 4, 6, 7, will still be open for the first half of March as usual, until the Coarse season closes.

There are plenty of things going on even if you're not a Winter Fisher, so do think about signing up for the AGM, the Work Parties, the Fly-Tying evenings (no skill necessary) and of course you can visit the Reservoir any time. If you didn't get to the river much this year, you have my sympathy, and I hope you can make up for it next year, and don't forget to contact the Chairman or any other committee member if you'd like some help with where to fish, or what to fish or how, and do check out the extensive guidance on the website in the Members' Area in the meantime.

Cheers

PeterB