Stick to the river.

Just in case you fancied a trip to our lovely reservoir for a change, be warned that it's not quite at its most fishable just now, and through the hot months. But why would you, when the cool shade and consistent level of the river are so attractive?

The latest stocking has put a larger proportion of Browns in this time, as they should cope better with the warmer water. Nonetheless, please be extra careful about playing and releasing your catches, and maybe have a quick look at the Fish Welfare advice on the Members Page. There will also be guidance issued by our Chairman soon about whether to release or take fish in the warmer weather.

If you're new to the river, or maybe haven't explored it as much as you could, be sure to work through the Beat Spot Guide on the Mem

bers Page. It identifies just about all the best spots, and has been recently updated to reflect some new fishing spots on Beats 1, 2a and 2b installed by the work-parties through the Winter.

I hope everyone can recognise the Giant Hogweed, and knows to make sure it doesn't come into contact with their skin. It looks as if there's just been a good job of spraying it (an EA responsibility) as it is starting to die off up and down the beats, but still avoid it.

Finally, while you're all probably getting fleeting glimpses of Kingfishers careering up and down the river, keep an eye out for the Golden-Ringed Dragonfly. It is the longest in UK, and we're lucky to have it on our river as it favours acidic moorland streams apparently.

Watch out for those Browns rising too, and don't be afraid to offer a big Mayfly, just in case they're feeling greedy.

Tight Lines

PeterB