After work I needed to fish – Initially decided the Clyde however at the point in the road where I had to make the final decision I made a sharp left turn and headed to the Kelvin. Mostly because it would mean I would get more time to fish but also because I have been neglecting it of late. The good thing about having a home river is that you can hit it when you think conditions are right.
The water was a little dirty but at a good height.
I used a dry and dropper as I did not see a trout rise pretty much the whole time I was there. I worked up the river slowly covering as much water as I could. I immediately lost a couple of trout – well when I say lost I mean they just shook their heads and were off. I was glad I used my five weight – it was blowing a gale, and I mean that literally. I think it is the first time I have used it on the Kelvin all year.
I did not catch any trout in the usual spots, I managed to hook some in odd wee pockets. After a couple of trout my pheasant tail nymph was looking pretty mangled. I wondered if Frank Sawyer had this problem with his nymphs. The traditional tying does not use any thread just copper wire and pheasant tail and this is what I use – the whole lot seems to have moved down the hook.
I could have fished on but it was now 7pm and the wind was getting strong – I was home by ten past.
I tried my hand at a bit of tench fishing last night but the wind made it a nightmare. right direction, petty about the strength!
Ohh – Tench – what tactics do you use for them ?
Check out Davy McPhail on Youtube. He uses superglue to secure the wire
been away for a while and haven’t fished the kelvin in a couple of weeks. Went down tonight and all I could manage were a couple of parr, but there were some big fish about. Salmon I reckon.
I’ve found the Kelvin pretty dour this week Alistair. Still been catching trout but fewer than normal and mainly smaller fish. I know what you mean about the wind,i nearly got blown away up the Clyde today.
Paul
Scott-thought u were in Greece? We should fish some of your wee burns soon.
Paul
Hey Alister .. long time no hear from you .. hope your good :o)
Just read your PTN info … wondering where you might have got the copper wire ?
Did you buy it … or like me, recycle elec flex from old TV’s etc when they go duff .. just cut off from applience then cust and strip out the copper core … make for a huge saving if needing the copper wire
Well better pop off
Take it easy
George :o)
Here’s how to stop your nymph sliding down the hook:
When starting the fly, begin by putting a layer of thread down. This will help the copper wire ‘grip’ the hook shank. Before you wrap the wire round the shank, cover the shank and thread with varnish. THEN put the copper wire on. It will make the whole fly more durable.
Alex
Nah paul its the end of august im away! The burns are in for a pounding!
Alistair, i was using float tactics for the tench down the canal, im considering givin them a shot with fly tackle but i reckon it’s gonna be mega impractical and ineffective haha
If you catch a Tench on fly tackle you have GOT to send me a photo 🙂
Im workin on it, doubt it’s gonna be easy though! Im gonna try and tie up some sweetcorn imitations tonight haha
Tench will take white Marabou flees that are tied to immitate bread flake. However, if they are to take the flee then they must be encouraged to the surface with ground baiting of said flake. If its good enough for Bernard Cribbens then its good enough for me !!!
Bernard Cribbens eats bread flake ? 🙂