A few weeks ago now I took advantage of a mid week non working day and headed for my first bit of river fishing of the year. I have already been out several times after Sea Trout and up to my local pond where I had been catching vast numbers of stocked trout so wanted a change of pace.
Like I say, I got in my car, scowled at my check engine light and headed out of town. As I approached the river I recognised Alex – a fisher who I met once damn near 12 years ago at the Glasgow Casting Club. We had exchanged the odd message online for years and threatened to meet up several times. I stopped and we said hello and he invited me to join him – at the time my thoughts were on another part of the river and I said I may meet up with him later. As I drove away I realised this was just what I was needing – some good fishing chat with a like minded soul. I sent a hasty message and said I would be heading back after picking up my permit and it was agreed.
What followed was what I can only describe as an education in catching trout. I have missed fishing with folk and I am reminded of the days that I would just watch pals for a half hour at how they fish. As we walked and chatted Alex spoke about his life’s fishing exploits, our mutual acquaintances and fishing politics (which I am no stranger to).
We both caught trout and thankfully the wind was behind me so my casting did not look too bad. I learnt about waiting and changing tactics to suit the conditions – plus I was introduced to a remarkable device that made adding a strike indicator to a leader incredibly simple – this would make faffing around with a dry and dropper another tactic instead of actually nymphing.
We exchanged photos at the end of the day and I was looking forward to putting my newly gleaned knowledge into action.
It was great fund and both my trout were caught on dries – which I think is just perfect!
It took another few weeks however I eventually found myself next to my highland river and some rising trout. Alas it was not to be – no amount of creeping made these occasional trout respond.
As I worked my way up the river pools that were usually a dead cert appeared devoid of trout. The temp was around 15 degrees however there was a right cold wind in the air – very gusty. It was only when I got to my banker spot that I spotted the reason why I was blanking so hard. Another fisher was around 150 yards above me and he had obviously fished up above me. These trout get spooked easily and when they do it is usually out of action for a couple of hours.
It was time to head anyway and I wandered back down the river and home – it was still a good afternoon though.
See you on the river!