©

The Journal of The Grayling Society

Volume 27 - Number 3 • Winter 2016 © CONTENTS

The Official Journal of Editorial Bob Male 2 The Grayling Society “What a Roller Coster of a Weekend” (Symposium) 3

ISSN 1476-0061 Chariman’s Report 9 Free to all our Members in - Symposium Fishing Day R. Avon near Amesbury Dave Southall 10 Australia Lithuania Austria Luxembourg GS AGM 2016 Letters and Comments 13 Belgium Netherlands Canada New Zealand Wilderness Grayling, an Adventure George Lockhart 16 China Norway Denmark Poland Poet’s Corner 24 Eire Portugal England Scotland An Innovative Fish-friendly Landing Net Dave Southall 25 Finland Slovenia France Sweden Area 6 & 7 Fishing Day Report 26 Germany Switzerland Italy U. S. A. Grayling from a Lake Greg Payne 27 Isle of Man Wales Uttoexeter Fly Fair 28

Editor - Bob Male Ton Up Kris Kent 30 Telephone: 01722 503939 e-mail: [email protected] Area 4 Fishing Day 35 Advertising - Rod Calbrade Response to Stan Cios Article Les Jervis 36 Subscriptions per annum: Full £28.00, Joint £47.00 Senior (over 70) £22.00 “Simply the best graylnig fishing that I have ever experienced Junior (under 16) £5.00 anywhere” George Ashton 37 Details available from the Yorkshire Ure Rivers Trust & Grayling Day Dave Southall 45 Membership Secretary Mike Tebbs Telephone: 01985 841192 Fishing in Finnish Lapland Chris Bond 48 e-mail: [email protected] Bookshelf 56 Design and Production Peter Silk Design e-mail: [email protected] Minutes of the 40th AGM & Accounts 60

Society Web Site 65 www.graylingsociety.net Treasurer’s Report © The Grayling Society, 2016 Officers of the Society 66 Printed by Printed by Cambrian Printers Aberystwyth SY23 3TN The copyright of all material in this edition of ‘Grayling’ remains with the Authors, or the Grayling Society, and may not be reproduced, by any means whatsoever, without the copyright holders written permission. The Grayling Society and members of the Executive Committee accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any article or advertisement herein Cover Illustration and no guarantee is given for any product or service being offered. Contributions, including photographs or illustrations are always welcome, but the Society assumes no responsibility Grayling for the safety of contributions, although all reasonable care will be taken. Views expressed (Courtesy of Martin Smith) by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Grayling Society. All enquiries about articles in ‘Grayling’ should be addressed to the Editor. Grayling – Winter 2016 1 Editorial Bob Male

The 40th Symposium is, inevitably, still fresh in It was a great weekend, and many thanks are my mind, especially after having to miss last due to the Committee and local Secretaries, year’s. It was a great success, even by the high especially as they are already hard at work standards we have come to expect, with good planning next year’s – its going to be on the accommodation, good food and good company. 21st and 22nd of October, so watch out for news. Our best ever attendance and some high quality, if sometimes challenging, content to keep us up Society Publications to scratch. On a related matter, the Society’s publications The fishing day was blessed with decent weather will be changing from next year. As the digital and the famous Southern chalk streams lived up age has remorselessly progressed, important to their reputation, at least for those people who news has become ever easier and quicker to have contacted me since and sent photos of fine access, and our Newsletter has become less grayling and beautiful autumn scenery. “newsy” and more of an extension of the “What a Roller Coaster of a Weekend” The content this year was heavy on the Journal. After considerable debate, it was conservation and science side, with Dr. Mark decided that we would move to three Journals a There were great expectations for a tremendous The doors opened at 8.30am, both for Everard doing a great job of making habitat year, instead of two. These new Journals will Symposium weekend at Marwell and we certainly registration and for viewing and buying at the management comprehensible to all of us, and probably be slightly smaller, depending on how achieved more than expected. The organising Trade Stands; there were some early birds getting Steve Gregory and Vanessa Huml managing to much material I receive, but we will still be committee had worked hard over many months their hands on the merchandise from the “off”. make matrix statistics and serious genetics concentrating on substantial articles and putting the event together, taking the extra 9.20am (earlier than usual) arrived and Steve equally relevant and meaningful. All three reports, and maintaining a high standard of strain as it was realized that the weekend was Skuce welcomed the audience to the weekend’s speakers were able to point to trends and production. The Newsletter will appear once going to be an exceptional one. events with the patterns that will be valuable to those of us who only, and that edition will be dedicated to the Many members arrived on Friday and there shortest welcoming must plan for the future of grayling stocks in our AGM and Symposium plans for that year – the was a constant procession through the speech ever. His first rivers. I’m a bit prejudiced here, being science location, the Application Form, fishing matters, restaurant during the evening and chat in the words concerned trained, but we cannot over-emphasise the etc. We expect the schedule to be as follows: bar until the early hours of Saturday. Norman Shippey, an importance of having “hard” evidence to hand Spring, Summer and Winter Journals will go Eight speakers were carefully shoehorned into ever cheerful when dealing with those who have the political out in early April, August and December the Saturday programme, more than usual, and, member who was power to change our rivers for the better. respectively, and the Symposium Newsletter as you would expect, all performed excellently always the first to send his booking in Happily, we had Alex Jardine and Lewis Hendrie in June. and exactly on time. With 100 plus members in attendance, it was our largest Symposium ever for the Symposia and to get us involved with the intricacies of modern As this edition is a big one, I’m going to keep and the Marwell Hotel coped admirably with our who has sadly died nymph fishing, and Neil Patterson to liven up the my piece short, and will simply wish all members constant demands. during the last year. post lunch session with anecdotes and a very happy Christmas and New Year, with many The precise timing of the talks and other His cheery face and adventures, so balance was achieved, I thought. good days on the river. activities during the day was a challenge for all enthusiasm will be involved but all the speakers had a bright and sadly missed. Steve and Paul with that book... COPY DEADLINES FOR 2017 Publication Copy Deadline early start and got proceedings under way on time. First up on Saturday was Dr. Mark Everard, It was Steve Skuce’s last Symposium as who enthralled us with tales of the riverbank, Will all officers and contributors please note these Spring Journal Wednesday March 1st Chairman and after 23 years on the Committee which included grayling ecology and the role of dates. I have allowed some lead time for final layout, as Sales Officer, General Secretary and finally the river habitats with the 3 ‘F’s which fish need proofing and printing, but as you see, these timings Summer Journal Saturday July 1st three years as our Chairman he was standing to survive – Feeding, Flight and Reproduction. are tight. Your help, as always, is much appreciated. down. He was also launching his new book He talked, amongst other things, about the Editor Winter Journal Wednesday November 1st entitled Grayling Flies . bucolic bliss of the Bristol Avon, his local river.

2 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 3 Stephen Gregory explaining the Wylye grayling project. Steve signs....with a future member? Alex Jardine and Lewis Hendrie explaining ther techniques Secondly, we had Dr. Stephen Gregory who Chalkstream Chronicles , who took us round the has recently taken over work on our ongoing world with tales and experiences referring River Wylye Grayling study, which started in 1984. regularly to his great pal John Goddard “The He has recently been analysing 9,500+ grayling Great”. As well as living on the banks of the by length, age, population changes and other chalkstreams, Neil also has a property in Welsh dynamics. The Study also includes the effects of Patagonia close to the land of Butch Cassidy and weather, particularly the effects of flooding the Sundance Kid. His further adventures took us which mostly affect younger fish. This study to the banks of the River Varzuga in Russia; from must surely be worthy of a David Attenborough Marc Petitjean and his cul de canard patterns to BBC production when it is completed! George Melly on the Usk and finally to a meeting Next was the young duo of Alex Jardine and with “The Fridge” and a very sexy lady in Cuba. Lewis Hendrie, part of the burgeoning number of Grayling Research Trust young globe trotting fly fishermen who excel in Following the introduction of David Mee as the modern fly tying and fishing techniques and new Treasurer of the Grayling Research Trust, enthusiastically chase grayling as a species. Robin Mulholland gave a brief resumé on the Primarily centering on the techniques developed current state and activities of the GRT; their in Europe they showed many older hands the involvement in the Wylye Study, the Genetics newer ways of catching grayling. They then kept Study, the conservation guide, which is almost many members entertained with their skills, not ready, and imminent work by Rich Cove and Dr. Paul Knight of STCUK, addresses the AGM only during the Symposium, but also eventually Martyn Lucas plus the tantalising prospect of a right through to the early hours of Sunday second grayling conference in Austria, meaning morning and would no doubt have carried on that the GRT has a lot on its plate at the moment. until breakfast if their taxi had not turned up. Dr. Jon Ellis introduced us to Dr. Vanessa Huml Just before lunch we heard Paul Knight from who gave us a very detailed insight into the Salmon and Trout Conservation UK discussing work she has been doing for the GRT on genetics their “Riverfly Census” which was revealing of UK grayling. After thanking many anglers, a many alarming facts. Reduced species richness is the most consistent indicator of ecosystem distress and he cited the decrease in the blue winged olive population on the nearby River Itchen as an example. He moved north to the River Eden, where phosphorus was causing algae growth, and with soil loss happening nationally at the rate of 30% in the last 30 years a sad state of affairs is emerging. The often feared after lunch slot was taken Lewis making another meticulous fly Neil Patterson entertains us after lunch enthusiastically by Neil Patterson, the author of Vanessa Huml on grayling genetics 4 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 5 good few of whom were present in the audience, for taking the samples, she showed the current state of her analyses of grayling in 12 rivers from the Clyde to the Hampshire Avon. During the breaks, the Trade Stands of FlyTek, “Fishing Matters”, Coch y Bonddu books, artist David Miller and split cane rod maker and furled leader expert Luke Bannister and our own Grayling Society stand were doing brisk trade with lots of activity around the Chairman’s new book (was it mentioned earlier that he has written a book?). Dr. Mark Everard on the grayling life history Lewis Hendrie and Alex Jardine showed many Broughton Trophy was awarded to Steve Skuce Coffee and craic amongst the Trade stands interested members their new nymphing for his work for the Society over 23 years. techniques out in the grounds of the hotel even The delicious Gala Dinner was served promptly though there were no dimpling grayling to be and quickly by the army of waiters and seen on the lawn. waitresses. New chairman Rob Hartley presented The AGM took place, full details are in the Steve Skuce with painting by Charles Jardine, Minutes elsewhere in this publication; the most Alan Ayre was presented with a pair of bookends notable events being a couple of changes to the in the split shape of a salmon and Mike Tebbs Committee; retiring President Alan Ayre was given a copy of his long time friend Steve introduced Robin Mulholland as our new Skuce’s new book. President; the retiring Chairman Steve Skuce We thanked them all for their hard work over announced Rob Hartley as the new Chairman the years and in playing such an important part and retiring Membership Secretary Mike Tebbs in helping to achieve the status that the grayling continued his plea for a replacement, which is now has. Without this input and work it is first and foremost on the Committee’s “to do “ list. certain that the grayling would not have achieved We thanked all of these gentlemen for the vast the standing and good habitat that it now has. amount of work they have done for the Society The lively auction was compered by the during the last 20+ years. As ex Chairman Steve inimitable Pat Stevens who helped the banter Skuce and his predecessor Steve Rhodes have and the flow of prizes and money flowing, the been saying for a few years now, the Committee major amounts going for Steve Skuce’s flies for is getting older and we still desperately need his new Grayling book ( has it been mentioned new, preferably young, blood. However, our that he has written a new grayling book? ) and Rob Hartley presents Steve with his Pat Stevens plays a tough house recent appointments to the Committee of Steven farewell gift for the unique offer of 2 day’s flyfishing on the Kavanagh as Treasurer, Kris Kent as PRO, Karl River Dosse by our German Area Secretary Humphries as Marketing Officer, Alex Adams as Andreas Schumacher. There were a good Area 2 Secretary have given us a number of selection of fishing day rods and books for younger faces in the Committee meetings. The auction as well as Pat bravely attempted to other change in the Areas has been Stuart equal, if not better, last year’s total figure. Wardle the well known North East fly fisherman And on Sunday most of us went fishing, whilst taking over the Area 11 Secretary’s role. the now ex -Chairman was seen still signing The Society is financially secure and with new copies of his new book (yes that book again ), members joining continually, often through the rest of us drove off into a misty landscape to social media exposure, exciting times lie ahead do battle with “the ladies of the chalkstreams”. with new initiatives by both the Society and the The Society’s thanks go to: the GS Symposium Research Trust. organizing committee, the Marwell Hotel and its The winner of the Righyni Roose trophy was staff, the speakers, the Trade stands, the fishery our Spanish Secretary Vincenzo Penteriani for owners and their guides and not least the 100+ Alan Ayre presents Steve with the President's Reel Vincenzo Penteriani's winning photo this superb photo of a grayling and the members and partners who were present.

6 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 7 Grayling Society 40th Symposium, Marwell Hotel – 29th October 2016 Chairman’s Report

Well, here we are then. My last report to the more legal protection than trout! Now here we Society. are, at such an advanced stage of acceptability They say that Fidel Castro once stood up and that, tomorrow , 75 of us are going fishing on spoke, off the cuff, for 7 hours and 10 minutes. chalkstreams, including the hallowed waters of So, go get yourselves a beer and we’ll try and the Test and Itchen, and every owner is beat that record! insisting on Catch & Release! Perhaps not - since I think brevity is called for This change in attitude of owners, anglers here. and the authorities is, in my view, a reflection It is 23 years now since I joined the of the work the Society has done to promote Committee, first as Sales Officer, then General this fish. We can all pat ourselves on the back. Secretary and for the last 3 years as your And, of course, the existence of the Grayling Chairman. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit Research Trust has ensured that scientific of that time. research into this fine creature has increased at a pace hitherto unknown. The Gala Dinner Much has changed since I started on t’Committee - all for the better I believe. Of This year your Committee has continued its course , even more has changed since the fine job of managing the Society. Although Society began 40 years ago. there have been no major new initiatives we Today we are seen as being a professional, have progressed steadily in such areas as conservation orientated, committed, caring and Conservation, Catch Recording, Marketing, friendly, international group of like minded Sales and presence at Shows. I have no doubt people who are still focussed on increasing that the new Chairman and his dedicated band awareness, promoting conservation and of Committee members will progress these encouraging angling for this fine fish. areas even further and introduce new ideas to 40 years ago most of the rivers around here continue moving the Society forward. would be closed to fishing now that the trout Well, it just remains for me to say how much I season has ended. Owners and their keepers have enjoyed helping manage and develop this Darryl Mooney demonstrating on the Partridge stand would be busy netting or electrofishing out the great organisation. But, now that I am old grayling and throwing them up on the bank. enough to be able to apply for Senior Such was the life of a grayling in chalkstream membership status, and save a few quid on my country. subscription, it is time to call it a day and head How things have changed! Now, apart from a for the back benches. I wish my successor, the few remaining bigots, that has all changed to Society and the grayling the best of all wishes Busy times on the trade stands the extent that the grayling is now seen as a and, as Nigel Farage said just a few months valuable natural resource and one where ago – I want my life back – and it starts now! owners can earn a little more money in a time Thanks for the experience. when they would not . It also, ironically, now has Steve Skuce David Miller's beautiful paintings and prints

8 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 9 Grayling Symposium Fishing Day R.Avon near Amesbury

by Dave Southall

Rob Hartley fishing the Avon

It was a warm autumn morning with not a when a few Olives were seen to be hatching from breath of wind when John and I arrived at the the riffled water of a very shallow stretch. The Piscatorial Society’s Rod Room to be met with a afternoon proved to be much more productive cheery welcome and advice about the best area with a few more 8 to 12” fish taking the dry fly, to sight fish for some good sized grayling. A brief but most of my time was spent moving slowly detour was made to see the Rod Room, the club’s and stealthily, seeking out the bigger fish: several fishing hut (if one can call such an impressive were located & 5 were netted; 4 to an Orange room a hut!!!!!). However it was the fishing that Gammarus (using the induced take) and 1 to a we were really here for so we headed for the Shuttlecock (dead drifted). John also had a good lower beat. number of grayling but all were small since he In the morning few grayling were seen and most had great difficulty seeing the better fish as his were small. One or two fell to a Utah Killer Bug Polaroid glasses allowed too much light to and several risers took my size 18 Shuttlecock encroach via the sides.

The Rod Room Orange Grammarus 10 Grayling – Winter 2016 11 GS AGM 2016 letters and comments Steve, so hastened to the car to try and find the road to I had a lovely afternoon on the Itchen at Fulling Warminster before it got dark. On the way I had a Mill, but not many fish. I opted to start on a nice conversation with the lady at Fulling Mill, carrier whilst my two companions went to the Mrs Rochienne Pearce. My thanks go to my main river. The carrier was low and gin clear. I'd charming guide Anna Cartwright, who gave me hoped to catch on dry fly, but two small pods of sufficient advice without hanging around to fish I found early on ignored my "irresistible" chuckle at the ex-President flinging his flies so wee Red Tag. When I replaced it with a nymph many times into overhanging trees and the they ignored it too before finally scattering in bankside vegetation - I am indebted to her. alarm. I found nothing else in the carrier so Alan Ayre crossed a bridge to the main river at the bottom of the Orvis water. Evening Steve, Here I found another member catching fish on a Arrived home (glass of wine to hand) after an bug, so I put on a Pink Shrimp and caught two 9" enjoyable day on the Wyle. Only a modest four grayling "fishing the water ". Then I saw a fish rise, Grayling plus two trout, but very pleasant. You really do like your fishing uncultivated but Tactics were simple. My set up consisted of a G With the low clear water and fish that had nevertheless a challenge and presumably a 10’ Greys Streamflex 2 weight rod teamed up seen a lot of anglers over the year any false learning experience, which takes time and thought. with a Sunray 1 weight Jeremy Lucas Micro casting near to the fish caused instant departure. What angling is all about. Thin fly line that has a very long (18’) front taper G Anything but the most stealthy approach The Symposium was very informative and nice down to 0.55mm diameter, plus 12’ of leader & caused even the fairly small grayling to race away. to see it so well supported. tippet consisting of 7’ cut from a Rio Powerflex G Careless casting also instantly spooked the fish. Many thanks for your generosity and to the club Copolymer tapered leader (1’ removed from the G Pinpoint accuracy was needed. for the opportunity to fish these hallowed waters. butt end & 4’ removed from the tippet end) with G With dry flies a perfect drift, free of the Kind Regards, a small perfection loop at the tip end to which I Mike Gibbon slightest trace of micro-drag was essential. added 3’ of 0.13mm copolymer then 2’ of G 0.10mm copolymer; (please note that Tom Bell Good wrap around Polaroid glasses with yellow/amber lenses were an essential for Dear Steve, and Jeremy Lucas do not recommend such a Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed long leader set up but it works for me and gives spotting fish against the extensive weed beds (and partially silted riverbed in the slower sections ). my first Grayling Symposium weekend, and to the most amazing, delicate presentation). This say thank you; to you and the committee for set up works great for dry fly and is more than Many thanks are due to the Grayling Society Carrier at Fulling Mill (Alan Ayre) making it all happen. Having had to organise adequate for Euro-nymphing. and the Piscatorial Society for facilitating such put the RT back on, rose it five times and missed similar weekends for an organisation, that I am a Several things were manifestly obvious on the day: an enjoyable day. it each time. Shortly afterwards I chucked the RT committee member of, I really appreciate the work into a likely looking place, a fish rose to it, and I that goes into making such an event a success. pricked it.... grrrr. I was disappointed to find no I also enjoyed the Sunday fishing at Amesbury, more rising fish during the rest of the afternoon. and thank you for your advice and guidance. My companion was still catching, and at last I Being a 'lone trotter' I have never fly fished for found a small pod of fish near the far bank. They Grayling, let alone upstream only, so the didn't want the RT or a pink shrimp, which I technique was new to me and the low water replaced with a Killer Bug.. First cast the biggest level wasn't conducive to trotting anyway. I had fish moved to one side, I tightened, and managed an excellent day and doggedly stuck to the to net a strong 13" grayling; the rest of the shoal upstream rule, (even though no one was scarpered. By this time it was 3pm so I went to watching me), and despite initially struggling the car for my "lunch" seeing a deer moving with the technique, I managed to catch three through the wood on the other bank. obliging grayling. I have to say that only one of On my return the other two had each caught the four of us was impressed. another fish or two, but soon packed up leaving The other chap assigned to that stretch landed me to it. However, I'd not much time before the eight, but in my defence I am prone to frequent light started to go, I saw and caught nothing else, periods of sitting and river gazi ng. I thoroughly 2lb grayling that took an Orange Gammarus 1lb 10oz grayling that took a size 18 Shuttlecock 12 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 13 enjoyed the day. difficult and I saw very few Grayling; as I'm sure I learnt a lot from the weekend, both technical that they spotted me high on the bank before I and practical, and I am already looking forward to could see them? It is a no wading water and next year’s symposium. single fly upstream only, so there was no Thank you again. opportunity for drifting a NZ style set up on a Regards Mac. (K.McDonald) long upstream cast well away from the shadow I was putting on the water from the low sun. To Dear Bob be honest I think that even if this had been My thanks to every one involved in setting up allowed by the rules, the heavy weed cover the 50th Grayling Society Symposium, this was would have prevented all but the smallest and my first Symposium and it was quite fantastic. lightest of nymphs to pass down unhindered. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly (helped The water was shared with a delightful chap, by the fact that it seemed as though half the Richard Ellis who fished it much better than Cromford Fly Fisher's were there) & I was myself and he had a couple of respectable surprised how many people I already knew; of Grayling and Brownling on the top beat, whilst I course it was great to make some new friends too. fished the beat below the hut. It was looking like being "one of those days", especially as the one The range of speakers was fantastic with an good fish I'd hooked earlier had twisted and interesting spread of topics, from the highly contorted enough to let itself free. Then near the scientific report by Vanessa Huml of her paper end of the day I spotted three large shapes deep funded by the Grayling Trust and with DNA in a pool, under the cover of a weeping Willow collected by so many of us, through to the fun and they were feeding happily secure in the Memoirs of Neil Paterson, just a brilliant day and depths. It was a tight cast on the length of rod I it will be hard for the committee to follow. was using, casting upstream the weighted My fishing day was drawn as being one of the nymph held from my left hand, I'd landed the members to have "challenging" water, small and nymph just upstream enough to drift down to tree lined on Portsmouth Services Fly Fishing the feeding fish at their level and I was able to Association's, Seagar's Carrier of the Itchen. watch as one of them opened up and sucked in Peter Major with a good Itchen grayling A nice Wylye grayling for Steven Andrews Denise Payne gave a thorough walk through of the fly (this what I adore about nymphing on the water and some tips on where to find the clear waters, being able to see and strike to the Grayling, it was a very nice warm Autumn day fish's body movement). A tricky lift and I was 14ºC, with a bit of wind. hooked into a very nice fish, landing it was even The choice of rod was a 10ft, 4# Orvis Western more of a challenge than hooking it though and Wilton Fly Fishing Club Three (pretty much the only rod I use) with a I was grateful for the stretch provided by the Barrio Smallstream line and one of Luke Bimini as I had to cant the rod over in a tight Bannister’s Mono furled leaders, ending with an space and eventually work the tip of it well back Orvis 6x Bimini and Varivas 7x Fluorocarbon. over my shoulder through the Willows to get the The length of rod was a bit of a challenge in the fish close enough to the bank to net. tight spots, but gave me the extra reach over the A beautiful 42cm Grayling was in the bag on If you would like to fish for wild bank-side vegetation and ability to switch easily almost the last cast as I needed to be heading trout and grayling on a beautiful between Dry Fly and nymph. There were just a back to Suffolk, Richard turned up at just the Wiltshire chalk stream, the Wilton few small dimples of rising fish and I caught a right moment and kindly took a couple of Fly Fishing Club has spaces on its couple of tiny Grayling of around 7cm or 8cm on photographs before I nursed it back to fitness for waiting list. a Bibio type pattern which always works well being released. just downstream of tree and bush cover; as it's a A brilliant end to a fantastic weekend; I think For further information, please pretty good general terrestrial pattern when the members of Portsmouth Services are lucky contact Mike Tebbs, the there is no fly hatch on, but surface flies are indeed to fish such a pretty and peaceful bit of Membership Secretary, at: being taken. water, in May or June during a hatch it must be [email protected] There were a couple of large Grayling which an incredible place to fish. Thank you to them were too difficult to target and they soon sank for offering the unique opportunity to fish there. Tel: 01985 841192 down like submarines into the very heavy weed cover, creeping up on anything was pretty Ian Hawkins

14 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 15 Wilderness Grayling, an Adventure By George Lockhart

The Cabin Table Mountain As I cleared the arrivals lounge the first face I - and moments later he was gone. saw was Aki's – great, they had got my text. Time to set up home for the next 8 days. There After a quick handshake I was introduced to wasn't to be any hotels, guesthouses or B&B's it Felix & Manfred from Austria, my fishing was all do it yourself, and rain was looming so partners for the duration, nice to finally put a best get a shift on. Finally set up just as the rain face to the names. Then a 3-hour car journey started. To minimize weight and allow for some east to Kilpisjarvi in Finland. Arriving in essential crates of beverages I had pre arranged The 9 months since I contacted Aki at and had some relaxation time for a free beer. Kilpisjarvi the first port of call was our overnight to forfeit an individual tent and share with Graylingland had flown, and as time to fly got Clearing customs in Oslo was a free for all, but cabin to drop the bags and then find somewhere Emilia our guide for the week and her loyal nearer I grew more and more excited, The thankfully I came out the other end unscathed to eat, which I have to say luckily wasn't too far companion Aija the dog, something I later was thought of chasing Arctic Grayling had always and made a quick call to my fishing partners and my first reindeer burger was soon devoured very thankful for, as I could stand up in our been on my to do list and before I kick the who were travelling from Austria and would be with a few large beers. We stepped out of the Lavvu tent. The same could not be said for Felix bucket I had to experience it if only the once, wondering where I was. No answer! They must restaurant at 11pm into bright sunshine....what or Manfred. The rain soon stopped and the view after a few broken promises by fishing be flying, so a quick text with my new flight the hell, I won't be needing that head torch I from the front door of the tent wasn't too acquaintances in the UK to join me Aki details, hoping they would receive them and brought then....24 hours of daylight, it doesn't shabby, I could definitely get used to it. Time introduced me to two Austrian Anglers who wait for me at Tromso. Thankfully the rest of the get dark at this time of year! now to sort out the fishing gear and get the were looking for another member to make the journey went without a hitch and I was soon 10am flight time in the morning on the helipad trip and keep the costing's down so the bucket touching down in Tromso, probably one of the ready to head out to the Tundra for 8 days of no list trip was organised. nicest scenery landings I've had in a long time, phones, no computers - in fact nothing at all It was an early rise but the drive to with the high peaks still covered in snow and apart from fishing...... heavenly! After loading up Manchester Airport soon sped by and before I the road bridge spanning the sea to the airport the skid cages and putting everything that we knew it I had handed my car keys to meet & which is situated on an island. were going to be needing in the helicopter for greet and was soon in the departure lounge the next 8 days we were soon lifting off and surrounded by the displays of duty free. On heading out onto the Tundra of Finnish Lapland. boarding the flight I sat and watched the It really was a wild and desolate place but departure time come & go and still no somewhat beautiful too and the flight was soon movement of the aircraft and it was like that for leaving the high peaks behind and moving the next 45 minutes before finally, almost an towards the vast open valleys where we were to hour late, we departed. Funny how there are be staying. Our first sight of “Magic River”, as it always engine problems once everyone is had become known to us from Aki, we all just aboard! hoped it would live up to that reputation, as we Bang goes my connection flight from Oslo to had heard that the previous trip had spent 3 Tromso, as an hour stop over I thought was days stuck in tents due to bad weather. Here's enough, but alas it was not to be. So, after hoping it would be a bit more magical for us. having a quiet word with the hostess. I found I We were soon on the ground and everything had been booked onto a later flight to Tromso unloaded with the helicopter preparing to leave George and Mani 16 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 17 I remember whilst in the forces I could sleep anywhere, now slightly older and used to more refined surroundings it would take a few days to get back into the swing of things but that was all part and parcel of the adventure and opening your eyes in the morning to Aija standing not a foot from your face waiting for you to get up soon brought me back to life and where I was again. A nice relaxing day with a few steps to the river for the morning routine of washing. Yep, no wash basins and hot & cold running water, it was back to basics and a good strip wash in the Felix on the helicopter flight Kilpisjarvi from the air rock pools by the river - boy was it brisk, and George with Aija waders out. A short time later I headed through Grayling back home in UK. If you're a serious you had to be quick because if not the grayling, which fight just as hard and give great the tundra birch which took a bit of getting Grayling angler then you need to experience the mosquitoes were on you! Let's just say I had a accounts of themselves by tail walking across the used to as it could be thick in places, and was fight of an Arctic Grayling just once before you few bites where I would rather not talk about. surface and giving fantastic acrobatic fights, soon peering into the crystal clear water of hit the big river in the sky. As the rain started to Emilia was an excellent guide & host and soon with the odd bigger fish thrown in for good luck, Magic River....it was certainly looking good even fall again my net slipped under the fish I had rustled up breakfast and it wasn't too long till which, as I had experienced the previous day though it was carrying an extra 50cm or so of dreams of catching and a 40cm Arctic Grayling we were standing around or sitting on rocks give arm wrenching accounts of themselves in water. It was still crystal clear and more like an peered back at me from inside the net, I had with hot coffee and continental breakfasts the fast water. aquarium, so some stealth was called for I think achieved my ambition. What beauty nature chatting about what the plan was for the day The colouration in the pictures come nowhere or some long casting. I promised myself that I provides; my wishes had been answered. The ahead. There was no pressure to do anything near the beautiful colours captured by the naked wouldn't open the bottle of whisky I had taken first day flashed past from waking up in a lovely we all discussed what we wanted to do and set eye when you first capture these fish, the with me until I had caught my very first Arctic cabin with a soft bed to the helicopter trip out off in all directions. I opted for walking the bank turquoises & blues truly beautiful. The pool Grayling. It didn't take long and the first pool I to the tundra and setting up camp with a few and fishing as my preferred method whilst Mani produced a good few fish before it finally went came to after the 4th or 5th cast. All I saw was a hours fishing time and the capture of my first & Felix opted for some boat fishing with Emilia. quiet and I moved back to one of the small fish attack the fly in the crystal clear water and Arctic Grayling. I moved downstream at a leisurely pace islands, scattered all over this particular part of it was hooked and then the fight really began in After a few hours rest, as it wasn't a deep through the tundra birch and boulders to a pool the river. the fast water. These Arctic Grayling are like sleep that's for sure, with constant light that looked right for fish and spotted a rock It wasn't only the fish that were showing their European Grayling only that they are on steroids streaming through the side of the tent and sticking out the water that I decided to head for. natural beauty but also the vast array of wild and fight twice as hard. I was astonished at the getting used to lying on an air mattress again, it Easier said than done as the water clarity made flowers, mosses, insects and other small animals power of them compared to the power of the takes a bit of getting used to. wading very easy but you would step onto a rock which looked just about at a manageable depth but it was slightly deeper than you thought - a few times I nearly went over by misjudging the water depth. A few moments later you could see the fish in the fast water; some rising to sip the small midges and other insects from the surface, some staying deep and foraging between the rocks. Now, what fly? That was the ultimate question, as I had tied so many to give me the best scope, but I had a few that I wanted to try so opted for a green bodied dyret. It wasn't long before the fish saw it Base camp and I was catching a good few smaller Action! 18 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 19 The next couple of fish weren't so easy with 4 fish lost to 1 landed but what a fish it was that made the net, a 3lbs fish on dry fly. I was well chuffed but even more so when Emilia announced her personal best was only a half pound or so more so that really did put the icing on the cake for me. We continued on with another few whitefish and Grayling being taken in the mix before it finally came to an end We decided that the best chances would be a 05.30 approach the next day when the wind was low and things might be a little better. So after lunch and an hour chilling, it was grayling all around again, with the guys on the boat heading downstream and me heading to what had know become known as George's rock. The rock I had waded to on the first day and had taken many fish from. Upstream view Emilia with a whitefish... Next morning 05.00 the sun was already high ...and a grayling for Felix Grayling took what was coming to be my go-to that call the tundra home. Felix, Mani and Emilia pools on the days following, each an adventure in the sky, the conditions were calm as we set fly at the bottom of a long pool, and when had also done well with several good fish landed in its own right and very rewarding with many off in pursuit of the whitefish again, Aija as hooked slipped down into the pool downstream by everyone and it was great to see everyone fish caught by everyone. I had asked Emilia always not far from me as he had started to only for a large Pike to start chasing it around catching. Lunch came and went as we relaxed about the whitefish present in the river as I had follow me everywhere. The conditions were the pool with the Grayling going hell for leather around a fire built by the riverside and cooked always wanted to try and catch one on the fly ideal on arrival but no matter how hard we tried to escape its clutches; thankfully it managed to on it, whilst brewing fresh coffee from the and she smiled, tomorrow's adventure. Emilia we couldn't land a fish they were all long range evade the toothy critter, and I slipped the net crystal clear water that surrounded us, it true to her word took me in pursuit of the releases until finally Emilia hooked up and under another lovely big Grayling. certainly brought back happy memories of my Whitefish present in the river, found only in landed a fish, and soon afterwards I did the younger days and rekindled why I loved fishing certain places, some places only as small as same. As on the previous day, a few more fish The adventure was starting to come to an end and everything associated with it since a very 100m in length and if you don't know where to were caught until the conditions changed and and the helicopter was due back the next day to early age. Back to the fishing after lunch and look then you may never find them at all. The made it unfishable, which wasn't a bad thing as pick us up and return us to civilization. A midday more fish, with Mani & Felix taking it in turns in conditions also had to be right as we were we were back in pursuit of the Grayling. This pickup, so any fishing we wanted had to be the dinghy with Emilia and myself pool hopping. targeting these fish on dry fly and if the The day soon drew on and before we knew it, it conditions didn't suit them we might as well was past 6pm so back to camp and sort ourselves forget it, luckily they were verging on still out, have another very delicious and fresh meal fishable when we slipped the anchor chain over cooked by Emilia and some chill time to do the side and sat watching for movement. what you wanted. Mani opted to go back fishing Emilia spotted the first rising fish, totally whilst the rest of us sat around the fire with a different from anything I had seen before. These few beers before I headed off for a Tundra walk fish when rising are so delicate yet so clumsy, along the natural oddity the local folk call the their mouths are so small you need to reduce wall of Finland - a natural bank of sand and stone the fly sizes down and wait for the take, yet the about 40ft high which runs through the Tundra fish shows its full dorsal fin and tail fin when for over 40kms and makes a great vantage point rising. A long cast with a small klinkhamer to see in all directions for several kilometres. resulted in the first whitefish for me. These fish's There are so many memories that it would mouths are so soft that any undue pressure on take forever to write about for each day but they them whilst fighting results in lost fish; luckily I were all so different, from the first day managed to get mine to the net and that was it I familiarizing ourselves with this particular part was happy as punch, two species I had never of the river to heading out on the boat caught before completed on the trip - time for domwnstream and upstream in search of new another whisky!

20 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 21 Beautiful fin colouring Time to leave done that night. I opted to return to the rock for time in over a week, with arrangements made to a few hours and picked up a few smaller fish meet up later for a meal. All that was left was a Downstream view before finally calling it a night and settling down 03.00 rise for the drive back to Tromso in to reflect on the trip, the most productive fly for Norway for our early morning flights back home. me being both the yellow and green bodied Luckily I had only one connection at Oslo unlike dyret dry fly. It accounted for over 90% of my Felix & Mani who had Oslo to Paris, then Paris fish caught; the totals were irrelevant but I had to Munich and, of course, there was no engine managed to capture and release 5 Grayling over trouble on the way home. I would like to the 50 cm mark (recorded by Emilia) with the personally and publicly thank my two fishing largest measuring 53 cm, the largest caught on colleagues Felix & Mani from Austria for the the trip by 1 cm and the 3lbs whitefish also friendship they both showed me and for being the heaviest fish, so a very nice end to my listening to my somewhat rusty German dialect, wilderness adventure. The bottle was empty too, but all language barriers were broken down with everyone catching new records and of through one goal we all share, the love of fishing course Emilia partaking in a dram or two, new for Grayling. friendships bonded for life. To Aki & Emilia at Graylingland. They both All that was left was to pack up camp in the work extremely hard and go out of their way to morning and await pickup. The sun was high in ensure that everyone enjoys the time spent with A nice grayling for Emilia the sky & very hot when the camp was finally them, from the moment they first shake hands dismantled and everything packed to go, all that with you to the last hug goodbye. Some advice I was left was to chill and await the helicopter. will give to anyone thinking of going to Laughs were almost constant with Mani, on the Graylingland, DO IT, final day producing for the first time an umbrella don't wait! I cannot he had packed in his bag in case he needed to thank them enough for go in the middle of the night so wouldn't need the experience and to get dressed if it was raining, needless to say it happy memories they didn't happen and was now a sunshade. The have given me which sound of rotor blades soon filled our ears, and will stay with me to I once loaded we were off leaving only a small finally kick the bucket pile of rocks where our campfire had stood for and pass over to the big the last 8 days. The high peaks appeared in river in the sky. I know front of us indicating we weren't too far away there will be plenty of from Kilpisjarvi and then it was upon us, coming water to pass over the into land back where the adventure had all rocks of Magic River, but began for real. Unloaded and back to the Cabin I will return someday - for a shower, and to contact family for the first of that I'm certain! Mani Filleting 22 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 23 I hear that Louis Noble’s got a foxy trick An Innovative Fish-friendly Landing Net To wipe off his line, and keep it slick I swim my flies on leaders like a Frenchman would by Dave Southall And I try to throw my leaders Like Paul Proctor does I’ve even fished ‘em deep and dirty As well as being obsessive Poet’s But still the fish are really shirty about presentation of my flies I am equally obsessive about Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em, big but me The Courtly King fish care, particularly since I Everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em big but me take a lot of photographs of CZig-Zaog dowrn thne river eis its fraste st driver, My style has got charisma fish which can, if not done Virtue is of being a fantastic true fish diver. Well, quite enough for me efficiently, lead to the fish The smart coloured suit the brightest ever, being kept out of water for too Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em big but me He sits on a riverside branch, so clever. long, resulting in stress and The persistent observant fish watch deliverer. Well I hear that Robin M’s caught some real fine fish possible death. I was therefore By casting his flies into those Wylye drifts interested when I saw that The cheerful, agile and quick witted laird, Ross Gardiner he caught two fine grayling Glen Pointon, a truly innovative On the river the kingfisher is my chosen bird. And Dave Mee he caught three angler who invented the Glo- To see the king in action may take a time. And I'm still catchin' them same old tiddlers, like I Caddis (a fly that glows in the For acuity in spotting small fry he’s mine. used to be dark), had designed a floating The smartest river diver deserves a chime. Oh how come everybody's catchin’ ‘em big but me landing net. Having bought one and Shows watchfulness to every well-wisher, Next year I’ll try to beat ‘em having given it a thorough testing I must say Internal Length of net frame: 51cm/21” You see the patience and alertness of skill. At Llangollen on the Dee that it is a real milestone in the quest for good Internal Width of net frame: 28cm/11” The deadly fish capture weapon is his bill. fish care. I should point out that this is not a net Depth of net: 35cm/14” If you are lucky he will give you a thrill Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em, big but me for the bank-fisher as the handle is short and the Length of handle: 16.5cm/6.5” And return to his sentry branch with a kill. Everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em big but me whole idea is that once netted the fish and net Weight of net (dry): 225g/8oz Well I paint my nymphs with glitter can be left floating in the water whilst the fish is With his beak full he may fly away, Build quality is good thanks to the Like John Roberts does unhooked and any camera settings are done. Resume his nest with ‘fish of the day’. workmanship of Damian Robinson. There is a And I’ve tied some Ginger Toms This ensures minimal exposure to the air, An avid parent he will banquet sway. loop at the top for attaching a magnetic net Just like Steve Skuce does minimal handling and minimal stress. Bright mottled blue and flash yellow holder and another loop on the frame near to the I’ve even used some CDC Furthermore, the superfine mesh is soft and will Your recollections will never mellow. But still my flies wont float for me handle for attaching a leash so that the net can not split fins or abrade the fish’s scales. be left floating in the water when a fish has Ginger Quill Oh everybody's catchin’ em big but me Dimensions are good as it is big enough for been netted. Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em, big but me all but the biggest of fish and it is very light. The fine mesh also makes it ideal as an Everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em big but me insect net for capturing adult flies on the wing. "Everybody's Catchin' ‘Em Big But Me" I even tried the killer bug I used to carry a small, foldaway net for bug ( or Winchester Lament) But all the fish just do is shrug hunting, but now only need the one net. There is only one slight drawback & that is Hans VK he's a hero, he's a superstar And everybody's catchin’ ‘em big but me the problem of landing fish in very fast water. He Klinkhamers those big grayling both near and far The net frame is very buoyant and requires a bit Steve Rhodes catches millions Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em, big but me of force to submerge it (don’t try to submerge But I remain fish-free Everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em big but me. the whole net frame!). Furthermore the fine Oh everybody's catchin’ em big but me mesh creates quite a bit of water resistance. Anon. Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em, big but me As a result it is not easy to submerge & firmly Everybody's catchin’ ‘em, catchin’ ‘em big but me Sung to the Dr Hook Tune “Everybody’s Makin’ it control the net in very fast flowing water. The nets are available from: Dave Southall’s got a whopper Big but Me” Contact Glen Pointon on And here's old 4 inch me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv_TA2S2z34 [email protected] for more information Oh everybody's catchin’ ‘em big but me Sign of a miss-spent youth! and to order your LTD Catch and Release Net.

24 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 25 The meadow grass was lush under foot and that fishing can bring, sharing the joy of Area 6 &7Fishing Day Report its boundaries marked out by hawthorn fishing and catching their quarry. hedges. There was the smell of sweet Fil went on to catch more fish and I thought deciduous trees, in every shade of gold. with a wry smile “there goes one happy 23rd October 2016 fish came to Karl’s net! I hope Father Christmas Leaves falling softly and silently from above husband”. brings me the same. At last..... on the gentlest of zephyrs. Just enough lift in I sat and ate lunch in the beauty of near This time last year we had two failed fishing With the exception of Karl’s bag each the air to give a little encouragement to the silence, save for a robin nearby proclaiming days due to high water. Thanks to the member caught at least 6 fish each with fly fisher on light tackle. On I walked to see his territory, and felt glad that I had come patience of area members and Bangor on Dee weights up to a pound and half (Bernard another two chaps wading in the gentle along for the ride. Next time I shall certainly Salmon Anglers Association (BODSSA) (and Cronshaw), with Phil Done catching 21 and current, enjoying the good companionship fish. What a wonderful day it had been! nervously hoping I didn’t lose my deposit for two brownies . the end of day buffet at Buck House, Bangor At the end of the day the group met with on Dee) - We did it! Karl, who gave some warming words and Five days earlier the report for the river was sound advice. We all retired to the pub for two foot up but dropping. Following sleepless buffet tea and exchanges of stories. All were GRAYLING FROM A LAKE nights, Ouija boards, tarot cards, roulette and fed, watered and rejoicing over a really nice day. scrutinising EA reports, a text came from All reports were good. In 1981 whilst I was in the RN and serving George Wallace at BODSSA which said... ‘the Area 6 and 7 of the Grayling Society and the onboard HMY Britannia, I and other river is perfect’. I wanted to text back ‘I Love Grayling Society would like to thank George members of the Royal Yacht fishing club You!’, but I didn’t want to risk another Wallace and Derek Doyle and BODSAA for accepted a challenge from the angling cancelled trip! their patience, advice, friendship and members of the RAF Royal flight to a coarse The day and river were indeed PERFECT. generosity for providing us with a memorable fishing match at Broadlands Lake near Southampton. This lake had been formed Overcast skies, good temperature and no days fishing. from extractions to supply gravel for the wind. Fortunately we hadn’t had a hard frost Notes from a member’s wife: M27 motorway. yet, so whilst the trees were golden there was As this was a venue I knew nothing about little leaf fall and no wind to assist.George Bangor on Dee, from Barbara Hanysz I did some research and read that grayling Wallace and Derek Doyle from BODSAA We arrived at Bangor on Dee on a dull and were present in the lake. I must admit to escorted us to the beat they had chosen for slightly chilly morning, but no threatening being slightly sceptical about this claim, as our needs for the day. clouds or big winds...... great ! the nickname 'Lady of the stream' suggests 3lb grayling? When we reached the river, conditions were this fish lives in running water, not a large The news that a 3lb plus grayling had been almost perfect in fact, and so, conducive to a stillwater lake. However along with maggots Two unexpected grayling already bought I decide to add worms caught a week or so earlier, together with the good days fishing. noticed a flash as a fish moved in the (gathered in the dark by throwing a bowl of current. Waiting a few moments, I saw the sight of a beautiful enticing river, certainly Fil (not a typo ) from Aintree was enjoying frothy washing up liquid infused water on fish move again so on went a worm and I turned us all into trembling enthusiastic the “ Cow Pool “. After about fifteen minutes the lawn, it worked !) to my bait boxes . novices.The morning continued overcast but trotted the bait along the stream. The bait he caught his first small grayling and The competition day dawned dour to say was taken instantly and a very lively good- still, and all of us had caught fish in numbers. continued to pick up some better fish with the least, wet, cold and thoroughly sized grayling came to the net. On went At 1pm the sun came and so did the hatches. little interval between. At 11.15 I left him miserable but being hardy sailors we went another worm and the second fish was Corned beef sandwich or a 3lb fish? We let the happily wading to the sound of church bells ahead as we all know a bad days fishing is hooked and landed. Both fish can be seen stomachs decide. Indeed the morning was the and the low drone of light aircraft overhead. much better than a good days working! in the elderly photo, on the keep net that I best half of the day. I captured Barry Porter from the Wirral To say that the fishing was hard is an had to use to contain the fish until weigh Upon returning to the water we, (me and Rod downstream of Fil on camera through the understatement; not a fish was being in. These two were the only fish caught Calbrade), met up with what appeared to be a trees. He too was picking up grayling and the caught and to be honest we had virtually that day and I won the match! (the only one very young Father Christmas with well trimmed odd small trout, fishing from a small island, stopped fishing and were chatting with our I have ever won!) I guess the motto of the white beard and peaked cap. It turned out to be trotting the worm. I carried on walking down- RAF colleagues. I had drawn a swim story is, do some research beforehand into our own Karl Humphries, the Grayling Society stream soaking up the peace and calm of the alongside the inflow to the lake from the any new water you plan to fish; in my case, Marketing Officer, who was using a beautiful 2 pastoral scene laid out before me in the fields, River Blackwater and as I stood talking to a way back in 1981, it paid off ! wt split cane rod and 100-year-old silk line. 20 sheep in one and a gaggle of geese in another. member of the opposition I thought I Greg Payne 26 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 27 Stuart Crofts

The Society stand Uttoxeter Fly Fair Two Roger Smiths

Peter Major Alex Jardine

Partridge of Redditch

28 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 29 On a warm summer’s evening I far up as East Ilsley and has been traced The ford near Bucklebury back to Farnborough, high on the Downs. occasionally go for a pint at The Bull in Ton Up At school I was best friends with Clive Stanford Dingley, the Pang babbling who lived at St Abbs, a row of cottages away in the meadow behind the pub. by Kris Kent just by the ford where the Eling lane The perennial head of the Pang is at crosses the Pang just outside Hampstead the Blue Pools between Stanford In Norman Mclean’s ‘A Norreys. St Abb was a 7th century Saxon Dingley and Bradfield. Up until River Runs Through It’, the Abbess at a nunnery in Kent. She also recently I crossed the Pang at Bradfield semi-autobiographical novella gave her name to the area called St Ebb’s everyday on my commute to work. of Maclean's relationship in Oxford. Oxford was first fortified by The Pang is a tributary of the with his brother Paul and King Alfred the Great who owned the Thames. It joins the Thames at their upbringing in an early Pang Valley. We spent endless days Pangbourne. This small town has a 20th-century Presbyterian wandering the banks of the Pang wonderful selection of small local shops and So I’ve walked by it, paddled and swam in it, Montana family, fishing and skimming stones, throwing off our shoes restaurants. I park near the station and walk into skimmed stones across it and gazed into it. But the river are woven throughout the story and the and socks to paddle in its meagre waters. the town because it means I have to cross the up until recently I had never fished the Pang. protagonists lives, "there was no clear line Abstraction in its upper reaches had left the bridge over the Pang, just a few hundred yards Some while back I was fishing with cane rod between religion and fly fishing." Pang a shadow of its natural self. from the confluence with the Thames. I stand builder and furled leader supremo Luke Bannister. There is a river which is woven throughout my As we worked our way upstream Luke told me life. I went to secondary school in Compton, a The Pang at Bradfield about all the rivers he had fished. For some time large village perched on the edge of the West he had been stuck on 99 rivers fished and he had Berkshire Downs. It is in Compton that the River desperately wanted to make it to 100. During a Pang normally shows itself, a tiny trickle that conversation with one his fishing buddies he was follows the course of the East Ilsley to Aldworth reminded about fishing a river he had forgotten road through the village before heading off about and he suddenly realised he had already across the fields near the church. The Pang is a reached that magic number. This got me to chalk bourne, it is spring fed and naturally dries thinking about how many rivers I had fished. up when the water table falls below the spring Being somewhat anal I keep a record of every levels. The head of the West Pang is East Ilsley When my Dad was a lad he used to swim in beat on every river I have fished. So when I got pond and the North Pang, or River Roden, rises the Pang not far from Clive’s house. In the early back I totalled up the rivers. If I included all the on Churn Plain to the north of the village. They 1930’s the then Prince of Wales, who became international rivers it came to a rather satisfying join in Compton just by my sister’s house. Edwa rd VIII, appealed for landowners to provide and stare into the water straining for a glimpse 118, when I excluded rivers outside the UK it came Above Compton the West Pang typically flows more sporting and leisure facilities for the of a fish. There used to be a good fish lying just to just 93. I became determined to get to 100. invisible below the fields, although during recent population. Mr Dewe of Everington Farm below the bridge, but I haven’t seen it there for At the end of the 2015 season I had got to 99 wet winters it has appeared for some months as responded by building the swimming pool. The some time. rivers. I wanted the 100th river to be a special brick lined pool was 6 feet (1.8m) deep at one end Pangbourne was the home of the children’s one, the Pang would make a fitting climax to my and 3 feet (0.9m) deep at the other. The pool writer Kenneth Graeme, he died there in 1932. pursuit, the ‘Ton Up’. The problem was access. closed in 1938 although it continued to be used Some believe that it was the Pang that inspired The reason I had never fished the Pang is unofficially for many years. The pool was still his greatest work ‘The Wind in The Willows’. because in the upper reaches, which often dry there years later, although a bit battered, but I never saw anyone swimming in it when I was young. Dad used to take us down to the river a little further downstream of St Abbs where the M4 crosses high above the Pang, I can’t remember why but I do remember standing under the M4 hearing the cars thunder past overhead. Just before the Pang reaches Lower Bucklebury there is a large ford. This was a popular spot for a paddle and for catching Bullheads. We would ride their on our bikes and wile away hours poking about under rocks and View from the bridge The Pang near Compton at Pangbourne The Pang as dry as a bone dangling our legs off the footbridge. 30 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 31 out during dry summers, there is no resident river widened a little. the Dun, they ignored that too. I tried a few population of Brown Trout Above the bridge the Pang showed its true other Mayfly patterns, they ignored those too. I Where there is a population of Trout the fishing character. Narrow, reed fringed with Ash, Alder tried imparting some movement to the fly, that is strictly controlled, either private or syndicate and Willow reaching out over the shallow didn’t work. Was it drag? I tried various casts water. There is no day ticket access. waters, Water Parsnip crowding the banks. It putting in plenty of slack, that didn’t work. I As social media guru for the Wild rout Trust I looked fishy. As we stood and gazed a few was starting to get frustrated. Then a fish took get to communicate with lots of anglers all over Mayfly burst out of the Pang and fluttered into my fly. I scratched my head. I decided that it the UK and internationally. One fortuitous day I the air. Several didn’t, they disappeared in a was just that there were so many naturals on bumped into, not literally, Peter. I discovered swirl engulfed by a large Trout. This engendered the water my artificial wasn’t getting a look in. that Peter fishes the Pang. Nothing ventured a sense of urgency and Peter and I dashed back So long as the fish kept rising I kept casting and eventually a fish would take my fly. It was a nothing gained, so I messaged Peter asking him to pull on waders and put up rods. if he would be willing to take me out on his little Peter’s father was with him, visiting from numbers game. bit of the Pang. He said he would be delighted. Scotland, so they disappeared downstream A more open section It was the middle of May when I finally met leaving me to explore above the bridge. I strung Peter outside the Greyhound in Tidmarsh. Peter up a 7’6” 3 weight. To turn over the bushy jumped in the car and we drove the short way Mayfly patterns I put on a short stiff tapered down the road towards Pangbourne turning off leader and added three feet of 5x tippet. You the main road and down a track just before we might think this a bit hefty but Peter had came into Pangbourne itself. The private warned me that the syndicate still stocks with syndicate water is the last fished stretch before Rainbows up to 3lbs and I didn’t want to leave the waterworks and the town. Keen to see the flies in fish because my tippet was too fragile. I water Peter and I stood on the footbridge and tied on a JT Mayfly. This is now my go to Above the footbridge looked up and down stream. Heavy rain during pattern for the Mayfly hatch. The short wide the week had put a little colour in the Pang but gape hook anchors the fly in the water, the CDC detached body makes it float well. I tied one on you could still see the bright green weed and wing has that ephemeral quality of the natural, with confidence. sparkling gravels beneath. Below the bridge the the stiff hackle suggests legs and the deer hair Despite it being mid-May there was a chilly blustery wind and the weather forecast was for showers developing through the afternoon so I pulled on a lightweight fleece and my rain coat before heading back to the river. I was glad I did because within half an hour the rain set in. Wading is not allowed but Peter said you were allowed to ‘step in’ to facilitate a cast or retrieve a fly. I ‘stepped in’ and cast to the fish Peter and I had seen from the bridge. The wind made delicate precise casts difficult but eventually I got the fly to come down over the fish’s nose I stood at the bottom of a more open section and it took it with gusto. It was a feisty Rainbow and watched a dozen or more large Rainbows that ran me ragged running up and down hammering the Mayfly. I hoped that in amongst stream diving into the reeds and weed trying to them there might be a few wild Brownies. On a throw the hook. I eventually tamed it and it seam close by the far bank a fish took a Mayfly, a slipped into the net. I don’t know where the more discrete, a more demure rise. I covered it syndicate source their fish but this was not the and a small bright Brown Trout took the fly. fat flabby stockie that you sometimes bump Catching the Rainbows was a real adrenalin into. It was fin perfect and fighting fit, surging rush but catching my first wild Brown Pang away as I slipped it back into the Pang. Trout gave me a far greater sense of satisfaction. With quick success I thought I had cracked it. I took a quick snap for posterity and slipped it I hadn’t. Despite their being fish rising all along back into the river. the beat they determinedly ignored my artificial. As I worked upstream the Pang disappeared I tried an emerger in case they weren’t taking under a huge Weeping Willow and into a

32 Below the footbridge Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 33 AREA 4 FISHING DAY Saturday 27 August For a change Area 4 members had a late was well up owing to a high volume of water summer fishing day on Saturday 27 August on release from the Elan valley reservoirs and as a the River Wye based at The Caer Beris Manor result the water was quite cool (12C). Rain that Hotel in Builth Wells. was forecast to arrive by the afternoon came in Thirteen members of the Society assembled at much earlier than expected! 9.00am for the usual admin session of Risk Despite these set-backs some fish obliged us Assessment and beat allocation. Some then on all three beats with a total “bag” of 32 ordered breakfast while others had coffee before grayling and 11 trout. My first Pang Brownie The pillbox dispersing to their fishing venue. wooded section. As I came around the bend a strolled back to the car I had a chance to admire Three beats on the main river – Craig Llyn, If you are interested in taking part in future weir came into a view. A remnant of when mills the verdant Pang valley in all its glory. Scrubby Doldowlod and Abernant – had been reserved Area 4 Fishing Days, please contact Roger Smith dotted the Pang through Tidmarsh and beyond. meadows with dense woodland crowding the for us to fish. whose email address is: In the flat water above the weir a couple of fish hillsides. A lone Pillbox stood sentinel over the Conditions were certainly interesting; the river [email protected] rose. The first smashed me. As soon as it felt the valley, a reminder of darker times. hood it took off upstream and didn’t stop. The I felt a huge sense of achievement and second fish was tucked into some Willow roots. personal fulfilment as I slipped out of my waders It dived under the Willow after it took but with and took down my rod. My 100th river under my some side strain I eventually persuaded it out. belt and the long held dream to catch a wild It turned out to be a better Brown Trout. Brown Trout on the Pang satisfied. As I neared the top of the beat the Mayfly Biography: hatch started to peter out. A couple of wild fish Kris Kent has been fly fishing and trotting for rose to my imitation even though the naturals Brown Trout and Grayling for over 20 years in the were now absent. I could have fished on a while UK, Europe and Scandinavia. He is PR Officer for but the rain was getting steadily heavier and I the Grayling Society and helps out The Wild Trout was starting to think about my dinner. As I Trust with their online communications and events.

Geoff Bevan at Doldowlod (Photo: Christian Pedersen)

Mike Morris into a fish at Doldowlod in wet conditions! (Photo: John Symonds)

34 Approaching the weir Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 35 Response to Stan Cios article...

A letter in reply to the article by Stanislaw around 2300/sample, up from around 500/sample Cios in the last issue of "Grayling". in 2014, and we have seen more green drakes this year than for a long time, the fish can be Dear Bob, reluctant to take a dry fly. I was very pleased to see the article by Whether all this means, as we hope, that the Stanislaw Cios in the last edition of "Grayling". river is steadily improving, remains to be Unfortunately the autopsy programme on the confirmed. That seems to be the subjective view Alyn has had to be suspended this season of those club members I've spoken to. I've because of ill health. We hope to start again certainly caught more fish per outing this year next year. However, the RiverFly monitoring than in previous years and they have all been in goes on with the latest counts showing a fine fettle. It may be that what we are seeing dramatic reduction in Gammarus numbers and a reflects swings of Mother Nature, in which case concomitant increase in upwing nymphs, notably I guess that gammarus numbers will be up Baetis. The trout and grayling are feeding again next year. I would prefer to think that the regardless and are in excellent condition. changes in invertebrate populations reflect river Looking back over the club records, we have environment improvements due to the hard RiverFly data starting in 2007. During the period work over several years put in by the club to now, our then Chairman, now President, working parties - getting older and fewer Howard Stevens, has plotted the data, focussing unfortunately. on the overall numbers of upwings and of Stanislaw mentions water volume as the most gammarus. We have seen essentially a sine important factor influencing gammarus curve with peaks and troughs of both upwings behaviour. The Alyn is certainly subject to and gammarus. Unfortunately, there appears to floods that cause considerable changes in the be no simple relationship between the two and river bed but last winter was quite kind with the ratio of gammarus to upwings varies quite nothing extreme. I found the reference to erratically. We did think at one point that the gammarus swimming upstream in numbers gammarus might be predating on the upwing interesting and will keep my eyes open for the nymphs, but this does not seem to affect phenomenon in future. numbers drastically. Thanks Stanislaw for an excellent article. This year gammarus numbers are well down - about 2000/sample, down from 23,000/sample in Regards, 2014. Although upwing numbers are up - Les Jervis ‘Friends’ of the Grayling Society Please give our TRADE MEMBERS be low your full support when considering making a purchase of fishing tackle, clothing and accessories or fly tying materials. TRADE MEMBERS CORPORATE MEMBERS COOKSHILL FLY TYING FISHING MATTERS CAERSWS ANGLING WILTON FLY FISHING Tel: 01782 388382 Unit 3, ASSOCIATION CLUB Mobile: 07932 653492 Lawrence House Yard, Tel: 01686 688196 Mike Tebbs [email protected] Wincanton,Somerset BA9 9EB acgameangling@btinternet. Rivendell, Newton www.cookshill-flytying.co.uk Tel: 01963 31623 com Heytesbury [email protected] www.caersws-aa.co.uk Wiltshire BA12 0HN FLY TEK FLY FISHING www.fishing matters.biz Tel: 01985 841192 Tel: 01772 684003 DERWENT ANGLERS’ [email protected] Mobile: 07788 427560 VENIARDS [email protected] Veniards.com CLUB Full details of Trade and Corporate Membership can be obtained from the Editor

36 Grayling – Winter 2016

“Simply the best grayling fishing that I have ever experienced anywhere” by George Ashton

In last winter’s edition (2015) of “Grayling” I read an article written by Dave Martin entitled “A Grayling Fly Fishers Paradise” (page 16) . The article about his fishing experiences in Alaska immediately caught my attention. I have always wanted to make a trip to Canada or Alaska to catch Arctic Grayling. From pictures, they look awesome with even bigger and more colourful dorsal fins than even our own beautiful ladies. I contacted Dave about his trip and he kindly agreed to meet with me to discuss his trip in further detail. Dave was very helpful giving me lots of very useful information in the form of books, maps, guides, contact details and most of all, the benefit of his experiences while holidaying and fishing in Alaska. I was hooked but I did not want to go alone. Dave agreed to give anybody who contacted him my contact details. I contacted the Grayling Society to see if they could help. Area Secretaries were asked to spread the word to members and adverts were placed on the society website and in the “Grayling News”. In January I contacted Peter Goodwin the owner of the General Lodge in Port Alsworth where Dave Martin had stayed last year. Peter and I exchanged a number of emails and an itinerary was developed for a 7 night stay at the General Lodge and 6 1/2 days of mainly guided fishing. Peter could not have been more helpful. In August Brian Smith, Bob Perrett and I, way to get there is by plane. After the 1 hour travelled to Anchorage and from there to Port flight from Anchorage we landed in Port Alsworth in the Lake Clark National Park of Alsworth and were transported the short South West Alaska to fish for Arctic Grayling. distance to the General Lodge that was to be I do not wish to cover the same background our base for the next 8 days. The lodge owner information that Dave already described in his Peter Goodwin introduced himself, some of the article in last year. So I thought that I would give lodge staff and our fishing guide, Levi. After a day by day account of our experiences fishing lunch we walked to the Tanalian Falls to fish the in the Lake Clark area. area below the falls, accompanied by Levi. Brian was set up quickly catching some small grayling Day 1 - Arriving in Port Alsworth and catching using his tenkara outfit, fishing a nymph under a our first Arctic Grayling dry fly. Bob fished above us towards the falls, The village of Port Alsworth is in a very remote using French leader tactics and 2 nymphs, and area it is not on the road network and the only also quickly caught a number of small grayling.

Grayling – Winter 2016 37 quickly. He hooked another grayling while Bob and I were still setting up but unfortunately it broke his rod while he was attempting to land it. It looked a really large grayling in his net. I setup a 4# outfit and decided to start with a dry fly. Anglers in Alaska appear to favour fishing dry flies for grayling and only fish nymphs if the dries are not working. I started with a size 14 Mosquito, a local pattern that looks a bit similar to a grey duster with a stripped peacock herl body. After an hour of fishing dries without success, while both Brian and Bob were catching some nice grayling. I decided to try nymphs under an indicator. I could see small schools of Sockeye Salmon moving around the Me, Bob and Brian outside the Lodge run but lying close to the gravel there were I fished a similar method to Brian but on a 4# several pods of large grayling. I started with 2 outfit and also caught a number of small size 10 tungsten bead nymphs but the grayling Lower Secret River grayling on both the dry fly and nymph, up to just ignored them. I changed to using smaller about 3/4lb. The small grayling looked very size 12 tungsten bead nymphs and got my first similar to our own juvenile European grayling. freshly brewed tea. By the time we returned to with a blue and red spots with a reddish trim Brian caught a few larger grayling over 1lb mark fishing the grayling were rising in good around the edge and the pectoral fins having and Bob lost a couple of bigger grayling in the numbers. I switched back to dries and landed 3 brightly coloured stripes. The eyes are the same pool at the base of the falls. Our time at the falls nice grayling with the fish wanting the dries pear shape but appear bigger especially on was short and we soon had to start the walk fished close to the far bank in the quieter water. I larger and possibly older fish. The mouth of the back to the Lodge for our evening meal. We had worked my way slowly down stream to the end Arctic grayling is larger and in a more central all caught our first Arctic Grayling. of the run. I switched to fishing from the other position on the head. They still have that Day 2 - The Secret River side of the river to stand in the slacker water and particular thymallus fragrance. After breakfast we changed into our waders fish the faster water at the head of another pool. I Days 3 & 6 - Fishing the rivers and streams gathered our fishing gear and walked the short hooked and landed a couple more grayling but that run into Lake Clark distance to the lake. The boat was waiting, to there were lots of fish rising and I could see Lake Clark is over 45 miles long and is take us across Lake Clark to another lodge. Here grayling coming up and refusing to take my fly. I surrounded by mountains and forests. We one of our guides picked up the jet boat and switched to a smaller size 16 Mosquito and headed out by boat to fish some of the rivers Landing a small grayling from a stream mouth both boats headed to the mouth of the Secret began to get a more positive response. I worked and streams that run into lake to the north east River. Our boat was beached on the lake shore take but the grayling quickly threw the barbless my way down river and the run, which gradually and secured. We all transferred into the jet boat hook. I was still not getting many takes so I deepened and slowed slightly. I caught a number to make our way up river. The river was shallow changed the nymph on the dropper to a size 14 of good-sized grayling with a dark fish that was and fast flowing and was a milky blue colour tungsten bead head (black) and hooked a good just under 20” in length, being the biggest of the from glacial run off. After motoring up the grayling which I lost after tangling my other fly day, what a special fish. The smaller fly was winding river for about 20 minutes we entered in the net. Eventually after a frustrating start (as attracting more attention and my total of what appeared to be a small tributary. As soon much because of bad angling as anything else) I grayling caught began to build. This was quality as we did the water was crystal clear. We landed my first sizable Arctic Grayling, a lovely grayling fishing at its very best. I ended up immediately began to see shoals of Sockeye fish around 2lb. I was immediately impressed landing over 20 quality grayling that day. The Salmon. Some of them had turned red but the with its large colourful dorsal fin. How beautiful grayling ranged from 11/2lb to what I would majority were darker, being freshly arrived. This she looked as I returned her to the river. She sat estimate to be very close to 3lb. With Bob tributary was lake fed and always ran clear. We on the gravel close to my feet for a little while catching well on nymphs and Brian having a motored a further few minutes up the river and recovering. I hooked a few more grayling on the great day landing over 30, using a borrowed the boat was driven into a small inlet. Brian was nymphs that put up a very spirited fight in the outfit and fishing a size 14 Griffith’s Gnat. using his tenkara outfit and was fishing before powerful flow. They appeared to jump more Arctic grayling look very similar to our own Bob and I got our rods out of their bags. He often than their European cousins. We stopped European grayling with some differences. The caught a couple of good-sized grayling very fishing to eat our packed lunches and drink dorsal fin is larger and more brightly coloured Fishing a stream running into Lake Clark

38 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 39 fished. We fished either small nymphs We only had time for a short session and headed suspended under a dry fly or nymphs fished back down the path to the village to meet Bob under an indicator. At one stage Bob fished 3 for lunch. nymphs on a long leader, reservoir style and After lunch, we all walked to Dry Creek to fish caught a number of grayling. We caught many where it runs into the lake. This was only about small grayling but there were also some much a 15 minute easy walk from the lodge. I took my larger ones caught. Brian caught a lovely trotting outfit as I wanted to try and catch an grayling around 3lb (the biggest Levi, our guide arctic grayling trotting. I fed a bit of sweet corn had ever seen) from the mouth of a small creek and fishing for about an hour without a bite. I that was only a couple of feet wide. On our removed the hook and replaced the bait with a second day exploring the lake we went south couple of nymphs and quickly caught a couple west from Port Alsworth and the streams we of 10” grayling. Brian and Bob were catching on fished here were a bit bigger and the lake itself nymphs so I switched to fishing my 4# outfit and was much clearer. On one of these streams nymphs. I caught a few small grayling and then there was a number of large upwings hatching The Levi boat we used to explore the lakes a fish that looked like a catfish (according to our as the stream flowed out into the lake. There of Port Alsworth. We would beach the boat onto guide a sucker fish). The afternoon went quickly were a number of grayling rising and we caught the shore and fish the streams where they and we headed back to the Lodge to get ready some good-sized grayling as well as many Brian fishing Tanalian River flowed into the lake. The lake itself has a milky for our evening meal. smaller ones on large dry flies. we arrived at the falls the river was a good bit blue tinge to it because of glacial run off. The higher than when we visited on our first Day 5 - Our second day on the Secret River smaller streams (creeks) were usually clear and Day 4 - Walking to fish the Tanalian Falls and afternoon. The river was really raging through The river was higher than on our previous the strength of the current determined on how Dry Creek and we were unable to fish some of the water visit but still crystal clear and if anything more far the clear water flowed into the lake before Brian and I walked up to the Tanalian Falls in we fished on our first visit. We both quickly sockeyes had arrived but they do not appear to mixing with the coloured water. We caught the morning while Bob explored Port Alsworth. caught some smaller grayling fishing with a bother the grayling in the slightest. In fact the grayling at every river and stream mouth we It is a good walk to the falls but worth it. When nymph fished under a largish dry fly. The river grayling seemed almost bomb proof with was really powerful so I switched to fishing nothing appearing to spook them. You could large tungsten bead nymphs under an indicator walk through a pod and they would just move a and was rewarded by catching a couple of very few feet and come back. They did not appear to hard fighting sizable grayling with the largest be put off by anglers, their tackle or even the jet being over 21/2lb. This would have to be the boat going over them. There were no fish rising most spectacular place that I have ever fished. so I decided to start with nymphs under an

Fishing the falls on the Tanalian River The Secret River

40 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 41 them open their mouths to in the UK and this grayling was as large. This take it. I fished my way grayling was quickly returned and I was able to downstream towards the tail of continue catching good-sized grayling on the the run and around midday I dry fly for the next hour. The rise slowly petered was fortunate enough to land a out and so did my catch rate so I switched back really large fish that measured to the nymphs and started catching again. By over 22”. I did not have a set of the end of the session I had caught in excess of scales but this was the biggest 20 grayling including 2 really big fish at 21 and grayling I had ever caught or 22 inches in length. The average size was over seen, it was a broad deep fish. 2lb. Bob also caught a lot of quality grayling After this fish was returned fishing both nymphs and dries upstream of me. safely to the river I decided to Brain reported having a great day catching on take lunch and celebrate my dry flies, further upstream towards the lake. The success. I enjoyed a brew and Secret River had given me the best grayling sat and ate my packed lunch fishing that I have ever experienced anywhere. watching the river. I could see few grayling starting to rise Day 7 - Fly out to fish the Tazimina River Releasing a fine fish and so after a productive It was our last day of fishing and we planned Leaving the float plane at Lake Tazimina indicator. A size 10 tungsten bead head on point morning on the nymphs I decided to give the to fly to the Upper Tazimina Lake to fish the found some more promising looking water and a and a size 14 bead head on a dropper about 15” dries a go. I started with a size 14 Mosquito. I Tazimina River below the lake. The float plane game trail (these are paths created by large above. I could see pods of large grayling lying was casting my fly across the river to the quiet was waiting for us when we arrived at the lake. animals such as moose or bears) we could close to the riverbed. The run that I was fishing water close to the far bank and mending my line We had to change our plans and land on the follow to get there. Without a trail to follow it was about 3 feet deep. I started covering the upstream in an attempt to stop my fly skating. Lower Tazimina Lake because the upper lake would be very difficult and slow going in the pods of grayling with my nymphs and started to Second cast a fish rose to my fly and was was too calm. Where the river flowed out of the boggy rough ground. We followed the trail for catch on the smaller nymph on the dropper. connected to another hard fighting grayling. It lake it was over a 100 yards wide and about 20 minutes and arrived at the selected They were fighting hard in the fast flow and was another really good-sized fish that featureless. The countryside was open with few spot. The river was still wide but it narrowed by some of them jumped clear of the water several measured over 21” in length. It did not quite trees or bushes but the ground was covered in an island there was a faster shallow area and a times. It was hard work getting them to the net. have the same girth as my previous large blueberry plants and there were blueberries long swirling run below it for about 150 yards or The grayling were averaging over 2lb. It was grayling but it was a very large fish that I everywhere. We started fishing but it was not more. We could wade out about a third of the possible to target individual fish and watch as estimated to be over 3lb. I have been lucky very productive. Our guide Conner headed down way across the river before it got too deep and they moved to intercept your nymph and see enough to capture a number of grayling over 3lb river looking for some better-looking water. powerful to go further. We spread out and started fishing with Brian catching a good number of grayling towards the top of the run I fished below him and had a few on both the nymphs and dries. Bob appeared to be catching well down river. I was getting a few fish when my cast was directly below me and my nymphs rose towards the surface or on a big elk hair caddis. Our guide Conner started fishing and was catching a lot of grayling. I made my way up river and asked him, what he was catching on he showed me his fly it was something similar to a Chernobyl Ant almost 2” long made from black foam with lots of legs. He offered me the fly but I was reluctant to take it as it was his only one. I looked on my fly box and put on the biggest fly I had a size 8 black foam beetle with Bob on the Tazimina River black legs a bright pink wing post. I started He had never fished the river here before and fishing with this and caught a few grayling but said that he didn’t think many people had. not as many as Conner. Conner was heading for Fishing the Tazimina River 30 minutes later he returned and told he had the bank for a short break to have something to

42 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 43 Walking out to the spectacular Tanalian River falls and catching my first arctic grayling. Taking a fast boat around Lake Clark and fishing many of the rivers and streams that run into the lake. Flying out to the Tazimina River and fishing in the wilderness was an amazing experience where the grayling had probably never seen an artificial fly. The highlight of the trip was the days spent on the Secret River; it was simply the best grayling fishing that I have ever experienced anywhere. This is a special place and I hope to return Bob and I fishing another stream mouth one day. eat and I asked if I could borrow his rod. I If anybody would like more information about caught a few more grayling but not at the rate visiting the General Lodge and fishing for Arctic Yorkshire Ure Rivers Trust and S&TC Grayling Day he was. When he started fishing again I Grayling in the Lake Clark area please do not watched how he was fishing his fly. He was hesitate to contact me. My mobile number is: 9th October 2016 07884 045637 and my email address is: skating his fly across the current creating a By Dave Southall wake. Once I started skated my beetle pattern [email protected] across the current my catch rate improved. We I am hoping to return to the General Lodge in caught grayling up to 13/4lb that were difficult either 2017 or 2018 and will be looking for other I was fortunate enough to be ranked in the top not ideal Tenkara water and no fish were rising. to land in the powerful current. We fished this grayling anglers to join me. three places out of sixty nine anglers in this All I saw was probably a salmon or possibly area for several hours and the year’s friendly grayling competition to raise funds huge trout cruising about. Fortunately at the top grayling were still being for the Rivers Trust & S&TC: fortunate because I of this long pool I saw a couple of rising fish so I caught in good numbers. was on a good beat: fortunate because I found sat down to watch (it was still thirty minutes to Flying out to fish the Tazimina feeding fish and fortunate because I opted for the start of the match). Two fish were rising River had been an been a appropriate tactics (because that was the way I irregularly on my side of the river, in a foam line unique experience fishing for prefer to fish). I thought that readers of this just below the pool head, where the fast water grayling in a truly wild place magazine might be interested in what happened was slowing markedly and three more were where they had probably since it brought home to me how important it doing the same on the far bank. never seen an artificial fly and can be to stay open-minded about the best 12am & my size 20 CdC IOBO Humpy, a fly may never do again. method to catch grayling on any particular day. that I find works well when small Olives are Summary - Overview The day was cool with a distinct upstream emerging, was cast into the foam lane to where I had enjoyed staying at the breeze and periods of rain interspersed with a fish had risen ten minutes earlier. Half a dozen General Lodge. I could not sunny spells. The river was low and gin-clear. casts produced no response. Even though recommend the place highly Isolated small Olives were emerging at irregular Tenkara’s fly-first presentation with minimal enough. Peter, the lodge staff intervals, a few small Stoneflies were fluttering tippet and no line on the water approach is and guides were very friendly about when the sun shone and there were a hyper stealthy I decided that rather than risk and helpful, the rooms were plenty of Midges and Aphids in the air when the spooking the fish I’d wait till I saw the fish rise very comfortable and the food sun came out. Very few rises were to be seen again. A few minutes later up it came and first was excellent. and it appeared that nymphs/bugs would be a cast it took my offering. I watched the tippet The Arctic grayling fishing far better bet than dry fly. Nevertheless I’d opted peel down into the water but didn’t connect was exceptional, everything I to fish dry fly with my 14’ 7” Tenkara rod; a risky when I struck. Grayling can be so infuriating at hoped it would be. I enjoyed the strategy, but a style that I enjoy and I’d been told times! Ten minutes later it rose again but this different fishing experiences. Conner and me with a 21 inch grayling that my beat had a lot of bouldery pocket water. time I connected and a nice grayling of about The bottom of my beat was a long slow pool; 12” twisted & turned as I gently drew it to the

44 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 45 net. At least I wasn’t going to blank! Several fish Since my only line of approach was to wade from G Although grayling mainly feed subsurface and were rising occasionally on the far bank, beyond upstream and the seam was quite close to the generally nymphing is more effective than dry the reach of Tenkara but fifteen minutes later bank I had to make a very cautious approach. As fly there are times on some waters when dry fly there was another rise near to me and I soon a result it took me a long time to inch my way can be much more effective. When fishing in landed my second grayling. At 9” it was just into position, ever aware that the slightest ripple Northern Sweden a few years ago my friend over the 8” limit. or stumble might send the fish packing. Once in Steve Donohue and I caught vastly more During the next twenty minutes or so there position I stood motionless for what seemed grayling on big dry flies than the guys who was no more activity on my side of the river and ages but was probably only ten minutes or so till nymphed all week. just an occasional riser on the far bank. It was the first fish rose. I had not seen any Olives for a G Surface activity was confined to dull & wet time for a change! On went a couple of nymphs while so I’d changed to a size 24 IOBO Humpy to periods of the day when the Olives and Midges and I spent the next quarter of an hour searching imitate the Midges and Aphids that were in the were emerging and remaining on the surface the streamy water at the pool head with little air. First cast and a good grayling, 14” of muscle, for a long time whilst trying to dry their wings. success, just one pull that proved to be a tiny was gyrating at the end of my line. Soon after a Size 24 IOBO Humpy On my local small still water the midges only grayling that took a size 18 Pink Bead-head fourth grayling was netted. Then the sun came several fish and dropping off another. Then emerge in dull conditions and often in really Hare’s Ear nymph. My initial thoughts that out and nothing rose so eventually I tried the nothing for half an hour, prompting me to move cold weather (even when it snows!). nymphs/bugs would be the most effective nymphs again but to no avail. on in search of any possible risers. Furthermore, the classic conditions for Iron method on the day appeared to be wrong and so An hour had gone by with nothing to net and There was nothing happening in the broken Blue hatches are those miserable days in May it proved at the end of the day when many then the sky darkened and the rain came and pocket-water upstream but in a big pool one the when it is dull, cool and wet. anglers commented on how poorly they had with this change of weather a sparse pulse of next bend a fish was rising regularly in the middle G Fish would only rise to my dry fly when they done when nymphing. Time to move to the far Olives brought an isolated fish to the surface. of a huge slack. Unfortunately well beyond the were actively feeding (just after I’d seen them side of the river! Several more good-sized fish up to 15” succumbed reach of Tenkara gear. Then at the top of the pool rise). They would not come up for a fly in those The water along the far-bank current seam to the appeal of the IOBO Humpy before the sun another riser was coming up with metronomic spells of inactivity between rises. Speculative where the fish were rising was quite shallow, no reappeared & the risers stopped. Another dull frequency, again in the slack water, at the far side casting, even where I knew a fish was located, more than knee deep, quite slow flowing and spell opened another brief window of of the fast water on my bank, an ideal spot for was fruitless. I’ve had this happen many times every stone on the bottom was clearly visible. opportunity, which I made the most of, landing Tenkara with its ability to hold all the line off the before on my local rivers where at times I could see the grayling and cover them accurately yet only caught in the brief spells when they were actively taking natural insects. G Fishing with a nymph in the periods between spells of surface activity was a waste of time and could only serve to disturb the fish. G Tenkara may limit the range at which one can fish but the presentation of small dry flies can not be bettered, particularly if one fishes down and across the stream as I did most of the time on the day in question. water. My size 24 CdC rotated slowly around the G Standing still and waiting is at times better sluggish vortex for maybe ten seconds before than rushing about in search of fish, but there disappearing in a gentle sip; another good are times when a move is called for. grayling was hooked but unfortunately self- G Flyfishing is all about playing the odds and a released as I was drawing it across the fast water. bit of luck helps at times. I had more than my Only half an hour to go! Three risers were located fair share of luck on the 9th of October 2016. in the streamy water below the head of the next pool, two of which were hooked and landed. As well as enjoying interesting and I ended up landing 11 grayling (10 over the challenging fishing it was great to meet up 8” limit) and a small trout. It had been a great with a load of friends, some of whom I’d not but challenging day’s fishing with several seen for a while and chat about fishing: all in lessons driven home: all a brilliant day.

46 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 47 Our problems arose when, holding my mobile phone, I Fishing in Finnish Lapland tripped and fell into the river, result no signal in the middle of nowhere. We consequently missed our 6.00pm rendezvous and had little option but to paddle on downstream until we reached civilisation. By 11.30 we had entered our third river, the Ousanjoki and it was now dark. Deciding enough was enough and that it was too dangerous to continue, we pulled ashore to be 'rescued' by a little old Lapp lady, carrying a Stop-off on the Kapsajoki torch and a mobile phone, the rescue services arriving shortly Just below the rapids we were able to wade afterwards to add to our embarrassment. and fish and we caught quite a few grayling, I always carry basic emergency equipment but harjus in Finnish, but not many topping 1lb. Still, the lesson learned was to always carry more By Chris Bond it was a start. From the outset the Red Tag on the than one mobile phone on such expeditions. top dropper proved the go-to fly for both of us, The following year we opted to return to Levi Lake Immeljarvi at Levi easily out-fishing the weighted flies on our casts. but in early June, which normally would have During our week our fishing included several been ideal but there had been a late snowmelt After many years chasing the 'Lady' across the the State Licence at 12 euros per week. (Over recommended lakes, with mixed results, but the and the rivers were raging. Our grayling spot on rivers of Britain I felt it was time for a change, so 64s exempt), you can acquire one in advance highlight was our canoeing/fishing expedition the Ousanjoki just wasn't fishable but we did I scoured the internet and arrived at Finnish online, and then you will need day or weekly down the Kapsajoki, a wilderness river and put up our spinning rods and caught a few nice Lapland, my appetite whetted by clips of huge permits for the various lakes or rivers you will tributary of the Ousanjoki; little did we know trout in the rapids. Arctic grayling on You Tube. fish, (again over 64s free on many lakes). what lay in store. Charges are relatively small, being 10 euros per Driven by the need for adventure and We were dropped off at a day for most rivers, 35 euros a week, to a little exploration and, not least, the desire to catch road bridge and left to make more for some of the larger rivers, the Tenojoki, some of these monster grayling, I persuaded my our way downriver. We were Europe's best salmon river is just 40 euros per fishing colleague, Mike Powell, to join me. This totally alone, surrounded by day, compared to UK prices. was in 2013 and budget being a prime forest and grayling, as it consideration, we opted for Levi, one hundred The main river in our locality was the turned out, they were kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and Ousanjoki, (rivers in Finland end in 'joki' and everywhere, often rising in Finland's premier ski resort, quiet in the summer lakes in 'jarvi, so they are easy to distinguish'), it pods in the pools. Naturally, but with ample accommodation and all is some 300 kilometres in length from source to we stopped, we waded, we amenities. Ours was to be a log cabin complete sea. Our first experience of the Ousanjoki was fished and we caught lots of with all mod cons, including a sauna. below the road bridge at Kongas Mike and I took grayling in glorious We flew into Kittila, the nearest airport and either side of the river downstream and by- surroundings, the largest hired a car. Our first port of call upon arrival was passing the rapids, which we found off-putting shading two pounds but the to the Levi Tourist Information Office. Such but which we soon discovered were the majority were around the 1lb offices are geared to fishing and will provide favourite haunt of locals who spun through them mark, the really large ones information, maps and fishing permits and you and caught numbers of large trout, something eluded us but this was will require permits in Finland. Firstly, there is we would do eventually. grayling heaven! A nice Kapsajoki grayling on the red tag

48 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 49 edge of the giant lake of the same name. Lake Inarijarvi is some 100kms long by 30 wide and contains hundreds of islands. Unknowingly, we had found our Shangri-la. Lake Inarijarvi holds a variety of fish species which include Arctic grayling, Arctic char and brown trout. Following a visit to tourist information, we were directed to Uraniemi Camping where we hired a boat plus engine and headed out into the lake. We were informed we would find the grayling in the shallower water in the bays and around the islands around 2 metres down as a general rule, however, they would often come up for a dry fly, and they did. They hammered

the red tag fished dry, or wet as it turned Our guide Heikki with Mike out, and they loved the humongous. Our visit coming to an end we resolved to Village on the lake. Accommodation is mostly return again the following year and, also, to fish log cabins, small, basic but adequate. They cater The River Ousanjoki at Kongas the Juutuanjoki, the large river entering the lake for overnight as well as weekly stays and there at Inari and home to some very large brown trout , are supermarkets, restaurants and a pub in to over 10kgs, in addition to lots of grayling. nearby Inari. Our intention was to revisit the Kapsajoki but took a left turn and ended up at a grayling camp 2016 saw our return to Inari during the third We again booked our boats from Uraniemi as this was out of the question we decided to run by Lars Malmstrom and his wife. Lars offers week in August, staying at the Inari Holiday Camping, this time with a 10hp engine which was travel and also to fish some local lakes, with grayling package deals, with airport pick-ups ideal and we arranged to fish mixed fortunes. We hired a boat on Immeljarvi, and also sells day tickets, although the river was on the days when the weather just below Levi, and were immediately into fish. too high for us that day. was favourable, wind Mike picked up a nice brown and then my line North of Muonio is the base for the Grayling conditions on a lake this size went tight and there it was, the grayling I had Land Company who offer fishing packages in being the determining factor. come all this way for and which we estimated at Lapland. Check them out, there are some We caught quite a few fish on well over four pounds. It was huge and was impressive clips on You Tube. our first outing, Mike having caught on a Humongous. 'Sacrilege!' I hear Our trip to Lapland was becoming an annual much the better of proceedings some say, but it appears our grayling's northern event, we returned the following year but and the red tag again doing cousins are partial to a bit of predation. Several headed for Sarriselka, another ski resort but the damage. more large grayling followed, mostly to the same further north, with the intention of spending a We interspersed our visits to fly, although one did take a Red Tag. We moved few days on the Ivalojoki River, canoeing and the lake with a trip to the to the top of the lake where fish were rising and camping, whilst fishing our way down the river. Norwegian border and the River caught some more. I even caught a rainbow This river is fairly inaccessible but has a great Tornio, Europe's premier trout, a legacy it seems of the State's top-up to reputation for both grayling and trout. During salmon river but, also, we were satisfy the demands of ice-fishing. our research, however, we failed to notice there told, home to some large We next headed for the Swedish border, some were some thirty sets of white-water rapids to grayling, although we didn't 30 kms away at Muonio. The River Torniojoki, negotiate, so opting out was a no-brainer. We sample the fishing on this visit (Muoniojoki), is absolutely huge and besides decided to explore, turn right at Ivalo and the but we did fish the Kiellajoki being noted for its salmon, has a reputation for Russian border is just 30kms but 30kms left of River nearby, somewhat large grayling. We crossed over into Sweden, Ivalo is the small town of Inari, sitting on the The Juutuanjoki River

50 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 51 A grayling from the Juutuanjoki ear on the point to counter the heavy immediately when caught or flow, stuck with the red tag as a top stored in ice in a cool-box dropper and chose a purple and cooked on arrival home. goldhead for the middle, the purple The next day dawned being a favourite of mine for many bright and sunny, we years but, strangely, I hadn't fished it returned to the lake, motored for some time, why I chose it this some 10 kms to the 'nearby' time I don't know but it worked from islands and proceeded the word go. My first fish picked out immediately to catch the purple, as did the next and the grayling. I tried a smaller next. In fact every fish I caught fell version of the purple to the purple, save for the last which goldhead as an experiment took the hare's ear. Mike caught a and again it caught fish, as it fish on his red tag, resorted to the did for Mike. This was my purple and immediately saw his day, I lost count, my catch unsuccessfully I'm sad to say, as it was a really catch-rate rise. Upon returning to also included a few nice beautiful river but obviously well-fished judging shore, our guide's immediate request was for the brown trout. Local wildlife by the tracks leading from the roadside.. purple fly, he was impressed! We were awake early the We had arranged permits in advance for the The takeable limit for fish on the Juutuanjoki is following morning, our last as numbers of Arctic hares. The sight of these Juutuanjoki as permits are limited to twelve per large, 50cms for trout and 40 for grayling. We day, anticipating a repeat of our success of the hares losing their winter finery for their summer day for this river which enters the lake at Inari. caught grayling measuring over 40cms, one of previous day but fishing being fishing there are coats in just a few days and in front of our very We had arranged a guide, Heikki Nicola, hired which was dispatched and cooked over a rarely two days the same and this proved to be eyes will remain long in the memory. through visitinari.fi and our best move yet, as campfire at the water's edge. Heikki is also a much harder, the fish were coming short and the river was running high and impossible from trained chef, he plied us with whitefish sushi proving more difficult to catch. We still did well Not to be outdone, the flora is incredible, the the bank. We went out in Heikki's traditional and salad sandwiches for starters and followed but caught fewer than the day before. undergrowth of the forest floor is comprised of all manner of plants, fungi and berries and we boat and fished around the river's islands and at up with our grayling. I am not normally a fish The grayling in Lake Inarijarvi are numerous. saw numerous insects, many, such as very large the base of the Hapsikopi Rapids. lover but this was exquisite. Heikki told us the Size-wise, we found a 11/2lb fish to be a good dragonflies, we just wouldn't have associated I opted for a large tungsten goldbead hare's secret with grayling is that it has to be cooked fish but what fishing and what scenery! with our surroundings. This has been but a taster of our experiences in Finnish Lapland, I hope it has given you an Thinking of Finnish Lapland for your next appetite. The whole region is covered by lakes fishing destination? and rivers in stunning surroundings and almost No direct flights to Finnish Lapland in all contain grayling. Flights: Summer. Finnair have daily flights from Just a little about the scenery and nature of Heathrow to Helsinki but an overnight stop is Lapland. The stunning scenery of the lakes, usually required before flying north to Ivalo or rivers, forests and fells is supplemented by the Kittila the next day. Midnight Sun in early Summer and the We stay overnight at the Airport Hilton in possibility of an early showing of the Northern Helsinki which is often a stop-off point for Lights in late August. salmon anglers on their way to the Kola Reindeer are everywhere, just like sheep in Penisula, we've met some interesting characters Wales, take care on the roads. In June we were on each of our visits. treated to an array of wildlife waking up after the winter, so many birds, some of which we Car hire: Car hire is available at both Ivalo and didn't recognise and we also heard cuckoos Kittila Airports but it's wise to book in advance. north of the Arctic Circle. Amazing! Accommodation: Can be arranged through Lake Inarijarvi We had red squirrels outside our cabins as well Tourist Information in each area – just go online

52 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 53 for contact details. In Inari, we stayed at Inari The Ron Broughton Trophy Holiday Village arranged through Booking.com. Some useful contacts: for Conservation Levi Tourist Information – www.levi.fi Guides/Boat hire – kinossafaris.com (Formerly the President’s Trophy) Muonio Tourist Information – www.muonio.fi Guides/Fishing packages – www.graylingland.com Each year the President of the Society awards Lars Malmstrom's Rajama Grayling Camp the Trophy to a person who has impressed Accommodation/Fishing/Guides – you, the members, with their work or [email protected] commitment to conservation. Inari Tourist Information – www.inari.fi Guide – Heikki Nicola booked through visitinari.fi Write to the Society’s President with your Boat Hire – Uraniemi Camping, Inari nominations for this prestigious award before Some Dos when fishing Lapland: Land of the Midnight Sun - Do your research beforehand, book major river 1.00 am on the ski slopes at Levi Friday 1st September 2017 permits in advance and check close-seasons as Do let someone, e.g., Tourist Information have these may vary, the Juutuanjoki, for example your itinerary. Robin Mulholland OBE finishes early on August 20th. Do take mosquito repellants, although we have Knapp Cottage, 38/39 Corton Do consider hiring a guide if only for a day. travelled in early June and late August and Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 OSZ Do be safety conscious, especially if wilderness haven't been bothered but they can be a fishing. Take basics with you, first-aid kit, maps, nuisance at other times. compass, etc., and always carry a mobile phone – better to take two. Emergency contact number And one Don't: in Finland is 112. Detailed area maps are available Fishing is a religion in Lapland, most super- FlyTek Fly Fishing at around 15 euros each from tourist offices. markets sell fishing tackle. Almost everyone fishes, men, women and children, and they tend to keep their catch, Marryat Tactical Rods and the new Tactical Peacock Eye Quills , stripped and dyed, packs so don't fish near camp sites, Pro Nymph Special 10ft 6in #3wt in stock. of 25 in natural, brown, crimson, ginger, golden roadside car parks or where there olive, olive, orange, pink, red, yellow, £3.10 Bidoz tungsten shrimp bodies in 5mm, are well worn tracks along rivers 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm in gold metallic Varivas hooks, tapered leaders and tippets. or lakes, and I speak from grey, olive, orange. HMH vices and accessories. experience, so steer clear if you Tungsten beads in 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.4mm, wish to avoid disappointment. 2.8mm, 3.3mm, 3.8mm diameter in black, Petitjean and Marryat fly tying tools and copper, gold, silver, chartreuse, light green, olive, CDC. So where will Mike and I be orange, pink, red, white and 4.6mm, 5.5mm in seeking our grayling next black, copper, gold, silver. PARTRIDGE summer? Canada is on my wish Metallic colour finish brass beads in NEW Patriot barbless ranges of list, or maybe Alaska, but already 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.4mm, 2.8mm, 3.3mm, 3.8mm, Trout/Grayling hooks stocked and Tippet I'm feeling the lure of Lapland 4.6mm diameter; colours blue, brown, green, Lake Pyharjarvi, near Kittila pink, purple, red. Rings in 1mm, 2mm & 3mm drawing us back.... Benecchi threads, head cement and micro chenille, Enrico Puglisi fibres and eyes, Hareline superfine and ice dubbings and a lot more ….. And we’ll be back with another Nordic story in the next issue of Grayling . Your magazine depends To order or to check further details contact Pat on members sharing their fishing experiences, whether at home or abroad. So if you have 01772 684003 or 07788 427560 email: [email protected] something you’d like to contribute, our next copy deadline is Wednesday March 1st 2017.

54 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 55 Steve has aimed for completeness and the Although the book is oriented strongly towards book begins with well-researched summaries of the pursuit of trout, White explicitly mentions the grayling’s distribution and natural history, that so many of the techniques and strategies and of the wide range of fly-fishing techniques are equally valid for grayling, a fish that he that may be employed to catch them. There are clearly respects. fishing tips and anecdotes – a personal touch The book is very well produced and the that adds to the overall appeal of the book. photographs are excellent; I particularly liked But the “meat” of the book is the flies some of the landscape shots that- set the scene themselves, and the people and stories behind for particular rivers and places. They gave me them. Each fly has been tied, either by Steve that “I want to go there” feeling! himself, or sometimes by the fly’s originator, and If I can have one tiny criticism; some of the fly- meticulously photographed. There is a full tying sequences are photographed so that the Grayling Flies description of the tying procedure and a vice head dominates the picture and the fly is Steve Skuce materials list for each fly, with respect for the very small – such a little fault, and an indication Coch-y-Bonddu Books, H/B 207pp full colour correct materials and techniques specified, so far of how little else there was to dislike! illustrations. £19.95 from www.anglebooks.com as they can be determined. Seventy patterns are Nymph fishing is “trending” these days, and included, all well worth their place and covering quite right too, so this is a timely book, and Members may well have heard of this new most, if not all, of the traditions of grayling highly recommended. book, as it was launched at the 2016 Symposium fishing. There are hackled dries, North Country with a certain amount of fanfare from the author! spiders and modern “plastics”, weighted I can’t be wholly objective about Grayling Flies nymphs and delicate CDC creations. Understanding Fish Vision – Steve is a good friend, and I have followed the A very good overview of the field, I think, and Lawrence Threadgold gestation and delivery of the book with great reflecting much thought and careful research by interest. the author. Coch-y-Bonddu Books Angling Monograph No.6 of nymph fishing and determined to explain it in Soft covers, 60pp plus index, colour illustrations Objectivity aside, I will say that the book is a very The presentation and overall quality of the book ways that would inspire others to try and master by the author. £20.00 good one, and it has claimed a niche in the angling is excellent. Coch-y-Bonddu have, once again, the skills involved. literature. There are many books about salmon produced a proper, substantial book on fine matt He begins with a commendably concise but Lawrence Threadgold is a retired Professor of flies, trout flies and all kinds of regional variations paper, with clear well set text and excellent thorough overview of the development of nymph Zoology and was for many years a member of and traditions, but no serious wide-ranging book, printing. Increasingly, as I need better light and fishing in the UK and the USA, before setting the the Piscatorial Society. As a scientist and an up to now, about flies intended for grayling. stronger glasses to read comfortably, I am scene for the development of French nymphing, angler he is very well qualified to explain such in inclined to praise the books that pay attention to not, as I had believed, in the international important subject. such issues; small pale text on coloured back- competition arena, but on the hard-fished waters The fly angler is, in Threadgold’s words, grounds may look smart, but it is hell to decipher. of the Jura, gin clear and holding huge trout. “hunting the hunter”, and relies on the trout’s Grayling Flies is a reference volume, but a The search for a method that would allow good (or the grayling’s) visual sense to locate and good read too, as Steve is not afraid to put in his presentation in deep clear water led to the basis recognise his artificial fly as potential food. Some opinions, and to regale us with some stories of French long-leader nymphing. understanding of fish vision must be a help in (look out for the one about Pearsall’s orange silk Once the context is established, White goes on that endeavor. – you couldn’t make it up). All in all a very good to cover all the key aspects of nymph fishing I am not going to go into details about book indeed, to be kept and revisited many times; very thoroughly; tackle choice, leader design, Lawrence Threadgold’s explanations and and it would make an excellent Xmas gift too. length of leader, duo and trio set-ups, the use of conclusions, but will limit myself to commenting indicators, all are here and presented very clearly. on the general content of the book. Fly choice is always a key issue and White He begins with a thorough description of the Nymphing - The New Way includes a wide but selected range of patterns structure of a freshwater fish eye and explanation s Jonathan White with Oscar Boatfield from Europe and America. of how each component affects the optical Merlin Unwin Books. 152pp Hardback with dust- The second half of the book looks at the performance of the eye. We see that a fish eye is cover, full colour illustrations. £20.00 implementation of the method on different river similar to our own in basic structure but quite types, spring fed and freestone, and on still different in many key respects. Threadgold uses This is a very good, practical book, full of useful diagrams and sketches to good effect in information and ideas, but tempered with a nice waters, leading to a series of nymphing Master classes in which experienced anglers take us explaining what can be, for the uninitiated, a sense of the history and development of nymphing rather technical subject. techniques, and some splendid photographs. through their tackle and fly choices and explain their tactics. Each section ends with a neat The next two chapters examine the fish’s view Jonathan White is a widely experienced angler summary of Top Tips. above and below the water surface, and use who was inspired by the French leader method Grayling – Winter 2016 56 Grayling – Winter 2016 57 Derek Mills has spent most of his life working, studying and teaching in the field of fisheries’ management. He has been chair of the Scientific Research committee of the Atlantic Salmon Trust and has held many other posts of responsibility in the Area 12 - Bob Perrett field. Scotland He sets out to Area 11 - Stuart Wardle summarise and Co. Durham, Tyne & Wear review our & Northumberland knowledge of salmon, Area 10 - Pat Stevens from early historical Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, references (going Greater Manchester & Isle of Man optical diagrams to consider how a fish might see back to the 12th century) through to Area 9 - Steve Rhodes and respond to objects in its visual field. contemporary research on genetics, migration West, East & North Yorkshire In his final chapter, Epilogue, he places the and conservation. This is not just a book of hard facts and data, Area 8 - Brian Clarke optical theory into the context of a angler and a Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, trout, and considers how the latter might better but a very readable account of how people and Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Norfolk appeal to the former. He uses digital photographs salmon have interacted, sometimes wisely, to illustrate the appearance of a fly as the trout sometimes not, over the years. The Atlantic Area 7 - Barrie Davidson Wirral & Cheshire might see it. salmon is a widespread species, and Derek Mills Many of us will recall Goddard and Clarke’s The looks at information from the UK, from Europe Area 6 - Louis Noble Trout and the Fly back in the 1980s, and the and from America. Gwynedd & Clwyd impact that their research had on our ideas about The story of pollution, habitat destruction, Area 5 - Paul Deaville fish vision. Threadgold cites Goddard and Clarke, well-meaning attempts to restore populations, Leicestershire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, and may, I think, be seen as taking that work to and eventually, some success in achieving Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire & Suffolk another level. He acknowledges something that I sustainable recovery is a familiar one, and Mills Area 4 - Roger Smith personally find the most fascinating issue of all - is a clear and non-judgmental commentator. what does a fish actually see? We can understand Hereford, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, The economic importance of the fish, both to Warwickshire, Shropshire & Powys the eye and its optical principles, and that is anglers and riparian owners, and to commercial valuable, but the eyes do not see, the brain sees, Area 14 - Geoff Bevan fisheries, is a theme running through the story, and that is as yet, a closed book. Dyfed, Gwent, West, Mid & South Glamorgan and helps to illuminate how attitudes to this A very thorough and concise monograph on an great fish have been shaped. important topic, and one that any serious fly Area 3 - Gavin Keegan angler would do well to read. Derek Mills explores the ways in which we London, Kent, Essex, Middlesex, have tried to monitor and study salmon Hertfordshire, East Sussex populations and manage them effectively, and Area 2 - Alex Adams Salmon and Science. looks at the life cycle of the salmon and how its Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, sea-faring stage is often its most vulnerable stage. Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex & Wiltshire A history of our knowledge There is a lot of well-researched information in Area 1 - Mark Hamnett of Atlantic Salmon this little book, and, whether you fish for salmon Devon, Cornwall, Dorset & Somerset Derek Mills or not, it is well worth reading, and is an example of how one “flagship” species can Coch-y-Bonddu Books Angling Monographs reflect our understanding of environmental and No.5. 87 pp. Paperbound with b/w maps and conservation issues. illustrations. £20.00 Bob Male

Grayling – Winter 2016 58 Grayling – Winter 2016 59

Minutes of the 40th Annual General Meeting of Th e Grayling Society held at the Marwell Hotel on Saturday 29th October 2016 The 1. Apologies that we are still not receiving many requests for worried that no replacement had come forward Apologies for absence were received from Conservation funding and that we have as the Membership Secretary’s role is vital to Steve Rhodes, Rich Cove, Paul Deaville, Stuart currently £20,000 allocated to it. A total of the continuance of the Society. The Committee Righyni-Roose Wardle, Gavin Keegan, Jim Munden, Tony £7,100 has been spent this year. is doing all that it can to find a replacement for Bostock, Michael Montifroy, Stephen Langan, The accounts were duly approved on the Mike. Trophy Hilary Langan, Kelvin Dark, Keith Owen, Chris proposal of Geoff Bevan, seconded by Rob All other officers had indicated their Hosker, Theo Pike, Alan Davies, Anthony Wilson, Hartley and are attached as Appendix B. willingness to remain it was agreed to elect Glyn Williams, Aad van de Jagt, Wim van them en bloc and this was duly actioned on the Montfoort. 6. Election of Honorary Auditor proposal of Bob Lomax seconded by Alan Ayre. Mrs Carol Kellett, having indicated she was 2. Minutes of the 39th Annual General willing to continue as Honorary Auditor, was 10. Any Other Business at the Chairman’s Meeting duly re-elected. Proposed by Bob Male, Discretion The minutes of the 39th Annual General seconded by Robin Mulholland. The only matter was that Robin Mulholland Meeting held in Lockerbie were approved as a said that John Vieja, the website designer for true and accurate record and duly signed by the 7. Election of President the GRT, has retired and currently a new Chairman on the proposal of Malcolm Alan Ayre has retired as President after 3 years replacement is being sought. Greenhalgh, seconded by Bob Lomax with a in the role. He has spent 20+ years on the General Aye. Committee as Area Secretary for Scotland, often 11. Date and Venue of Next Meeting furrowing a lonely role in a country which is, in The 41st Annual General Meeting will be held 3. Matters Arising many areas, only just recognising Grayling as a at 4.00 pm, on Saturday 21st October 2017 at a There were only no matters arising. game fish. He then became Chairman and hotel in the vicinity of Llangollen, the exact subsequently President, still often making venue is to be advised. The theme for this coming year is 4. The Chairman’s Report comments on the work of the Committee. The Chairman presented a written report, After an earlier vote by the Committee, Robin Other Items: Mulholland has been elected as President. Fly-Tying reproduced along with these minutes as Righyni-Roose Trophy Appendix A. On the proposal of Robin This year the trophy was for “Photography”. Mulholland, seconded by Roger Smith, the 8. Election of Chairman There were several entrants but the trophy was Chairman’s Report was accepted by the Steve Skuce stood down as Chairman and Rob awarded to our Spanish Area Secretary Full details of patterns meeting. Hartley, being the only applicant, was duly Vincenzo Penteriani for an underwater and the closing date will elected on the proposal of Malcolm Greenhalgh, photograph of a grayling. Well done Vincenzo. 5. Treasurer’s Report and Audited Accounts seconded by Geoff Haslam with a General Aye. be confirmed in the The Treasurer presented the audited accounts The Broughton Trophy Spring issue of Grayling of the Society for the year ended 30th June 2016. 9. Election of Officers The Broughton Trophy for Conservation was He advised that a loss of £1,1778 of had During the course of the year, Karl Humphries awarded to Steve Skuce for the 23 years’ very occurred thus decreasing the General Fund has been appointed as Marketing Officer. Mike active work on the Committee during which Submissions may be published balance to £59,835. Tebbs has announced his intention to stand time when the Society has seen great changes The Treasurer said that the accounts are down as Membership Secretary. In Mike’s and continued to achieve its aims of Awareness, in the Society’s Journal. including one extra issue of “The Journal” retirement speech he said how pleased he was Conservation and Angling. Many because of publishing and invoice timing, the to have been involved with the Society over 20+ congratulations Steve. difference between this year and last year’s years and had thoroughly enjoyed his time as “Journal” being an extra £2,844. He also said Membership Secretary. However, he was very The meeting closed at 4.45pm.

60 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 61 The Grayling Society Accounts for the year ended 30th June 2016

62 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 63 maintain the profile of the GS. GS Treasurer's Report As the Treasurer I am very keen that the minimum amount of GS cash is absorbed by AGM 2016 administration costs. I am pleased to report that these are down this year compared to the The accounts show income at £33,766 vs. previous year. The committee is planning to £33,196 for last year. There are some changes in reduce meetings by one per year in an effort to the components however I consider the figures further reduce these costs and with electronic to fairly reflect the maintenance of the level of communication now available we do not think income. the management of the GS will suffer as a result This year I have brought in the proceeds of the of this change. GRT auction into the accounts whereas We have incurred costs of a reprint of the previously the money was handed over directly Grayling Angling Guide of £450 in the year to the GRT and not recorded in the GS which incurred nothing in the previous year and accounts. Revenue was down on the previous there was a donation to the Annan Fisheries year's AGM, due to the location, although it was Trust of £600 due to the tremendous support actually a very good symposium and well worth and the amount of fishing they organised for the the travel. There is no income from the areas Lockerbie Symposium. this year and this is expected to continue as we You will see a change in presentation this year. treat them as financially autonomous. I have shown the surplus on activity during the Expenditure is a total of £26,157 vs. £25,390 for year before the donation to the GRT and the last year. allocation of funds to the conservation fund. The The publication and distribution of Grayling latter was (formerly described in the journal) continues to £7,100 this year and matched the cash outlay. be a major expense. This is the major means of The notes to the accounts explain the communication with members and is issued conservation fund concept. twice per annum. There are no fixed publication This has been my first year as Treasurer and dates so sometimes there will be higher charges due to the timing of the AGM at which I was in a financial year like this year versus last year. appointed and the year end of the GS I was only As a result there is only an apparent increase in in post eight months of the year ended spend for this year versus last year. The costs 30/06/2016. I underestimated the commitment and the means of communication with members and time involved and it has been an eye- are also under review. opener to the workload undertaken by your Angling shows expenditure is down and I can committee. ' only repeat what I have heard and that is that We need to look to the future and get some the quality of the game fishing content has more and younger people involved in the GS. deteriorated. The major show now appears to be Without this I fear the GS will not flourish as it the BFFI annual show, which is well worth has in the past. Please take this message back- attending. Smaller shows are attended to to your area. ARTICLES WANTED There is always a need for material for the Society’s a good day’s fishing that you would like to share. publications, both the Newsletter and the Journal. The Words or pictures are welcome, concerning places editor will welcome anything that relates to your fished, new or familiar flies tied and used, tales of experiences of grayling and their habitats. Perhaps anglers from the past, or your own observations on there have been improvement works on a river in your grayling and grayling fishing in general. Contact the area, or problems with the creation of better habitat; Editor, Bob Male, by any means you wish. perhaps some notable or not so notable catches – just All contributions are gratefully received.

64 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 65 Area 5 - Leicestershire, West Area 12 - Scotland Email: [email protected] OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Midlands, Staffordshire, Bob Perrett Dr Malcolm Greenhalgh Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire 32 Kaimes Place 2 Brignall Grove President Conservation Projects Officer Norway Lowton, Warrington Robin Mulholland OBE Richard Cove Ole A. Bjerke & Suffolk Kirknewton, Cheshire WA3 2HU Knapp Cottage, 38/39 Corton 20 Peel Crescent, Ashton Hayes Johan Bojersveg 8, 2816 Gjovik, Norway Paul Deaville West Lothian EH27 8AX Email: [email protected] Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 OSZ Chester Mobile: +47 40 43 61 76 21 Beckenham Close Tel: 01506 883553 Tel: 01985 850450 Cheshire CH3 8DB Email: ole@gamefish.no off Caverswall Lane Mob: 07841 738224 Dr Les Jervis Email: [email protected] Tel: 01829 759376 (home) Stoke on Trent Email: [email protected] Poland 15 Barnacre Drive Tel: 03000653897 (work) Staffordshire ST3 6HW Dr Stanislaw Cios Area 14 - Dyfed, Gwent, West, Mid Parkgate, Wirral CH64 6RJ Chairman Mob: 07867 908700, Tel: 01782 396806 ul. Stryjenskich 6 m 4 & South Glamorgan Tel: 07837 628588 Rob Hartley Email:Richard.Cove@cyfoethnaturiol Mob: 07805 823488 02-791 Warszawa, Poland Email: fl[email protected] Geoff Bevan Email: [email protected] Hartley House, Galveston Grove cymru.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Fishweir Farm, St. Mary Church Fenton, Stoke on Trent Cowbridge Staffordshire ST4 3PE Public Relations Officer Spain Area 6 - Gwynedd & Clwyd Hans van Klinken Kris Kent Dr. Vincenzo Penteriani, Louis Noble Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7LT Wormgoorlan 33 Tel: 07976 222227 Tel: 01446 774223 Email: [email protected] 5 Mildenhall Court, Oxford Street Research Unit of Biodiversity - UMIB, 6 Westminster Close 6732CB Harskamp Lambourn, Hungerford, Edificio de Investigación – 5th floor, Wrexham, Clwyd LL12 7AY Email: [email protected] The Netherlands General Secretary Berkshire, RG17 8XP C. Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, Tel: 01978 312443 Tel: 0031 318 456474 Rod Calbrade Mob: 07793 652039 33600 Mieres (Asturias), Spain Mob: 07812 833068 Email: [email protected] 19 Sherwood Way, High Crompton Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dr Martyn Lucas Shaw, Oldham OL2 7LX Marketing Officer Sweden TRUSTEES OF THE Tel: 01706 842890 Area 7 - Wirral & Cheshire School of Biological and Biomedical Karl Humphries Harry Salmgren Barrie Davidson GRAYLING RESEARCH TRUST Sciences, Durham University Mob: 07749 917667 3 Cheswardine Road, Bradwell Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 321 Parkfield Drive South Road Newcastle, Staffs ST5 8SG USA Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0BL Chairman Durham DH1 3LE Tel: 01782 615780 Chris Terry Tel: 07776 391196 Robin Mulholland OBE Tel: 0191 334 1345 Treasurer Mob: 07724 461450 Knapp Cottage, 38/39 Corton Steven Kavanagh 5237 E. 41 Ave, Anchorage, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 OSZ Aeolian House, Piccadilly AK 99508, USA Tel: 907-764-6044 Telephone: 01985 850450 Steve Rhodes Llanblethian, Cowbridge Area 8 - Derbyshire, South Email: [email protected] Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7JL Email: [email protected] Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Apple Tree Cottage,9 Moorber Lane OVERSEAS SECRETARIES Coniston Cold Tel: 01446 771326 Lincolnshire & Norfolk Secretary Mob: 07814 518467 UK AREA SECRETARIES Brian Clarke Ross Gardiner North Yorkshire BD23 4EA Belgium Tel: 01756 748378 Email: [email protected] Pedro Guridi Area 1 - Devon, Cornwall, Dorset & 21 Corve Way, Holme Hall Scottish Government Land van Waaslaan 84 Bus 201 Somerset Chesterfield, Marine Scotland Science Email: steve@goflyfishinguk.com Membership Secretary Derbyshire S40 4YA Mike Tebbs 9040 Sint-Amandsberg, Belgium Mark Hamnett Freshwater Laboratory Tel: +32 486 559898 Highview House, Middle Ridge Lane Tel: 01246 271324 Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LB John Roberts Rivendell, Newtown Mob: 07711 905776 64 School Lane, Fulford Heytesbury, Warminster Email: [email protected] Corton Denham, Dorset DT9 4LP Telephone: 01224 294400 (work), [email protected] Tel: 01963 220151 Email: [email protected] 01796 472157 (Home) York YO10 4LS Wiltshire BA12 0HN Telephone: 01904 400720 Tel: 01985 841192 Mob: 07917 543392 Email: [email protected] Finland Email: mark@fishingmatters.biz Area 9 - West, East & North Mob: 07724 049145 Email: [email protected] Matti Rantanen Yorkshire Treasurer Email: [email protected] Tohlopinranta 25C 12, Area 2 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Steve Rhodes David Mee Editor FIN-33270, Tampere, Finland Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Dr Michelle Smith Bob Male Apple Tree Cottage,9 Moorber Lane 61 Stepney Road, Cockett Tel: +358 3 3441 931 West Sussex & Wiltshire 246 Moorhouse Road 24 Victoria Road, Wilton Coniston Cold Swansea SA2 0FT Mobile: +358 40 501 5212 Alex Adams Hull HU5 5PL Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 0DY North Yorkshire BD23 4EA Telephone: 03000 653280 (work) Email: raitane@sci.fi 62 Cressex Road, High Wycombe Tel: 01756 748378 01792 589504 (home) Mob:07527 405204 Tel: 01722 503939 Bucks HP12 4TY Email: [email protected] Mob: 07982 824944 Mob: 07717 533177 Mob: 07770 435339 France Tel: 07730 203382 Email: steve@goflyfishinguk.com Email: [email protected] Jean-Pierre Coudoux Email: david.Mee@cyfoethnaturiolcy Mob: 01494 521801 mru.gov.uk Dr Steven Weiss Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Scientific Officer Area 10 - Lancashire, Merseyside, Karl-Franzens University Graz Ross Gardiner Germany and Austria Area 3 - London, Kent, Essex, Cumbria, Greater Manchester & Dr Jonathan Bolland Institute of Zoology Scottish Government Andreas Schumacher Middlesex, Hertfordshire, East Sussex Isle of Man Hull International Fisheries Institute Universitätsplaz 2 Marine Scotland Science c/o Spiess Schumacher Schmieg & Gavin Keegan Pat Stevens University of Hull, Cottingham Road A-8010 Graz, Austria Freshwater Laboratory Partner Hurstfields, Allington Road Taenross, Orchard Close,Wrea Green Hull HU6 7RX Tel: 0043 316 3805599 Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LB Märkisches Ufer 34, 10179 Berlin Newick, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 4NA Preston, Lancashire PR4 2NH Tel: 07815 064735 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01224 294400 (work), Tel: +49 (0)30 440 133 00 Tel: 01825 722045 Tel: 01772 684003 Email: [email protected] 01796 472157 (Home) Fax: +49 (0)30 44 01 01 44 Email: [email protected] Mob: 07788 427560 John Wieja Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Rob Dings Burnierstraat 28 Area 4 - Hereford, Worcestershire, Bunderstraat 21A 2596 HW The Hague Sales Officer Holland Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Area 11 - Co. Durham, Tyne & Wear 5555CM Valkenswaard The Netherlands Brian Clarke Hans van Klinken Shropshire & Powys & Northumberland The Netherlands Telephone: 0031652000380 21 Corve Way, Holme Hall Wormgoorlaan 33, Roger Smith Stuart Wardle Tel: 0031402045766 E-Mail: [email protected] Chesterfield 6732 CB Harskamp, Holland 176 Upper Welland Road 14 Claypool Farm Close, e-Mail: [email protected] Derbyshire S40 4YA Tel: +31 (0)318 456474 Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4LA Hutton Henry, Co Durham TS27 4QZ Paul Frid Tel: 01246 271324 Email: [email protected] Tel: 01684 560690 Home: 01429 836793 1 Riverside Mob: 07711 905776 Mob: 07810 411272 Mobile: 07904 278889 Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8LJ Email: [email protected] Italy Vacant Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: 01823 664084

66 Grayling – Winter 2016 Grayling – Winter 2016 67 Tungsten Beads Special Offer for Society Members! NEW Colours now available. Round beads in gold, copper, nickel, black (gunmetal) and now in white, bright green and hot orange. Sizes from1.5mm up to 4.6mm (depending on colour). Packs of 50 are only £7.50 inc. p&p. State quantity, size and colour. ALSO - mixed 10 compartment box containing 200 beads (see image). Just state your choice of size and colour – only £28 inc. p&p. To order or for more info email to [email protected] or ring 01543 689117

GUIDED TROTTING ON THE WELSH DEE with George Ashton One to one or two person share Tackle & bait provided Full day or half day tuition Advice on tackle, rigs & tactics

Tel: 0151 548 5741 For more information, contact: Email: [email protected] Fishing Matters Ltd, Unit 3, Lawrence House Yard, Southgate Road, Wincanton BA9 9EB Tel: +44 (0)1963 31623

Mick Williams – Fishing Guide Cysgod y Coed B&B and Self Catering Llanfor, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7DU 01678 520036 or 07896634483 www.cysgod-y-coed.co.uk [email protected] Fancy a bit of fishing on the River Dee or in the mountains and lakes of Snowdonia? We can arrange transport, accommodation, packed lunches & meals out. Arrangements and advice can be provided for Fishing Licences, Permits, Equipment, Locations, etc. Mick is also available as a Guide if you fancy fishing for trout or grayling. Stay for a short break or even a week.

Grayling – Winter 2016 69 Ê

Price List and Order Form

Wild trout and grayling fishing ANDREW CARTWIGHT Item Price £ No. Req’d £ p Bait Float Tube 39.50 in the Welsh Marches GAME ANGLING LICENSED FLY CASTING INSTRUCTOR. Righyni Large 3AAA (new) (yellow, orange or red) 5.50 The Upper Tanat Fishing Club has vacancies for new members BASED IN BEAUTIFUL MID WALES. Righyni Small 2BB (new) (yellow, orange or red) 5.00 for wild trout and grayling fishing (including some real GUIDING ON THE RIVER SEVERN, WYE, DEE AND THE RIVER Avon Large 5AAA (New) (yellow, orange or red) 5.50 specimens) on 7 miles of a tributary of the upper River Severn, VYRNWY, ALSO REMOTE MOUNTAIN LAKES AND RIVERS Avon Crow 3AAA (New) (yellow, orange or red) 5.00 and a 9-acre hill lake in the Welsh Mountains. FOR GRAYLING AND WILD BROWN TROUT. Fly Amadou Drier 9.50 Contact ANDREW on Floatant Bottle Holder 8.00 For details contact Wilf Nelson (Secretary) 01686 688196 or 07929 469160 Fly Stand 6.50 Tel: 01743 365904 Email: [email protected] Furled Leaders Dry 36 inch 7.50 E-mail: [email protected] Dry 48 inch 7.50 or via www.tanatfishing.com Web Site: www.acgameangling.co.uk Dry 65 inch 7.50 Nympher 36 inch 7.50 Nympher 48 inch 7.50 Nympher 65 inch 7.50 Mayfly 48 inch (anti twist) 7.50 Tenkara Tapered Line 9 foot 8.00 Tenkara Tapered Line 12 foot 8.00 Fly Box Swing Leaf 15.00 Till Fishing Holidays Holidays in Wales Standard 10.00 GLASLYN - RHAYADER Leather Nymph Wallet 15.50 Northumberland Mucilin Silicone 1.50 Comfortable cottages, beautiful River Wye Estate. 1 mile of grayling, sea trout and salmon fishing Quick Sink 1.50 Badges Enamel 3.50 on the River Till. 3.5 miles salmon, trout, and specimen grayling. Fishing, birdwatching, walking, relaxing. Pewter 3.50 4 star centrally heated orchard cottage available. Self clinging Car Badge 1.00 Brochure – 01597 810258 Cloth Badge 7.50 Contact Lucy Carroll: 07974 416692 Caps Baseball Cap (Blue) 14.50 Email: fish@till-fishing.co.uk www.glaslynestate.co.uk Baseball Cap (Green) 14.50 Booklets River Reminiscences 4.00 Some Favourite Flies (volume 1) 4.00 Some Favourite Flies (volume 2) 7.50 Back Issues Newsletters issue date/s 2.50 The Journal issue date/s 3.50 Grayling issue date/s 3.50 Binders Magazine (A5) 6.00 Go Fly Fishing UK Phil Fly Fishing Robin Ade Grayling Print (P& P £4.50) 40.00 Specialists in the best of the UK’s Malcolm Greenhalgh (Signed limited edition of 25) framed Grayling Flies 60.00 Phil Ratcliffe offers guided fishing ( P&P £6.00) River Brown Trout and Grayling fly fishing on the Welsh Dee and Severn Malcolm Greenhalgh (Un signed limited edition of ) framed Grayling Flies 50.00 ONE-TO-ONE GUIDING/TUITION AND ( P&P £6.00) Phone: 07875 718718 Sub Total TAILOR-MADE SHORT BREAKS Postage and Package envelopes £1.20 small packets £3.50 large packets £4.50 Web: www.philratcliffeflyfishing.co.uk Total to Pay Tel: +44 (0) 1756 748378 Email: [email protected] Mail: [email protected] Please PRINT CLEARLY all details. www.goflyfishinguk.com APGAI & IFFF MCI Name:______Address:______Postcode: ______Telephone No. ______Date Ordered: ______Email: ______ARTICLES WANTED Signed: ______There is always a need for material for the Society’s publications, both the Newsletter and the Journal. The editor will welcome anything that relates to your experiences of grayling and their habitats. Words or pictures are Please note the following- make all payments payable to The Grayling Society welcome, concerning places fished, new or familiar flies tied and used, tales of anglers from the past, or your own Post completed order & payment to: Brian Clarke, 21 Corve Way, Chesterfield S40 4YA England. Use this order form or observations on grayling and grayling fishing in general. a photocopy of it. Make certain that you send the completed form back to Brian Clarke with your payment in £GBP made out to The Grayling Society and enclose sufficient funds for postage and package. Contact the Editor, Bob Male, by any means you wish. All contributions are gratefully received. Overseas members can arrange to pay by “PAYPAL” by contacting Brian Clarke before hand for details.

70 Grayling – Spring 2015 Grayling – Winter 2016 71

Please use this page for your own notes if you are not detaching the Order Form

Protect the future of your shing.

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72 Grayling – Winter 2016 Join the Angling Trust today Call: 0844 77 00 616 www.anglingtrust.net