After an unusually wet July, we were waiting for the scorching weather to return and hit us hard, as in previous seasons we had a consistently damp August, but even in the lower and warm conditions in between the rain, we triumphed with some epic catches, as always you just need to fish for them right. Here are a few of the lucky anglers that struck silver….
August 3rd First fish feels.
Here’s my good friend and guest Paul Rumble with his first-ever migratory fish, after losing 2 fish earlier between 3 of them, it was a great relief to finally get one in the net for the boys.
August 5th Last minute silver.
I can’t congratulate today’s guest Charlie enough on this incredible achievement, his first English salmon on the fly, and amazing that he got to share it all with his partner Pippa who absolutely smashed her casting today. Huge thank you to you both for driving all the way from Dorset and filling a last-minute space after being messed around.
August 7th
Huge congratulations to today’s guest a good friend @phil_pallister on this stunning bar of silver today! His second day with myself this season and his second fish, a very well earned fish on a a stupidly hot and sunny day
August 8th
They don’t come much brighter than this absolute belter, caught in serious sunshine and nearly 30 degrees temperatures by my guest and great friend Barry Ward, an incredible fish and even better fight.
August 9th
Well, there was no stopping Barry again today, as the main man connected with 3 fish and finally managed to land this beautiful grilse, it just shows that in bright and hot conditions the fish can still be winkled out, you just need to fish with the right tactics.
Today We managed my 30th guided fish of the season, and it couldn’t of been caught by a more deserving man than 72 year old Graham.
August 20th
After experiencing some horrendous life-changing events last year, it was a pleasure to eventually guide him on the water for the last 2 days. With very high water temperatures of 20 degrees, bright sunshine, and low water, we had a tough time trying to get a reaction from the fish, but at 4.30 today he managed to get his prize, his first English salmon! I couldn’t be happier for you mate, that fish was sent from above, see you soon! The killer fly of choice was a @fulling_mill micro Francis
August 25th
Well, the biblical rain showers myself and @benhunt_angler experienced today didn’t dampen our spirits at all, as this absolute legend managed to land his first ever salmon! Great effort today mate, looking forward to next year’s session already.
August 27th
After being totally washed off yesterday, it was nice to get out guiding again, and even better to be joined by this absolute legend John. Even with the water still being big and holding a bit colour we managed to connect with 3 fish during the day, and John expertly managed his second of the season! Look forward to our next day together mate, epic work! The fly that did the damage today was a @fulling_mill size 10 mirage stoat on the dropper.
August 29th
After being totally washed off the river yesterday it was great to finally get guests Martin and Damian on some fishable water. With conditions still not perfect, we hit the water with full confidence as always, and the boys were rewarded duly. Hooking a total of 5 fish they managed 3 to the net, including 2 stunning salmon and a feisty sea trout.
August 30th
Finally, after hooking 3 separate fish and losing them all, we managed to land this feisty sea trout! I’m sure you can see the relief and celebrations from the photos, great effort all round from the boys today, especially James, who had to watch a friend and guest Aaron land 2 fish on their last trip.
During the month we had some really mixed weather and fishing conditions, but as always we fished confidently and mixed tactics to adjust to the river conditions. For a change, I actually found a few days to cast a line myself and was rewarded with a few fish, nothing spectacular, but a salmon is always welcome no matter the size.
One of the highlights of the month was taking part in my good buddy Robson Greens new series – Walking Hadrians wall with Robson green, not a fishing based show, but we did manage to have a cast on my local water at Warden.
