Author: Dave Foster

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue today. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Cramond anglers urged to attend annual meeting

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Cramond Angling Club, who have a nine-mile beat on the River Almond, have confirmed that their 2023 annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 22 (7pm) at Cramond Boat Club. All members of the club are entitled to attend and general members, senior members and student members are entitled to vote. Read more…

Chlorine spill leaves dad fighting to save fishing club set up in memory of only son

Belfast Telegraph

Story: Stephanie Bell

A dad is battling to save a charity fishing club he set up in memory of his late son after a chlorine spill killed its entire stock. Kevin Magill launched Ross Jord Trout Fishery in Conlig in June 2018, five years after his son Ross (19) was found dead on Ballyholme beach. The charity became a big part of the local community after it opened, with anglers visiting from around the world and bringing welcome business to the area. Read more…

Annual close season for salmon and sea trout fishing commences

Gov.uk

The annual close season for Atlantic salmon and sea trout is in force on most rivers across England from today (Wednesday 1 November) to help protect the species from disturbance when spawning, supporting the health and resilience of these fish stocks. Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout numbers are in decline, with stocks now categorised as being ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk’ in most rivers. The byelaws put in place prohibit fishing for these fish during the autumn and winter months, helping to protect them when they are at their most vulnerable. Read more…

Linlithgow extension plus latest on land and sea fishing

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Linlithgow Loch has been granted an extension so anglers can now fish on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm during November, and the prospects look good. Tom Lambert, secretary of the Forth Area Federation of Anglers, who run the fishery, said that floating lines can work on the East Side of the lake which is shallower while other areas have produced with intermediate lines and lures. Booking is advised but not essential. Nearby, Millhall near Polmont report that their regular season is over but fishing continues at weekends. Read more…

Rutland Water Fly Fishing Club round-up

Rutland & Stamford Mercury

Story: James Bedford

After the recent frustrations of wet and windy weather, the elements were kind for Rutland Water Fly Fishers’ Club Championships. Moderate winds and mild temperatures greeted the 14 members who competed for the trophy. Recent fishing had been difficult, and this proved to be the case as Rutland Water provided one of her more tricky days. Read more…

John Bailey’s guide to guiding principles

Eastern Daily Press

Story: John Bailey

Don’t ask me how I came to start a career as a fishing guide 31 years ago, but I suppose I stumbled into it and have barely regretted a single day since. It really would not bother me a jot if I never personally caught a fish again and that actually increases the joy I get from helping others catch the fish of their dreams. Read more…

Thrunton Long Crag and Chatton fisheries host successful The Big One championship

Northumberland Gazette

Story: Bob Smith

The weekend saw the final of The Big One UK Greys Bank Championship, a competition for all fly fishermen with a first prize of £3,000, writes Bob Smith.

The finalists had come through qualifying heats to reach the two-day final, which was held at Thrunton Long Crag fishery on Saturday and Chatton fishery on Sunday. Saturday at Thrunton was a really good challenge for the anglers with Long Crag as flat as a mirror and bright sunshine. I was there at the start and the anglers were soon into fish. As the day progressed the trout were harder to tempt. When the results were analysed everything was to fish for the next day at Chatton, with Ryan Matthews in the lead and Tony Fox second. Read more…

Lake of Menteith October 27th 2023

Ken Bruce

Just a quick request. Once you’ve viewed the video, please take a moment to ping over to YouTube (by clicking on the Watch On YouTube link at the bottom left of the video) and hit the ‘Subscribe’ button (again, bottom left of the video – see photo below). A ‘Thumbs Up’ would be much appreciated as well 🙂

NOTE: Thanks to Ken for highlighting the fact that YT subscription is slightly different if you’re viewing by phone. Here are the steps…

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue today. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Quinn steers Scotland to gold medal

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Brian Quinn had a vision and a clear target which he believed was achievable. It was simple. Create a team which would win gold for Scotland on home soil in the Home International bank fly fishing championship. The event was established at the beginning of 2010 by the four national associations of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland to provide a meaningful championship of international standard for the thousands of bank fishermen who take part in local, regional and national stillwater events. Read more…

Hairy Biker Dave Myers got drunk fish tattoo in Darlington

Northern Echo

Story: Kayleigh Fraser

Hairy Biker Dave Myers revealed the story of a trout-ally “dreadful” fish tattoo which originates from a drunk night out in Darlington after a fishing expedition. Speaking on Saturday Kitchen on the BBC as a panelist this morning (October 28), the 66-year-old re-told the story of a rather fin-tastic tattoo that didn’t quite go swimmingly. Read more…

Net fishing for salmon on the Tweed in the spotlight for new documentary

Northumberland Gazette

Story: Andrew Coulson

A new short documentary about the heritage of net fishing for salmon on the Tweed will receive its first screening this Friday (November 3) at the Parish Centre in Berwick. ‘Kelt Fishcakes and Gilse: net fishing on the Tweed’, which starts at 7pm, examines the long tradition of salmon netting on the river that dates back over a millennium. It is part of the Autumn Lecture of the Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives. Read more…

Salmon rivers turn back the climate clock in King Charles III’s backyard

The National News

Story: Tim Stickings

The tides of history are turning in Scottish rivers, as scientists look to undo centuries of man-made damage that has put wildlife such as salmon and mussels at increasing risk from climate change. The makeover of Aberdeenshire rivers popular with King Charles III is an example of what the UAE’s presidency of Cop28 has called a “top priority area” of restoring the planet’s freshwater areas. Read more…

Mahon’s Way heads to Co Donegal in next episode of UTV series

ITV News

Joe Mahon is continuing his travels around our local countryside with his new UTV series of‘Mahon’s Way’ and his next episode takes him to Cloghan in Co Donegal. Due to air on Thursday 2 November, Joe finds himself on the banks of the River Finn in Cloghan in the parish of Glenfin in Co Donegal. Read more…

Mixed conditions for anglers in October

Cornish Times

A MIXED month weather-wise again, which included a warm, dry week early in the month, followed by a sudden drop in temperatures, bringing conditions back to the seasonal norm, writes Chris Hall in the South West Lakes Trout Fisheries Report for October. Water levels remained low at many lakes, although they have now at last begun to slowly refill. Read more…

Tying Rogan’s Gosling Seatrout Fly

Davie McPhail

Just a quick request. Once you’ve viewed the video, please take a moment to ping over to YouTube (by clicking on the Watch On YouTube link at the bottom left of the video) and hit the ‘Subscribe’ button (again, bottom left of the video – see photo below). A ‘Thumbs Up’ would be much appreciated as well 🙂

NOTE: Thanks to Ken for highlighting the fact that YT subscription is slightly different if you’re viewing by phone. Here are the steps…

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Best UK fishing hotels you’ll fall for hook, line and sinker from Hampshire to Devon

The Mirror

Story: Jane Knight

Oh-fish-ial research this summer from Anglia Ruskin University confirmed what anglers have known for years: fishing is good for our mental health. Serene landscapes of lakes and rivers soothe the soul while fresh air and vitamin D benefit the body. Now add a night in a great British hotel for a break that will really reel you in. And with TV angling show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing – featuring comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse – proving a delightful hit for BBC viewers, there’s no better time to head to the riverbank. Read more…

Gold for Scotland in bank fishing championships

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Scotland celebrated after winning the Bank Fly Fishing Home International at Newhaylie Trout Fishery near Largs. The six-strong Tartan team totalled 112 points with Ireland second with 135, Wales third on 170 and England fourth on 176. Ireland’s Sean Kirwan was the best individual angler on the day with 13 fish, seven in the morning session and six post lunch, with Scotland’s captain, Graeme Lynch from Beith, Ayrshire, second with ten fish, seven in the first session and three in the afternoon. Read more…

River Callan fish kill: Slurry leak blamed for pollution ‘disaster’ which has hit salmon and trout breeding

Belfast News Letter

Story: Philip Bradfield

An alleged slurry leak has killed hundreds of fish on the Callan River that flows into the Blackwater River and onto Lough Neagh. Hundreds of fish have been killed, including brown trout and salmon over a distance of 1km. Cathal Doyle is a member of a local angling group called Keepers of the Callan. We believe that hundreds of fish have been killed,” he told the News Letter. “This is a total environmental disaster. The area where the pollution was is the spawning area for local trout and salmon. It’s also an area where there is a nursery for juvenile fish.” Read more…

Conference boom continues with fly fishing coup

Fermanagh Herald

Story: Roisin Henderson

FERMANAGH is continuing to grow its reputation as a conference destination, with another large delegation preparing to descend on the county in the coming weeks. This time it will be the turn of the Irish Fly Fair and Angling Show, which is coming to the Killyhevlin Hotel on November 18 and 19. Having previously been held in Galway, the fisher-folk have decided to travel to Fermanagh for the annual event this year. Read more…

John Bailey on East Anglia and the anglers of genuine influence

Eastern Daily Press

Story: John Bailey

Back in the days when there were two angling papers, the rivalry between the Anglers Mail and the Angling Times was more childishly intense than you can believe. I wrote for the former paper for 40-plus years and it didn’t matter what I did or caught, the Times would not even mention it. So, even though the Mail hit the dust some years ago, I suspect the hostilities haven’t quite subsided. Read more…

Linlithgow Loch back open for trout fishing

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Linlithgow Loch has re-opened after seven weeks following an algae bloom, but the official end of their season is the end of October. That’s why bosses of the Forth Area Federation of Anglers (FAFoA), who run the fishery, confirm they have asked for an extension until the end of November and they hope that they have a decision from Historic Scotland soon. Read more…

Woodburn 23rd October 2023

Ken Bruce

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. This is a bit of an extended issue this week, as there’s a lot going on. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

‘We won’t serve it’: leading UK chefs join campaign to cast farmed salmon off menu

The Guardian

Story: Tomé Morrissy-Swan

Salmon has undergone a rapid transformation in recent decades. Once a special treat, it is now ubiquitous. From drinks reception canapés to wedding functions, Christmas smoked salmon or simply wrapped in foil and baked on a week night, salmon is everywhere. Scotland is world renowned for salmon production, and the fish makes up 40% of its total food exports; it is also Britain’s most valuable food export. Healthy, low in saturated fats and high in omega-3, salmon is a success story. Read more…

Logan wins Champion title again

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Keith Logan of Heriot AC won the Champion of Champions title for the second time in two years, beating 59 other competitors on the day at the Lake of Menteith. The angler from Gifford (pictured right with sponsor Dale Robertson from My Fishing Flies) qualified as one of the top six fishermen from each of the ten Saturday heats of the Scottish Club Championship and there were concerned faces competitors saw the strength of the westerly wind that was pushing the waves onto the beach when they arrived.  Read more…

Latest from local fisheries

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Karen Jack, owner of Loganlea Fishery (pictured), confirms that this will be the final week of the 2023 season and they are open for bookings only. They are closed on Wednesday, October 18. Call 01968 676329. Glencorse Reservoir boss Bill Taylor confirms that he will close for the season on Saturday, October 21. At Allandale Tarn fishing is now from 9am until 6pm daily except Tuesday when they are closed. Phone 01506 873073 for bookings and anglers have been enjoying good sport. Read more…

Flooded Welsh village is now one of the UK’s ‘most Instagrammable lakes’

North Wales Live

Story: Harri Evans

A Powys reservoir has been named among the UK’s “top 10 most Instagrammable lakes”. While Wales is home to some of the most beautiful natural lakes in the UK, it is Lake Vyrnwy in mid Wales that tops the bill when it comes to Instagram posts. The lake was built in the 1880s when the village of Llanwddyn was flooded to supply fresh water to Liverpool. The decision was controversial at the time as residents were not consulted over the plans to demolish and relocate their village. Read more…

Osprey spotted fishing at Cannop Ponds in recent weeks

Monmouthshire Beacon

Story: Mandy Graham

WE never know what wildlife we’ll see at Cannop Ponds, writes MANDY GRAHAM.  Mallards and swans on the lake of course, maybe a kingfisher or wagtails at the weir….but an Osprey diving and catching a fish? On a sunny Friday afternoon (September 29) we decided to take a walk with our cameras around Cannop Ponds.  After enjoying some recent autumn bird arrivals–a handsome Gadwall drake, rafts of black Tufted Duck, and colourful flotillas of Mandarin Ducks–we reached the path between the two lakes. Read more…

An idyllic Scottish lochside property at under £200k — with one slight catch

Country Life

Story: Rachel Turner

The West Highland plot is situated on Loch Damph, which provides some of the best brown trout fishing in Scotland, and comes with its own picture-perfect boat house — albeit one that doesn’t yet exist. Escape it all to this peaceful loch-side plot in the West Highlands, where you can hide away from the world, immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, catch all the fish you can eat, and then head off to bed in your idyllic little home on Loch Damph. Read more…

How to Tie a Loop Knot

Outdoor Life

Story: Joe Cermele

Do you tie your lures and flies on with a loop knot? If you answered no, don’t fret. I can’t tell you how many anglers I’ve met that don’t incorporate a loop knot into their repertoire of ties, but I’ve also found that it’s missing because many simply don’t understand the benefits. Knots like the improved clinch and uni are quick to tie, as is the Palomar knot, which is regarded as one of the strongest fishing knots ever created. They’re all great, but a good loop knot offers a lot more than these common ties and it can even help you catch more fish. Here’s what you need to know about how to tie a loop knot. Read more…

Retired police officers stumped as they try to tempt the trout at fishery

Northumberland Gazette

Story: Bob Smith

This week saw the first frost of Autumn, with the grass frosted in the morning, writes Bob Smith. The still waters are not fishing anywhere near as easy as they were. Thrunton Long Crag had the retired police group fishing when I was there and they found it difficult to catch. Working out what fly to use and at what depth, added to that what type of retrieve to use proved puzzling for most. Read more…

John Bailey on pike, the pride of Norfolk angling

Eastern Daily Press

Story: John Bailey

Last century, Norfolk piking was as famous as it gets in angling and the county even held the record for the species for many, many years. I was brought up to dream about famous fish and revere legendary heroes like the Vincents, Billy Giles, Reg Sandys, Frank Wright and many more names that deserve to be kept alive. Read more…

Tying a Tequila Bumble

Davie McPhail

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Stafford angler Harry Sharratt called up to the England squad

Express and Star

Stafford Grammar School student Harry Sharratt has earned a place in the England Youth Fly Fishing Squad aged just 12 years old. Sharratt is the youngest member to be capped for this season’s national youth side which contains talented fly anglers aged between 12 and 17. The youngster from Gnosall has reeled in hundreds of fish since his first outing to Blithfield Reservoir four years ago and is delighted to have received his England call-up hoping to go from strength-to-strength. Read more…

Chance to own glorious fishing lakes, holiday business and home in one

Hull Live

Story: Deborah Hall

A lovely leisure property complete with holiday accommodation, coarse fishing lakes and an owner/manager lodge in rural East Yorkshire is up for sale. Star Carr Lakes, Brandesburton, includes over six acres of lake waters with stocks including specimen tench and bream, carp and perch, and a total of 53 pegs for fishing. The sale includes grounds extending to more than ten acres, a four-bedroom lodge, three-bedroom holiday lodge overlooking the lakes and a new workshop, storage barn and facilities building, with planning permission in place for additional lodges. Read more…

John Bailey on Scottish salmon and Norfolk grayling

Eastern Daily Press

Story: John Bailey

It’s Saturday morning and I’m sitting in the Lodge at Perth Racecourse watching the rain teem down. I’ve been speaking to Colin, our ghillie on the Tay river, and he says he’s just seen Noah herding sheep, goats and cows towards a big-looking boat. I don’t think he’s joking. The level is 10 feet up and rising and a salmon for a few days to come is a pipe dream. Mind you, it’s a bit like that any water level in Scotland these days and there’s no one up here with anything like a sunny vision of the future. We’ve come south from the Dee, another of the classic Scottish salmon rivers, and catches are a fraction of those  years ago. Read more…

Invasive Mitten Crab spotting across Peterborough called ‘bizarre’

BBC

Story: Shariqua Ahmed

Invasive Chinese mitten crabs that can have a negative impact on the fishing industry and riverbanks are being spotted in waterways in Cambridgeshire. The crabs have been seen on busy roads and at Nene Park in Peterborough, and filmed in a dyke in Whittlesey. Stuart Selby saw a crab crossing Oundle Road and said it was “bizarre”. Read more…

Peak District gets star treatment after featuring in the season finale of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing

Derbyshire Times

Story: Bailey Greenfield

Episode 6 of the sixth season of the popular fishing programme centered around the comedians, Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse catching rainbow trout in the counties River Wye – the UK’s only rainbow trout spawning river. The opening sequence saw Paul fishing in the Wye in the shadow of the impressive, Haddon Hall with Bob watching, as he recovered from a period of illness while filming. Read more…

Make-over at Morton Fishings benefits anglers

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Morton Fishings near Livingston has been given a make-over by new owner Sandy Mabon who has improved on-shore facilities to benefit anglers. The businessman took over in March and has splashed the cash and has completed the dock area which now has anti-slip strips so nobody can slide. New posts have been put in place to enhance safety and he has completed a bridge to one of the bank areas at the extensive fishery. Read More…

Woodburn 9th October 2023

Ken Bruce

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Thousands of salmon escaped an Icelandic fish farm. The impact could be deadly

The Guardian

Story: Karen McVeigh

Aquaculture is bringing jobs and money to rural regions, but a huge escape of farmed fish in August could devastate local salmon populations. Clad in black waders, Guðmundur Hauker Jakobsson jumps into the River Blanda, whose freezing waters run down from the Hofsjökull glacier. Armed with a net, he casts around the ascending pools of the river’s fish “ladder”, built to aid wild salmon migrating up this powerful waterway from the sea. Read more…

Anglers win right to prosecute Southern Water over diesel pollution in river

Telegraph

Story: Telegraph Reporters

The River Test is a site of Special Scientific Interest and famed for its salmon and trout fishing and diverse wildlife. A water company accused of polluting one of the country’s most famous fishing spots is facing the first private criminal prosecution of its kind for 20 years. An anglers’ group claims Southern Water is responsible for diesel contaminating the River Test in Hampshire. Read more…

Pair of Peak District visitors fined for illegal trout fishing on River Wye

Derbyshire Times

Story: Ed Dingwall

The two fishermen friend were spotted on March 11 by a bailiff for the Cressbrook and Litton Flyfishers Club, who tipped off the Derbyshire Police Rural Crime that the pair were hunting trout six days before seasonal legal protections on the fish were lifted. Further enquiries revealed they were also fishing without necessary equipment permits. Read more…

New members welcome for Bass Rock sea fishing winter league

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

It’s winter league time again for members of the Bass Rock Shore Angling League and club officials have confirmed the venue for the first leg. James Ogilvie (pictured), the club secretary, said the event is a North Berwick Rover which means that once anglers have checked in they can make their way to their favourite mark. The boundaries are the golf course to golf course – The Glen to North Berwick (the 13th oldest golf club in the world – and registration is at the harbour from 6pm to 6.30pm. Read more…

Good bags of salmon and sea trout recorded as anglers turn to fly fishing on rivers

Northumberland Gazette

Story: Bob Smith

In the last week, nine salmon and 14 sea trout have been caught on the Federation waters. The heaviest salmon was 15 pounds and the best sea trout weighed seven-and-a-half pounds. Most of the migratory fish have been caught in the Rothbury area or at the High Park stretch. Anglers need to remember that the fishing on the river is fly only now. Read more…

Morton Fishings stage first competition

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Sandy Mabon has just confirmed the date of the first competition to be held at Morton Fishings near Livingston since he took ownership earlier this year. The date for your diary is Sunday, October 29, and, within hours of the announcement on social media, over 20 anglers had signed on. Mabon, who took over in March, has put over six tonnes of fish into the lake since March and has made extensive on-shore alterations to the fabric. He’s recently opened a tackle shop and has thousands of new flies for sale. Read more…

A Stoats Tail for AUTUMN SALMON – Fly Tying Tutorial

Seán Woods Fishing

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Another enjoyable day’s fishing for Newark Angling Club in Ayrshire

Greenock Telegraph

NEWARK Angling Club’s freshwater season for 2023 is now coming to a conclusion and members travelled down the Ayrshire coast where 20 competed in the final leg of the 40th Anniversary Quaich on Loch Bradan. Mark Devlin landed the silverware by returning the heaviest Brown trout of fully a pound  in weight on the club’s visit on the Bradan earlier in the season. This time around the anglers struggled on the Bradan, with the loch at very low level, and there was only seven returns from the day’s competition. Read more…

Bailiffs take on crackdown mission over illegal fishing on Stirling’s rivers

Daily Record

Story: Chris Marzella

Patrols along the banks of local rivers have been ongoing in a bid to crackdown on illegal fishing practices across Stirling area. The most recent patrol by the Forth District Salmon Fishery Board (Forth DSFB) took place on Tuesday with the group’s bailiffs visiting several sites around the Stirling, Doune and Callander area. Read more…

Lough Mask the perfect setting for national fly-fishing championship

Irish Times

Story: Derek Evans

“I feel very proud and privileged to win this prestigious championship,” said an elated Joseph (Joe) Butler from Mallow in Co Cork, following his success at the two-day 20th National VFI Fly Fishing Championship on Lough Mask, sponsored by Michael Twohig of SuperValu. All roads led to Burke’s of Clonbur, Co Galway, where 130 anglers gathered before and after the competition. Breakfast each morning and, on day one, the opportunity to meet a boating partner and a SuperValu goodie bag to keep you going for the day. Dinner on both evenings was outstanding. A comment overheard: “You won’t go hungry in Burkes.” Read more…

Salmon fishing in Scotland threatened by rising sea temperatures

Euro News

Story: Daniel Bellamy

Since March 2023, Scotland’s waters have been gripped by an unprecedented Category 4 marine heatwave, causing mass marine mortalities. For some of Scotland’s salmon farms the staggering five degree temperature increase has led to a proliferation of sea lice infestations. A recent investigation uncovered alarming evidence on five farms, where fish were observed covered in the invasive sea lice. Read more…

New game fishing book tells of Teesdale angler Thomas Taylor

Darlington and Stockton Times

Story: Chris Lloyd

Thomas Taylor was a fisherman of many parts. He was a butcher’s apprentice, a sergeant in the Rifle Volunteers, a dance and deportment teacher, a lifesaver, a poacher, an excellent swimmer, a good shot and Teesdale’s finest angler. He was also handy with his fists. His story is told in a new book that is overflowing with pisciculturists, tackle inventors, hook-makers, fly-dressers, river-watchers and anglers. Read more…

Angling is the reel way for men to beat the blues as being out in nature boosts their mental health, research finds

Daily Mail

Story: Pat Hagan

It’s an age-old pastime made even more popular by the hit TV series starring Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Now new British research shows the relaxing hobby enjoyed by the pair on Gone Fishing is the perfect boost for men’s mental health. Scientists from three UK universities quizzed more than 1,700 men on their hobbies and lifestyle and found regular anglers were 17 per cent less likely to suffer with depression and anxiety. Read more…

Fly Fishing: A Complete Guide to the Most Fun and Frustrating Way to Catch Fish

Outdoor Life

Story: Dac Collins

Fly fishing at its most basic level is just another technique for catching fish. On a deeper level, it’s both a blood sport and an art form that is partly based around making the act of fishing more challenging, and therefore, more rewarding. It’s this paradoxical approach that separates fly fishing from more conventional ways of fishing. Fly fishing requires specialized tackle, namely fly rods and fly lines, to cast lightweight lures known as flies—which traditionally imitated insects but can now imitate a vast array of fish food. The rods themselves are longer, thinner, and more flexible than regular spinning or casting rods, and the thick, weighted lines help deliver these flies to the fish effectively. Read more…

Tying the Copper Depth Charge French Style Euro Nymph by Davie McPhail

Davie McPhail

Just a quick request. Once you’ve viewed the video, please take a moment to ping over to YouTube (by clicking on the Watch On YouTube link at the bottom left of the video) and hit the ‘Subscribe’ button (again, bottom left of the video – see photo below). A ‘Thumbs Up’ would be much appreciated as well 🙂

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

‘Monstrous’ sea lice and jellyfish invasions blighting Scottish salmon farms

The Observer

Story: Jon Ungoed-Thomas and James Tapper

Lochs in the Highlands of Scotland are among the most spectacular and pristine wildlife areas in Britain, attracting tourists from around the world. They are also a production line for what have become supermarket staples: smoked and fresh salmon. The salmon industry says fish health and welfare are at the heart of successful Scottish salmon farming, but a new investigation by Viva!, the vegan campaigning charity, highlights the parasites and jellyfish blighting intensive fish production. Read more…

Probe as more than 50 fish found dead in Scottish river

The National

Story: Adam Robertson

AN inquiry into the death of dozens of salmon and trout in a famous Scottish fishing river has been launched. It is believed more than 50 adult fish have been found dead over an almost 18-mile stretch of the Spey since September 9. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said it had not found any evidence of recent pollution but was monitoring the situation. Read more…

Synonymous with good fishing – Tipperary village gets ready to honour the salmon!

Ireland Live

Story: Marcella Collins

Keep Sunday, October 1 free in your diary folks. Our Golden tidy village committee are organising an unveiling ceremony of a beautiful stone salmon sculpture, At the island Golden village. This is to depict the largest salmon ever recorded caught on the banks of the river Suir in Golden village back in the 19th century. Proceedings will get underway at 12 noon. Read more…

Opportunity for women to be introduced to fly fishing

The Irish Times

Story: Derek Evans

The Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Association (ILFA) is hosting an opportunity for women to be introduced to angling. It will include a short indoor course followed by four hours of casting instruction and practice outside. The event is aimed at beginners or novice anglers aged over 18 and all equipment will be provided. No experience is necessary but booking is essential. Read more…

Hook into Scotland’s ‘biggest free fishing event’

The Edinburgh Reporter

Story: Nigel Duncan

Edinburgh-born Paul Young, a regular on the popular TV show, Still Game, is one of the headline attractions at what is claimed to be Scotland’s biggest free fishing event. The former George Heriot’s School pupil (pictured by Nigel Duncan) found long-lasting fame in the fishing fraternity by fronting a popular angling programme which went to hot-spots around the world. Read more…

A Salmon on the Nymph with Davie McPhail

Davie McPhail

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

England’s third-largest reservoir is the perfect place to cool down during the heatwave with wild swimming, water sports, fishing and walks

Cambridge News

Story: Niamh Dann

Grafham Water is the perfect place to enjoy a great walk in the countryside and enjoy some water sports. As a county that is filled with rivers and lakes, there are so many options for riverside walks and days spent out in the Cambridgeshire countryside enjoying the water. But one walk around the third largest reservoir in England is definitely one of the best. Read more…

Family in search of a bi-plane for much-loved Alistair

The Shetland Times

Story: Ryan Taylor

A family has launched an unusual plea in order to carry out a loved one’s dying wishes. Former Sumburgh Airport employee Alistair Stenton declared his wish that his ashes be “blasted” from the back of a bi-plane and scattered at Spiggie Loch. The ex-Alidair and British Air Ferries worker, from Ellon in Aberdeenshire, lived in Dunrossness from 1979-1985. He later worked for Offshore Helicopter Services in Aberdeen, but died in Roxburghe House hospice in Aberdeen on 29th August, five days after his 62nd birthday. Read more…

Tawny owl and swan deaths prompt fishing litter warning

BBC News

Story: Mat Trewern

A tawny owl who was found hanging by his wing after becoming entangled in fishing wire died, the RSPCA has said. The animal welfare charity said a swan was also killed after being caught in fishing equipment in Greater Manchester. It is warning about the dangers of discarded fishing litter after “more and more calls” about wildlife. Read more…

Fish rescued from Shropshire river after heatwave

BBC News

Story: Andrew Dawkins

More than 160 fish have been rescued from a river where the recent heatwave caused low water levels. A total of 113 juvenile salmon and 53 juvenile brown trout were taken out of the River Redlake in Shropshire which was “prone to drying”, the Environment Agency (EA) said. Read more…

Swannay (Orkney) 2023

Ken Bruce

A great days sport on Swannay with great company. Wild brown trout in challenging conditions. Loch Ordie and Maderia Hogs were the most successful flies.

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…

Good morning and welcome to this weekend’s newsletter. Another compact issue for quick and convenient reading. Please let us know what you think and let’s also have any ideas, comments, and fishing stories you might have. You can get in touch HERE.

Here’s today’s roundup

All curated and shared material, copyright is owned by featured artists, photographers, writers, and original news sources.

Anglers asked not fish on Powys rivers Wye and Usk during hot weather

Powys County Times

Story: Ruairi Walsh

Anglers are being urged not to fish on a certain section on the Rivers Wye and Usk during the current heatwave. The Wye and Usk Foundation is requesting a pause on fishing on sections of the rivers near Builth Wells and Brecon until the hot weather – that the country has been enjoying over recent days – lowers in order to protect salmon numbers. Read more…

Anglers battle open water swimmers over prime fishing spot

Daily Echo

Story: Matt Davey

A ROW has broken out between infuriated anglers and open water swimmers over the use of a lake in Bishopstoke. Withymead Meadows along the River Itchen has been leased to Eastleigh and District Angling Club for 60 years, with members fishing from and preserving the Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) – making the area a hive for wildlife. Read more…

How Britain’s filthy rivers left me 24 hours from death by Feargal Sharkey

LBC News

Story: Stephen Rigley

I still have the words ringing in my ears. It was my last day as an outpatient as I was recovering from Weil’s disease, a nasty illness which can cause liver damage, jaundice and kidney failure; doctors assumed I’d caught it while out in England’s rivers pursuing my passion of fly-fishing. The consultant who’d been treating me outlined just how serious my condition had been: “Feargal, you were about 24 hours away from leaving this mortal coil”. Read more…

Fly Fishing Fundamentals: Techniques, Flies, and Equipment

Intelligent Living

Story: Jennifer Barns

Ah, the world of fly fishing – a realm where time seems to slow, and the dance between angler and water takes center stage. As a seasoned fisherman, I understand the profound connection between the art of casting, the allure of various fly patterns, and the trusty gear accompanying us on every fishing expedition. Join me as we delve into the soulful realm of fly fishing, where techniques, flies, and equipment intertwine to create an experience that resonates with nature’s rhythm. Read more…

Another Catch for Lewis

Lewis Miller lands another great salmon on a recent trip to Iceland.

Lake of Menteith 23rd August 2023

Ken Bruce

Well, that’s it for today. See you next time…