Fly Fishing on the River Derwent (Trip 1)

The sun is out again!, I couldnt wait to get out onto the water.

I was a little late out this morning as I was suffering from a heavy 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa!, Following Sunderland will be the death of me, anyway lets talk about my fishing trip!

I have been purchasing Day Permit's from Allensford Caravan Park to fish on the River Derwent, The scenery is out of this world, I have taken some pictures for you folk but they dont do it much justice you must have a look up there, you dont have to fish there was alot of walkers/dog walkers, and very friendly they were too.

I pulled up in a neat little car park and unloaded the truck, Got my gear on and headed over a bridge (which looked brand new!) I looked left and right to see which way I should go, I decided to go right, I past a couple of dog walkers and give them a friendly hello, I spotted a small path leading to the waters edge, I was amazed at what I saw! look how clear the water is!

I love this place!. I tied on a neat little Midge Fly on and began casting! I couldnt see any fish rising for a good couple of hours, I headed further down stream taking in the scenery, I found another cute little spot the only problem was there was a couple of dog walkers with 3 dogs! Throwing sticks into the water! now im no grump but ha'way! is there any need to have 3 dogs???.. Anyway I walked past them and said "hello" but it wasnt a very friendly one! I continued down stream until I found another spot, This one had alot of rocks to stand on and some rapids! I had a few casts there also but still no luck!!

I turned around and there was an old gentlemen watching, I gave the fella a wave and he came down for a chat, he asked me, as every person does "caught anything?" to which is replied "aye! that tree behind you!" we shared a giggle and I began to question him about this location, He spoke very highly of it but had told me to turn around and I should of headed LEFT after the bridge instead of RIGHT!.

I turned around following his instructions and went to the other side of the bridge, I spotted a fishermen! This is always a good sign, I headed towards him but he musn't of seen or heard me coming, he was sitting on the rocks roll casting into a pool, I was right next to him and I plonked my arse down next to him! He got such a freight! Never met the bloke in my life, He was a friendly old fella called Harry, He said he had no luck either but there was one jumping in front of us every 5mins! I had a cuppa (I always carry a flask of tea on me!) and had a chat, I then headed further upstream and I spotted a great spot near a weir! But still no fish rising!.

Then all of a sudden I seen one jump! I casted and casted for a good half an hour and it just didnt fancy my fly! So I headed back to where I met Harry, He had gone so I had a go in his spot, that fish was still jumping just a few yards away! that didnt fancy my fly either, I was there for a good hour and a half.

I had no luck today but it was another great day out, I was there a good 5 hours! weather was perfect and I met a great bloke!.

A couple more pictures of the River Derwent and a little snap below of my essentials! (also a little view of my finger??)

Cheers guys, hopefully my next report will include a fish! or 2!

Fly Fishing on the River Tyne

The sun was shining and the wind was becoming weaker and weaker by the minute.. So I decided to have a splash on my local River Tyne.

So I stocked up my Airflo Outlander Vest with all my essentials :  3lb Tippet, 5lb Tapered Leaders, Line Snips, Fly Floatant (An essential!), Catch and release tool, Rod Licence, Sunglasses and attached my landing net onto my back! Not forgetting my rod and waders of course! (Orvis Streamline 8'6") (Bison Breathable Chest Waders) - These waders are a great piece of kit! £105 (Incl Delivery) for Bison Breathable Chest Waders + free boots.

I headed down to my local river which is the River Tyne, Corbridge. There is a great free stretch there 150m of water! A great spot for a beginner such as myself!

As I arrived I stood for a good 10mins to see if i could see any fish rising, the wind was still blowing so it was a little difficult telling if there was any rises or not! The time was 7:30pm.. I couldnt see any flies either so I gambled and put on a Grey Duster since these had great reviews online! I headed into the water after applying floatant and attaching my Grey Duster. I had a few little bites but nothing major, It was now 8pm and the wind had dropped drastically! And I could see flies hovering on top of the water and there was hundreds of little fish rising for them! I went for one after the other and just as I was about to give up hope, I felt a tug! I striked and pulled in my first fish on the River Tyne, It was a very small (around 6 1/2inch) wild brown trout! the colours were amazing, I admired the little bugger and then set it free again!

I did not get the chance to take a picture of the little beauty, BUT!, My girlfriend arrived and caught me in action!