Countess Water
River Avon
Salisbury & District Angling Club
Firstly a confession. I left the camera behind, so the pictures of the Countess beat were taken on another day this February. It certainly wasn't as sunny as that today. The weather was cold and grey, always threatening rain, until in the early afternoon, when the first drops fell. I admit to packing up then. But up until then it had been a fun day.
I'm still getting used to the 'new look' Countess beat, with all the trees removed. It's not as stark as it was, but the clear view of the metal silos and construction work is not a joy on the eye. The long straight up from the road bridge doesn't look too hopeful, but don't be fooled, there are grayling to be caught. So far all the ones I seem to catch are small; in the 1/2lb class.
The river feels better near the first bend, as there is more vegetation and bank side trees. And the grayling are of a better stamp here.
So far everything on this cold blustery day had come from deep nymphs, and there had not been a sight of fish or fly on the surface. So I was delighted to find fish rising just below where the outflow of the lake enters the river. A small emerger or tiny nymph combined with a long roll cast to the far bank produced some lovely grayling (on the odd occasions when everything went right). So despite unpromising beginnings the day provided challenges and pleasures in equal measure.
Countess Water