Countess Water
Abbey Water
River Avon
Salisbury & District Angling Club
The weather was just too good. Planned work was dropped and with the tackle shovelled into the back of the car, I was off to fish the Avon. Would the weather change as I drove across to the river? Always a worry, the British weather; this time it was on its best behaviour.
I decided to fish Countess, a section of the river that is deep with a steady flow. The river was high, and a little more coloured than I would have liked, but by no means unfishable. But this was definitely a day for nymphs. I worked slowly upstream, always on the look out for fly life or signs of active fish. Neither fly nor fish was evident all day.
The grayling though were their normal generous selves. I caught 8 fish. They were peas in a pod, about half a pound in weight and in beautiful condition. The fish were not schooled up, but spread evenly along the bottom 200yds of the beat. It was such a delight to feel warm sun, hear birds sing and catch a few fish. I went on to the Abbey beat for the last hour; but the temperature was dropping rapidly and I failed to tempt any fish. The whole day was a delight. It is such a privilege to spend time on a river.
Countess Water
Abbey Water