A long smooth glide
Chasing fish in the faster water
River Wye, Doldowlod Beat.
November 10th
The Wye Valley above Newbridge opens out. So the river at Doldowlod has its own character. There are pleasant broad fields that lead down to the river, whose course is marked by a line of mature trees, alders, beech and, most prominent, large oaks.
The river is composed of long straight glides separated by faster water amongst rocks. The river bottom is mostly gravel which makes the glides pleasant to wade, though they can be demanding to fish. If there is little wind then the glides become glassy smooth. Under such conditions long leaders can make a difference. Heavy nymphs that land like miniature bombs can be counterproductive.
The good news is that there are grayling, big grayling, that are more than prepared to rise to a dry fly on these glides. A lighter nymph on a long leader can sink down to fish particularly when fished with a long drift. Challenging fishing, beautiful scenery and big fish, the ingredients for a fine day's fishing.
A long smooth glide
Chasing fish in the faster water