A typical deep Rocks pool
Ice 'Goblets'
River Wye, The Rocks Beat.
February 18th
Monday is not my favourite day to go fishing. I think that the fish deserve a rest after the weekend when anglers have pitched their assorted wares. Leaded bugs, weighted nymphs, fancy dry flies, I might be being silly and anthropomorphic, but if I was a grayling I'd want a break from the bombardment of the senses.
Anyway we fished on Monday. I know why. It's simple; it was the first opportunity to get on the river since it had dropped and cleared after the long winter spate. The Rocks was a good choice, as it has a mixture of deep rock-lined pots and then sections of easy wading on gravel. And of course it has a decent head of grayling, if you can find them.
The day was glorious sunshine and frost. The sun was warm enough to be pleasant on your back, but the water was a frigid 36 F. No sign of a fly, even less a rise. But we did find the grayling in the deeper, slower water. The heavy brigade was what was required. Lead wraps and tungsten heads create an uncomfortable object to cast (= lob) but a very effective fly to find and tempt grayling in the depths.
A typical deep Rocks pool
Ice 'Goblets'