River Wylye
Salisbury & District Angling Club
My second outing of the year and my first to a river. The weather was iffy, the river was decidedly coloured and the wind was cuttingly cold. What was I doing, staring at the Wylye on this unpromising Saturday?
Well I was looking for rises ! Even in winter Large Dark Olives, Baetis rhodani will hatch off. They're hardy souls these flies. They are dark but not so large and a size 16 does well to imitate the adult dun. There was a steady trickle -- actually more a dribble -- from 11:00 and there was still a fly or two at 16:00 when I left.
The grayling appreciated the Baetis and the occasional fish gave itself away ever so occasionally. Enough to give an interesting and challenging day's fishing. Nine grayling in all, which was quietly satisfying. Mostly to the nymph, but one bold fish took the dry fly, and others tried but failed. The highlight was the freshly dead cock salmon resting in the reeds. It was good to see evidence of these noble fish in the river. A Water Rail was pecking at it tentatively to see if it was food. It can't have seen too many salmon in its life.
A day fishing is always interesting.