This year, I've fished in Mexico, Madeira, the Wye, the Hampshire Avon, the Kennet etc but only today have I finally fished the River Torridge for trout which is only two miles away.
Wayne Thomas is on holiday and allowed me to fish his stretch at Blinsham just above Torrington today.
The river is suffering from low water levels and flow, coupled with bright days make midday fishing futile. So I went down at 6pm hoping the activity would be higher in the lower light and cooler air. This stretch also has a couple of deep pools to try in these conditions.
I tried wet fly fishing first, not my preferred style of fishing which didn’t even produce a knock so I changed to a smaller dry fly. I much prefer dry fly fishing testing my casting skills which are pretty ropey as I don’t fly fish much but each year they get better until at the end of the season I am competent – until the start of next year when I have to do it all again. Unlike Halford, I on’t think this is more skilled than wet fly and definitely not as skillful as nymph fishing inducing takes but I just enjoy it, the reason I go fishing in the first place.
I used a black parachute fly specially selected - I forgot my glasses and it was the only one I could see under the trees where I was hoping for a brownie and was soon into a sea trout which threw the fly on its second leap well clear of the water. A terrific sight! I persevered and landed this pretty brown trout before it became too dark for me to see to tie a fly.
What a fabulous evening, still, no traffic noise with only the kingfishers to keep me company. I can't think of anything better and wonder why I don’t do this more often and travel so far. I guess you take for granted what is on your doorstep.