When I arrived at the lake I was pleased to see that it was only me fishing . The lake was very still and showed little surface activity. I was determined to catch of the top though I really dont like retrieving a nymph.
After a while I spotted signs of fish they were tight under the bank and seemed to be rising inches from it , just often enough to give me hope. I had sign little fly life apart from a solitary mayfly . So with that single clue a Mayfly with a deer har wing went on. After around 10 minutes of exploring the margins I heard a crash behind me and turned to see a roe buck dissapearing just a few feet from me. When my head turned back I then saw my fly bobbing back to the surface in the middle of a rise.. Bugger...... Anyway that at least gave me encouragement. I kept moving and casting and eventually a good rainbow was on , It has been a while since I had been connected to a rainbow and had almost forgotten their acrobatics and stamina epecially on an 8ft 3 wt rod,.... Eventually it was in the net and dispatched , This was followed shortly after by another, smaller but even more lively. I can report they tasted excellent.
The evening was made complete by the water vole. I did see one swim out the island and several times heard the distinctive ploop as they dive under the surface. It was good to see them.
I am looking forward to the next two weeks I have holidays booked . I have a trip planned down south to the Monnow following last years monnow restoration auction. I have a day planned to take the two guys who took part in the lets tackle cancer auction on my local rivers. Thanks again to those two. I also have a day arranged when Android from the walks and fishes blog will join me on the Ure at Masham and I will be hoping to fit a trip or two in on my local becks just on my own.