Although temperatures have dropped from the dizzy heights of last week we can probably expect some further highs over the coming weeks as we head into high summer on the chalkstreams.
Beat availability is good during the next couple of weeks on the rivers Anton and Test including reduced rate pricing on some estates between 11th & 19th July which is officially designated a weed cutting period.
This season, more than ever most keepers will be trying to conserve water, so very little or no weed will be cut giving a great opportunity to fish these beats weed free at a 40% price reduction.
At midday under a bright blue sky every self-respecting trout will be tucked hard on the bottom, hiding at the bankside edges or buried in a weedbed keeping out of the bright light. Life without eyelids must be very challenging when you often look skywards for your next meal. The hatches of fly have also diminished during the hot mid-day period with only an occasional daddy longlegs and other terrestrials being blown onto the water surface.
To be successful we need to be able adapt to the prevailing conditions.
Now is the time to keep your powder dry for evening or early morning sessions. Tramping the banks in the vain hope of finding a feeding trout during the middle of the day will only serve to further alarm every fish and end with fristration.
Some beats are now allowing nymph fishing for the remainder of the season but if it is dry fly action that is wanted and not a fish any any cost then it is better to refrain from using the sub surface flies. On the other hand if time is limited and it is impossible to have an early or late session then an accurately placed small but heavy PTN raised gently through the water as it approaches the fish can usually produce results. Frank Sawyers induced take method.
Hatches tend to occur late and often well into dark so it is worth staying out on the water until the last moment that the fishery rules permit or getting to the rivers just after first light if also allowed.
High Summer on the Chalkstreams, Dry Fly Selection.
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High Summer on the Chalkstreams, Nymph Selection.
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This is just the most magical time to be out on the chalkstreams and rivers. Whilst the rest of the world has not risen from the night’s slumbers, trout will more than often be found feeding on the dead and dying spinners from the night before or small black reed smuts. The giveaway gentle sound of a sip in the stillness of the early morning and the unhurried rise form usually indicates a spinner feeding fish at this time of day. By getting low to the water surface close observation will usually reveal a multitude of insects trapped in the surface film and it will not be difficult to select a suitable imitation.
Finally don’t forget to take the sun screen, a good hat and pleanty to drink, sun stoke is not pleasant.