Saturday (03/01/09) found me down on the Wharfe again. Although it was very very cold (barely above freezing) I simply had to wet a line - I had a new Vision wading jacket to try! I had a vague recollection that midday was perhaps best part of the day at this time of year for fishing so I was on the water for about 11 and fished until 2ish. The Wharfe itself was quite low and running very clear indeed, makes a change. Guessing the grayling wouldn’t be far off the bottom I once again put up a Czech nymphing outfit - 3 flies, heaviest in the middle, 1.5ft spacing. My usual spot produced nothing, in this low water it didn’t seem to be fishing right at all so I moved down stream to try another pool which is deeper. Upon arrival I spotted what to me looked like bang on Grayling water bearing in mind the conditions, flow, temperature etc. I’ve highlighted them in yellow on the pictures below. I would be really interested to hear what other people think to my selections! Am I way off, would you fish the faster water with much more confidence, or would you concentrate on the slower swims?? Do tell!!

I was often hitting bottom wherever I fished so I was definitely getting down. In fact I began to wonder if I was fishing too deep, maybe the grayling were higher up in the water. I took the middle dropper fly off, it’s 2 tungsten beads (!) were like depth charges. I then fished  the remaining 2 weighted flies using both up and downstream methods but to no avail. Just before I stopped fishing a passer by informed me he’d seen an otter on this very same stretch earlier that day thereby providing me with an excellent and original alibi for catching nothing. Cheers mate!

This is my first attempt at using Stu’s new-fangled blog software, can’t be that difficult, surely?! Before I kick off I’d like to wish all our visitors a very Merry Christmas and tight lines for the new season.

Today I decided to get some fresh air so I’ve spent a couple of hours on the Yorkshire Anglers’ stretch of the river Wharfe in Burley-in-Wharfedale. The weather was quite pleasant, sunny but chilly, and water was at a good level. Seemed particularly chilly when I waded in up to my waist….retractable undercarriage was in operation. I fished a couple of pools Czech nymph styleee but other than a few tweaks and tugs my efforts were fruitless. I blame it on the strong upstream wind which was blowing my leader all over the shop making bite detection very difficult. You should always, always have an excuse for blanking. I have plenty.

I’ve posted a couple of pictures from today, including one of myself because I’m sick of seeing Stu’s ugly mug all over this website. I look real pretty in my hat don’t I? Feel free to download and print it out to stick above the mantelpiece to keep the kids away from the fire.