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Transcript of July 2014
2
Welcome to the July issue of ―The Flyfisher Magazine‖ the free Emagazine
by keen fly fishers for keen fly fishers throughout the UK and Abroad.
If you wish to advertise within the magazine or the website www.flyfisher-
magazine.com please email [email protected] for an advertising rates
quote
Parent website: www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk
Sister website: www.flyfisher-magazine.com
If you would like to contribute a free story or a fishing report along with
Photographs; please email them to [email protected] Please include a bio about
yourself so that it can be added to your article.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Andy Hill
Editor: Robin ―The Cormorant‖ Lambert:
Email: [email protected]
Contents
Splendid Sea Trout Fishing In the Falklands: Page 3
Fishing the River Teith: Page 7
The Newsletter for Fishing Travelers to New Zealand: Page 9
Fly Fishing in France: Page 11 SW Lakes Trust: Page 12
Creations by Annie Margarita: Page 14
Fly of the Month: Page 22
Recipe of the Month: Page 22
Review Time: Page 23
Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation: Page 25
It Could Only Happen To a Fisherman: Page 27
A Tale of Two Rivers: Page 28
These great kits from Airflo are just what the beginner to fly fishing is crying out for – who says
fly fishing can be expensive when you‘re starting out?
The kits come with everything that anyone could need to go out and try fly fishing for the first
time; it‘s all balanced and setup ready to go, straight out of the box.
The rod is a lovely four-piece; with an action that‘s more middle to tip that will suit anyone new to
the sport. This is teamed up with a balanced fly reel and Velocity floating line. With the bright
green colour easy to track during the cast and on the water, it's a great outfit to get you started.
If all that wasn‘t enough you also get a tapered leader, a fly box with some killer patterns and
there‘s even a pair of glasses in there to keep your eyes safe from harm and the whole lot, including
a rod tube, is under £60!
There are three kits to choose from covering most trout disciplines,
8‘6‖ ideal for rivers and streams - £59.99
9‘ ideal for small still waters - £69.99
10‘ ideal for large reservoirs, lakes and lochs - £69.99
http://www.flyfisher-magazine.com/for-sale
© The Flyfisher Magazine
3
Splendid Sea Trout Fishing -- In the Falklands
By Andy Hill
There is fantastic Sea Trout fishing in Britain. Double-figure fish are regularly taken
and a bag of a dozen six pounders a day is not uncommon. Very few visiting anglers
take advantage of this gem of a fishery, although some locals do. But it is a rarity to
meet another angler on the bank or river mouth – at all.
Yes, I do mean Britain. The Pound Sterling is the currency. There are pillar-box red
telephone boxes outside the post office; the local Police force drives Land Rovers;
beer is served by the pint and the supermarket is stocked with all the usual fare
from Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury. How about a cheeky little Languedoc red with
your Stilton and Carr Water Biscuits?
The main problem is access. This part of Britain is 8,000 miles south west of London
and can only be reached by (very) long haul flight. It‘s the Falkland Islands, which
must maintain one of the best-kept angling secrets on the planet. On the two main
islands, East and West Falkland, there are miles and miles of peaty rivers carrying
Sea Trout, the by-product of an experimental introduction Chilean Brown Trout 50
years ago.
What do little Brown Trout do when they sniff rich pickings just
down the estuary? They go out to sea and fatten up on krill and
squid and turn from little brookie beauties into chunky silver slabs.
The record is 22-1/2lbs and 12-14 pounders are regularly taken. In
one recent weekend two anglers took 176 fish.
So why don‘t you know about this? That‘s a question for the
Falklands Islands Tourist Board. Organised Sea Trout Fishing to
nearby Chilean and Argentinian Tierra del Fuego is widely
marketed, but very few operators offer the Falklands as a fishing
destination. As far as I can gather, only 20 foreign anglers laid a
line on the Warrah or San Carlos rivers in 2013.
Tierra del Fuego Sea Trout do, admittedly, run very big and for that reason attract trophy trout anglers. The Falkland‘s variant might
not be so big, but they are numerous and what can be more uplifting than looking down a couple of miles or utter wilderness knowing
that the only feet on the bank that day will be yours, and those of a few sheep?
I flew from RAF Brize Norton near Oxford on an RAF flight via Ascension Island. There are some seats on these very comfortable
A330 monsters made available to the public. It‘s the equivalent of two trips across the Atlantic, so you lose a day each way in travel.
But the River Gods made it worthwhile, for me at least.
I landed one chilly mid-afternoon at the Mount Pleasant army base airport was whisked away to the hotel my organisers had arranged
for me and slept in a room overlooking an inlet whipped with waves. It was like being in the Shetlands or Lough Currane in Waterville,
Ireland. That combination of scudding cloud, choppy water and the cocktail smell of salt and sweet water spelt Sea Trout.
The next day I was driven just out of the capital, Port Stanley – they call it town, but village would be more appropriate – and left the
tarmac close to the Murrell River and bumped across the camp. Camp is what locals call the endless landscape of moorland, white grass
and craggy hills, from the Spanish word ―Campo‖ for countryside. My guide dropped me by the river not far from the estuary. The
water was low. A sign said ―Drunk Rock – no fishing above this point‖ and nothing appeared to be moving in the shallow brown water.
4
I was alone. I had a non-fishing ghillie that day and he had
errands to do.
So I waded to the edge of the river and started to walk
slowly downstream in search of a deep pool or stretch of
likely water. I found one within half an hour.
Within two minutes of tossing a black Woolly Bugger into
the water, a Sea Trout found me.
It was fresh and feisty and hurled itself into the air as if
it had grown wings. My bright yellow Orvis floating line
disappeared downstream pulling metres of white Dacron
backing behind it.
I eventually banked the fish with my
weighing/landing net. It was a tad over five
pounds, a rugged cock fish, bright and beautiful
and my welcome to the Falklands. I flopped down
on a stone when I had released it.
I don‘t know if it was pure exhilaration or the
effects of the flight, but there was no more fight
in me for a while. I took six more like that on my
first day, and some pugnacious Falklands Mullet –
actually Rock Cod – that are street fighters.
I fished East Falkland for a week and never had a
fish-less day. My ghillie, Ade Lowe, took me to the
San Carlos and San Malo rivers, to the Swan Inlet
and the famous Frying Pan, where the former
governor, Nigel Hayward, used to fish.
―You‘d see his Land Rover parked here and know he was down there. He loved his fishing,‖ Ade recalls. He‘s left now but there is an
illuminating YouTube piece in which he is interviewed in mid-Frying Pan.
There are two main runs, one at the start of the Season in September/October and
one at the end, March/April, but I‘m told there are fish around all year, and the
locals do like fishing for them. Not that they are so numerous with a population of
3,000 over the entire territory, which is about half the size of Wales.
There is plenty of water and lots of fish and no permit is required anywhere. But
you‘ll need to go through a Tour Operator to ensure you get someone with local
knowledge to both drive and guide you. In this unmarked and unpopulated vastness,
going off-road in a ―likely‖ direction is not advised. And anyway, there are (well-
marked) mine fields and the local car hire operators are happy to take your money
but specify that you cannot drive off the beaten track.
The water is overwhelmingly on private land but the Tour Operators and Ghillies,
together with the Falklands Tourist Board, negotiate access, which is freely given,
except for the San Malo River, which is very private.
On my last day fishing East Falkland I visited the Frying Pan, just a half hour‘s drive
from Stanley, and found a river running into the inlet and an amiable exile from
5
Portadown called Bob taking fish every half dozen casts. They were bright silver, up on the tide, and weighed between one and four
pounds. He‘d got the best spot and
was reluctant to move so I fished further down the bank and was into a three-pounder within minutes. Hayward said he had the best
job in the world, and that wasn‘t just Foreign Office blather.
The following week I flew to West Falkland stopping to do
two days of Penguin, Elephant Seal and bird watching on Sea
Lion Island. The islanders get from rock to rock using the
local FIGAS internal flight operator, which runs Islander
aircraft made, ironically, in the Isle of Wight.
Then I went on to Port Howard and stayed at the Lodge
there in a settlement of 30 people.
―That‘s our school,‖ said my host, Wayne Brewer, pointing to
a small white building. ―We have four pupils. The teacher is
rushed off her feet.‖
The Lodge is like ones you encounter in Sutherland or the
Scottish isles, toasty warm and old-fashioned comfortable.
There are tantalizing pictures of recently-caught double-figure fish in the little bar and reception area. Owner Sue Lowe offered so
much good food I thought I would not fit my waders for the final day.
I was the only angler for all but two days, when another Braveheart arrived in the form of the Secretary of the Scottish
Mountaineering Society, John Fowler. We fished the Warrah River, miles of it, just the two of us and Wayne, after bumpy 30-minute
4WD drive across the camp.
Cautionary tale: if you think Irish weather is all four seasons
in a day, wait until you get to the Falklands. They have five
seasons in an hour. I took my biggest and brightest fish of
six pounds on the Warrah. It grabbed by General
Practitioner when it was raining, was banked in a hailstorm
and released into the peaty waters with snow falling. Ten
minutes later I got one of three pounds and had to put on
suntan lotion because the sun was so hot. It‘s that kind of
place. It was, after all, the summer, or the end of it.
Wayne reckoned the main runs of fish had not started
because of a long dry spell of several months. But that did
not stop me taking 14 fish up to six pounds on one day and 10
on another. There was one day when the fishing was not so
hot – only two, one of five pounds, one of three – but that
was probably because of a large yellow object in the sky and a background of cloudless blue. Nevertheless I landed around two dozen
brownies, many a pound or more, on a Kingfisher Butcher or Silver Invicta (#12/14)
Back at the Lodge we met members of the Falklands legislative assembly who were meeting constituents and travelling around using
both the ferry service and FIGAS. Several of them admitted to fishing with spinners, which is legal and widely practiced. Their names
are being withheld in this magazine.
The 1982 war to retake the islands from Argentina has left a legacy of minefields, but these are known and marked and bother no-
one, not even sheep. There is some debris around – the tail of an Argentine fighter shot down by a Harrier is now the signpost where
you turn off the tarmac to camp it over to the Warrah. And Wayne has a splendid war museum of guns, ejector seats and clothes left
behind. But this war also gave a spurt to economic thinking and planning and there is a functioning road network across the main islands
– before 1982 the roads were either rough graveled strips between key places or a case of follow the Land Rover tracks across the
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camp. Bogging – getting stuck in peat bogs – was a regular hazard and there are even some, as the island contemplates the possibility
of offshore oil and gas finds – who think of that as the good old days.
Two weeks was all over too quickly. It flashed by in a cycle of cooked breakfast, silver fish, packed lunch, silver fish, epic dinner,
comatose sleep….and it was often hard to appreciate that the South Pole was nearer than Southend, such was the Britishness of it all.
Imagine landing a five-pound sea trout in an Antarctic gale then getting into the Land Rover and hearing live coverage of Chelsea
demolishing Arsenal 6-0 over cheese and pickle sandwiches and hot tea.
TACKLE
Flies: Conventional flies such as the Teal Blue and Silver, Kingfisher Butcher, Peter Ross and Dunkeld in sizes 12, 10 and 8 work well
but so too do Woolly Buggers in black or in white in the same sizes. Krill is a major part of the fish‘s diet so hot orange is a key colour.
General Practitioner, Ally‘s Shrimp, Cascade, Jim Dandy all caught fish. Any small white fly that imitates squid such as Delia‘s cone
head squid also took.
Conventional lore is that a single-handed rod of anything between 9‘ and 10‘ will be enough to get fly to water on a #7 or #8 line. But I
found my 11‘ Switch rod a real boon in the prevailing gusty winds and also in places where there was no space for a back cast because
of a cliff or rocks (there are hardly any trees on these islands so they are not a casting hazard. Floating lines were all I used but I
might have switched to a sink-tip at some point had my fingers been warmer.
Chest waders are useful but not essential, although they do keep you warm. Hop waders are more than adequate. Whichever you
choose they must be a variety in which you can walk for a few miles. The alternative is to carry them and put them on at the water,
which means more to carry and the possibility that your thermals might get airborne was you change.
Precipitation of every sort is possible and so is the sun. So you have to dress in layers with a fairly stout over-jacket (I use the Simms
Guide) to round it all off. Suntan lotion is essential to protect you from both the sun and the wind and a lip balm of some description is
another essential.
GETTING THERE
Only a handful of operators organize trips to the Falklands. I went with Gofishingworldwide ([email protected]).
They offer two routes. The one I, and many Falklanders use, is the twice-weekly 18-hour flight from RAF Brize Norton, near Oxford.
It‘s a well-run service with regular food service and (non-alcoholic) drinks that stops on Ascencion Island, a tropical volcanic military
base, for refueling.
Check out http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton
You can take a commercial flight via Chile and pick up a connection with Lan air from Punta Arenas. Unless you live in the USA you may
have to go to Madrid for a good connection to Santiago. This route requires an overnight there before you head south again.
Either trip costs around 2,000 GBP
THE FISHING – EAST AND WEST
East Falklands has a variety of known rivers, and many more that appear unexplored. The principal ones are the San Malo, which is
private, San Carlos and Murrell. The Swan inlet and Frying pan are both hot spots near the estuary, the latter requiring quite a hike
from the nearest place to park your transport.
All the fishing can be reached in a day trip if you base yourself at Port Stanley and have a driver who knows where to go.
West Falklands has the Chartres and Warrah rivers. The Warrah fishing can be easily organized from the Port Howard lodge and has
a variety of stretches and all sorts of water. Some of the best is at the estuary and there are inlets and tributaries such as the
Green Hill which are small, easy to fish and productive
Don’t miss next month’s issue with further information on the great rivers, accommodation and travel options to the Falklands.
7
Fishing the River Teith
By The Cormorant
The River Teith is born in Callander
Meadows at the confluence of Eas
Gobhain , the outflow from Loch
Vennachar, and the River Leny , itself a
fine Spring river , originating from Loch
Luibnaig. The Teith is a true highland
river and considered to be the finest
example of salmon and sea trout fly
fishing rivers in Central Scotland. Its
shallow and varied pools and fast
running streams make it a dream to fish.
It has often been likened to a miniature
Dee and for its relative size,
comfortably competes in a sporting
sense with its bigger Aberdeenshire
cousin at the height of the season.
The Teith joins the River Forth 2 miles north of Stirling, approximately 11/2 miles above the upper tidal limits at the Cruive Dykes.
The Forth is typified by slower, deeper but no less productive pools. The River Forth is a lowland river which rises on the slopes of
Ben Lomond to the west and after a precipitous journey to Aberfoyle, passing through Loch Ard on the way; it becomes much slower,
meandering lazily east to the sea, through the very productive Stirling Council Beat.
Code of Conduct for the River Teith and the River Forth
Salmon and Sea Trout 1st February to 31st October, Brown Trout 15th March to 6th October. Please be aware that there is no
Sunday Fishing. Please consider others and observe the anglers' code of conduct:-
Always:
Fish upstream of other fishing anglers
Wait your turn to fish a pool from its head
Remove your old line and litter from the bank
and dispose of sensibly
Stay about 15m from the next angler or 30m
when they or you are using a fly
Respect the property, access and privacy of
those who live or work on or near the fishery.
Please park your car considerately and don‘t
block access.
Beware of other users of the river or bank.
Ripe or darkly coloured fish should be returned
to the water. If in doubt, RETURN it!
Fish being returned to the water should not be
handled by the tail and should be released as quickly as possible. Remove the hook and return the fish facing upstream until it swims
away.
Fish being retained should be killed as quickly as possible using a priest or appropriate instrument.
Please help to conserve spring salmon stocks (Feb, Mar & Apr) by returning, unharmed fish more than 30‖ in length and use barbless
hooks. Please return all hen fish in October.
8
Anglers Must:
Local Rules Season Permit Holders Only – Attach immediately, after landing, an issued tag through the mouth and gills of all fish to be
removed from the fishery. (The removal of untagged salmon from the fishery will result in the removal of the permit and Ban)
Only the permit holder can tag the fish they have caught. Tags are not transferable
Day permits (only) – each permit holder may take 2 salmon per permit
Permit holders must make their catch returns by the due date to include all tagged and returned fish with their details, and this
includes any nil returns. Offenders will be unable to buy a permit for the following season or will have it withdrawn if purchased.
All permits are limited to take two sea trout per day
Produce a permit to an authorised bailiff on demand. (Any abuse of bailiffs will result in immediate permit withdrawal)
Record all catches (including nil returns) on the catch return section of the permit as soon as practicable after catch.
Permits must be returned to the hotel at the end of each days fishing. Failure to do so may result in you being charged
Fish according to the law. It is illegal to sell, or offer for sale, any rod caught salmon.
Obey the temporary closure notices due to low water conditions as determined by the marker on the Motorway Bridge and the
condition of fish within the river. Details will be given in advance on the information boards and in tackle shops
Return all hen fish caught in October
Please be aware that riverbanks are hazardous and stay clear of undercut banks
Angler Must Not:
Set lines or have any form of rod rest. Rod must
be in hand at all times
Bait fish before 1st June and after 26th August
Use prawn, shrimp or any organic baits at
anytime
Dig for bait at or adjacent to the fishery
Make use of natural minnow, tailers or knotted
nets or gaffs at any time.
Use lead core or fast sinking line, multi-treble
hooked lures or more than one baited hook.
All fish hooked behind the gill line to be
returned to the water immediately.
Fish at one point when others are waiting –
EXCEPT on the 6 Piers at Cornton Vale where
there is a time limit of 15 MINUTES. Move 1
metre downstream between casts. On marker
post sections anglers MUST start at the
upstream post when the fishery is busy.
Night fish, between sunset and sunrise in Norman‘s Pool, Callander. Night fish after 31st
August on the whole fishery. Fishing after sunset before 31st August is restricted to rods less than 12 feet, overall; lines of less than
8lbs breaking strain and a hook smaller than No. 6.
Closure times on the Forth Fishery from 1st September will be displayed on the fishery information boards.
Cut the line and return any fish to the water with the hook still in it
The River Forth and Tieth Anglers Association Fishery on the upper forth at Cambusdrennie and Chalmerston salmon and coarse fishing
permits are now on sale for the new 2014 fishing season.
Salmon and Seatrout Permits - Members £70 PER SEASON; £10 PER DAY
Pike and Coarse Fishing - Members £30 PER SEASON; £5 PER DAY
All Enquiries and season permits. e-mail: [email protected]
Day permits on sale at Angling Active shop, (on drip road next to Dobbies Garden Centre.)
Bailiffs Will Withdraw Permits, If Necessary, When Rules Are Not Observed
9
The Newsletter for Fishing Travelers to New Zealand
By Sue Farley
New Zealand Fishing Lodges
It's winter in New Zealand - the leaves are falling, the
sky is grey and the fire is burning warm. But there's still
plenty of fishing to be done in the lakes and lower
reaches of the rivers. And the lodges (well, most of
them) are welcoming guests here to fish, ski, hike and
enjoy the winter scenery. Fishing lodges in winter are
great places to lounge in front of a roaring log fire,
sipping single malts after a fabulous meal and sharing
stories about your day on the river.
As Tongariro Lodge points out about winter fishing in the
central North Island - 'The trout are in prime condition
after feeding on the abundant insect population all
summer. All headwater fisheries are open until the end of
April and some into June.
Helicopter access is still an option. You may catch the
last of the Dry Fly season, but it is more likely you will cast nymphs at sighted trout. Fishing pressure is very light on these streams at
this time of year. Raft fishing the head waters of the Tongariro [River] can be great targeting the early runs.'
See below for our featured lodge, our usual round up of lodge happenings and fishing news from around the country. Feel free to
contact us with any questions, any time.
Fishing At the Top of the South Island
Few places in the world offer as much high quality fly
fishing for trout as the upper portion of New Zealand‘s
South Island.
Legendary stories are told of wily brown trout caught in
glass-clear rivers after an exciting chase. It‘s sighted
fishing at its very best.
So, where best to fish, and which guide to use? Where are
the best places to stay? And how do you get there?
Read more here ....
10
Featured Lodge - Tongariro Lodge
The Tongariro River in the central North Island is famous in
New Zealand for having had great people like Jimmy Carter,
Zane Grey and the Queen Mother wandering its banks.
Nowadays most celebrities come to New Zealand to fish
quietly, preferring to fly under the media radar and stay
anonymously in a luxury lodge while fishing for trout in iconic
rivers. Tongariro Lodge is one such place.
It's one of the country's more established lodges, having been
opened 32 years ago by well-known guide, Tony Hayes. Since
then it has been drawing avid fly fishermen and women to enjoy
world class fishing for brown and rainbow trout. There are over
40 rivers and three lakes within easy access of the lodge, and
some surprisingly good fishing holes within walking distance as
well.
Accommodation is in studio units and freestanding chalets and villas set around the large grounds. The restaurant, lounge areas and
den are in a lovely traditional-style lodge building where big river stone fireplaces and chunky leather chairs provide a comfortable
space to share stories over a nice wine.
There is year-round fishing available from Tongariro Lodge, including good winter fishing during the spawning runs on the Lake Taupo
rivers. There is great sighted fishing through the eight months of the summer season (Oct to May) and good all year fishing on several
lakes.
Check out their winter accommodation special below.
For more info on Tongariro Lodge check here
Salmon Fishing in the South Island
We've had this report through from our Canterbury salmon
fishing guide. He is very happy with how things went this
season.
The 2013-14 fishing season is now over for this year.
The salmon this season were slow to begin their upstream
migration, however the numbers built up as the season
progressed and reported catches from January – April
were better than average seasons. Record numbers of
salmon made it back to the hatcheries and spawning
grounds this year .....
These high numbers of fish in the Rakaia river translated into many catches for clients I took out salmon fishing this season. Fish
catches ranged from 5-18 pound and were caught mainly on light spinning tackle. One particularly memorable outing scored a client his
limit bag of two fish in two casts - that has got to be hard to beat!
We can arrange salmon fishing trips for you - just ask us
Some Info for Overseas Fishing Folk
Fish & Game New Zealand have some great information for fishing folk arriving from overseas. "Wherever you go in New Zealand, north
or south, inland or near the coast, you are likely to be close by to some pretty good trout fishing. Rivers and lakes, even the small streams
that meander through meadow and woodland are all likely to hold trout, usually good ones ...
... read more here
11
Fly Fishing in France
By The Cormorant
Apart from getting some great wines and champagne in
France you can also get some fantastic fly fishing throughout
France.
The Ariège (Occitan: Arièja) is a 164 km long river in
southern France, right tributary of the Garonne. Its source
is in the Pyrenees, where it forms part of the border with
Andorra. It flows north through the following départements
and towns:
Ariège (named after the river): Ax-les Thermes, Les
Cabannes Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Montgaillard, Foix, Varilhes,
Pamiers, Saverdun. Haute-Garonne: Cintegabelle, Auterive.
The fishable waters in Ariège are exceptionally diverse,
ranging from small mountain streams to fast-flowing rivers to
high altitude lakes accessible only by foot. Some of the lakes and rivers are stocked, but those higher up contain mainly wild, brown
trout. Fishing is popular among local inhabitants but has not become a tourist industry.
Catch-and-release is seldom practiced in Ariège, or in France for that matter. The concept is alien to this intensely food-oriented
culture and most French fishermen don't see the point of catching a fish and not eating it. However, a No Kill area has been
established along a section of the Ariège River that passes through Luzenac near the talc mine, open only to fly-fishing. The section is
sign posted "PARCOURS NO KILL". To fish there you must obtain a special permit (free) from the news agent in Luzenac.
The fishing season runs from early March to mid September for most waters. A fishing permit for the entire season in all waters
costs 27€ plus you have to become a member of the fishing federation of the department. A special 2-week tourist fishing permit is
available and is valid between June 1st and September 30. You can buy it online at www.ma-carte-de-peche.fr
Ariège Catalogne
You will find small streams and a huge choice of lakes that you can reach after a long hike Altitude 1970m, but the trek presents no
difficulty. Fishing can be very nice on the lake trout and native brook trout. However due to the hike and the fact that the fishing can
keep you quite late on the water, it is recommended to only do this if you intend to spend a night on the spot. Locals like fly fishing but
a lot of them are addicted on trout "au toc". "Au toc", is the particular bait fishing used in mountain streams in France. There are
shelters near the lakes, called refuges. Some are operated as classic (rustique) refuges, others like cheap mountain inns where you will
find rooms and dormitories plus excellent good value meals.
FRANCE, Europe‘s best kept trout and grayling fly fishing secret. It is home to over 7000kms of wonderful trout rivers and streams
within the various départements.
NORMANDY: Pastoral valley chalk streams. Normandy's premiere fly fishing river is undoubtedly the Rilse - queen of the region's
chalk streams, and considered to be one of the finest traditional brown trout rivers in France.
JURA: Magnificent rivers of the French Alps. Jura has 2000 kilometers of premier class trout rivers and streams considered amongst
the finest in Europe
LOZERE: Snow melted waters of the central massif. With over 2000 kilometers of trout rivers and streams, Lozere is a fly fishing
paradise.
DORDOGNE: Picturesque valley rivers and streams. The Dordogne River‘s feeder streams are wonderfully peaty and crystal clear. The
Doustre and Maronne are amongst the best, and home to wonderfully feisty wild brown trout.
PYRENEES: Dramatic, crystalline tumbling waters. Fishing in the Pyrenees can be rather challenging but also very rewarding with
trophy browns up to 60cm
12
Scotland’s Men win Gold with England Men Taking Silver on the West Country’s Finest Lakes
The sixteenth Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships drew to
a close on Sunday 8 June after three days of competition. The
event, comprising fifteen international teams from as far afield
as South Africa, Canada and Australia competed on four of
South West Lakes Trust‘s venues and the River Dart.
Dartmoor‘s Kennick and Fernworthy reservoirs, Wimbleball Lake
on Exmoor and Siblyback Lake on Bodmin Moor hosted some of
the world‘s top fly fishermen with a real battle for the Gold,
Silver and Bronze medals.
Every team of five anglers fished for three hours at each of the
five waters. Angling was excellent despite the very windy
conditions. The majority of anglers caught fish at each of the
venues with John Tyzack of England catching thirteen Rainbows
at Wimbleball – the most in any session. All the fishing was by
‗catch and release‘ with the length of the fish and total numbers
caught counting towards the final points tally.
Scotland took the Gold medal, leading the competition from start to finish. England were close behind winning the Silver and Northern
Ireland very respectable Bronze medal winners. Individual honours went to M Mckay of Australia who caught 32 fish from his five
sessions. The most fish (41) were caught by D Chalmers of Scotland who finished in sixth place overall. Lisa Isles from England Ladies
finished in fifteenth place with Bernie Maher, the top England rod, finishing fifth.
Wimbleball produced 293 Rainbows in the five sessions up to 3 lb in weight, Siblyback 196 Rainbows to 4 lb, Fernworthy 215 Brown
Trout to 2 lb and Kennick 106 Rainbows to 3 ½ lb.
Evelyn Stacey, the Lakes Trust‘s Chief Executive said ―We‘re so honoured to have been part of such a prestigious event and are proud
that South West Lakes Trust has the calibre of venues to host Commonwealth competition. All the competing teams have been very
friendly and the atmosphere has been terrific. Our waters provided excellent sport and I cannot thank our employees and all the
controllers enough for helping the competition to run smoothly. All the competitors emphasised how much they appreciated the
beautiful surroundings and top fishing that we provide. We were really encouraged that so many vowed to return again in the future
and bring their families with them; this is great news for the tourism industry in the South West‖.
The lakes in Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset are owned by
South West Water and managed for recreation and
conservation by South West Lakes Trust. Monica Read,
Customer Relations Director at South West Water, said:
―We‘re delighted that competitors and spectators were able
to enjoy the fabulous facilities at our lakes. It was also a
wonderful opportunity to showcase the South West to an
international audience.‖
Ben Smeeth, who leads on angling for South West Lakes Trust
said: ―As the competition was by catch and release, plenty of
fish remain for our regular and any new anglers, so why not
come along in June and have a go yourself and enjoy similar
successes to the Commonwealth teams.‖
13
Ben continued: ―This is a fantastic new competition and
qualifying for the final is really quite simple. Our commitment
to fly fishing as the largest provider in the South West is
reinforced with the introduction of this event and I hope that
anglers will not miss the opportunity to enter. Why not give
yourself the chance of winning some amazing cash and
sponsored prizes at our final in October!‖
See the Lakes Trust website for more details
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Another reason to get out to the lakes this summer is South West
Lakes Trust‘s new ‗Best of the Best‘ fly fishing competition.
There is £5000 in cash up for grabs at the final in October at
Wimbleball Lake.
Anglers can qualify by catching the largest or second largest Rainbow
Trout in any one week of the season at five different venues.
Wimbleball, Kennick, Burrator, Siblyback and Stithians all provide the
opportunity for qualifying – up to 10 anglers could qualify per week!
Ben Smeeth, Fishing Technical Lead for South West Lakes Trust
said: ‗This is a fantastic new competition and qualifying for the final
is really quite simple. Our commitment to fly fishing as the largest
provider in the South West is re-enforced with the introduction of
this event and I hope that anglers will not miss the opportunity to enter. Why not give yourself the chance of winning some amazing
cash and sponsored prizes for our final in October!‘ See our website for more details www.swlakestrust.org.uk
South West Lakes Trust would like to wish all the Commonwealth competitors a successful competition and encourage anglers,
experienced and new, to come and explore what the lakes have to offer this summer.
For more information, please contact:
Rosie Vine
Marketing and Publicity Officer
South West Lakes Trust
01566 771930
The South West Lakes Trust is the region‘s largest
combined environmental and recreational charity,
managing reservoirs on behalf of South West Water
for conservation and recreation purposes. Its 50
inland water sites, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land
and water spread across Devon, Cornwall and West
Somerset, attract in the region of 2million visits
annually.
It is listed as being in the top 3,000 of the country‘s
150,000 charities. In 2013 South West Lakes Trust
accumulated nearly 3000 days of assistance by volunteers and in return training was offered in relevant skills (154 days in 2013). In 2013
SWLT attracted over 28,000 new entrants to sport. South West Lakes Trust manages large tracts of moorland and significant areas of
woodland, with Forest Stewardship Council accreditation
14
FLY GIRL LEATHER
CREATIONS BY ANNIE MARGARITA
http://www.anniemargarita.com/index.htm
Annie Margarita is a Leather Maker, Interior Designer, Fine Artist, and Muralist, and
has won International and National Awards with her Murals and Fine Art.
Annie's fantastic new look in Leather accessories for the ardent fly fisher is got to
be seen to be believed! Each creation is completely original and one of a kind; solely
designed and made for the individual owner.
Many times she hand draws the design right onto the leather without using any
template or tracing! Her coordinated hand to eye contact allows her to measure
composition directly to the art work.
This allows for her to create naturally unique artwork, never to be duplicated on
another's piece! She also uses beadwork and handmade metal embellishments to
further create eye-popping designs, unlike anything on the market!
Hi Annie; your creative and design skills are phenomenal, can you explain how you come up with your designs.
I‘ve had a few people ask me to explain how I design and create my cases.
Firstly I either have a request from a client or a concept floating around in my head. Most of my leather articles have a definite
use such as rod and reel cases, handbags, and luggage.
Once it has been agreed with the client on what they are looking for; then I do some sketches; figure out the form and perimeters
that I must stay within. This is when I have to take measurements, of the equipment that it must contain, or a take a guess with one
of my handbags, how big it should be.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs?
I gather photographic reference such as fish, insects, water motion on the internet...I love Google Images and Pinterest for all
the ideas I can collect. I either make a Pinterest Board for myself, or I drag the images onto my desktop, where I keep lots of
files with examples.
Then a design is drawn up, making sure to plan on the closures, sides, and hardware that all have to have a home. Cutting a piece of
leather out too small will waste a good piece of leather.
The next stage in the process is to draw and cut out the templates.
I usually use a poster board for this. If I want a more permanent
template I use clear plastic. (Fig. 1)
Sometimes I will tape the paper ―case‖ together to see if it works
the way I want it to.
I place the templates on the leather and trace them with a stylis. I
cut out the leather. I like to use high quality Belgian Imported
Leather. There are many widths that I use but mostly 5/6.
The template is sometimes traced also onto paper to create the
designs. Sometimes I draw directly onto the cased leather... It
depends on the subject matter and whether I will use a reflected
design. Figure 1
15
I found that placing the paper on the window, you can see through
another sheet and are able to trace the mirror image. It must be funny
to watch me from outside the hut! (Figure 2 on the left)
How do you transfer your designs directly onto the leather?
I soak the leather to case it and put it in the refrigerator
overnight. I then transfer the designs using a stylus.
The main cuts with a swivel knife are now done. These should be
free flowing and straight up and down...cutting at an angle damages
the leather. (Fig. 3).
Tooling and carving is then done as the leather is cool and cased. If
it starts to dry, I apply more water and let it sink in before I start
tooling again. I like to carve in sections.
A lot of leather artists will use one tool and do the whole design
then do the next tool. I like to finish a big section, then go to the
next section...this helps to keep me motivated...
I like to see how the product will look in the end...so I cheat and
get small glimpses of the completed design. (Fig 4)
I finish the edges by burnishing, stamp the stitching holes, dry the
leather.
I then like to oil the leather. I like to use olive oil. I do this before
I stain; it helps to create an even coat.
How do you ensure your patterns stand out on the
leather?
I stain the leather. I usually antique stain my projects, but
sometimes a client would like an overall color such as black.
(Fig. 5)
16
I apply leather paint to the areas that I want to stand out with color.
(Fig. 6)
If the article is to have a beaded design accent, I have a few more steps
(While all this is going on)
I design a complementary beadwork sketch.
I draw the design onto a piece of leather, usually buckskin or a
colored lining style leather.
Then I glue a poster board backing onto the backside of the leather. Sometimes I use the smooth side up, sometimes the suede side
up.
I start to bead. Usually I do a partial outline stitch on the section
that I am working, then do a row of contour in the direction that I
want the beadwork to go. This helps to create a molding effect,
emphasizing curves, hair, scale, etc. I don‘t ever do a complete color
design on the beadwork...I just make it up as I go along. I constantly
refer to photographs to figure out the color. I never do bead
weaving on a loom as it turns out too flat and contrived.
I love the beauty of free form design and I think it adds to the
Overall leather look that I have created. (Fig. 7) and (Fig. 8).
When I am done beading, I back the stitching side with another
layer of poster board. This helps to keep the stitching tight and
protects against breakage.
I then mount the beadwork into the leather ―frame‖ of the case.
I glue the two pieces together. (Fig. 9)
I glue the entire leather interior with lining leather.
I will do decorative stitching and beadwork around the beadwork vignette to compliment the design. (Fig 9)
17
Then it‘s time to stitch everything together. My favorite
stitches are saddle stitch and what I call ―corset stitching‖
where I make Xs along an edge. I think it looks more ―1950s
style campy‖. Everything I make is hand stitched, including
lining and pockets.
When everything is together, I do another staining to make
sure no raw leather is exposed.
I then use a leather polish on all the slick surfaces. This seals
the leather and makes it water repellant. I will also do a clear
edge dressing to make the edges look pretty.
I hope this explains the process that it takes to make a single
case. I usually have several cases in the works, and I save time
by working them all in stages, so that I don‘t have to wait for something to dry. This way I can keep busy with something else on
another case.
How long does it take you to actually make one of your creations?
It depends on what the client is looking for; if it is for a design with just cut outs and painting it can take up to 30 hours; however
most of the beadwork designs that I create for the handbags and intricate fly reel cases takes about 30 to 40 hours; so some cases
will have at least 60 hours work.
Where could possible clients see more of your fantastic leather artwork?
They could see more examples of my work at www.flygirlleather.com and "my Facebook page - Annie Margarita - Maker of
leather....."
And finally do you have a retail outlet where potential clients can purchase your creations?
Fly fishing cases and accessories are exclusively offered by Vintage Fly Tackle. To see products ready for sale or to order any
custom fly fishing gear either contact me directly or go to www.vintageflytackle.com
Annie‘s creative works would be ideal for that special present for your loved one or even for yourself. Just imagine the admiration
of your friends and family when they see it taking pride of place on display in the games room or using it when fishing.
As each individual piece is crafted as a one off; it could even be cherished by your descendants as a family heirloom.
Some of Annie’s fantastic fly fishing leather work and artwork
19
Tel/Fax 01877 385664 www.menteith-fisheries.co.uk
LAKE OF MENTEITH JUNE 2014 6FT WATER TEMPERATURE 16C, CLARITY (SECCHI DISC) 2.M.
Steve O‘Neill of Glasgow about to return an
eleven pounder, caught today in Gateside Bay on
some kind of booby (probably). The main action
has been in Gateside as the fish migrate
towards the deeper water. Good sport at the
Malling shore on dries also. Despite the warm
water temperatures, or in fact because of the
warm water temperature, we are continuing to
stock fairly heavily as water flow rates in the
earth ponds are now starting to falter – allowing
us to hold only a relatively small number in the
stock ponds.
In the WaterAid Flyfishers annual fly fishing
Challenge; Robin Lambert (Magazine Editor) and his
competing teams raised an amazing £4000 for
charity. Winning Team in 2014 was CIBA from
Ayrshire with 11 fish for 29lbs 6oz. 2nd were AGZ
Fluff Divers and 3rd DPS Fly Fishers.
Pictured left to right Team CIBA with Drew Carey,
Peter Wormald, Robin Lambert (Competition
Organiser) and Alistair MacNair.
See FACEBOOK for Scottish Club Championship and Boat League News.
More fish lies on Facebook: Lake of Menteith Fisheries. Quint
20
Cwm Hedd Fly Fishing Lakes
Bassaleg Newport NP10 8RW; 5 minutes from J 28 M4
http://www.cwmhedd.co.uk/index.html
Fly-fishing report June 2014
Hi everyone
Weather conditions have been much better this week, the more overcast weather with scattered showers earlier in the week
providing good fishing conditions.
Cwm Hedd is brim-full of Exmoor Fisheries hard fighting rainbows that are enjoying the relatively cool summer so far.
Whatever floats your boat
Anglers are enjoying the late opening till 9.15pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Welsh international angler Kieron Jenkins, a
regular at Cwm Hedd, took his float tube out on the seven acre lake on one such evening (photo on Facebook). Kieron noted that the
fish are feeding very high in the water: the slow head and tail rises indicate that the trout are cruising just below the surface
steadily picking buzzers from the surface film. Kieron used a two-fly cast strung together with 6lb co-polymer nylon, with a
shuttlecock buzzer on the point and shipman‘s buzzer on the dropper. In just a few hours on the float tube Kieron caught seven
rainbows, three to the red shipman‘s on the dropper, but as the light faded, the shuttlecock took the rest.
The Shipman‘s buzzer has been favoured by many other anglers, such as the week‘s top anglers Ken Bowring and Roger Martyn, who
each took one and returned nine and seven on the Shipman‘s and a floating line. Huw Davies chose a Griffith‘s gnat and an olive
emerger, taking one and returning 6, while Graham Davies favoured a hare‘s ear to take one and return 3. Using different tactics Keith
Cox took one and returned 3 on a black and green tadpole and an intermediate line.
Kieron’s top tips:
De-grease your leader regularly as the fish are line shy in flat calm conditions. When playing lively fish, try and keep the rod to the
side to increase the tension on the line and keep everything tight. This works extremely well at Cwm Hedd as the hard fighting fish
have a tendency to jump when hooked. When the fish jumps the tension on the line/hook will slacken, allowing the hook to be thrown.
Biggest fish of the month
No one managed to top Kieron‘s four and three quarter pounder in May, but on his first visit to Cwm Hedd William Edwards got June
off to a good start taking a cracking 4 pound rainbow on a bloodworm, returning another 3 on bloodworm and an orange egg fly (photo
on facebook). Plenty of bigger rainbows have been seen and are there for the taking.
Net that £200 tag fish!
The tag fish is still evading capture, but Velindre Cancer Centre is benefiting from the tardiness of the elusive rainbow. So far nearly
£170 has been collected for Velindre on top of the £200 that will be scooped by one lucky angler!
˜Poppy Fish‖: British Legion Competition 16th November 2014. £30 entry fee plus sponsorship. Cash prizes totalling £215.00. Entry
forms available at Cwm Hedd lodge or download at http://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/wales/events
Open Wed/Thurs 7am-5pm last admission 3pm; Fri/Sat/Sun 7am -9.15 pm: last admission 6pm. Tel 07813 143 034 or (during fly
fishing opening hours) lodge: 01633 896854
Directions on www.cwmhedd.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/cwmheddlakes
That's all for now - see you soon!
Linda
21
27 June, 2014
The Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust fundraising rods 2014
The Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust (WCSRT) is a charity formed in 2010 by a group of organisations with an interest in
protecting the fragile and globally important chalk-based ecosystems of the rivers of the Wessex region.
flyfishing.co.uk are proud to help promote and assist with the WCSRT fundraiser again this year. You helped raise nearly £1,500 last
year and now you can help raise much needed funds for this important cause this year too. Rods have kindly been donated by some of
the best fisheries in the area. If you want a great days fishing and to support the Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust at the same
time please:
click here to find out what is available and email us to book. All proceeds goes to the Trust.
Click here to find out more about the Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust.
Top chalkstream fishing on the River Test!
Why not take a break and go fishing on the Timsbury beat of the River Test? The water is crystal clear, the surroundings are idyllic
and the trout are hard fighting.
―Conditions are back to normal‖ says the River Keeper ―the challenging weather conditions we had earlier in the year has fortunately
not had a lasting effect on the river or its banks‖.
Click here to find out more about fishing the Timsbury beat and also to check availability.
22
Fly of the Month
Bibio Emerging Buzzer
Hook: Kamasan B400 Trout Emerger subsurface 10,12,14,16
Thread: Black
Body: Upper – Black seals Fur
Middle – Red Seals Fur
Lower – Black Seals Fur
Rib: Fine pearl Mylar or Silver Tinsel
Wing Cases: Polystyrene Booby Ball enclosed in white nylon
tights material and whipped to hook
A deadly pattern wherever dark buzzers are hatching. Used on a
floating line, the fly is cast out and then either wait for the trout
to take the fly, or cover a rise with the fly.
Makes an alternative to the CDC buzzer, it works just as effective
and is far cheaper.
How to Tie
Take a small polystyrene booby ball and encase it tightly in some nylon
tight material. Catch this in using the tying thread and cut off excess.
Make a tidy thorax with the thread.
Catch in some fine mylar tinsel and proceed with mylar and tying thread
down to the hook bend.
Carefully dub a small rope of black seals fur up the hook shank, at the a
point just short of the middle , dub on some red seals fur, at the upper
end of the hookshank dub on some more black seals fur and continue
towards the eye.
Make a tidy rib with the pearl mylar tinsel until the thorax is reached.
Be careful not to pull the mylar too tight, otherwise it will turn blue.
Secure the mylar and cut off excess.
For the remainder of the thorax dub in some more black seals fur, not
so tightly as before and cast the thread off at the hook eye. Pick out
the seals fur with a dubbing needle to give the fly a more buggy look
and feel to it.
STUFFED TROUT in A WINE SAUCE Serves 4
Ingredients:
100 g (4 oz) fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs
15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh mixed herbs, such as parsley,
thyme, rosemary
finely grated rind and juice of 1/2 lemon
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
4 trout, each weighing about 275 g( 10 oz), cleaned
25 g (1 oz) butter
30 ml (2 tbsp) plain flour
150 ml (1/4 pint) dry white wine
150 ml (1/4 pint) vegetable stock
60 ml (4 tbsp) fresh double cream
Method:
1. Put the breadcrumbs, herbs, grated lemon rind and juice
and nutmeg in a bowl.
Season to taste. Add the egg and mix together well.
2. Fill the cavities of the trout with the stuffing. Wrap the
fish in greased foil. Place the parcels on a baking sheet and
bake at 180°C (350°F) mark 4 for 30—35 minutes, until
tender.
3. Meanwhile, put the butter, flour, wine and stock in a
saucepan and heat, whisking continuously, until the sauce
thickens, boils and is smooth. Simmer for 1 - 2 minutes.
Stir in the cream and season to taste.
4. Pour a little sauce over the trout and serve the remaining
sauce in a warmed sauceboat or jug.
23
Review Time
This month’s review is on the Airflo Deluxe TLD Boat Seat
All reviews are impartial and honest reviews undertaken by the editor. If you want an honest
and frank review of your fly fishing tackle please email me at [email protected]
Airflo Deluxe TLD Boat Seat - TLD Boat Seat from Airflo
I have both the Airflo Comfort Zone Deluxe Boat Seat and the Deluxe TLD Boat Seat; however have been using the TLD seat more
over the past 13 months as I found it to be more comfortable and supportive for my back.
If you enjoy loch style fishing like I do you can turn around to fish more water when the fish are rising to the surface to feed
whereby the conventional Comfort Zone Boat Seat restricts you to only facing one way.
Based on the best selling original boat seat the new Deluxe TLD Boat Seat version features an innovative new swivel attachment for
quick and easy mounting on either a boat seat or boat boards.
The belt and ratchet mechanism of the Deluxe TLD Boat Seat takes seconds to attach, avoiding the need to spend time fiddling with
and tightening nuts. Once attached, the new mechanism on the Airflo Deluxe TLD Boat Seat is solid and immovable
Once folded up it takes up less room in the boot of the car than the Comfort Zone thus giving you more room for your equipment.
You can obtain the Deluxe TLD Boat Seat directly from BVG Airflo‘s own website http://www.fishtec.co.uk or from your online fly
fishing tackle store.
The seat is strongly constructed and hard wearing; so at only £129.99 it is good value for money.
24
Glencorse Fishery www.glencorsersv.co.uk
http://www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk Inverawe has something for everyone, be it fishing, finding out how salmon is smoked, exploring the many trails and tracks, feeding the fish, trying our new play area, browsing through the shop, or enjoying our delicious food in the smokery café.
http://www.deversprings.co.uk/homepage/
The fishery comprises two spring fed lakes totaling six acres and a half mile stretch of the River Dever (a tributary of the legendary River Test), a big fish water where 20lbs+ rainbows and large browns are taken each season.
http://www.newhayliefishingloch.com Fishing on a 3.6 Acre hill side loch with aspects over the Cumbrae isles, Isles of Bute and Arran. One of the most picturesque trout fisheries in Scotland. Stocked with an abundance of hard fighting Browns, Rainbows,Blues,and Tiger Trout along with our natural head of wild Brown Trout.
Classifieds To advertise please email [email protected]
Fisheries
Below is some great fishing holidays around the world
Offshore fishing at its best in Mozambique !!
We offer personel attention for clients with regards to targeting all game fish on the east coast of Africa eg marlin, sailfish, king &
queen mackerel, kingfish,dorado & many more. We also cater for spear fisherman. Best hunting grounds worldwide.
Starting at US $500 Per Night
http://www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk/african-holidays.php
Tarpon Fishing in Puerto Rico Porta del Sol
17' customized skiff for light tackle and fly fishing for tarpon, snook, mangrove snapper and barracudas. We operate in Porta
del Sol, Puerto Rico ant the West Side of the Island.
Starting at US $340 Per Night http://www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk/caribbean-holidays.php
FLY FISHING in Belize
fly fishing in Belize permit tarpon bone fish on the flats fish five days with me get one day fishing Free, plan your next genuine
Caribbean getaway today! We are one of the world best fly fishing destinations we cater to the discriminating fly
Great rates & deals!
http://www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk/s-america-holidays.php
Great Alaska Adventure Lodge
Renowned Fishing, Adventure Travel and Wildlife viewing destination on the world famous Kenai River. Riverfront lodge
and Cabins, Anchorage pickup. 2-7 day all inclusive experiences. All Meals, nightly Happy hour and all guides/equipment included.
Starting at US $295 Per Trip
http://www.flyfishingdirectory.co.uk/n-america-holidays.php
25
Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance
―It‘s too hot!‖ While a person probably would never say that about the water in the
Petitcodiac River, you might hear it from a wild Atlantic salmon, if they could talk! Cold
water fish like salmon don‘t do well in water that is warmer than 22 degrees Celsius, so
last summer one of the initiatives undertaken by the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance was
to install stream temperature data loggers in key tributaries of the river to help find
the cool water refuges that salmon might use during the hot and dry summer months.
The project, which received $14,000 in funding from ASCF, also included fish monitoring
and restocking components.
―This project is part of an ongoing collaborative effort with the Petitcodiac Fish
Recovery Coalition (PFRC), of which the PWA is a founding member,‖ says Jacques
Mazerolle, PWA biologist. The PFRC is comprised of 11 like-minded groups including First
Nation, angling and non-profit environmental organizations, all working to revitalize Inner
Bay of Fundy (IBoF) Atlantic salmon stocks and other fish populations in the Petitcodiac
watershed.
―IBoF Atlantic salmon are officially an endangered population,‖ explains Mazerolle.
―Some 20 percent of historical adult IBoF spawners were of Petitcodiac River origin, but
they were completely extirpated when the causeway was built across the river. With the
causeway now opened, the Coalition is working to bring wild Atlantic salmon back to the Petitcodiac watershed.‖
That‘s where the restocking effort comes in. Over the 2011 and 2012 seasons some 341,000 fry and 700 ready-to-spawn adults were
released into the Petitcodiac watershed. This year the PWA, working closely with fellow Coalition member Fort Folly Habitat Recovery
(FFHR), released an additional 157 ready to-spawn-adults, 150 post-smolt juveniles and approximately 100 post-spawned adults.
To determine the success rate of their restocking efforts, the researchers also monitored areas of the watershed using a box trap,
fyke traps and electro fishing.
―We were pleased to find a good number of salmon in the watershed,‖ Mazerolle reports, ―particularly in Little River, where we netted
adults that came from the Live Gene Bank facility in Mactaquac, NB, and had been tagged and released in 2012.
―Our electrofishing activities produced exactly 100 salmon: 72 young-of-the-year in the Little River, where ready-to-spawn adults had
been released in 2012, and 28 parr in the Pollett River, where we had released unfed fry in 2011.‖
As for water temperatures and levels, the researchers ran into a little problem when one of their four data loggers disappeared (likely
washed away in high current) and high water left another too deeply immersed to be retrieved. The other two loggers showed that
water temperature of Anagance River never exceeded 22⁰C, while the temperature in the Little River only exceeded the 22⁰ mark
during the month of August and one day in September.‖
26
All in all, the results of their 2013 project were very encouraging to the PWA and the entire Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coalition.
―There is a lot more work to do, of course, including the development of a sub-watershed management plan for the Petitcodiac River,‖
says Mazerolle. ―If we can do that, and continue our restocking, monitoring and research activities, it‘s quite possible that the
Petitcodiac watershed will one day again be home to IBoF salmon!‖
VOLUNTEER PROFILE – DENIS LOSIER
Meet Denis Losier, a member of the ASCF board of directors.
Losier is currently enjoying retirement; he was involved in politics for eight
years, then he ran Assumption Life for 19 years. Before that he was with the
federal government and was posted in Paris at the Canadian Embassy.
He said his interest in salmon fishing started when he was in politics.
―I used to host people at the government lodge on the Restigouche,‖ he said. ―But
I never got really into it then because I had to entertain more than fish. But
after I left I decided that I would do much more fishing than hosting.‖
Losier became a board member not long after the creation of the ASCF.
―In conservation, looking at what was happening in terms of numbers of fish
coming up the different rivers, I thought the foundation was a good way to help
with the money that they had to promote conservation and help fund some of the
projects that could help rehabilitate and clean up some of the rivers, and at the
same time educate people how important some of these rivers are for the environment.‖
Losier said he‘s seen the ASCF make a difference over the years.
―In the number of projects, the number of communities involved, the number of partners we now have; we don‘t have to be the sole
funder of these projects. We‘re always looking for partners. It‘s really interesting now that we have a little more money to disperse
we‘re finding more and more partners all over the place. Some of the rivers that were counted as dead are now being considered for
some of the projects because there is still some potential to increase the number of fish. It‘s interesting to see the enthusiasm of
the all the volunteers involved in the different communities and different projects; it‘s quite exciting.‖
Volunteers are crucial to the work ASCF does, and each month we will introduce you to one of our stellar volunteers to say thank you
for all the work they do in Atlantic salmon conservation.
27
It Could Only HappenTo A Fisherman Funny Fishing Jokes, Quotes and DittiesTo Make Your Day
Fishing rule #1: The least experienced fisherman always catches the biggest fish.
Fishing rule #2: The worse your line is tangled; the better is the fishing around you.
Fishing rule #3: Fishing will do a lot for a man but it won't make him truthful.
I think the only reason my husband likes to go fishing so much is that it's the only time he hears someone tell him, "Wow, that's a big
one!"
A woman is in bed with her lover who also happens to be her husband's best friend. They make love for hours, and afterwards, while
they're just laying there, the phone rings.
Since it is the woman's house, she picks up the receiver. Her lover looks over at her and listens, only hearing her side of the
conversation...
(She is speaking in a cheery voice)"Hello? Oh, hi. I'm so glad that you called. Really? That's wonderful. I am so happy for you. That
sounds terrific.
Great!
Thanks.
Okay.
Bye bye."
She hangs up the telephone and her lover asks, "Who was that?" "Oh" she replies, "that was my husband telling me all about the
wonderful time he's having on his fishing trip with you."
Jimmy D. Moore: My wife said I have so many fly rods and reels that I cannot possibly use them all. My reply was that I had rods and
reels to fish, rods and reels to tinker with and then my fine-crafted rods and reels to "fondle and admire," while dreaming of trout
fishing during the cold winter months. You can imagine what kind of look she gave me.
Man: Can I have a fly rod and reel for my son?
Fishing Shop Owner: Sorry sir we don't do trades.
The fishing season hasn't opened and a fisherman who doesn't have a license, is casting for trout as a stranger approaches and asks
"Any luck?" "
Any luck? This is a wonderful spot. I took 10 out of this stream yesterday" he boasts.
"Is that so? By the way, do you know who I am?" asks the stranger.
"Nope." "Well, meet the new game warden."
"Oh," gulped the fisherman. "Well, do you know who I am?" "Nope".
"Meet the biggest liar in the state."
Clark Gable: Hell, if I'd jumped on all the dames I'm supposed to have jumped on, I'd have had no time to go fishing.
World Record
There was a priest that loved to stream fish.
One year there was a problem every time he had a chance to go fishing the weather was bad or it was on Sunday, when he had to work.
All year he was unable to go.
Finally it was the last week before the streams closed. The weather was bad all week until Sunday, when the weather was great. The
priest could not resist, he called a fellow priest claiming to be very sick and asked if he could take over his sermon.
The fly fishing priest drove over 200 miles, not wishing to see anyone he knew. An angel seeing the priest playing hooky went to
God and said "Your not going to let him get away with this are you?‖ God agreed he should do something.
The first cast the priest made was perfect. The fly floated past a log and a huge mouth gulped the fly down.
For 45 minutes the priest ran up and down the stream fighting the mighty fish. At the end he held a 50" world record rainbow trout.
Confused the angel asked God, "What are you doing?‖ God replied "Think about it, who he is going to tell?"
Tom Brokaw: If fishing is a religion, fly fishing is high church.
WANTED Woman who can cook, clean, wash and make sweet love. Must have own boat. If interested, send a photo of the boat to..........
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A Tale of Two Rivers
Ronald F. Lasko
Ronald Lasko is the author of A Tale of Two Rivers which is the first full
length book written about North American Sea Run Brook Trout.
This is an intimate portrait of fly fishing on Cape Cod‘s Quashnet and
Mashpee Rivers, seeking the unique species of Sea Run Brook Trout that
once inhabited many waterways and is now limited largely to these two
rivers.
In 50 color photos, watercolor illustrations, and engaging text, discover a
unique blend of personal experience and fly fishing romance, mixed with
practical how-to instruction, and historical, environmental, and ecological
issues. The author details the rare circumstances that allow this vastly
diminished species to survive on Cape Cod‘s peninsula.
Explore the Quashnet and Mashpee in all four seasons and throughout
history, from the early Wampanoag net fishers through President Grover
Cleveland, who fished these waters with his friends, and to the present
day. Of course, also discover the personal gear, rod, reel, line, approach,
tactics, hatches, traditional patterns, and special favorite patterns that
make fly fishing a joy, from one who knows. Anyone who appreciates the
great outdoors, from fly fishers to conservationists, will appreciate this
book.
Since one of the rivers is a Spring Creek similar to the British Chalk Streams; Ronald has included a Bibliography of 25 books by UK
authors. There are many references throughout the book regarding the origins of American Fly fishing having its beginnings in the
UK.
The book may also be viewed at the publisher's website www.schifferbooks.com and at the Harney & Son Tea Co site www.harney.com
The ORVIS CO (40 Retail shops in the UK) will be carrying the book. The book costs $34.99
The American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, VT (founded 1969) also carries the book and Ronald will be speaking there at
their 7th Annual Fly Fishing Festival on 8 September 2014.
Schiffer distributes A Tale of Two Rivers in the UK and Europe through the Lancaster based Distributor Gazelle Book Services
www.gazellebookservices.co.uk
A TV Interview from 6 April 2014 by PACTV of Plymouth, MA, USA may be viewed on YOU TUBE at http://youtu.be/0f0YnH8fvV8
which will introduce you to Ronald and gain some insight into his book.
Excerpt from A Tale of Two Rivers
Ronald F. Lasko
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
The Cape Cod brook trout had vanished entirely from most rivers, were
marginal, at best, in others, and only maintained small populations in a
handful by 1900. Man rationalized that we could resurrect the Cape Cod
river fisheries using stocked hatchery trout. Over the last 100 years, we
have stocked these rivers with hatchery brook trout that lacked the
genetic disposition to survive these waters. We stocked exotic hatchery
trout such as the west coast rainbow trout and the European brown trout.
Most of these stocked trout were oversized for the little rivers. They
tend to be overly aggressive and competitive to the native brook trout,
further diminishing them.
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Most of the bays, estuaries, and rivers of Cape
Cod are now devoid of brook trout. They have
been eliminated by all these practices. There
are only two rivers on the peninsula where
sport-fishable populations of brook trout
continue to hold on—The Mashpee and the
Quashnet. They have withstood the onslaught of
mankind, with his dams, his pollution, his
ignorance of the natural world, his planting
exotic species, and his arrogance towards this
incredible species of trout. They have, in recent
years, withstood the burgeoning populations of
bluefish and striped bass and increasing
numbers of herons and ospreys. But housing
developments and strip malls at their doorstep
have encroached on their habitat, so the future
effects still remain to be seen.
Why have the sea run brook trout of the Mashpee and
Quashnet rivers survived when man and nature have
been so set on destroying them? I asked this question
of a former member of the Fish and Wildlife Division
who had been a proponent of stocking European sea
run brown trout in our Cape Cod brook trout rivers. He
acknowledged that in retrospect they had made a
mistake. They had undertaken numerous studies in the
first half of the twentieth century that indicated that
the Cape Cod sea run brook trout were doomed. Their
studies concluded that they simply were not tough
enough to withstand man‘s destructive forces and that
only the exotic European brown trout could. They
wrote off the brook trout‘s survival, figuring the sea
run brown trout would fill the niche.
They were wrong. After a 30-year program of stocking sea run hatchery brown trout in numbers and sizes greater than the brook
trout populations of the Mashpee and the Quashnet, it is the brown trout who has not survived in the Mashpee and they are now
nearly entirely gone from the Quashnet. Fortunately, the stockings of brown trout in the Mashpee and Quashnet rivers ceased in
1993. The resultant growth in both the size of individual brook trout and in their populations has become obvious since 1993.