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Post by custheyder on Jul 31, 2012 14:38:25 GMT
3 fish varieties in a session, how wonderful! We only have brown trout here... and the odd goldfish if you know where to look. I'm so pleased someone is getting out fishing!
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Post by Simon on Aug 13, 2012 7:16:18 GMT
Sunday 12th. A return to the lower Alyn this time on my own allowed me to fish Sonia's favourite run. Expectations were high! The river was at last at Summer levels and running clear. The weather was sunny with an upstream breeze, perfect! I still had a Dry LDO from my Scotland trip so this was my first choice, casting upstream into runs and pools that should hold fish produced nothing, evenly decided to change to my weighted shrimp pattern, yet again hardly no interest! At this point I'm getting to the top of this run and thinking I'm going to have to take a master class from the wife! Rounding the corner I came to a small island that has become a lot smaller in the floods. A fast run on the far side looks very promising, flicking the shrimp into the very fast flow over the top of the island, the line stops, I lift into a very large Grayling. Unlike Sonia's at the weekend this does not go jumping all over the place it just stays deep and uses the current. After a short fight I bring it into the net with a smile on my face as it looks one of the largest, maybe the biggest I've caught on the Alyn? A few photos and the fish was released back into the run. Another smaller Grayling followed from the same run before packing up and heading for home. Hope you can get an impression of the size of the fish from the photos. Simon.
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Post by custheyder on Aug 13, 2012 8:05:47 GMT
I'm impressed because that is indeed a lump of a grayling. Very beautiful fish and lovely photo's. Well done!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2012 17:21:31 GMT
The sky looked as though the clouds wanted to rain but it was warm and overcast making it a reasonable day to go fishing on our local river. Firstly we checked further upstream to make sure all was well with the river as far as water levels were concerned. A little coloured but safe to wade so we travelled to the lower section eager to start fishing all our favoured parts of the river. Getting into the river I let the water settle until a tiddler rose behind me so I thought the fish had forgotten the splash and were ready to play. I put a nymph which was made out of chamois leather with a tungsten bead and a partridge hackle on and the grayling seemed to like the fly. After two casts I had my first grayling quickly followed by another three from the same run, getting bigger all the time but unfortunately the last one was self releasing. Trying to get into the run with the bigger fish I noticed the water was getting a little deeper and the strength of the current suggested I move towards the other bank before anything happened so I did the sensible thing and moved. Casting over my other shoulder I was still able to cast without the pressure on my legs but I couldn't find my friends anywhere in the run. Wading upstream I cast into all the likely areas close into the bank and I was rewarded with a grayling of 12ins. The wind was getting stronger and gusty followed by the cloud cover leaving and the sun making it an extremely hot afternoon so it was comforting being in the cool water. As I was trying to cast close to the bank for the better grayling the fly made contact with an obstacle near the surface of the water and as a gentle pull didn't release the fly I had to collapse the rod so a tug could be given but to no avail. I had to wade into the run to rescue my fly then wade back and rest the water. Time for a drink and a snack before casting further upstream and into another grayling followed by a better fish which gave a nice bend in the rod and tried to head for the cover of nearby weed. I managed to steer him away and finally got the fish to hand where he was measured on the rod before being released, slightly over 14ins and I was pleased I let the water settle as he was a little fighter. A few smaller grayling we caught before I caught another course fish near the spot I caught the dace previously, it was a chub. Suddenly I was amazed to see a kingfisher dive into the middle of the river, the fishing for me was put on hold as I was fascinated by this beauty fishing upstream. He landed on a willow branch and had another couple of attempts at catching a fish from his vantage point before he noticed there was another creature sharing his river so he flew past me and I had fantastic sight of this bird as it flew downstream of me and landed what he must have considered a safe distance. I was elated at having seen the kingfisher so close and fishing but after a sip of water it was time for me to recommence my fishing activities. Some likely runs seemed void of fish but eventually I was into a section where there were a few grayling with the best fish just over 18 ins but he was not the best fighter of the day. Moving towards the area I get out previously good runs were silent and I finished up with a small grayling under a willow. I was feeling tired but all in all it was an amazing fishing day with a few good fish and stunning wildlife.
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Post by custheyder on Aug 18, 2012 17:47:15 GMT
What a great report. I think I'd of stopped to watch the kingfisher as well. "Blue lightning" I've heard them called and to me it is the most appropriate term of endearment.
Sound like you had some excellent fishing as well. A good day like that makes the world seem a better place.
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Post by leckie on Aug 19, 2012 16:18:53 GMT
Very nice report I enjoyed reading it.... Simon's previously posted a photo of the nymph made from chamois leather with a tungsten bead....pure genius...who would have thought that this would be a killer fly The grayling from the river look to be in perfect condition for this time of the year...lucky you. tight lines Alex
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2012 16:18:50 GMT
With the weather being so awful on Saturday we went to a Chirk so we would at least be able to shelter or at worst go home. Though we could hear thunder in the distance the worst of the weather skirted the area so apart from the odd shower we enjoyed three reasonable hours fishing. On Sunday Simon checked the water levels and they seemed fine, Ian another Tenkara member called us to say things were very fishable so we got ready for a few hours fishing. Simon suggested we try the upper part of the Alyn as the season is nearly at an end, I reluctantly agreed as he suggested if the fishing was poor we would leave after an hour to the lower section where we knew there were good grayling to be caught. We split up and as I got to the river I sat looking at the water, awhile the sky was thick with olives nothing was rising so I would use my trusty hares ear. While I tried very likely runs I didn't even have a nibble, I continued fishing the run without success then it was time to move to the next run. Finally from the side of the bank I noticed a flash in the water so I went down the bank and cast upstream of the disturbance, I was quickly rewarded by a feisty grayling of no more than 9ins. followed by his bigger brother. I continued fishing upstream until I met Simon who had missed a couple in the sewage pool but hadn't had any luck in any of the other runs he tried. Plan A was proving to be a bad one as I really didn't feel like wading for miles in the hot weather in waders for a few fish. After an hour the promised Plan B was started and we drove down to our preferred section where the grayling are great fun. This time I suggested Simon play in my favourite area and I'll follow after the run settles down. Simon went further downstream while I got into my usual place and having created a loud splash getting into the river I let things calm down before getting into position. No sooner had I set up my rod when a few fish rose so I ditched the wet and put on what I call my September fly with CDC first cast missed. The fly hardly hit the water when the fish went for the fly which took me by surprise, the next fish came out of the water at my fly before it landed, I tried to contact Simon but the radios were on the blink after Simon tried to drown his. I kept casting and the Grayling kept coming to hand the first one was small but they increased in size though I couldn't persuade the larger fish to take the dry. Looking around I noticed two things, one Simon was into a fish and secondly he wasn't that far behind so I got ready for the comments about me being almost glued to the spot. I told him the fish were readily taking my fly and I pushed the radio which made an annoying noise to prove I genuinely couldn't contact him so I wasn't being funny and keeping the information to myself. From the photograph you can see it is a great run with depth under the tree and my best Grayling have come from the upper area in the slack water where it runs fast. Simon went ahead and I suggested he move from wets and where I usually find my decent fish. While I tried casting in likely areas in my heart of hearts I knew the run was finished for today and it was time to move on which I did. When I got around the corner Simon was nearly at the end of the run having caught nothing, he suggested I overtake him which I didn't think was a great idea because I reckoned the way he swiftly moved through the run it was nearly rested and ready for me to play. Besides if we just kept overtaking each other all we would end up doing was ruin the runs wading through like elephants; so I waited. First cast and a good size grayling took by fly much to Simons disbelief, the look on his face said it all unfortunately all I could do was bust out laughing making playing the fish more of a challenge. Shouts of concentrate and definitely don't loose that fish I want a photo of it came from Simons mouth and the next thing I see is him dashing through my once quiet run towards me. Fish safely in the net Simon gets ready to take a photograph but I'll only take the fish out when he is ready as I loath having the fish out of the water to long. Photo taken Simon continues upstream and once again I have to let the water rest after all the commotion, then at least I'll have the rest of the run to fish. I fish close to the bank and a smaller grayling comes up and takes my fly, he is quickly released and I continue fishing. No fish were caught until the end of the run when again hard against the bank a stunning large grayling gives a very good account of himself and I'm thrilled. Going around the corner I can't see Simon and looking at my watch it is getting late so I know I'll have to go through the run quicker than I'd like and miss catching the fish I could have with a more measured approach. A few smaller grayling are caught followed by my last large fish of the day I am a very happy flyfisher even though the body is very tired from the strong current and fish. I catch up with Simon who has waited by a very fast stretch of water so he can help me across safely. On the way home I suggested I leave out the section where I followed behind and caught some nice fish and the editor said don't you dare if I didn't say it was it happened it would be erased. He taught me well!!
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Post by Simon on Sept 22, 2012 6:44:49 GMT
Friday 21st and I've escaped from London, my new ESO 410 rod waiting to be tried out. The finish and feel of a new rod always excites me, smooth action on opening and closing and no marks, yet. Compared to my TenkaraUSA rod you notice the weight difference due to the extra length so it's going to take a while to master it. With Sonia off to the Gym I head off to the lower Alyn with the new rod to test it out. Not being sure off what length leader to use I start off with a 13.5ft weight forward furled leader with 3ft of Tippet and a single nymph. No need to walk far as there is a good pool right by the bridge. The first cast upstream, into the fast water is fine, as the nymph sinks into the deep pool a small grayling grabs the fly and puts a good bend into the rod. Landing the fish is no problem, but after a few more casts decide that this leader is to long so I change to a 10.5ft one. Now the rod comes into it's own, with the extra length holding the leader clear of the flow enables me to catch a nice BT in a back eddy. Time to change to a dry fly and move downstream, casting upstream over my left shoulder with a size 22 dry proves irresistible to many fish, I only have an hour as I'm off to see Louis about next weeks meet at Llangollen. The rod works very well and seems nice and soft compared to my other one, the weight difference and balance will have to get used to but that's not a problem. Overall a good start with 20+ fish coming to hand. Rod will be with me next week at Llangollen for people to try. Louis has already had a go. I have some photos but photo bucket is playing up at the moment, check back later. Simon. Ps. Managed another hour on the river at 6pm with Sonia fishing dry flies again we both had about 10 fish and missed many more.
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Post by paul1966 on Sept 22, 2012 11:42:57 GMT
I've been out with my new 410 ESO 3 times. The rod does have a lovely finish and very smooth opening and closing. I noticed the weight but when I collapsed the bottom section It suddenly felt very light. As you say it's all down to the extra length creating more leverage on the wrist. Having said this my elbow now is spending more time by my side so overall I'd say it makes casting and line control far easier. I seem to have developed a more up right casting style stopping the rod around 11 o'clock and letting the rod flex do the rest.
Another thing I've notice is how well it casts a number 4 level line it goes out like a furled leader. I find the rod loads very easily which I like. I haven't got any number 3 level line but I'm sure it would work well with this too
Over all I really like the rod
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Post by custheyder on Sept 24, 2012 7:53:34 GMT
Fantastic report Simon, glad to see the rod didn't bring a blank on the first outing.... I think they sulk if that happens. So annoyed I couldn't get to Llangollen, but my father had already booked a salmon fishing trip.
Thanks Paul, great to hear someone else is happy with the rod. Pulling your elbow into the body uses much less effort and as you say a shorter casting stroke is all that is needed. A factor of the weight is the extra length in the handle and a fraction more weight just at the butt to compensate for the length. Without it the rod felt a bit tip heavy.
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Post by Simon on Sept 25, 2012 17:35:47 GMT
Have just seen my River Alyn on the BBC 6pm news at Rossett, highest it's been in 12 years!!! Let's hope the grayling can find somewhere to hide. Probably no chance of a fish this coming weekend.
Simon.
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Post by Simon on Sept 29, 2012 7:59:01 GMT
Last Saturday proved the best fishing day ever on the Lower Alyn for Sonia and myself. Empee & Copper Nymph2 were there also on the middle section along with some maggot drowners, so we decided to go downstream of the ground baiters. Sonia went into her usual runs fishing just the dry fly, more on this later while I walked upstream to say hello to the others. (Empee the one that got away!) The river was perfect, low and clear, I was armed again today with my new ESO rod with a couple of nymphs attached. On the way up to the others a few casts into pools and runs resulted in 5 or 6 Grayling and the odd brownie. The others were finding it hard going mainly due to the ground baiting by the maggot drowners. The new rod was handed over for them to try out, with various views. While fishing with CN2 many grayling came out of one pool including a double header! I hate when this happens, the fish both go in different directions! After leaving CN2 I made my way back down stream trying runs not covered before. One run hard against my bank about one foot wide resulted in 12 Grayling one after the other! Proving, never to overlook what seemed like an unpromising lie. (Run hard into Near bank) Moving down to the next run, on the far bank some weed lead into a shallow pool fed by the flow, again the grayling seemed to be shoaling every cast upstream running into the pool resulted in either a bite or a fish over 1lb, I stopped counting after 20! Sonia called me up on the radio, are you catching? I could not contain my excitement! Sonia was also excited she had stuck with the dry fly and had caught around 30 fish! What a session, after 3 hours we had to drag ourselves out of the river fished out! Then Monday came and the rain! I'm again in London but getting reports from Sonia our river is nearly 2mts above normal and on the BBC news. The photos below are taken on Friday after the river has gone down by nearly 1mtr, the foot bridge is Normaly 4ft above me in normal conditions, where you see the water level with the top there should be around 10ft of bank. No fishing this week on the river so off to the local still water. Simon. (Before the flood) (After the flood) (The river is on Sonia's left level with the top!) (The bridge that is normally 5ft above me)
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Post by adric on Sept 29, 2012 19:50:44 GMT
great pictures. it looks as if you have a new lake.
Richard
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Post by custheyder on Oct 1, 2012 9:51:40 GMT
I was in York at the weekend... the rivers look much the same there. Hopefully a return to normal for more fishing soon.
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Post by leckie on Oct 1, 2012 21:26:35 GMT
Simon, Great report and pictures...that River Alyn must be a world class grayling river...the fish that come out of there are just fantastic....I hope the good sport lasts for years to come...keep the reports coming...they're great reading tight lines Alex
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