Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2010 11:58:38 GMT
On Friday night Simon called the number for the Dee and we were pleasantly surprised to hear the water levels were just above 600 meaning we could wade safely. We decided we were going to try fishing at Llangollen and this time we would go upstream well away from any form of water craft. Simon tried to get hold of Peter to tell him of our plans but as the phone number given was his works number he sent a message on the web hoping he would look there and call us if interested.. Sure enough as we were travelling Peter called, he was going to have lunch before meeting us on the river and I told him we would be going upstream from the car park. Arriving at the car parking areas it soon became evident that we're not the only people itching to get on the river as they were all busy. Looking into Duncan's' Pool there were already three fishing and we headed to the furthest parking area. Getting kitted up the one thing that was noticeable was the very cold, biting wind and as we headed for the river the bitter wind made our eyes water and stung our bare flesh. The river was looking great and very fishable but as I go into the water I was surprised just how cold it felt even though I was wearing thermals and fleece trousers. The water was gin clear and while the water levels were low it seemed to be coming downstream at a fair pace so I decided to use a weighted nymph to try and get near the fish. Again the simplicity of putting the rod together was a joy and I was soon fishing. Moving through the run I didn't have as much as a nibble so I changed to a heavier nymph and systematically moved through the run, again not even a hint of a fish.
Simon wasn't fairing any better and as my feet were starting to feel extremely cold I decided to get out of the water and walk to warm up. Looking around I noticed Peter heading to the waters edge so it was a perfect excuse to get out and chat. The first thing Peter noticed was how clear the water was and he commented it may be a hard days fishing; he was hoping to take a few pictures for his blog so while Simon did the camera work I thought I would wander further upstream and try other runs.
Simon was wanting to try his new camera, all week he was thinking of different underwater shots he would take of the grayling coming to the net and how the nymphs behaved. The only problem was the fish hadn't read the script and when Simon used the camera getting pictures of the flies the water was so cold his hand quickly went red before becoming numb then the pain hit. Further upstream I talked to fellow fisherman who like me was finding the fishing difficult he was on his way home without a bite. Every now and again I got out of the water to let the legs thaw out and we decided it was time for lunch and a much needed hot drink. We talked about where we were going wrong and maybe we didn't have the reach to get into the best runs with our tenkara rods but then again three other fisherman with reels didn't catch fish either.
We headed further upstream where we usually find fish and after another change of fly I continued fishing. The intention was to fish for another half and hour before heading back to the car so we cold get back in time to see the Rugby. Like all best laid plans this one wasn't panning out either as I noticed when I looked at my watch time had flown by and we had already been fishing the run for an hour. Simon said his feet were very cold and I have to admit my thighs were starting to feel the cold so it was time to get out of the water for the final time. Heading back to the car was a long hard slog in the wintry wind and it was surprising how far we had actually walked. Time to head home and as far as the Rugby was concerned we would have to be content with listening to Radio Wales. Apart from not caching any fish and the horrible wind it was another glorious day on the river and the bird life and picturesque scenery made the trip worth while.
Simon wasn't fairing any better and as my feet were starting to feel extremely cold I decided to get out of the water and walk to warm up. Looking around I noticed Peter heading to the waters edge so it was a perfect excuse to get out and chat. The first thing Peter noticed was how clear the water was and he commented it may be a hard days fishing; he was hoping to take a few pictures for his blog so while Simon did the camera work I thought I would wander further upstream and try other runs.
Simon was wanting to try his new camera, all week he was thinking of different underwater shots he would take of the grayling coming to the net and how the nymphs behaved. The only problem was the fish hadn't read the script and when Simon used the camera getting pictures of the flies the water was so cold his hand quickly went red before becoming numb then the pain hit. Further upstream I talked to fellow fisherman who like me was finding the fishing difficult he was on his way home without a bite. Every now and again I got out of the water to let the legs thaw out and we decided it was time for lunch and a much needed hot drink. We talked about where we were going wrong and maybe we didn't have the reach to get into the best runs with our tenkara rods but then again three other fisherman with reels didn't catch fish either.
We headed further upstream where we usually find fish and after another change of fly I continued fishing. The intention was to fish for another half and hour before heading back to the car so we cold get back in time to see the Rugby. Like all best laid plans this one wasn't panning out either as I noticed when I looked at my watch time had flown by and we had already been fishing the run for an hour. Simon said his feet were very cold and I have to admit my thighs were starting to feel the cold so it was time to get out of the water for the final time. Heading back to the car was a long hard slog in the wintry wind and it was surprising how far we had actually walked. Time to head home and as far as the Rugby was concerned we would have to be content with listening to Radio Wales. Apart from not caching any fish and the horrible wind it was another glorious day on the river and the bird life and picturesque scenery made the trip worth while.
