Queensbury Bridge
Just a short walk from the town where the bridge crosses the river. Stop and look over the bridge where you can see the trout and grayling sitting in the currents whetting the appetite as to what is in store.
Once signed in you move down the meadow and see rapid sections of varying depths, shallows of popply water and deeper glides with fronds of weed waving in the water, perfect hiding places for the fish.
Early season is the time for the Hawthorn fly which come in fits and starts and being there at the right time is crucial to witness some rising fish. Then Hawthorn come late April and early May where you hope for a wind to blow these gangly terrestrials onto the water to the waiting mouths below.
Into May and the famous Mayfly hatches which tend to start in the afternoons and that is what chalkstreams are famous for as the trout get fat on an easy meal. Once that passes grayling can be fished for after June 16th with the dry and after July 1st the nymph comes into play. Never dismiss the dry after as the levels drop in the summer where you will still get the sedge and even the odd Hawthorn and even Mayfly. It is a lovely place to be as the sun drops before the pub beckons.
Even in the autumn and winter there is still fishing to be had working a nymph for the grayling.
Wading is permitted and take caution when the current is strong and be aware of scoops, clinging weed and holes. Casting is easy in places but there are some more challenging pools where grabby branches await.
A light rod of eight to nine foot will suffice with a light tippet. Small size 16 to 18 sedge patterns and similar sized nymph will work. Obviously have Mayfly in the box with Hawthorn and daddies.
There are lovely wild trout to be had and always expect the unexpected as some nicer specimens lurk. Grayling vary in numbers year on year but can reach over a pound.
It’s a lovely wild fishery where a watch isn’t required as the Church bell tolls on the hour as a reminder that you were due home over an hour ago.