In my experience of fishing the Willersley stretch, the Mayfly were a little early this year - and the hatch was not as prolific as in other years. But still of sufficient numbers to drive the fish into a feeding frenzy. This 2 pound brownie was taken on a white mayfly nymph fished deep in a clear, tree free stretch about 400 yards down from the parking area. It put up a terrific struggle, and as you can hopefully see, is a beautiful red-spotted cock fish in superb condition. I know this area gets heavily fished - but I had several other fish from exactly the same spot in the same session so it does prove (once again) that catch and return, if done properly, doesn't put the fish off food and that they tend to remain in specific spots. It may also prove that the taste of a mayfly makes them throw caution to the winds. |
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The photo was taken with my the camera built into my phone - which was quite handy for a quick snap, and the fish was unhooked and returned without ever leaving the river. I just wish I'd had it with me when I caught a 2.5lb chub from the pool down by the weir on a silver-head black nymph...but that's another story! |
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Ian Evetts