Fish & Fly - fly fishing news, instruction, travel and reviews

Norway flies to the top of big salmon league

2008-08-08T09:45:49-00:00

Two giant salmon have been caught this week in Norway and both on fly! The largest at 58 ¾ lb (26.7Kg) caught by 17 year Ulf-Arne Jungård Nilsen on the Alta is believed to be the new record fly-caught salmon from Norway. The second fly-caught monster was caught by Heikki Kemppainen on the Orkla. A small black and green fly of his own tying tempted his giant which measured 132cm (52in) and weighed 50 1/5lb (23Kg). Both fish were coloured having probably entered the rivers in June. This has been a wonderful year for huge salmon – even by Norwegian standards.

Tying the Duck's Dun by Charles Jardine

2008-08-05T09:17:41-00:00

This little fly has been in my fly box for nigh on twenty years and the trout have shown no reluctance to take it in that passing of time and yet the whole concept behind it was a mistake – I had no idea of the actual properties of CDC. The only reason I used it was that I was given a packet to try by Roman Moser all that time ago, and it was exactly the profile, colour and “texture” I was looking for....thus this little character was born.

Junior fly casters shine at CLA Gamefair

2008-08-04T15:30:56-00:00

Joseph Avery-Harris is now well stocked with Greys fishing tackle after winning top spot in both the Youth Salmon Distance and Youth Trout Distance championships at this year’s CLA Gamefair.

Sponsored for the 6th year in a row by Hardy & Greys Ltd these youth championships are of great appeal. The winners were ....

Chance to barrage the Environment Agency about the Tees fish pass

2008-08-01T12:49:29-00:00

The Environment Agency is encouraging anglers to go online and help inform them about the main issues affecting salmon on the River Tees.

Fish&Fly Comment: Clearly the existing fish pass is a major concern and should be improved as a matter of urgency or at the very least the salmon and sea trout should be protected from predation by seals while they wait to take it. Here is our chance to voice our concerns so please do fill in the form.

Eoin Fairgrieve and Fish&Fly in speycasting adventure

2008-07-30T12:58:00-00:00

Fish and Fly are delighted to announce a joint venture with world-renowned speycasting instructor Eoin Fairgrieve to develop www.speycast.co.uk as the leading website for information about all aspects of speycasting. The site will be enhanced to include instruction in modern speycasting techniques, with articles and visual downloads by some of the world’s top casters and instructors. The site will feature product reviews highlighting the latest speycasting tackle and clothing by leading manufacturers as well as an extensive database of speycasting instructors around the world.

Nith fishing juniors walk on water to raise funds

2008-07-30T12:13:33-00:00

Members of a trail-blazing angling club for juniors are planning a 60 mile sponsored hike along the course of the River Nith from its source near Dalmellington in south Ayrshire to its mouth in the Solway Firth. At least eight youngsters (accompanied by two adults) will set off on August 14th and aim to complete the journey on the 17th.

Where have Scotland's sea trout gone?

2008-07-29T11:00:49-00:00

We all know what has happened to the once famed sea trout of Scotland’s west coast – victims of sea lice infestations (a National disgrace) – but this year the runs on Scotland’s (fish farm free) east coast also seem to have collapsed. The Aberdeenshire Dee normally has a very fine run of sporting 2 to 3lb sea trout in June and July. This year however the FishDee website has posted a catch of less than half of its five year average.

Patagonia creates grant program to help endangered fish around the world

2008-07-29T09:37:53-00:00

Ventura, CA (July 28, 2008) Patagonia, Inc, the outdoor gear and technical apparel company announced today their World Trout initiative, has generated over $333,000 since its inception in 2005.

Trout fisher? Learn to fish for salmon with Fish&Fly

2008-07-28T19:12:47-00:00

Join us for a wonderful opportunity to learn how to fish for salmon. We'll fish in glorious surroundings, learn how to spey cast and fish with a very decent chance of landing a beauty. We are delighted to offer Members two short courses during prime time on the beautiful South Tyne in Northumberland. The beat runs through a gorgeous valley on a private estate which includes five excellent salmon pools within walking distance of luxury cottage accommodation.

Scotland protects native fish species with new law

2008-07-28T11:26:01-00:00

Scotland's precious native freshwater fish life is to receive greater protection from alien species. A new offence of introducing live fish or live spawn of fish to inland waters without the proper permission has been created and will come into force on August 1, 2008.

Charlie J’s Fly Tying Corner - Orange Thoraxed PT Nymph

2008-07-25T11:02:52-00:00

"In just about any high summer situation this pattern – and its variations - are well worth considering; but particularly this version of the “clan”, which is most notably of use when caddis or sedges are “on the wing”. In these situations, this variation can be a vague (yet very good) impression of the hatching pupa."

Charles Jardine provides a step by step guide on how to tie this version of the famous Pheasant Tail nymph. Get those materials ready and follow along!

We have a winner! - Red Lion/Go Fly Fishing UK Competition

2008-07-25T09:52:35-00:00

Thanks to everyone who entered our recent competition to win a midweek break at the Red Lion Hotel combined with a days guided fishing with Steve Rhodes of Go Fly Fishing UK.

The draw has been made and the lucky winner is listed inside!

Atlantic salmon return in numbers to eastern Canada

2008-07-24T09:36:35-00:00

To mid-July, Atlantic salmon rivers in eastern Canada have had some of the best wild Atlantic salmon returns in a very long time reports the Atlantic Salmon Federation. Water conditions throughout much of Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Maine were good and the salmon runs strong. From Labrador and the Quebec North Shore to Maine, and all points in between, anglers and salmon conservationists rejoiced.

Game Fair update - 25-27th July 2008 at Blenheim Palace

2008-07-24T09:34:44-00:00

Tomorrow sees the start of the eagerly anticipated 2008 Game Fair held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace not far from Oxford. After last years cancellation due to the waterlogged grounds, this year should be busier than ever with plenty to see and do for all visitors.

As usual there will be a strong fly fishing presence with several Fish&Fly team members in attendance such as editor Paul Sharman, contributors Charles Jardine, Jeremy Lucas and Simon Young, and partners like Sportfish, Wellard&Scott, WhereWiseMenFish to name just a few. Look inside for full details of what to see and how to get there................

Perthshire fundraiser to combine fly fishing with breast cancer therapy

2008-07-23T22:06:02-00:00

Casting for Recovery will benefit this year from the annual close of season fundraiser at the Kenmore Hotel in Scotland.

The first Fish & Fly members trip to the San River – Part Two.

2008-07-23T09:18:12-00:00

"Reflecting more on our Fish & Fly visit to the San last week, and before I go off again with another group next week, it occurs to me that there are numerous small aspects that make a destination fishing trip, or even a regular session on a local water, either a success or a failure."

Read on as Jeremy tells us more in this second part of his report about the lessons learned during the recent Fish&Fly members trip to the San River in Poland.

News and Events from Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited

2008-07-22T16:16:47-00:00

In this latest newsletter from conservation and research organisation Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited, find out amongst other things about the worlds tiniest tarpon and what a bonefish is made of!?

Is salmon netting breaking the law? ask the S&TA

2008-07-18T10:49:42-00:00

The Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA) has formally notified Dumfries and Galloway Council that the exercising of its coastal salmon netting rights to the east of the mouth of the River Annan, following the end of the current lease in 2009, would amount to a breach of EU law – unless it can prove conclusively that these nets do not catch salmon destined for the River Eden. The latter, which flows into the inner Solway Firth, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation for salmon and thus is afforded the highest levels of protection under EU law.

Mollie Fitzgerald with her magnificent 54lb Atlantic salmon

2008-07-16T15:41:30-00:00

On 28th June 2008, co-owner of Frontiers, aged 45, Mollie Fitzgerald landed a 54 lbs salmon on the Alta river, Norway. The fish took a well-known pattern, the Mikkeli Blue in a pool called Ovre Sierra. The fly was surprisingly small (1-1/2" length) considering the fact that the river was essentially in flood at over 6.5 ft on the gauge. There was only a small window on the inside corner of the pool where fish might lie and the big one was in the 5 star hotel! Mollie also caught fish of 35lbs and 24lbs that night. 113lbs of salmon!

1001 Fly Fishing Tips

2008-07-16T11:39:48-00:00

Terry Lawton takes a look at this book from the USA that brings together tips and tricks from a multitude of well known fly fishers.

Magic Wands - Fish&Fly prize winner gives thoughts on his new G-Tec!

2008-07-15T11:35:50-00:00

Fish&Fly member Steven Murgatroyd, who won a Greys G-Tec earlier this year in our "Fishermens Tales" writing competition, has written in with his thoughts since getting out to use his new "magic wand" for the first time.

Bjork helps launch Icelandic nature restoration fund

2008-07-14T16:30:34-00:00

The North Atlantic Salmon Fund team (NASF) and commercial fishermen throughout the north Atlantic meet regularly to review salmon stocks and to decide upon measures that restore stocks quickly and efficiently. At a recent meeting in Reykjavik, the famous singer Björk, met with the fishermen when she was helping to launch an Icelandic nature restoration fund.

Hardy Demon 5000 fly fishing reel

2008-07-14T14:50:28-00:00

"This is the best fly reel I have ever used." High praise indeed and especially when coming from England International team member Jeremy Lucas. But what is it that made Jeremy get so excited about his particular reel - read on inside as he explains the reasons for his decision.

Exciting courses and trips from Sportfish

2008-07-14T13:53:34-00:00

Fancy fishing on the River Spey with Bill Drury for Atlantic salmon, or perhaps chasing bonefish in Venezuela, tarpon in Cuba or the largest sea trout in the world down on the mighty Rio Grande in South America!? Then a Sportfish hosted trip or course could be for you!

Alaskans for Clean Water - another angle on the fight against the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay

2008-07-14T12:50:32-00:00

If approved by voters, Ballot Measure #4 (as it is officially known) will enact tough new clean water standards that will protect the salmon, fisheries and habitats of Bristol Bay. The Act doesn’t stop mining, it simply requires that mining be done in a responsible way that prevents pollution and destruction of Alaska’s other natural resources. Given that the water table is at ground level in the Pebble Mine area, the effect of these clean water standards is that Pebble Mine will not be able to be built because there is no way it will not pollute the water.

Read more about this act inside and the organisation behind it, plus listen to a radio ad from Alaskans for Clean Water.