Author: Ian Whitcombe

Grayling

Grayling Mastery: Top Rivers and Techniques for Success

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Often called the “lady of the stream,” grayling offer excellent sport when trout season wanes. In British rivers, a 2-lb grayling is considered a specimen, while a 3-lb fish is the dream of many anglers. Only a handful of rivers regularly yield fish over 4 lb. The grayling season opens on 16 June and runs until 14 March,
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Grayling & Bass

Beating the Heat: Summer Fly Fishing for Grayling and Bass

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The current extreme heat continues to break records, with March 2024 being the hottest since at least 1884. Such conditions stress cold‑water species like trout and pike, forcing anglers to rethink their targets. When freshwater remains your focus, choose cooler venues. Higher-altitude rivers on Exmoor and Dartmoor can stay several degrees cooler. Alternatively, target chub,
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Love Fly Fishing

Six Ideas to Make You Love fly Fishing Again

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Have you started to lose your love of fly fishing? You don’t need to chase exotic destinations to rekindle your passion for fly fishing. Start by falling in love with your local water. Urban streams, park lakes and nearby canals often hold surprising sport, reduce travel costs and shrink your carbon footprint. Secondly, become a
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UK Chalkstream

England’s Chalk Streams: Exploring the Heart of British Fly Fishing

Mention fly fishing in England and many imagine a gently meandering stream beneath willows and hedgerows. Those picture-perfect rivers are the chalk streams, an ecological marvel unique to southern England. Their defining feature is their source: rather than rising from mountain snowmelt or gathering runoff, chalk streams are fed by springs that draw water from
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Thames Fly

Mindful Casting in London: Learning to Fly Fish Along the Thames

On a chilly December morning, a novice angler steps onto the muddy banks of the River Thames near Syon Park, armed with a 9‑foot rod and a desire for calm. To the casual observer, the scene may seem anachronistic—fly fishing in the shadow of London’s Heathrow flight path?—but the city’s waterways offer surprisingly good training grounds. Under
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Youth Fishing

A Rising Tide: A Youth‑Driven Fly‑Fishing Renaissance in Britain

Fly fishing, once perceived as a pastime for country squires and tweed‑clad retirees, is undergoing a renaissance in Britain. A growing number of young people are discovering the sport’s appeal, drawn less by tradition than by its ability to provide peace of mind in a hyperconnected world. Social media has played a surprising role: videos
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Choosing the Perfect Fly Fishing Rod

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Selecting the right fly fishing rod is essential for both success and enjoyment when fishing for trout. With the wide variety of options available, it’s important to understand how different factors such as rod length, action, line weight, handle types, and fittings impact your fishing experience. This guide aims to provide detailed insights to help
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Fly Fishing for Trout in January

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Fly fishing for trout in still waters in the UK during January can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The colder weather and shorter days mean that the fish will be less active and more difficult to catch, but with the right approach and techniques, you can still have a successful day on the water.
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