Fish in hiding but certainly not the badger..

Met up with Red to fish Wellow. Sweltering heat, we headed for a lightly fished section shaded in trees. On the way movement in the field turned out to be a badger in the morning sunshine. I managed to get right up and close as it foraged in the long grass. It turned, saw me and then proceeded to feign death. It was clear it had made a judgement it was not quicker than a human. I held back as its eye flicked open. I stopped moved back and let it go on its way. Clearly young and inexperienced. Same story with the fish being young and inexperienced as no large fish turned up today. The water was clear and low and I picked up a few small trout on the nymph fishing deep in the turbulent runs. Absolutely beautiful day to be in the river full of fry and damsels.

Now for something different .. a bit of Bass fishing

Long baking hot day at Studland with family during which time I spent 3 hours out on the kayak. Some really big bass about as I drifted across the weed. Managed three schoolies on turn of tide that all went safely back on the Black Minnow. It was a case of paddling in and drifting out with the offshore. Casting in the channels amongst the weed. I had a big Pollack follow but did not convert.

Not quite Mayfly madness but enjoyable nevertheless...

A few sessions recently. The Wellow has been fishing pretty hard I have to say, but my timing has been out as I only make the jaunt during the day. A few smaller trout on the nymph with small numbers of Mayfly trickling off and few rises. The scenery however is looking beautiful with birdsong and damsels all around.

The Bristol Frome of evening has been giving up its secrets as the Mayfly drift amongst the shady runs. Trout, Dace and Chub all making use of the bounty. Colossal struggle with a fine wild one that fell to the dry as the sun dropped. A few smaller trout and some really large Dace looking a bit worse for wear from spawning. This urban river never ceases to amaze.