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River updates from the current season, previous years' updates can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
May 2025
The season is off to a flying start with lots of good catch returns reported and Mayfly spotted along the river. Due to the lack of recent rain the river levels are already quite low - this is very evident along the Old River which is already running pretty low and clear in parts. The ranunculus planted over the past couple of seasons is spreading and I noticed quite a few new beds beginning to flourish. I've not visited Bugle much this season but a recent work party has made efforts to clear the bankside vegetation to allow easier access to the river and open up some swims in preparation for 16th June when the coarse fishing season begins. After recently completing a RiverFly monitoring course I took some initial samples from the river, as expected freshwater shrimp made up a vast majority of the invertebrate life but I also discovered a larger than expected population of caseless Caddis and Bullheads, these were backed up with good numbers of Baetis and Olive nymphs - it was pleasing to see a healthy population of insect life in the river and a good sign there's plenty of food for the trout!
April 2025
The season is off to a flying start with most anglers managing to connect with a fish or two. Silver Springs has seen some good catches of the resident wild fish, so too has the old river. Water levels remain good, although the river is carrying some colour in places. The persistent issue with the fencing in Abbey Meadow below Anjou Bridge remains and unfortunately the cattle have made the banks difficult underfoot in some places - club members continue to effect repairs to the fencing during work parties. A surprise catch of a Pike was also reported from Bugle Meadow this month - believed to be a first for the clubs waters. At the back end of the month the stocked fish went in, they didn't take long to settle, with around half a dozen already brought to the bank. I only managed one short session this month which resulted in a blank, although Sean and I did manage to bring a few fish up to dries fished at the top of the old river, which were unfortunately too quick for us! It was encouraging to see lots of fly life, with an abundant amount of buzzers about and plenty of early season caddis spotted.
March 2025
The first river update for this year, and on my trip to the river I was pleasantly supprised by the conditions I found. The water levels look good, not too high and along all the clubs water the river remains within it's banks. In places the water clarity is also improving. The banks are wet, but not sodden and flooded; a contrast to the standing water we saw that delayed the start of last season and made the banks treacherous. I visited every beat from Bugle Meadow right up to Silver Springs and I'm optimistic for a good start to the trout fishing season. The conditions and water levels reminded me of April/May last year when at the start of the season I had some good fishing on the old river fishing 'klink and dink', I found the higher water levels made the fish less spooky and was able to refine my fishing before the fish got tricky later on in the year. A lot of improvement work has been carried out by members over the last couple of months, including repairs to the stock fencing below Anjou bridge, new access points added to Silver Springs and soon the introduction of a fishing hut. Here's hoping the season lives up to the fantastic fishing we were fortunate to experience last year. Tight Lines!
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