Following the success of the grayling courses we are greeting the new trout season with
"The Art of the Wet Fly"

Wet fly fishing is often a misunderstood and badly practiced method which can be extremely effective in the early part of the season , before thoughts turn seriously to the dry fly.

Let us give you the opportunity to learn the classic techniques of both up and downstream presentation using traditional spider patterns and the wonderfully effective Clyde style flies. Certain types of rod & line will bring the best out of this technique and we can supply these if your own outfits are not entirely suitable.

As with the grayling courses above, we will be on the beautiful Welsh Dee in the Vale of Llangollen where this interesting & productive method is well suited but lessons learned can be applied to the majority of freestone waters.

Dependant on demand, courses can be either single day or over 2 days with a superb overnight stay at the Chainbridge Hotel ( see details in the grayling section above). We can then introduce you to the dressing methods of these classic patterns !

We intend to run courses in March, April, May and June on dates to suit you and the numbers of participants will be tailored to give you the maximum attention & enjoyment.

The cost will be similar to the grayling courses but can be modified if different dining arrangements are required.

Tight lines for the new season and we look forward to meeting you !

……is the title of a superb book by Robert C.Sharp which was a local publication in 1973, in Motherwell. It tells all you would need to know about the river, the many classic fly patterns of the area and most importantly, the methods used to catch the many beautiful trout and grayling.

Sadly, you are unlikely to find a copy but at the time of his death in 1984, he had just completed the manuscript of his second book “ Let’s Fish Again”. His widow, Isobel, wanted to see his efforts into print, as Bert himself had planned so we have her to thank for its publication. It has all the content of the first book plus reminiscences of his angling life – a superb and informative read. I believe this would be available through Coch-y-Bonddu books.

So how might this affect you?....

You will see from this site that I hold wet fly fishing in the highest regard and many who come to me for tuition become likewise afflicted. It is a highly enjoyable and effective technique, steeped in tradition which is surely part of the attraction of our wonderful sport.

Those with access to suitable waters such as the Welsh Dee will doubtless practice it there with great enjoyment but the time comes when we look for waters further afield in which to try our skills.I think one of the charms of our sport is the variety and challenges that different waters can provide and there are often obvious sources to investigate. Yorkshire’s  Wharfe and Ure are much publicised and productive, as are Lancashire’s Ribble & Hodder, and I’m sure you can think of many more.The downside of these are often the price and availability as much of the best water is not easily accessible on day tickets.

I have a proposition to put to you:-

Why not join me for a visit to that best kept secret of traditional trout fishing, the CLYDE !

Whether your primary interest is wet fly, dry or both then the miles of  attractive, easily fishable water that this river provides will surely fit the bill.  From the upper reaches of Abington & Crawford, through the mid waters of Lamington, down to the lower stretches below Lanark, the variety of runs,riffles and pools is endless.

On some rivers much walking is involved between fishable stretches but on the Clyde, those fishy runs seem to go on for ever.

Clyde has a reputation as a big trout river and the natural browns can be caught up to 5 lbs or more but a typical daytime session is likely to yield fish between a half and one & a half pounds – they are profusely spotted and fight like hell ! As darkness falls, the monsters come out to play and this is when we use traditional “gloaming “ patterns.  

a Clyde beauty!

You would be based near to Biggar & Thankerton and is only 15 minutes from Junction 12 on the A74. The accommodation is at ANGLERS HOLIDAY COTTAGES which nestle at the foot of Tinto Hill ( hill of fire). www.anglersholidaycottages.co.uk – owners John & Gwen Reid.

Due to available accomodation we are limiting the number of participating anglers to 4. This number also suits the logistics of fishing as only John and I will be guiding you and want to offer the most personal attention necessary or desired. John has a huge fund of local knowledge which will be put to good use to ensure the best sport possible for you !

The duration of the trip will be 3 fishing days and the all inclusive cost is £250

We intend to run this twice in the season on JUNE 2/3/4 and AUGUST 4/5/6

These periods will be highly productive and allow the chance for excellent “gloaming fishing”.

These dates are Monday to Wednesday and should you care to arrive on the Sunday, then you can try your luck in the evening with the wild trout in Lochs Lyoch & Cleugh which are also owned by John. These dates coincide with hatches of the biggest sedges I’ve ever seen which the very large trout take with a vengeance well into darkness!

a serious brownie!

The browns are all wild fish and supplemented by the superbly conditioned rainbows that John rears in his on-site rearing pens. Expect fish to 10lbs with a high average size. Even if you are really only coming up to fish the river, these lochans will be an interesting diversion.

Suggested itinerary: beats dependant on weather/river conditions.

First day:
Introduction to Upper Reaches, Abington/Crawford area.

Fishing between 9.00 and midnight with pre-arranged breaks for meals. This allows time for the traditional “gloaming” fishing, when the biggest trout feed.
Fishing times can be adjusted to suit conditions and your requirements.

Second day:
fish Lamington area, both day & evening sessions.

Third day:
Lower sections from Lanark downstream. Leaving direct from the water to travel home.

Tackle will be available should it be required and I think it’s part of the experience to use the traditional sparsely dressed Clyde Style flies. These can also be supplied.

slimline favourites

If you are interested but would like to talk it through, then please give me a call.

GIFT TOKENS