I still consider myself a novice, been learning for 3 years now.

I use the early part of the season to take a different rod and reel out and spend just a couple of hours on the river just about half a mile away. it allows me to check the rods, reels and line and ensure all is clean and well.

Today I took out my D.A.M Quicksilver Fly. 9’ 6” # 7/8 and D.A.M Quick Fly Fish reel, my son hates this reel, yet I love it and think that it is superior to some of the more expensive reels that I own.

I did'nt catch anything, the river is very low for the time of year, but I don't care the fish are there and are feeding (as they usually are on this stretch) and even the French anglers who usually bait or spin are not catching anything, but the weather was beautiful, the birds were singing and I was happy as the rustiness of the winter began to evaporate and the time passed me by, luckily my wife knows me better than I know myself and my tea did'nt spoil.

So a great day weather wise, a great couple of hours blowing away the cobwebs and a great meal of lamb chops not trout yet, but maybe next time.

What river are you fishing, jiftruite, if it's not a secret? Seems like heavy gear for the rivers I've seen in Brittany, especially in low water conditions. That is because the trees are pumping water again after the winter and the fish aren't biting cause of the high pressure area. Effects their swim bladders, so they feel a bit sick. Give it a week or so (if the weather doesn't change again) and they will start feeding again.

Tight lines,
Johan

PS Of course, you don't have to catch to enjoy a nice day out...
PS 2 Any news on the salmon runs, there?

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Johan Janssens

Hi Johan,

it's the Claie river in Southern Morbihan, it is in one of deepest parts of this river close to a mill race and bridge, it is without doubt the most productive parts of this river, producing some very big specimen browns and the odd salmon.

I have lighter equipment for the more narrow and shallow runs of this river. However in about 6 weeks or so I will move farther afield to the Aulne, Blavet, Scorff and Gouet and even the Brenellis lake.

As you may know most of the rivers in this part of Brittany eventually flow into the Nantes/Brest canal, which obviously means lock gates, over the years there have been a lot work adding Salmon ladders to the locks to allow Salmon to reach their traditional spawning grounds, it's been a slow process but progress is being made and the take from these rivers is improving year by year, the French angling associations are quite happy with the improvement.

Dave

You are a very lucky man, Dave, fishing some jewels there. Good to know the French take care of their migratory fish. Might be over for a late season try if they run the Scorff.

Kind regards,
Johan

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Johan Janssens