As we approach the end of the river trout season I was just thinking back over my first full season and reviewing the highs and lows, what I’ve learnt and what I have yet to try or succeed at. So here is my list, restricted to two of each, I’d love to hear from others and feel free to add a category.

Highs

First ever fish on a dry fly, a hatch of March Browns on a spring afternoon resulted in a fantastic few hours (seems a long time ago now).
Two Grayling in two casts both fin perfect and close to 2lb the biggest by far I have caught (and only last week)

Lows

Schoolboy error – leaving jumper and jacket on a high rock, river rose 2 feet in 30 minutes – loss of jacket, jumper, phone, car keys and dignity (20 miles from nowhere 7.30 am).
The bl**dy weather - weeks of floods and no fishing July / August

I’ve learnt

Not to leave stuff on a rock - I now hang everything in trees (until a flood washes that away)
A little bit about the water I fish, where a few big fish generally hang out and that I need to be a lot quieter to catch them

Yet to succeed / try (one of each)

Succeed

Upstream nymphs – not one fish, certain it’s just a confidence thing

Try

Was determined to experiment with tapered, furled and various homemade leaders and never really got started.

Bring on the Grayling

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Despite having had forever I still haven’t thought up anything clever to add to the end.

Same high as you - seeing the take on a first dry fly. Magic