Hi,

I am new to fly fishing, although have course fished for 30 odd years.I am just getting everything together to start in March.I am struggling with fly selection.There are so many avalable and I don't realy know where to start.

I intend to start at Walthamstow ( yes, I know it can be difficult,but it is very local for me).So some advice as to what patterns would be considered mandatory to have in the fly box.

I know there are no dead certs but would like to avoid carrying and buying lots of non starters.

Advice needed.

Davebloke.

Welcome to the forum Dave, most of my fishing is rivers, but some experts on here will no doubt put you right.
Enjoy, Steven.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Hi Mate...

I've only fished Walthemstom a handfull of times, but as it's a concrete bowl I've always approached it the same way as Farmoor and Toft Newton and done very well.

My top patterns are:-

Early/Late Season - Black & Green Booby 2-3" on a 5-7ft leader on a Fast sink line.....and a Cat's Whisker Booby 2-3" as above....

End of April - End of June ..as above but also Black Buzzer (size 10) Red Holo Diawl Bach (size 10) under the bung or on a slow intermediate.

Basically early season I usually fish the booby with a slow figure of 8 retrieve after leaving it a good 45 seconds to get right to the bottom...It never fails.

then go to the nymphs when the weather warms up...end of April onwards

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Welcome to the Forum.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Davwbloke,

Walthamstow's agm is this weekend (21st at the Plough Inn), I believe there is a userid for wffc here as well. Membership is 12.50 and they are a great bunch.
Drop them a call for a membership form at wffceditor@hotmail.com

Cheers,
Steve

Thanks so far chaps.

I will be looking to join WFFC.

Davebloke.

welcome ,to a very addictive sport !,soon your pockets will be empty !!! and welcome to the forum

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

Dave, the Di4 line I sent you will work fine at Wally and there are some boobies in with it, although not the finest ever tied

Rob is spot on - it's boobies to start with, then buzzers. If you contact Vinnie on this forum, he will put you right as he fishes it a lot.

My own advice would be to start somewhere a little easier

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Charlie,

The line and flys have arrived so thank you very much.I will let you know how I get on at the Stow.It can't be harder than barbel fishing on the Lower Thames or can it !

Many Thanks.

Davebloke.