Hi everyone, I'm new to UK fly fishing, and trying to navigate all the regulations is a bit overwhelming. But I'm hoping to get out on the water mid-March, and was hoping I could get some recommendations on where to consider going. Ideally I'd like to find a wade-able river in a semi-temperate area where dry flies might actually get some attention from brown trout this early. So far I've been looking at rivers in Wales and Devon/Cornwall: any suggestions? The more rural the better, and I don't mind paying a bit more for a pass if it will make my first expedition more pleasant!

Brown trout starts 22 March mate.

The Pirate.

---------- Post added at 03:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------

Before someone wades in, that's England & Wales, Scotland is 15 March however some places won't let you target them until 01 April.

The Pirate.

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I thought it was the 3rd March????????????????? for much of Wales that is.........I think each part of the Country has its own start of the Season!!!

Try the website Wye and Usk Foundation......theres some great fishing in Wales, and you can get out soon!!

And Welcome to the forum.....

I don't normally go wading in February but I'll make an exception today...

In Devon and Cornwall brown trout fishing in rivers starts 15th March
The Welsh do something earlier in places I think but I've never really understood the Welsh



Anyway getting back to the original question and with reference to the West Country.
If you are lucky with the weather you might be ok fishing dry from day one. Last season started with a warm spell only a few days after we had snow on the moors and fish were taken on dries.
The Duchy water on the East & West Dart up on Dartmoor would be worth a look. There are a lot of small tribs included on this ticket along with the Darts and these can be useful if the bigger streams are too high. If you get cool, dull windy weather and you can't find a sheltered spot you can forget the dry.

Another option might be the Angling2000 scheme. This gives you the choice of lots of small streams for very little money.

On the subject of money there isn't anywhere in Devon or Cornwall where paying more money will get you better trout fishing (for wild river trout). There are one or two hotels that charge surprising amounts but you don't get anything for it!


The Welsh probably do have better early season dry fly fishing, they have the March Brown on some rivers and we don't


Andy

...well there you go...its obvious now...go to Wales!!!!!!!!

I think if you call the Wye and Usk Foundation, they will look after you, and sort you out with some fab fishing.

Loch Eye 6 miles from Tain. Biggest early season browns anywhere. Start first week April. River fishing's for poofs.

Poofs you say.
You loch fishers might only be in little boats but that still makes you sailors
Who knows what really goes on when you land on those little islands out in the middle of the loch for "lunch"