At last, some time off - and a day on the Dever gifted to me by a colleague on Wednesday. It would be good to know from anyone on the spot how the Wilts Avon and Dever are looking at the moment, and any advice on fishing the latter (it will be my first foray on that river) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, and tight lines.

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Navybloke

Navy,

I'll look at the upper river Dever tomorrow evening and let you know! I've never fished it, but will be near it tomorrow evening.

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Born to fish - forced to work

http://www.2minutes.org.uk/

I fish the River Avon and my friend recently fished the Dever.
They are both fishing well and the extra rain has kept the levels good.

Got out on the Avon today between Figheldean and Haxton - seven trout (including three involuntary releases) and a bucketload of grayling, on klinkhammers, elk hair and balloon caddis. Lots of olives - and a pair of bemused-looking mayfly - coming off, and some fantastic crunching rises to the sedges from about 16:00 onwards, one trout launching itself into the air as it took the fly, which was a first for me.

Ironblue, how did your friend tackle the Dever? My knowledge of the river extends only as far as knowing how to get there and which beat I'll be fishing. I tried a new 10' #4/5 today which was just the job, but don't know if the Dever is too small for it - would 8'6" be more appropriate? Thanks in advance.

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Navybloke

I use a 10' 4.5 weight too! You can stand well back or crouch for those shy fish. I would take the smaller rod as well and have both at hand. The smaller rod will be great for dries.
I don't think you will go far wrong with the Avon flies.
Try a small CDC wing hares ear with a badger hackle and peach tag. Fish it really dry on the surface for rising fish. Even nymphers will come up for it!
If nymphing is allowed take a small 16-18 PTN with a small 2mm tungsten bead head.

Chalkstreams have the same characteristics and the same flies will work on any. However the Dever may have some bigger fish so be carefull!
An outside bet fly is the size 14 Wulff coachman. Fulling Mill have them.
Perhaps it's the odd Mayfly in the afternoon but the fish love 'em.

Good luck