Apologies for the delay in posting chaps but as Mick says I may have to look into claiming expenses on my second home at Dovedale if I spend any more time up there.

Had a blooming marvellous night up there on Tuesday, not just because the quality of the fishing was staggering but because the whole experience was enriched by being able to share it with like minded individuals who all obviously like a bit of a giggle. So thank you Alex Neil and particularly Mick whom I spent a belting couple of hours with. My only disappointment on the night was not hearing a single bar of Old Bamboo but hey ho you can't have it all!

To use Manchester parlance the fish were 'mad for it' with forceps required on a number of occasions.

A few of my highlights

My first fish below the stepping stones.
My first LADFFA two pounder.
My first real Mayfly session
And last but not least Neil falling on his **** (apologies for the heckle Neil)

Had a great day with JT yesterday. Came away with countless techniques to improve my catch rate, a new knot, a couple of new fishing techniques, a lesson on entomology, an improved casting action (need to practice again today ), a day long lesson in water craft and several flies endorsed and tied by the man himself.

For those of you who haven't been out with JT I would highly recommend a day with him. An extremely articulate bloke and great company. Here are just a few pics from the Tuesday.

The evening got off to a bad start - look at these knobs.




However it soon picked up...



And got better



and better - shoulders like Vera Duckworth this one





I'm off up to Dovedale again this afternoon so if anyone is heading up – see you there.



Roger

Good chatting with you last night Adam. What I failed to point out is that I pretty much told you the extent of what I know.

Glad it helped.

yipeeee
back on forum with my username.

might see you up there going fishing
this afternoon.
john

__________________
Derbyshire flyfishing blog.

http://derbyshirefishingblog.blogspot.com/

Ok this is a superp trout i had recently but can you tell which one of our rivers it comes from?


Winners get Alex Swanns Paul Smith Hat

__________________
http://glenpointon.blogspot.com/

The true riches are to be found in an angler's soul, not his wallet.

the Dove - dovedale

Churnet - Lords Bridge Glen.

Had another cracking day at Dovedale today although a cold evening breeze did kill sport after 8pm.

This was the largest of the night - My net is 16 inchs. I think its a stock fish.

enjoyed fishing dovedale this afternoon
even though the fish are reet funny buggers
sometimes ,lost count of the times in the
slower water watching fish come right under
the fly and then turn around laughing.
moral= must fish faster water.

nice to meet another forum member roger
who like myself found it hard towards evening.
roger i managed one from the pool just before the
bridge where you and the other chap left me
thrashing the water.its the last one pictured in my
blog and the best i had tonight.

mayfly "i think the end is nigh"

john

__________________
Derbyshire flyfishing blog.

http://derbyshirefishingblog.blogspot.com/

Well done Roger, love your reports, sounds like your on cloud nine mate, whats it like sleeping in the cave Might move in with you soon..
Some of them fish are great, Keep up the good work and will see you soon...

Glen

__________________
http://glenpointon.blogspot.com/

The true riches are to be found in an angler's soul, not his wallet.

Good work John, good meeeting you. That's a real plump one.

I was fished out by that time. A day off for me today then a few hours Saturday, a day on Sunday then back to normality

Boo hoo

Glen, thanks for your comments - I've had a brilliant week and really feel as though my fishing has benefited from it.

Anyway, after three evenings on the trot of great fishing I went to the Hamps again on Thursday evening. Only this time I discovered four geezers looking very suspicious, a couple of them drinking beer and at least one doing something right at the river bank. These guys were between mid-20's and mid-40's so not kids having a crafty drink.

Anyway, I left and called the old bill and also left a message with the local office that Alex had spoken to.

The point of this is really to pass on that the local officer that called me back on Friday was very helpful and even though he's based at the top end of the moorlands he has offered to help should we have any more issues down on the churnet as well.

If you ring the Staffs Police number (0300 123 4455) and ask for him by name then you will be put through directly to his police radio if he's on duty. If not you can leave a voicemail and, as you can see, he did call me back.

I'm not sure that I should advertise his name on here though. So anyone that wants it just drop me a PM. I think that if we give this guy some ongoing info it's going to help maybe get a bit of focus on the problem and help us out. We do pay his wages after all!