As the sun sets on the reservoir season, I start some serious "puddle plugging" through the winter and as it's only 15 minutes from my house, Rib Valley is a frequent destination.

Last year it was very coloured so only responded to orange or black lures, really, but now it is much clearer so nymphing is a viable approach.

I went today and had ten, all from just under the surface, on a washing line rig with diawl bachs and damsels. It was very windy but the windward side was the place to be with fish swirling and splashing all along it.

Lots of pulls and some cracking fish. Saw some real lumps roll, too.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

I was talking to Bart about this last week Charlie, he's almost convinced me to come out of my winter hibernation for day with your boys.

This might be a silly question but is it hard to fly fish a river? I'm quite new to the fly fishing scene and just wondered really

Tom.

Popped over there this afternoon; 15 pounds for a 1 fish then c and r up to 7. Not shabby i.m.h.o.
First cast, 4 pounder on floating daddy. Had a further 2 or 3 on DB dropper and finally as darkness fell, they seemed to be chasing fry; another 2 on fry pattern just below surface. Every fish in top condition and all fought hard except for the biggest, which was the first.
Great fun at a local fishery!(I live in St Albans)

Yup, a very good Autumn-Spring fishery and handy for me too.

If you join the club, you also get a reduced price ticket.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Went again today on a 4 hour ticket. Great sport at all depths; started with nymphs close to the bottom and finished with some dry daddies when sun was going down (yes there was some sun) and had success with both methods, catching r/b's from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds.
I left around 4.20, was pretty dark, and there was a 'rise' of fry; hundreds of them just popping off the surface. If I could see the eye of hook, may have put on a fry imitation, but must admit, couldn't actually see them being smashed into.
A great little water on great form right now!
Del.