December 2016

December 2016

Rivers and reservoirs are closed for the winter but the smaller stillwaters are open all year.  The fish are fitter and fight harder in the colder water so now is a good time to visit.  You can also book me for a fly casting  lesson, either as a complete beginner, tune up your existing skills or learn some new ones.  Lessons can be a couple of hours on grass or combined with a fishing day.


Our annual Atlantic Salmon fishing trip to the Miramichi took place at the end of September and was a great success,  Over 100 fish were hooked and around 70 landed and released. The fish came in a range of sizes from about 7 pounds upwards with several in the region of 30 pounds.
You can read the river reports for Country Haven Lodge fishing report by visiting this link http://www.flyfishingatlanticsalmon.com/reports.html.

We are running the trip again in September 2017 and already have a number of bookings. There are still places available for this trip so if you want an opportunity to fish one of the best Atlantic Salmon rivers in Canada and North America then either call me or contact Country Haven Lodge (phone 001 506 843 9010).


Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

September 2016

September 2016

Fishing has been slow on the Taw system due to lack of water.  A rise in early August produced good fishing for a week or so but low levels have returned with the inevitable fall off in fishing success. Keep an eye on the weather forecast as there is generally a spell of good fishing a few days after heavy rain .

Our annual Atlantic Salmon fishing trip to the Miramichi at the end of this month bodes far better.  They are having great fishing there at present and this looks to continue through our week and beyond to the end of their season in mid October. You can see how things are going by looking at the Country Haven Lodge fishing report on this link http://www.flyfishingatlanticsalmon.com/reports.html.

We still have some spaces available for this trip so if you want an opportunity to fish one of the best Atlantic Salmon rivers in Canada and North America then either call me or contact Country Haven Lodge (phone 001 506 843 9010).


Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

March 2016

March 2016

Salmon and sea trout fishing on the river Taw continues to improve following the removal of all the major migration barriers on the Taw and Mole. Conditions at the moment are perfect and some fish have already been caught on the Mole.  Fishing a few days ago I hooked and lost a good fish on the Taw so all the signs of a good start to the season are there. It's definitely worth making a visit now while river levels are perfect and there is an opportunity of hooking a spring fish. As always it's a case of being there at the right time.

Hopefully we will get some good saltwater fishing for bass in the summer but be aware of the recent change in regulations, no bass can be kept until July and then only one fish a day per angler can be retained.

Our late September trip to the Miramichi river to fish for atlantic salmon is planned again for 2016.  Their season has now started and you can see how things are going by looking at the Country Haven Lodge fishing report, click this link http://www.flyfishingatlanticsalmon.com/reports.html.

Contact me or the lodge if you have an interest in our trip.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

August 2015

The season on the River Taw has improved signifiacntly over last year.  Low water conditions slow things down but whenever there has been some rain salmon and sea trout are caught as soon as water levels steady.  It's a case of being there at the right time.

Bass fishing has been slow and the bass numbers seem reduced this year.  The new size limit aimed at preventing immature fish being caught by commercial and recreational fishing comes in force this autumn.  Hopefully there will be an improvement in numbers following this.

Our late September trip to the Miramichi river to fish for atlantic salmon will soon be here.  The fishing there this year has been much better than recent years.  Have a look at the Country Haven Lodge fishing report to see how well it is going there, click this link http://www.flyfishingatlanticsalmon.com/reports.html.

Contact me or the lodge if you have an interest in our trip but don't delay as only a few spare places remain.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

March 2015

A new season is about to start and hopefully the salmon will return in greater numbers than last year.  We are alresdy taking bookings for river fishing, wild brown trout and salmon as well as stillwaters which are open year round.

Stilwaters are the ideal way to start fly fishing and you can be sure to take a rainbow trout home at the end of the day.  Our trout streams are also beginner friendly and with guiding and instruction you are sure to rise some fish to the fly.

Atlantic salmon run the river Taw and if you fancy getting tuition and guided fishing with a two handed rod and learning the art of spey casting then I can get you started if a beginner or brush up technique if you are more experienced.

Our late September Canada trip has always been popular so if you fancy a visit to the famous Miramichi River in New Brunswick to fish for Atlantic salmon then give me a call.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

December 2014

Extensive river work on weir removal and fish pass improvements over the last few years is providing easier access to the tributaries and upper reaches. Lots of indications that fish are running and spawning successfully.  This bodes well for future years.

Prices for our September 2015 trip to fish for Atlantic Salmon on the Miramichi River, New Brunswick, Canada have been kept the same as 2014.  We are taking bookings now and already have several booked.  Information on this trip is on my website. Call me for any further information you need.

Our local stillwaters remain open all year so call if you want a guided day with casting instruction.


Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194 

August 2014

Back home in Devon after an extended visit to the USA.  Fished the Yellowstone River in Livingston Montana briefly until a thunderstorm ended proceedings.

Didn't miss much home fishing though as the summer heat and low water conditions continue to make things difficult.

Next trip is our annual outing to New Brunswick, Canada, to fish the Miramichi for Atlantic Salmon.  Just a couple of places left this year so get in touch if you are interested.  We already have a lot of interest in our 2015 trip so if next year is a better option for you then call me soon as places are being booked quickly.

Hoping for some good saltwater fly fishing for bass on the estuary this autumn weather allowing.  Check with me for dates.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194 

July 2014

A couple of months have passed since the last post.  Since then I've had another 2 salmon and some good brown trout and saltwater species. Many others have also had success with both salmon and sea trout.  The rivers are down at low level again now so things have slowed a bit.  However, numbers of sea trout are increasing and providing late evening sport into the night.

As well as salmon and sea trout there are quite a few good sized brown trout being caught on the rivers.  Our local still waters are also fishing well and contine to provide good sport for rainbows and brownies.

Saltwater fly fishing for bass has now started, no problems here with low water and high temperatures.  The bass seem to enjoy the higher water temperature and sunny weather.  On a recent trip we had several good size bass and mullet as well as a number of smaller fish as well.  Contact me if you are interested in having a go.

We are now almost fully booked for our Atlantic Salmon fishing week in New Brunswick, Canada, this coming September.  If you are thinking of joining us on this trip then don't delay booking.  Our week provides spey casting clinics and casting demonstrations at no additional cost.

Get in touch for  casting instruction and salmon, trout and saltwater guided fishing days.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194 

May 2014

The 2014 season on the rivers seems to be finally getting going.  More salmon seem to have entered the rivers and catches are increasing.  I was lucky enough to catch 2 springers around the 10 pound mark yesterday on the middle Taw. Others are also having success and the catch numbers are steadily increasing. This bodes well for the coming season and so long as we don’t experience the drought conditions of last year’s summer we should experience good fishing for salmon and sea trout this year.

Stillwaters are also fishing well with good catches at the South West Lakes fisheries, Wimbleball and Wislandpound.  The smaller fisheries, Blakewell and Bratton Water continue to provide good sport as always.

Mid June will see the start of my saltwater fly fishing for bass on the beach and estuary.  Given good weather conditions this always provides good fishing so if you fancy a go at the bass then give me a shout.  Tackle can be provided if you don’t have anything suitable.

Our September trip to Canada fishing for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi river in New Brunswick is getting good interest again and we already have a number of bookings.  If you fancy am overseas trip this year for salmon then you can’t do much better than this.  Have a look at my website for further information.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194 

August 2013

This season has been a real mixture, starting with plenty of water but cold and windy and for the last few months lots of sunshine, hot days and rivers at summer low levels week after week.  However, for some of the time at least, salmon and sea trout could be seen moving in the late evening with sea trout often saving the day.

Stillwaters have been a better option and as autumn and cooler conditions hopefully arrive, weed growth will diminish and fishing conditions will provide good sport.  So far, the best activity has been on the saltwater with plenty of bass seen and a good few caught.  Although these are mostly school bass they still put a good bend in the rod.

It's not long now until our annual trip to Canada where we fly fish the Miramichi River for Atlantic salmon.  This season has so far been one of the best for several years so we are expecting a good amount of activity on our trip this year.  There are still a couple of spaces left so if you are interested give me a call.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

May 2013

It seems a long time since the last post, the cold windy weather earlier keeping things quiet.  We have been getting some good fishing on our stillwaters but the rivers have been a bit slow due to conditions.  Now things are warming up a bit and more insects are starting to emerge we are expecting the river trout fishing to begin in earnest.

Salmon and sea trout are beginning to show in more numbers although not too many have been caught so far.  Once again, the cold temperatures have kept the fish in the estuary where it is warmer.  This should change over the next few weeks as the late spring finally brings warmer conditions.

Another few weeks and we will start to explore the saltwater looking for bass and mullet.  The bass usually show in good numbers as the water warms and can be caught from the shore on the fly.

Once again, if you are still thinking of a fishing trip abroad this year have a look at my website and consider visiting New Brunswick on our annual 'Spey Week' in September.  We fly fish the Miramichi for Atlantic Salmon on the Country Haven Lodge private beats.  This is a prolific salmon river, rated as one of the best in the North Americas.  We still have a few vacancies this year so if you are interested, don't delay as places are now becoming short.

Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

December 2012

The November floods have abated and now the cold weather is setting in.  Most fisheries are now closed until next year but we have several small trout stillwaters that remain open all year.  Providing it's not too cold the winter fishing on these is good, summer weed growth has reduced and the colder water is more oxygenated.

If you are making plans for next season give me a call, phone or email, to see what I can offer you.  These can be stillwated days, salmon, wild brown trout and sea trout fishing on our local rivers and saltwater fly fishing for bass on the estuary. I can also provide contact information for accommodation.

The date for our 2013 trip to Eastern Canada to fish for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River is 22nd September and returning on the 29th.  This provides 6 1/2 days of guided flyfishing and full board accommodation.Read about our previous visits on my website.  We already have interest for 2013 so get in touch if you are thinking of joining us on this trip.

With Christmas arriving shortly, why not give a fly fishing voucher as a gift.  I can tailor the content to suit your needs, guided days, fly casting instruction, whatever is wanted to enjoy a fishing day out in the countryside or a bit of instruction to improve casting techniques.


Bryan

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

phone: 01769550840 / 07759352194

October 2012

The river fishing season has now closed but stillwaters remain open.  South West Lakes Wimbleball and Wistlandpound remain open until the end of November and the small stillwaters are open all year.  Winter fishing the small stillwaters given reasonable temperatures is often better than in the summer months.  Weed growth has reduced and colder water is more oxygenated, all better for fishing and the fish.

Our annual trip to the Miramichi in New Brunswick, Eastern Canada, was somewhat different this year.  Unlike areas of the UK, New Brunswick experienced a summer with virtually no rain and the river levels reduced dramatically.  Few fish entered the river and the locals said this year was the worst fishing season since 1968.  Our group managed to catch 15 fish and connected with as many more.  Several of the salmon caught were double figure fish, two in excess of 20 pounds.  Two of the lost fish were estimated to be over 30 pounds.

We are planning another trip next September and expect the river conditions to be back to normal and the fishing much improved on this year.  As before we include double and single hand casting tuition during this week.  Get in touch if you are interested in this trip.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

August 2012

Now into the middle of August and the weather over the last couple of months has resulted in the opposite of what we normally expect this time of year.  Usually we are praying for rain to lift the low river levels.  This year the rivers are full or overfull and coloured.

Get there at the right time and you could be into fish, salmon and sea trout are distributed throught the system now.  A few hours can make all the difference, good conditions in the morning and a coloured and rising river in the afternoon.  Weather forecasts and a lot of luck prevail.

Even the stillwaters are variable.  Some fishing well but others more difficult.  There are good numbers of bass around and when weather conditions co-incide with favourable tides the fishing is good.

Our trip to New Brunswick to fish the Miramichi for Atlantic salmon is full this year but we will be running our week again next year at the end of September.  I will be updating my website to include this year's report so if you are interested in the 2013 trip get in touch.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

May 2012

Been away on travels for a while, catching tuna in warmer climes but not on the fly.

We had a lot of water a few weeks ago although the rivers are now running back to normal levels for the time of year. The warmer weather has encouraged the insect hatch and trout fishing, both for wild brown trout on the rivers and rainbow on the lakes, is now in full swing. Lots of yellow mays are around as well as olives and the mayfly are also beginning to show.

There are more salmon showing in the rivers as well and catches are being reported thoughout the Taw system, several in double figure weights. Spey casting provides the most efficient method of presenting the fly when space is limited so why not book for some tuition to learn or improve this skill.

If you are interested in an overseas fishing trip in 2012 then look at my website for details of our Atlantic Salmon fly fishing trip with spey casting tuition in Eastern Canada. We are already full on this trip but other weeks at the lodge are available and you can always register your interest in our 2013 trip which we plan for the end of September again.

With the recent warm weather we will be fly fishing for bass on the North Devon Coast from early June. The dates are tide dependent so if you are interested in some saltwater fly fishing, give me a call.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

January 2012

Looking at the clear skies and the frost there isn't much fishing going on at present. Once things warm up a bit I will be visiting our small still waters so if you want to tune up your casting then a day or a half day will set you up for the new season.

I'm already planning our summer bass fishing trips so if you want to experience successful salt water fly fishing for bass, give me a call and I'll let you know suitable dates.

If you are interested in an overseas fishing trip in 2012 then look at my website for details of our Atlantic Salmon fly fishing trip with spey casting tuition in Eastern Canada. We are already about full on this trip but other weeks at the lodge are available and you can always register your interest in our 2013 trip which we plan for the end of September again.

Now is the time to check over tackle and get it in good order. If your fly lines are showing signs of wear then replace them with new. Also remember that although fluorocarbon has a good lifetime, other nylon materials are not so good and it's better to replace spools than save a few pounds and lose a fish of a lifetime.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

December 2011

Our local reservoirs Wimbleball and Wistlandpound have now closed for the winter. Fishing is still available on local stocked stillwaters and good brown trout fishing is available at Bratton Water near Barnstaple.

If you are stuck for a Christmas present, why not give a day or half day fly fishing voucher. This can be for stillwater fishing for rainbow and stocked brown trout or fishing for wild brown trout, salmon or sea trout on rivers. Saltwater fly fishng for bass is also available. Phone or email me for details, contact information on my website, link below.

If you are interested in an overseas fishing trip in 2012 then look at my website for details of our Atlantic Salmon fly fishing trip with spey casting tuition in Eastern Canada. Numbers on this trip are limited and we already have bookings for 2012 so if you are interested in this, don't delay.

Best wishes to all, have a good Christmas and successful fishing in 2012.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

November 2011

The salmon season finished end of September with a good number of fish seen travelling upstream. Now that Head Weir has been removed, Clapworthy Weir repaired and a new fish pass installed, fish will have reached the spawning gravels with fewer obstructions to their passage. This should show increased numbers of fish returning in future years. Other weir improvements and removals have also been carried out recently. See the current news page on the River Taw Fisheries Association website http://www.rivertawfisheries.co.uk/html/current_news.html for further information.

We have now set the dates for our 2012 visit to the famous Miramichi river in New Brunswick, Canada. See my website for further details http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk/miramichi.html. Get in touch with me to register your interest.

Although river fishing has now finished for this year, Wistlandpound and Wimbleball remain open for fishing until the end of November and we have several trout fisheries open all year, so for guided fishing with casting tuition call me to arrange a session.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

September 2011

As predicted, conditions on the rivers improved greatly while I was away. The Taw produced good fishing with one rod reporting he was catching salmon every time he went out. The Mole also fished well with plenty of fish in the system, access now greatly improved after Head Weir was replaced with a rock ramp. Other weir improvements planned should get more fish up to the spawning gravels.

I have just returned from a week's fishing on the Miramichi in New Brunswick, Eastern Canada. The fishing this week was tougher than normal and our group of 9 caught 23 fish for the week. We would normally expect to roughly double that. Every year is different though and hopefully conditions will be back to normal next year.

The rivers close at the end of September but South West Lakes Trust waters, Wistlandpound and Wimbleball remain open for fishing until the end of November and we have several trout fisheries open all year, so for guided fishing with casting tuition call me to arrange a session.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk

July and August 2011

Well, I've been abroad for a lot of the time these two months. The fishing has predictably been poor when the rivers were low and much improved when the rivers were beginning to drop after rain in mid August. As I write this in mid September we have just had heavy rain and the rivers are high and dirty. This should give good conditions in a few days time if the rain holds off so get here if you can.

Once again, my travels take me away when the conditions are likely to become favourable. I am off to Canada for a week's Atlantic salmon fishing on the Miramichi, one of the most prolific Atlantic salmon rivers in North America. Look out for reports of this year's visit, and consider coming with our group in 2012. Let me know if you would like more information.

South West Lakes Trust waters, Wistlandpound and Wimbleball remain open for fishing until the end of November and we have several trout fisheries open all year so for guided fishing with casting tuition call me to arrange a session.

Bryan Martin

http://www.devonflyfishing.co.uk