The spring is coming!

Hello folks,

Not long to go until the spring now. I usually kick off my season on the Usk around mid-April although some folks up in Scotland and Wales start as early as mid March.....

Mid April is a time of transition. It is the time of the season when fishing expeditions, previously inspired by hope, become fishing expeditions radiating with the strong sense of rod-flexing anticipation. Combine this with a yearning to brush off the last winter cobwebs and you can see what drives me on my annual spring pilgrimage to the magical Usk valley.

Timing is of the essence when Olive fishing on the Usk. LDOs are notoriously sensitive to climatic variations making it difficult to predict their exact emergence time. Generally, the hatch kicks off shortly after 11.00am, peaking around 1.30pm before coming to an abrupt end as a chill sets in about 4ish. To make the most of this window of opportunity lunch has to be put on the back burner or in my case hastily snaffled up while searching for the next spotted leopard.

A critical component of successful Olive fishing is to be highly tuned in to exactly what is going on above and below the water. Being aware of the various stages of Baetis rhodani is paramount as each individual stage will become a trout target as the hatch progresses. Like other members of the Ephemoptera order (mayflies) the life cycle of Baetis rhodani consists of; 1) egg, 2) agile darter nymph (various instars), 3) emerging nymph, 4) sexually immature dun (sub-imago) and 5) mature dun (imago). The astute fly fisherman will keep track of the hatch as it unfolds and the corresponding trout activity, changing tactics accordingly. Hawk-like observation, rapid changes of tactics, adaptability and quick thinking provide the key to successful spring Olive fishing.

As soon as flotillas of LDO duns start to sail downstream it is time to start scanning the water for any signs of activity in the plethora of gutters, runs and riffles, so characteristic of the upper river. Look for a nice lengthy run or pool below a long bumpy riffle. Remember, riffles are the nymph factory of any freestone river due, in part, to the increased oxygen concentration and the stable structure of the river bed which provides an excellent habitat for nymphs. When searching for productive water, try to avoid the runs and pools directly below waterfalls because the plunging water swallows up any adult duns drifting downstream reducing the density of flies perched enticingly on the surface.

Beech trees line the banks, standing like sentinels of the Usk, stretching their tendrils low over the river fringes and lanes of bubbles sidling their way along the surface. Spirited birdsong fills the air, as blackbirds, robins and thrushes sing with a passion and rapture that resonates all around. If you pass along the river quietly you might see a dipper skimming past, a bobbing wagtail or a bolt of blue as the king fisher whizzes by. If you are really lucky you might even glimpse an otter forging its way across the flow.

So if you are wondering how to satisfy your springtime urge to be on the water then why not visit the Usk valley to see the olive spring for yourself?

If you enjoyed this post you might like to see some of my articles and writing at my website - just type Wild About Fishing into Google and you will find it...

Cheers

Robert