Calder Surprise
I joined acclaimed artist Liam Spencer on his local river the Lancashire Calder last week. Like many industrial waterways the Calder has made a strong comeback in recent years and boasts good fly hatches these days. Although the cruel easterly kept fly life at bay there was plenty of nymphs present beneath mossy stones. This huge stoneclinger (Large Brook Dun) would make a welcome mouthful for any trout. Several modest fish fell to our nymphs throughout the day. However, just as we were about to give it best, a hatch of medium olives kicked off. Not far behind them were some hardy trout. We ended the session taking a handful of fish on carefully presented dries. Our biggest problem was spotting subtle rise forms amidst turbulent water, whisked up by that relentless wind...........
Paul~