Barren Landscape:

Venturing into the lava fields of Iceland is an eerie experience. I suppose you could liken it to visiting the Moon? Not that I've been there, why bother when there isn't a population of trout! Anyway, this barren landscape does have a stark beauty about it, if not bleak feeling. We were after lake trout that dwell in the many craters and depressions formed by volcanoes.

Paul~

~Ponies accompanying fishermen along the banks~

Ponies Galore:

Although relatively small, Icelandic Ponies are hardy and long lived. They've got to be, to withstand the often chilly temperatures this far North. Plenty of ponies could be found along the banks of the Minni. Thankfully they were all friendly, if not inquisitive. Often, groups of them would follow you around. Problems arose when attempting to seek up on wary trout, trying to hide twenty odd ponies is not easy!

Paul~

~Prancing Ponies in front of Hekla~

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Slowly Does It:

Mat McHugh of Fly Odyssey gave me a valuable lesson in sighting trout in clear water. Mat (above) edges forward slowly on a shallow section of the Minnivallalaekur, checking out every shape on the riverbed before moving on. He located a decent trout feeding close to the bank though before he could cast the fish moved on. Not one for quitting, Mat was back the following morning and duly landed a solid 5-pounder. Proof that sneaking about on hands and knees really does pay dividends.

Paul~

Stunning Sunsets:

Wide open spaces in Iceland means "big skies" which in turn produces some stunning sunsets. Despite the nagging cold and often breezy conditions, every once in a while the weather smiled and we were treated to scenes like this. Even when the evening rise failed to materialise, it was worth staying out to watch a setting sun slip quietly behind distant hills.

Paul~

~photo: Backcast Productions~

Rod Bender Finally Tamed:

Following a nerve racking tussle, this stunning Minivallalaekur wild brown eventually folded in the net, dropping the scales to 5lb exactly. He was discovered feeding a mere stones throw from the Lodge and although the Minni is reputed for its spectacular midge hatches, late season craneflies provide a welcome meal for such hefty trout. It's always pleasing to get a good fish under your belt when visiting foreign climes.

Paul~

~photo: Backcast Productions~

Rod Testing:

First evening on the Minnivallalaekur saw the wind fall away, tempting a few fish to poke their noses through the surface. This tenacious trout took a dry daddy long legs without a second glance. Hooking him seemed the easiest part, like their Vikings, Iceland's trout are extremely powerful. Here my Orvis Helios 5-weight takes some serious strain as I try to subdue this fish. A couple of runs later the upper hand is gained and he's safely in the net.......phew.....

Paul~

Hekla Revealed:

Some 1488 metres above sea level, it's a rare day that reveals the summit of Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, which according to the locals is due to erupt in the next few years! Here, she stands guard over the tranquil waters of the Minnivallalaekur, a river famed for producing huge trout. On those rare calmer days, such is the water clarity, it's possible to stalk fish by sight. although the Minni seems barren at first sight, the many silt beds provide cover for midge larvae, giving year round feeding for the finned inhabitants.

Paul~

~Toby illustrating good rivercraft on the lower reaches at Bolton Abbey~

Nice to see a youngster:

A recent day on the Wharfe with William and Toby Kinread saw bright conditions and fresh water (much needed) from the night before, making for challenging conditions. There were a handful of fish showing, just about enough to warrant a drift with a dry fly. Thankfully, 14 year old Toby took to the river like the proverbial duck to water. His understanding of the river's mechanics allowed him to present both nymphs and latterly dry flies upstream with ease. It's often said that children soak up information like a sponge, if only more youngsters would pick up a fly rod.

Paul~

~A commanding view of Haweswater~ (photo Rod Calbrade)

Heather Fly at Haweswater:

The first week of August saw us on one Haweswater-one of the Cumbria's prettiest lakes. A warm, muggy afternoon clearly encouraged Heather Fly onto the wing (a close cousin of the Hawthorn Fly). There was the odd flying ant joining in on the action too! With so much food being blown on, what trout could resist? And despite bright overhead conditions, fish could be found rising in the more sheltered bays. Usually, a team of dark coloured wets bring the desired response, however those residents in Haweswater had seen it all before, instead they favoured black hoppers fished static.

Paul~