Thymallus
The Grayling Society Blog

Costa Beck Decision

Becoming a new Area Secretary

Grayling Society President Feargal Sharkey OBE chats to conservation officer Ron Taylor on 8th February 2023 about his life, work, and motivation.

Grayling conservation and the need for collaboration

Three Unusual Dry Flies for Grayling

The Gulf of Bothnia is the only known habitat for the threatened sea living Grayling

River Nadder, Teffont Fishing Club

... the last time I wrote anything for this blog I was more concerned about rain and rivers in flood to stop my fishing activities. How quickly our worries change. I hope that doesn’t sound flippant, these are unquestionably serious times we are living through. My thoughts go out to all those who are suffering health wise and those whose livelihoods are at risk. A massive shout out to all those people who are doing what must be a difficult job in looking after us all; carers, shop workers, delivery drivers, etc. and of course our wonderful NHS. It brings my worries of getting out fishing into sharp context and seem somewhat misguided. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there always is. Whilst I can’t now one day I will be able to get into the river again where I feel at home and at peace and I’m positive many of you are feeling exactly the same. Hold onto that thought. In the meantime I have been using my allotted exercise time to walk the footpaths along the river near my home. These walks were the playground of my youth and the places I started this long education of my fishing life. The River Camel doesn’t hold any Grayling just Trout but in its heyday it supported great numbers of Salmon and Sea Trout, oh and what Salmon they could be. They are still there just not in the numbers they used to be and maybe not in the same sizes. I have just got back from today’s walk and this time of year all that can be seen are the small Brownies whizzing about the pools, running for cover as they feel my heavy footsteps approach the bank. Large Dark Olives and Grannom are trickling off the water’s surface. It may still be chilly but the sun is out and spring is certainly making its appearance. Some small pleasures. You all take care of yourselves and I will see you on the riverbank when we reach the end of this tunnel. Ian Elford, Area 1 Secretary Photos are of the upper River Camel, pretty much at the bottom of my childhood garden.

Area 1 at the South West Fly Fair The last weekend of February I was able to represent the Grayling Society at the South West Fly Fair. This annual get together at Roadford Lake in Devon and organised by the South West Lakes Trust is always a well-attended day with many organisations and trade stands in attendance. This year in my new role of Area 1 Secretary I wanted to promote the Society and our Lady of the Stream so in conjunction with Launceston Angling Association, of which I am also Vice Chairman this year, we booked our stand. The morning of the show was greeted with, what seems to have become the norm, heavy rain. Crossing the Tamar at Launceston the river had completely burst its banks and flooded the surrounding fields. Not boding well for the start of the trout season in a couple of weeks! I think we had every season in one day for the show when snow showers became storm force winds and then lovely sunshine. Thank you Storm Jorge. Luckily we were inside but I did feel for those poor souls trying to take casting demonstrations. The day went very well with plenty of interest in what we do as a society and I hope that those who expressed an interest in joining will have by now. I spoke with some of our existing members and it was good to put faces to names. I was ably assisted on the day by fellow Society member and Launceston President, Rod Dibble, who was busy handing out application forms for the Association but really wanted to just show off his newly purchased Trotting Centre Pin. To while away the hours and to give some interest I tied some Czech nymphs and a few bugs using different varieties of Chadwicks or Spindrift substitutes. Much discussion about their differing qualities ensued. The photo was taken at the end of the day after the crowds had subsided and a weary Rod Dibble offered to pose for the picture. Ian Elford - Area 1 Secretary