It certainly never seemed worth sticking for very long in any location, as we almost always had the take within that first two or three casts in any promising spot. This is about as close to being in a rainforest as you could get in England.Ī mobile approach is definitely the way- although the wading must be done with care in the really steep and rocky bits. It feels stuck outside regular time and space altogether and is so spectacularly green and craggy. It’s so bouldery and prehistoric-looking, too. No, a big part of the charm of such a river is scrambling over rocks and getting stuck in, so you can fish those seldom-touched spots and have the illusion, at least, that the river is all yours for an hour or three. There are gentler spots, for sure, but who wants to only fish in gentle pools used by dog walkers? It was hard not to stop at every single pool and bend. Virtually the first little run we came across produced the goods with a sinking fly, in fact, with a fish that bent the three-weight like a fish twice its size.
MARCH BROWN HIDDEN WATER TRAVEL FLY ROD PLUS
So, it was a case of using a simple nymph plus indicator set up just to get an early bend in the rod. But apart from a couple of tiny fish, we couldn’t really get them going until the afternoon.
An Elk Hair Caddis or Hare’s Ear Emerger rode the pockets and turbulent stuff beautifully. Suffice to say, you’ll find a lot to enjoy, regardless of your favourite tactic.įor us, that started with the dry fly. There are also smooth, shallow to mid-depth runs- and much deeper spots for heavy nymphs or even a streamer. First and foremost, there are endless boulders and pocket water areas, for those who love to try a bigger dry fly. Lying at the bottom of a steep-sided gorge, the water has power, pace and endless variety. The setting, for starters, is as dramatic as anything Dartmoor can throw at you. Right from the off, we knew it was going to be a special place to fish. That said, I did also consider a 10ft 4 weight rod to try longe leader and heavy nymphs- but you can’t take everything.
MARCH BROWN HIDDEN WATER TRAVEL FLY ROD FREE
I already hoped the fish would be free rising and that the former would see most of the action. Both were 7′ 6″ three weights, one with a dry fly and the other with a nymph and indicator combo. We settled on a rod each with two quite different setups in the end. Our most used flies on the day (L to R): Hi-Vis Elk Hair Caddis, Black Klinkhamer and Beaded Flashback PTN. When you’re hopping across boulders and racing water in a rocky gorge, you don’t want any sign of the kitchen sink- one fly box and a few bits will do nicely, thanks. With a steep path down to the river, it was time to set up for the day as lightly as possible. Having spent the summer totally addicted to fishing on Dartmoor, I was confident it would be up his street to try some fly fishing at the top of Exmoor! It had already been a good call to pick a weekday and get up early, because the car park above Watersmeet, was completely empty. Heading north with me was my friend Alex Sproson, who I owed a day’s fishing after his recent birthday. Barbrook Filling Station (EX35 6PF) is as simple as anywhere to get a day ticket, which is only a fiver! It’s not a quick journey, but it is a beautiful one- and if you Check out the National Trust site for more details, including a map and ticket outlets you’ll find all the directions and info you need. It took us around an hour and a half from Exeter. It’s a slightly longer drive than Dartmoor or the River Teign, it has to be said- which are much more popular destinations.ĭo most visitors want comfort first and a short walk these days? Or do they simply steam down the M5 and forget about North Devon altogether? It’s strange, because if you want wilder surroundings and a really authentic experience of my home county, the north is much more unspoiled and less crowded than the south these days. Over three miles of wild fly fishing, set across the epic boulder-strewn East Lyn River. It sounded too good to be true from the off.
So, you can forgive my ears for pricking up about the River Lyn. “ It’s absolutely stunning, and hardly anyone is fishing it!” -How often do you hear those words these days? Whether it’s the lack of foreign travel, or simply the current surge in interest around fishing, so many rivers and lakes are busier than ever.
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