Fishing Report at April 1st 2026

While much fly fishing remains as per our previous report in March, there are some key changes for the better!🙂

The river trout season is now open. While nymph fishing remains the predominant method for consistent success, dry fly opportunities are increasing. By mid April fish tend to be rising consistently and surface sport is good to season’s end. Nymphs to try right now are bead head pheasant tail nymph, shrimp and cased caddis. Dries to try are adams, F fly and a shuttlecock. Size 14 with olive, grey and/or rusty brown bodies are a good place to start.

Lake fishing continues as our previous report, with increased feeding activity towards buzzers during milder conditions. Floating, intermediate and medium sink fly lines with a small selection of lures in various colours, plus black buzzers and bloodworm will produce during feeding spells. As with the rivers, mid April onwards will see fish feeding activity increasing around the surface during settled weather, until surface temperatures get too high for them. It’s hard to beat a sparse black dry fly in sizes 14-16 this month. Between midge hatches and falls of Hawthorn fly and black gnat later in April, an F fly is a regular fish taker.

Our beginners courses continue during Spring and private lessons are available daily. Our guided river fishing days have now begun too. If we can help you in any way, drop us a line!🙂

Best fishes

Steve & Andrea