We are now just over 2 weeks’ away from the start of the new trout season and I am sure that some of you are raring to get out on the river.
At this time of the year the water temperature will be not much above zero degrees centigrade and the fish will be lethargic.
Make sure you are well wrapped up against the cold to start. I wear thermal long-johns under lined thermal wading trousers (See land from John Norris, they are great) under my Goretex waders.
Hatches, if any, will be few and far between and won’t last very long. So fishing wet is the way to go and if you are fortunate enough to get a hatch then be opportunistic and switch to a match the hatch dry fly.
Trout will be lying deep and they will be reluctant to move far to the fly so I like to meet them eyeball to eyeball with a euro nymphing rig. I like to fish a heavy nymph on the ‘point’ and a small nymph rigged NZ style off that. This gets the small fly down into the zone and it catches most of the fish.
Klink and dink will also work, fish a well weighted fly 120cm under the klink.
Top patterns early season are bead-head nymphs in #12 and #14, pheasant tail nymph, black magic nymph, soft hackle dry, March brown dry fly and a blue winged olive.
Tight lines and we look forward to meeting you on the river.
TAC Notices/Diary Dates
Wading – As you all know, wading in the Ure can be challenging, especially at this time of the year. Please be careful and take the necessary precautions, good boots, wading staff etc. Recent high water will have shifted gravel and can change the profile of the river bed in places so please be extra vigilant.
Track above Woods Stream – Earlier this month following the heavy rain, a tree fell into the river above Woods Stream taking with it part of the track. This is now closed to vehicles while repairs take place. Access to fishing beyond Woods Stream is now only possible on foot as we work on alternative access and repairs to the track. We will provide updates when available.
Sunday 15th March 2026 – Grayling season ends.
Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Trout season commences.
Saturday 28th March 2026 – Walbran Day – kick off the season in style
Saturday 11th July 2026 – Tanfield Angling Club Summer Sizzler on the Lake.
2026 Masterclasses – We will continue to run Masterclasses in 2026. Details will be available shortly.