As the salmon season on the Eden comes to a close, Grayling take over on the rivers and offer some great early autumn dry fly fishing with lots of good fish from otherwise exclusive beats of the river. And if that were not enough, there’s the magic of winter pike. As days shorten, I am drawn inexorably towards the bigger Lake District waters and some real autumn and winter pike fishing. To be honest it’s a time of year that I really do look forward to, simply because we meet some very nice pike. And no matter how long or short the wait, when that float moves away drawn by an unseen fish, it is a moment of wonder as down below, might just, possibly, be the fish of a lifetime. With twenty pound fish many anglers target for the species, these days give a real chance of a very special pike. The best session last autumn was a nine fish session with three upper doubles and a twenty three pounder. Biggest last year went a shade over twenty five, and the kettle coming to the boil seems to trigger a feeding response even on hard days.! I know this sounds like sales blurb but it can be very good civilised, gentlemanly fishing and I love it. I’m doing a fishing talk n slideshow on 3 rd NOVEMBER.at 8.00pm at the Caledonan Pub, Bolton rd Ashton in Makerfield (next door to Tesco Garage) so might get to see a few of you there. Off to play with me jigs!! but that’s another story!

Yeah……winter!

An apology fish that came to the House Rod.. Sorry