Well the days are stretching out and as I was reminded at the end of February, it will be the end of October when it will next go dark before six in the evening. And that’s enough to cheer anyone up!

With the arrival of longer days and warmth in the mid-day sunshine the anglers spirits lift and so does the activity in the watery worlds we anglers explore. I love the optimism of spring. Hedgerow bottoms turn green with unfolding fronds of new growth and the birds are singing claim to their territories. Out on the lake chironomid midges hatch bravely to tempt a few trout to the surface but down the rivers life is waking up after the winter doldrums. Dark olives are an insect that is much loved by trout and anglers alike and they keep civilized hours usually hatching out  around lunchtime, and the wild brown trout in local rivers rise to the occasion. There is optimism in the anglers stride as they head wader clad down the river, with rods rigged and ready for action. I like Spring!!

Out on the lakes pike are usually spawning as we move through March and April and are best left alone. We do catch some good ones in the run up to spawning though and I always expect to met a few superb specimens in the early season period. This year has been a bit different though in that I have lost my traditional Windermere mooring. Historically I kept the boat on a short term berth at the old garage at Waterhead and it was an ideal location both for the fishing and for meeting our guests but sadly progress has intervened. The garage is being sold off and a new development of waterfront apartments is planned. If anyone knows of someone who may offer a place to tie up a boat at Waterhead there’s a free seasons ticket available from a fairly bereft Eric!

All is not lost though as I have recruited another great Guide for some of the Windermere days. Wayne O’ Sullivan is one of the nicest guys you will ever fish with. Good company, safe, well organized, and knows the lake almost as well as yours truly. He has another job as well but you will have to ask him about that when you meet him!

On another positive note, for those new to Lake District Fishing, Perch are often a good target fish to aim for and the best of the perch fishing is over the summer months. There’s little to beat  a summers day spent searching for these obliging fish and novice anglers and experts enjoy some fabulous days out on Derwentwater and Grasmere fishing the trundled worm and a few jigs. But for now, I have some flies to tie in readiness for the trout and a car to load with pike gear ready for another day on the lake tomorrow.

So take care , and we’ll see you by water.

Tarra,

Eric