Weekly River & Hatches Update
With the clocks about to spring forward, the rivers beginning to warm, and the long days just around the corner, there is much positivity in the air. Fly fishers wait patiently for the start of the trout season. Soon, river banks will be alive with wildlife, fresh vegetation, wildflowers and the unmissable spectacle of the Mayfly hatch…
Weather:
March looks set to deliver a fairly dry spell for much of the UK, with a mix of cloud and sunny breaks, the best of the sunshine likely in the south and southeast. We may wake up to a bit of patchy fog here and there, especially overnight and into the early mornings. That said, it wouldn’t be March without a few showers and the odd blustery day. Temperatures should sit near or slightly above average, with daytime highs hovering around a pleasant 14°C.
River Flows:
As per the Environment Agency rainfall report, it has been another wet week across the whole of the country with all but northern England already exceeding the February long term average (LTA) rainfall total. This is a promising start for the chalkstream trout season, with aquifers recharged and riverbeds refreshed.
Hatches:
The only two hatches to consider during these months are namely midges (which are the most consistent hatch) and olives.
Fly Patterns:
Shrimps are one of the most common creatures grayling eat and the ones they actively search for. You will see them rooting around at the riverbed trying to dislodge shrimps amongst the gravel. Along with the olives, midges are a major hatch this month. You will most likely use the sub-surface patterns more than the dry, but you should carry all the variants anyway. Have a variety of colours in your fly box - black, green and red.
Our Seasonal tips:
March grayling fishing can bring some amazing hatches and strong grayling fights. Concentrate on the warmest part of the day, typically 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, to catch the best hatches. The season officially ends on the 14th of March, so be quick to book that last minute trip in,
News, events and catch reports:
