July has been just as dry as the preceding months, with fishing getting harder and harder during the day on all the waters. Fly hatches are sparse until the evenings but a sedge fished on the surface has picked off fish on the Wye and Press manor for various clients during the month.
Montana nymph is a favourite with regulars at Press, fished deep for fish feeding on the sloping stone clad sides, probably on snails or cased caddis but I prefer to get the beginners going with a dry fly. Sedge patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis and the CdC and Elk in size 14 and 16 have worked well, as have the Shipman’s Buzzer in Orange or Olive and my own CdC Loop Wing Hopper in Orange or Claret.
The same Caddis patterns have done well on the Wye at both the Peacock and Monsal beats as have the smaller CdC dun imitations in sizes 18 and 20. Staying late and fishing spinner patterns, BWO duns and Caddis patterns is the best way forward for the next month or so until September brings shorter days and more daytime hatches. Keep a lookout for Daddies which can appear just about any time of day especially if it is warm but damp.
Recently opened in Matlock is Matlock Angling Centre who carry both Coarse and Game Fishing tackle and cater for local and visiting anglers alike. Contact Lee Simpson on 07973514143.