Outer Hebrides 2022

[johnesmithson]

Just back from our annual jaunt to West Lewis. It's a long drive (equivalent in time to going to the French Alps), but I've really gone off airports, and I wanted to take every bit of loch kit that I possess. Plus the road is spectacular and pretty empty once you get above the Central Belt. They had a very wet June up there which allowed for a good early run of grilse. The Grimersta fishery in West Lewis had a record month, and most other Hebridean systems have seen decent numbers too. We wondered what all that heatwave talk was about when we were reaching for our waterproofs, extra warm layers and hats last week. The seatrout hadn't turned up in force, but each of our group was fortunate to catch at least one grilse, which was a real thrill from a drifting boat in a big westerly blow. Just as much fun was a day afloat on a remote trout loch when my pal and I had more than 50 wild brownies up to about 3/4lb. Three fly casts, 4lb Maxima, traditional stuff. Eagles, otters and deer around the house, and about 3 trillion midges. Glad I took my headnet.

[terry]

Thanks for posting Johnny sounded like a great trip.
It’s been 5 years since I went up to Lewis and three years for anywhere in Scotland and I miss it. Like you since covid I’ve lost all interest in airports. Not sure I could handle the drive anymore though.
You’ve missed nothing on Dartmoor as this hot spell continues with no rain in the forecast. The Arundell has currently suspended all fishing on its rivers which tells you how bad it is.
I need to try a new rain dance.

[Pete Tyjas]

Lovely report, thanks so much for posting. I recently published a podcast with Colin Macleod who I believe works as a gille up there. It sounds a wonderful place.

I know there has been little fishing activity for obvious reasons but the lack of posts and having to fend off spam attacks made me wonder if it was worth persevering with this forum.

Thank you for restoring my faith!

[terry]

Pete please don’t say that, this forum is priceless despite the current lack of posts.
I know that things are very quiet at the moment but I’m sure it will pick up. I’m reluctant to post too regularly in fear of being the forum bore.😁 with regard to the bathtub scanners may they forever p**s off.
Keep up with the posts lads.

[johnesmithson]

Thank you both for your replies. Pete, I must listen to that podcast with Colin Macleod. He also has a regular column in T&S, and sounds like a very thoughtful guy. For anyone reading this thread who has an interest in angling literature, the photo of my boat partner playing a grilse was taken at 'The Point' a location described by Sidney Spencer in his book 'Salmon and Sea Trout in Wild Places'. He got four salmon in a row there one day in July 1967, plus a 6lb sea trout (a record for that fishery). He is one of my angling heroes, even if he describes the bluff above the lie as being '30ft high and dropping sheer into clear water filled with gleaming golden boulders'. Artistic licence!

[Pete Tyjas]

Hi Terry, you wouldn't bore me, I love your Dartmoor reports and anything else you have to say, crack on!

Johnny, here's the podcast. Hope you enjoy!

I'm just back from fishing in the mountains of Italy. I think I am in love!

[johnesmithson]

Thanks very much Pete. Which bit of Italy? I know parts of the Dolomites quite well from winter visits.

[Pete Tyjas]

Hi Johnny,

Trentino, crystal clear, cold water and casting dries to either rising fish or sighted fish.

Think I found what might be heaven or at least, very close to it!

[terry]

Hi Pete that trip sounds the business. I’ve read many things about Trentino and watched a number of YouTube videos. A place I must one day visit. I guess I would have to put up with northern Italian wines though😄

[johnesmithson]

Right, I think I can sell the idea of an Italian walking trip to my wife, and there might just be room for my Smuggler 4wt in the rucksack...

[Pete Tyjas]

Hi Johnny, I'll be putting a podcast out on Thursday about it and we talk about the fishing and more. I hope it helps whet the appetite. I am heading back next year.

Terry, we drank the local wine and it was very good along with the food too. Sitting under the shade of a tree eating salami or mozzarella and tomato rolls for lunch was just about perfect.

I'm just back from a couple of days on the chalkstreams. The water was a relatively cool 14.5 deg and I really enjoyed spotting grayling, casting a nymph upstream to them and watch what happens. I guess it is the simplest form of nymphing and great fun. I drove home with a sizeable smile on my face.

[johnesmithson]

One of our best family summer holidays was a self-guided bike trip down the Adige valley from the Italian-Austrian border to Verona via Trento and Lake Garda. We went with a company called Giro Libero. They carted our bags by van to our next stop and we just pedalled gently downhill at our own pace. Cycle paths, vineyards and orchards all the way, with the odd open air swimming pool to cool down in, and some lovely B&Bs and traditional hotels. If only I had tried the fishing...

[Pete Tyjas]

I reckon if you teed the same thing up with fly rods it could just be perfect!

[Pete Tyjas]

Here's the podcast of the Italian trip.

Hope you enjoy!

[johnesmithson]

Really enjoyed that thanks Pete