It's a rather misty and grey morning with just a hint of blue beyond the mist that promises a brighter day later.  We had a plague of thunder flies last evening in the warm, still conditions that developed during the day.  These seemed to encourage a bit of a rise on the river despite the rather oppressive conditions.

Water levels are dropping off quite quickly now but the river remains fishable and who knows what lurks in the big pools below Horton after the recent spate.

I have just written a short article on sea trout for the Parish Newsletter.  This is based on an excellent description of this enigmatic trout on the website of the Atlantic Salmon Trust (www.atlanticsalmontrust.org).  This website is well worth a look for anyone interested in the well being of migratory salmonids.  I have now done about 15 articles for the newsletter really with the purpose of helping to connect the people of Horton with life on their river and to present the MAA to locals in a favourable light.  They seem to be appreciated judging by the number of times I'm stopped in the village or phoned by people wishing to discuss something that I've written or pass on their observations of something on the river that they would like me to comment on.  It all helps to maintain a watch on the river for anything out of the ordinary.

Ian