I stood by the Tarn at about 5pm yesterday and watched an amazing display of heading and tailing as fish all across the water gorged themselves on hatching caenis.  For about 20 minutes this display went on and no doubt continued after I left.

Earlier on in the afternoon Fred B called by to report on a rewarding afternoons fishing, say some good things about the quality of the fish and to show me one specimen with a mouth crammed full of what looked like caenis.  I have just got back from an early morning wander up to the Tarn and it looks stunning in the crystal clear air and bright sun.  I shot some video and will try to post this up once I master the editing software that came with the camera.  Fish were rising.  Not in the numbers and with such enthusiasm as last night, but an early caenis hatch was tempting a few early feeders.

The swans are definitely nesting and the pen has most likely laid eggs as she seems very reluctant to leave the nest.  To be careful as you cross the stile over the far wall as the nest is right below this point and the cob is becoming very protective. As I said a few days ago, it might just be possible to provide some protection for the nest this year in the hope that we can deter the usual fox predation.

The forecast is for a cloudless, windless day so fishing will not be easy on the mirror surface of the Tarn.  The river is in just enough water to make it worth a try and this may be the better bet in these calm conditions especially as the promise is for a warm day which should bring on a good baetis hatch.

Ian