Warm sunny weather over the past few days has dropped the river level appreciably, but it's still fishable on the pools and deeper runs although clear water will make creeping up on our wild brownies a game for back woodsmen.

I was talking to our wild top end river specialist yesterday morning when he dropped by for a guest ticket.  Despite less than favourable conditions so far this season he tells me that he has caught 17 fish so far from the runs and pools around Lodge Hall.  This is true "wild west" country with almost no bank side herbage to cover an approaching angler from the ever watchful gaze of the timid brown trout that live here.  It's many years now since we last stocked near Lodge Hall so all fish found this far up the river will be wild fish.

I didn't get up to the Tarn yesterday so was unable to check on the well being of our new cygnets.  On Thursday the whole family was missing from the Tarn which caused some consternation.  However, they were all spotted later plodding up the channel that drains the water below the duck wall.  I assume that mum had taken the chicks down to the swampy area at the foot of this leat to feed in the shallower water.

It's another cracking day with not a cloud in the sky and just a gentle westerly breeze stirring the trees.  Far from ideal fishing conditions, but a late evening at the Tarn should be rewarding.

Ian