A standout memory from last season’s guiding?
There are so many that it is hard to pick out just one. I feel truly blessed to have a job that allows me to spend my working day in such a beautiful “office” and with such congenial companions. Many of my standout memories involve surprise encounters with the wildlife you meet when on the Chalk streams. One such incident occurred last season… I had arrived very early on a River Test beat to check the river out ahead of my clients arriving, as I was ambling along the bank, I heard a big splash and initially though it must be a swan or such like. As I rounded the corner imagine my surprise to see the furry face of a big dog otter having his morning swim… I don’t know who was more surprised on seeing the other, him or me.
We exchanged pleasantries and then he was gone in a stream of bubbles not to be seen again. Later when walking back up towards that pool with my clients, the fish were in their usual spots and we had success with the dry fly. Proving it is definitely possible for everyone to peacefully co-exist and enjoy life on chalk stream with a little give and take.
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As the new season begins, what are the conditions looking like on your local rivers and stillwaters?
Let’s talk about last year first… we had the wettest march for 250 years in 2024 which meant that the rivers were full, but the banks were so muddy that in some places they were difficult to navigate. Some estates even delayed their opening dates with the river keepers unable to get machinery down to the banks to carry out vital work. This year, we’ve got plenty of water in the rivers but we have had a dry March so no mud and it’s all looking picture perfect as the season opens. Much of this due to the hard work of fantastic river keepers, I can’t sing their praises more highly. They are the unsung heroes of the chalk streams in my humble opinion and if you happen to meet one it’s always worth showing your appreciation for their valuable work. They are the “keepers of the stream” as Frank Sawyer wrote in his lovey book.
Are there any new gear or flies you’re looking forward to testing or recommending to your clients this season?
A difficult question. If anything, I have reduced and simplified what I carry on the river based on the KISS principle, but I would recommend my clients visit the Orvis shop in Stockbridge if they are not sure what they will need. Olly and his team are very knowledgeable fly anglers who all have pearls of wisdom to pass on. Having said that I do like the look of the new waist waders and the new ultralight wading boots and of course the sublime 4th generation Helios. Oh dear, I just can’t help myself can I! If my long-suffering wife Anne reads this, I am in big trouble if I show up at home with anymore “new” gear!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to anglers planning their first fly fishing trip this year?
The best advice I can give is take your time, relax and enjoy the whole experience. Don’t arrive too early and if you’ve booked a guide try not to arrive before him or her, make a brew, pull up a chair and sit and watch the river for a good half hour before you start to fish or even walk the beat first with rod in hand just observing what is happening. If you worried you haven’t got the necessary skills, book yourself on an Orvis course first. Some of them are delivered at no charge such as the FF101 Programme in the Stockbridge store. I am also part of the team that delivers the beginners courses and private tuition on the chalk steams in Hampshire. Orvis is very good at being with you on your fly fishing journey and all the guides and instructors are picked for their knowledge, coaching skills and their patience. If you do hire a guide, think of him or her also as a congenial companion for the day with whom you are going to make some special memories, as well as hopefully land a few fish.
Can you share a personal goal or something special you’re looking forward to this year—whether it’s a dream catch, a conservation effort, or an unforgettable client experience?
I am Scottish and although I’ve never lived there, I’ve spent a lot of time up there, and it was my Scottish relatives that encouraged me to “cast the flea” when I was about 12 years old. I caught my first Salmon on the river Tummel in 1988. The Atlantic Salmon is a species having a very tough time at the moment. Orvis is actively supporting with the Missing Salmon Alliance and I am supporting WildFish, the Atlantic Salmon trust and others as best I can. On a personal level will be doing everything I can to protect and preserve these wonderful fish.
So, tight lines and hope to see you on a river or lake in Hampshire soon.
