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Targeting Pike on the fly can be some good fun! For beginners we’ve set out some bits you’ll need to tackle up for success for catching these beast fish! including Rods, Reels, Flies & Leaders.

The weather certainly doesn’t know what do at the moment! Last weeks mid 20’s temps have disappeared and it’s now back down to a chilly 12 degrees! The fishing however has still been ok! I headed out to my local river one evening after work recently, I was greeted with some good looking rising fish, after watching and making a few casts at them they weren’t to be! A quick move downstream to some faster water I grabbed my 10ft #3 nymphing rod and worked my nymphs through some of the deeper runs.

Picture this, You’ve arrived at the river to low water there are some fish rising but they are super spooky. These can be technical fish to fool with a stealthy approach. Spooking these fish can result in the pool being disturbed for some time. During this time a good tip is to seek out the faster, rifflly and more oxygenated water. Here, nymphing can be a deadly option!

It seems we have been waiting for a warm patch of weather for weeks now. The UK is currently seeing some nice warm temperatures, but, what does that mean for our fishing adventures? During the warmer months of the trout season, the fishing can become a little tough. Trout can become lethargic and not in the mood to eat! You’ll be pleased to know we can beat the heat but be prepared for some early starts!

Fishing repots from some of the UK’s top fisheries such as Rutland, Carsington & Grafham show it’s not easy out there just now! With the cold temperatures, fishing has been tough for some! With this in mind we’ve put together some flies you need in your box to conquer these waters on your next trip!

Trout are currently going bonkers for this fly! The perfect dubbing to tie it too!

There’s a small olive coloured upwing species that despite its tiny size, causes quite a stir with trout on warm summer evenings. We’re talking about the Blue Winged Olive BWO) On rivers and streams across the UK this wee fly is causing quite a stir with trout lining up to grab this in demand meal!

The mayfly period might well be referred to as ‘Duffer’s Fortnight’ when apparently all the trout in our waters throw caution to the wind and feed greedily on mayflies. However there are periods when trout become bewilderingly tricky. This usually occurs in the early days when fish that have previously been eating tiny morsels such as midges and black gnats feel a little intimidated, or outfaced by the sheer size of adult mayflies. That said, once trout get a taste for mayflies they really do ‘lock on’

Tying Crunchers are pretty easy to do! Kit yourself out with these materials to tie up some of these fantastic flies!

Phillippa Hake went out to explore a local urban river and was greeted with some great dry fly sport! It was great to arrive at the banks of the river to see good numbers of olives hatching off and the fish going bonkers for them as they fluttered down stream! It was the first time this season I‘ve arrived at the river and thought, oh we’re in for a treat today! This particular river I was fishing on this day is only small but is home to some of the most stunning wild brown trout! I feel very lucky to have such great wild trout fishing on my door step. With typical sized brown trout and the odd surprise thrown in, Keep reading for a small insight to my most recent outing!

Tapered leaders are a must for fly anglers, especially for dry fly fishing. They make casting a single dry fly much easier than using a level length of tippet, helping the fly turn over and be presented the best it can! With the many different brands, lengths and breaking strains, for beginners, choosing the one for their needs can be a difficult task!

We hand pick some fishing essentials that wont break the bank. We use these ourself too! from snips to fly boxes. We've got you covered at The Essential Fly!

Working alongside the Semperfli Gold and Silver Fleck Chenilles Semperfli have been working on other colour blends of chenilles that attract fish. Since the release of their Gold and Silver Fleck they have been using a new Copper Fleck in their Copper Tinsel Fleck 15mm, It produces stunning flies and has less ‘flash’ which can occasionally put fish off biting. With a more subtle copper flash we have found fish loving this chenille. Use as bodies of streamers, large fly patterns, Humungous or even blob fly patterns. Available on a multicard too!

Take a look at these winter fishing tips. Including top winter fly picks for river and stillwater fly fishing! These tips will keep you catching over the cold winter months!

As all round anglers here at The Essential Fly we know how important it is for anglers to keep their winning flies safe and sound out of the elements! With this in mind we’ve chosen our top three fly boxes that will have you covered weather you’re a predator, stillwater or river angler!

Its easy to get carried away getting all the fishing gadgets that are out there but we’ve had picked some special ones and ones that are actually useful!

It’s safe to say we’ve had a lot of rain over the last few weeks! We’re all itching to get out and get our grayling season off to a strong start! With this in mind we want to give you the maximum chance of getting some grayling into your net when the rivers become safe and fishable again!

A drop in temperatures often puts an edge on the trout’s appetite as they prepare for winter. Obviously, trout will target fry and baitfish at this time of year as they represent a protein rich return for fish. That said, trout are extremely opportunistic and quick to take advantage of certain food sources available to them at anytime.

Diawl Bach in Welsh means ‘Little Devil’ and whilst the original Diawl Bach is devilish deadly these days we have many variants that are equally lethal. The original Diawl Bach simply consisted of a red game tail and beard hackle with the peacock herl body.

I’m often asked what flies are best for grayling. It’s always a tricky question to answer as much depends on where you fish the conditions and of course, what insects might be activity. That said, a quick glance at my fly box reveals more of certain patterns. Here’s what I consider my most important flies for grayling though they are not listed in an order of preference.

As the of another trout season draws to a close, those keen to continue swinging a rod, turn to grayling fishing through the winter months. Although grayling have the same spawning period as other coarse fish they obviously come into season on June 16th. However, most anglers still have their heads full of trout at this time and rarely switch to grayling proper until after September 30th.