Four days ago I strolled along the bank of the Tavy admiring the scenery and marvelling at the clarity of the water. Each granite pebble sparkled in the intense sunlight streaming from a cloudless sky. The weather and scenery attracted Metal Micky, a magnet fisher, who trashed the pool I had carefully approached on all fours. He  was accompanied by aquatic dogs, mountain bikers and paddling kids. I worked several pools and riffles but left the river recollecting the advice to “fish mid-week in the rain”.

Wednesday seemed to fit the bill. A chill north easterly and the threat of heavy rain would ensure peace and quiet. I decided to fish the River Plym which was sure to be deserted. The dull overcast filtered the daylight although the bright green shoots and leaves shone brightly on the branches overhanging the river.

I was looking forward to fishing the pool below the bridge but the deep water failed to surrender a Trout. I made my way downstream, pausing at each pool and riffle to work the GRHE nymph down the bubble lines and around the eddies.

A small fish eventually grabbed the fly but fell off within seconds. The take boosted my confidence and I concentrated on the line, ready to react to any unusual movement. I found the scenery a big distraction. The highlights on the turbulent water, the lime green of the young leaves and the colour variations of the granite boulders formed a kaleidoscope that was hard to ignore.

I wandered down the path through the ancient woodland, peering into the gorge, looking for signs of fish in the deeper water. My progress was eventually halted  by a fallen tree and a sheer rock face. I retraced my steps satisfied with the combination of the fishing and the relaxing effect of the wooded river valley. It’s good to catch a Trout occasionally but it’s not essential.