I waited until the sunlight became less intense and the gale force wind had dropped a little. This season I planned to focus my attention on the Tavy, not wander around from river to river looking for greener grass. The steep rocky track down into the valley had not improved, I left the Defender on a slight slope, I didn’t want to be stranded by Land Rover electrickery approaching darkness.

The pool below the dead tree looked good, the water level was slightly higher than normal, a few leaves and alder catkins swirled in the current and the wind was mainly downstream.

The Sage #3 and a size 13 GRHE nymph on a light tippet gave me confidence. The line flicked out nicely and the fly landed with a plop that helped me see the start of its drift in the broken water.

I worked the nymph carefully, looking for movements in the line. As the fly swung through a deep pool between two dustbin sized rocks, the drift stalled and I lifted into a small but lively trout. I smiled when it wriggled free. The evening had started well.

Further downstream the river widened and the wind swirled around which made line control difficult. I worked the shallows and had a couple of takes both of which I missed.

By the time I reached the pool under the big oak tree I had started to lose concentration. It was time for a slow walk back up the hill. That small trout had lifted my spirits, I hadn’t expected to catch much because the water temperature is still low. Settled warm weather is forecast, the fish will soon be looking up.

. . . – – – . . .