Saturday saw the Under 18 England River & Bank Fly Fishing Team fishing stillwater at Ellerdine Trout Fishery. The team focused on targeting tiger trout, rainbow trout and brown trout, with conditions allowing for a positive and productive start to the weekend.
Early success came from fishing tight, small predatory-style flies, which proved effective in tempting tiger trout during the morning session. As the day progressed and fish began to show higher in the water, the team adapted their approach, switching to dry flies and bringing rainbow trout confidently to the surface.
Away from the water, preparation continued with fly tying and tackle adjustments, reinforcing the importance of planning, adaptability and attention to detail, key skills in competitive fly fishing.
Special thanks go to Jayne and Edd for providing some great sport for the team!
Sunday presented a very different challenge as the team moved to the River Dee at Bala. Cold conditions and the time of year made fishing demanding, requiring patience, careful water reading and disciplined presentation.
Despite the challenging conditions, the team worked methodically throughout the day, gaining valuable experience fishing flowing water. Their perseverance was rewarded with catches of grayling, alongside important lessons in positioning, drift control and teamwork.
The day highlighted the strength of the group dynamic, with anglers supporting one another while navigating the river and refining their techniques. For many, this session was as much about learning and confidence-building as it was about catching fish.
A special mention goes to the team’s youngest member, Haruki, who embraced the challenge across both days, covering plenty of water, gaining confidence and successfully catching fish on stillwater and river sessions alike. Haruki enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Ellerdine and Ball, demonstrating enthusiasm, resilience and a real passion for the sport.
From stillwater success at Ellerdine to a demanding day on the River Dee, the weekend offered the Under 18 England River & Bank Fly Fishing Team a balanced mix of results, learning and development. The experience gained will prove invaluable as the team continues to progress and prepare for future competitions.
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