As a flyfisher, during the dog days of summer, you can find yourself wishing for winter’s chill and abundant water. That wish has been put to the test at Millbrook this winter! It’s been wet and cold, especially in August. 20 rain days delivered 130mm of rain – our second wettest August in Millbrook’s 27 years of existence. On the plus side, every lake is overflowing, and the springs are pumping. On the downside, it’s been a bit of a mud-bath trying to get to or from a few lakes, meaning walking has been the only option. And although the trout are happy with the cold and big living quarters, fishing in rain and icy gales is not something client or guide is likely to miss. Thankfully, the fishing has been really good in spite of the gloomy weather. Midges have tried their best to hatch (they don’t mind cold but dislike rain.) Floodwater feeders have gorged on worms and other flushed goodies, and the smelters have been really good. No cockchafer beetles yet however – maybe the grubs have drowned?
Anyway, as we enter early September, winter is finally losing the battle. Longer daylight hours and a higher sun mean small breaks in the weather have a big impact. The cold and rain won’t be done with just yet, but milder weather is trying its best to push in. After last year’s best every mayfly spring, we are all waiting eagerly (anxiously?) to see what spring 2022 brings. It will have a hard act to follow, but at least the trout are really big, fat and abundant.
Anyway, as we enter early September, winter is finally losing the battle. Longer daylight hours and a higher sun mean small breaks in the weather have a big impact. The cold and rain won’t be done with just yet, but milder weather is trying its best to push in. After last year’s best every mayfly spring, we are all waiting eagerly (anxiously?) to see what spring 2022 brings. It will have a hard act to follow, but at least the trout are really big, fat and abundant.
RSS Feed