River really low now with signs of some spawning in the main stem. Water is badly needed to help fish access their chosen spawning tributaries.  Nothing much seems to be in sight for some time.



A couple of interesting links you might like to view these dark winter evenings;

First one on the Severn.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37779585

This one on the Tweed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-37822595

Mentioning those long winter evenings those fly tyiers amongst you , and those who dont , might like to reflect on next seasons flies. We are often asked what patterns to use and although personally I have favourites I believe the fly most likely to catch is the one you are using atthe time.  I you like the look of it, odds on the fish might too.
Lets start with some flies for early next season. below are a couple of well proven patterns.

The Comet and the gold bodied Willie Gunn.

Tied on a 3/0 single and a 1 1/2" brass tube.  Willie Gunn does not usually have jungle cock checks but it does add something to the flie so why not -apart from the expense of course.

COMET.
Body divided into three sections;

Rear  -flat silver tinsel ribbed with silver wire.
Yellow Bucktail followed by a red body also ribbed with silver wire.
Red Bucktail followed by a black body ribbed with silver wire or flat tinsel.
Head Black- Bucktail and jungle Cock cheeks

Willie Gunn
Body -Gold mylar or flat gold body ribbed with gold oval,.
Wing -mixed red, yellow and black bucktail. Vary proportions to lighten or darken the fly.
A few strands of orange twinkle in the wind does no harm -ditto the jungle cock.