A Great Day on The Calder

by Ian Robertson
(N-L-W England)

Had a great day on Saturday 7th April. Couldn't believe my luck - a hatch of Large Dark Olives lasted from about 10 oclock until 3 in the afternoon. Caught fish on dries from the word go, even bringing fish up that were not rising. Normally on our river at this time of year a hatch needs to happen before fish rise, but I caught on a large Klinkhammer at first then on a size 14 LDO.

I hooked over 20 fish and landed 10, my own fault I didn't land more. The hook was pulled out of shape by a big fish and I didn't check it. I still landed fish up to 16 inches and got broke once, as well as losing a big one because of the hook.

Using the Iwana got me to places where I could not get to before and I was surprised at where fish would lie. I fished this river all year last year and did not get fish from these areas because the presentation was not right - but with the Iwana it was totally different.

If you have not tried Tenkara give it a go. For a start the rods are a lot cheaper than conventional and the presentation is superb.

Ian Robertson