When we met the 4 guys from Cosford & Sons at Chirk on Saturday morning, they were already fishing. This was even more impressive as during the meet and greet it became apparent that the previous nights events were prolonged and ‘messy’. Up from Northampton for a conference and some corporate bonding, John, Phil, Mike and Callum were experienced fishermen but none of them had fly fished on a river before.

Things got off to a flier when Mike, only seconds after being shown how to cast to compensate for the flow of the river, caught his first ever Grayling. Particularly impressive as he ‘volunteered’ to demo the technique to his peers so was under added pressure. This set the tone and the rest of the group were eager to grab a rod. As a result, several good Grayling were taken on dry flies in the morning session.

With takes drying up on the surface we switched to the duo after lunch with immediate results. Phil took the day’s best Grayling and a cracking Brown Trout within minutes of each other. Sadly neither recorded on camera….but WE know Phil!

Mindful of the long drive home and still a little ‘tired’ from the previous nights festivities, John took a more relaxed approach to the day by interspersing bouts of very productive fishing with the odd riverside nap. No such behaviour from his son Callum who caught steadily all day and had to be dragged out of the water both for lunch and when it was time to pack up.

Conditions were tough with bright sunshine, swirling winds, low water and very little fly life visible but their persistence was rewarded with some beautiful fish. Well done guys, a great day on the river.

Phil in action

A proud Phil

A nice grayling for John

John into another Grayling

Ok lads, have you got it now?

Another Grayling fo Mike

Callum in action

A lovely Brownie for Callum