In 2002 I had the pleasure of being in Southern England and fishing a beat on the River Test, something very special to a Yank like myself. It was my first experience of fishing in Europe and I found it very expensive(in excess of 200 lbs / almost $400 U.S) for a half day) Is it possible to fly fish in England on any [i:e2bfb32d31]public[/i:e2bfb32d31] water where one has more than an ample chance at scoring on trout or salmon where no fee or a nominal one (less license cost)is charged?
Fly fishing in England
The forums are very quiet
The Global FlyFisher forum has existed for almost as long as the site, and the oldest posts are more than 20 years old. Forums aren't what they used to be. Social media has taken over a lot of their roles, and the GFF form is very quiet ... to put it mildly.
We keep everything online for the sake of history, and preserve the posts for as long as possible, but as you will see, quite a few of them aren't in a good shape, but rely on old images hosted elsewhere, which are no longer available, odd codes from old systems and much more, which can't be shown in a decent way.
But the posts are here, and you can - if you insist - start new threads. But don't stay awake waiting for replies, because they are unfortunately few and far apart.
Martin
Public fishing in England
Bob,
There are lots of opportunities to fish much more cheaply than your 2002 trip, though I guess the Hampshire Chalk-streams would be a special once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The trout & salmon season is drawing to a close over here now, when are you coming over, and where would your stay be centred?
Wild trout season normally ends around end of September, salmon mostly mid October, though a few rivers stay open or re-open for January, I think. The public-water-supply reservoirs mostly stay open till mid-to-end of October. Put-and-Take fisheries stay open all year round.
Costs: reservoirs, around 15 pounds per day (usually 6 or 8 fish limit, no catch & release), with a boat costing perhaps 30-35 pounds for two anglers.
Salmon & sea-trout can cost a lot, but we have a good river locally (SW Egland) (the River Lyn) where fishing is about 20 pounds / day for salmon (but not fly, usually worm or spinner). For wild trout fishing on most rivers ranging from Yorkshire in North to Devon & Cornwall in SW, you can often get a day for between 5 pounds and 20 pounds. Free fishing is often only available if you know the landowner.
Best bet is to work out which rivers you'll be near, then search for info on the web. through the river name.
If you want specific info and you think I can provide it, send me an email.
Regards,
Les