We arrived at the secret parking place for our trip down the River Hodder.
It was an organised guiding trip with fellow Nomad Pete Scholes from Bowland
Fly Fishing. After discussing various tactics and set ups we were advised by
Pete to use the Czech Nymphing method. Not everyone was familiar with this
method so discussions about nymphs were quite interesting and so the tone was
set for the day. It was a very cold start to the day as predicted by the
weather men and unfortunately their predictions continued to come true. Eight
Nomads attended and following a quick briefing, took the incredibly long walk
from the car park to the river (all of about 20 feet)
We all split up and systematically made our way downstream.
I was surprised at how low the river was due to the amount of rain we
had had and that the River Ribble was close to overflowing on the previous day.
Pete was the first into a fish in the top pool and a lovely lady of the
stream was returned to the clear water. The later the morning got the colder it
became and with only one other fish from the Nomads we were looking forwards to
the lunch which was kindly prepared by Pete’s other half. At 11.30
several Nomads past me heading back to the carpark. By this point the snow was
coming down quite fast and we were struggling to feel our fingers. On arrival
back at the car park lunch was just arriving and what a lunch it was. Hot pizza
& sausage rolls, steaming flasks of coffee, stuffed rolls and some of the
best flapjack I have tasted. This was all consumed around Bobby’s knob
(sorry if I have got the name wrong) No it’s nothing rude, it a small stone
monument / erection (stop it and yes the innuendos were flying thick and
fast by this stage) near to the village hall. I do think the locals thought we
must have been a bit mad standing there eating lunch in the snow.
After a belly full and a second mug of coffee most of us decided to
call it a day (a good job really as the road back over the tops was really bad
and several vehicle had already collided with things or each other) Only Gary
& Pete were brave / mad (delete as required) to continue fishing in the
afternoon. Not sure how they got on as they haven’t been heard from
since. Only joking.
A great day was had by all. Pictures are on facebook and all Nomads
said they were looking forward to fishing here with Pete again (but in June
next time)
Written by Nomad Member Paul Kuczera
Tightlines,
Nathan Jones
Nomad Online Coordinator 2015
www.northwestnomadsflyfishing.co.uk
For all future events please see website calender, which will soon be updated with x12 additional new venues.
