Apr 29 2006
First Day on the River: The Taf Fechan
Well here we go, my first day river fishing!
Have been dying to try fly fishing on rivers for years. I don’t know what it is about running water, but there’s always been a pull to it, more so than my fishing on my local stillwaters.
Not that I think there is anything wrong with stillwater fly fishing, far from it, I love it, but have always wanted to try it on moving water.
Well today I did…and I have to say, it was the hardest form of fishing I have EVER done! Solid is the word!
The area I fished was the Taf Fechan about 2 miles from Pontsticill Reservoir in South Wales in the Brecon Beacons. Most of the river was near a trickle, although some areas ranged from deep pools to fast running flows.
Anyway, apart from nearly falling in a couple of times, I think I walked atleast 5 miles throughout the day, lost around 8 flies to those damned evil trees (!), and didn’t see a rise (probably because I spooked all the fish!). This said, I loved it, and can’t wait to go back! Let’s hope I manage to catch some fish next time! 
It was recommended to me to purchase the book River Fly Fishing – The Complete Guide, which I have just ordered, and can’t wait to be delivered, there’s a LOT to learn! Far more than normal stillwater fly-fishing!
