A Unique Sight in the UK...

...Wild Rainbow Trout spawning in the Derbyshire Wye.

Yesterday I scared them off with my clumsy approach.

Today the sun was in my favour and I hid behind a tree...

Click the pictures for a closer look.  Forgive the quality I only had the pocket camera handy.

Regular Rod

Split!

Here's another Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) that suffered in the recent storms.  It's been there for about 400 years.  It has survived at least 400 fierce storms before, but this winter they have been extraordinary in their strength.  So here is what remains of the last willow on the right bank of the Derbyshire Wye.  I think there is a chance that it may be left this year to see how it might work some magic in the river bed.  It isn't dead yet so fresh shoots are likely to grow and it could even change the shape and nature of the Junction Pool just below it.

I love willows.  In Great Britain only Oaks support more species than the willow.  Willows are "givers".





RR

Preparation...

Walked over the hill with Henry to visit the Lathkill and see how things are coming on for All Fool's Day.  It was a delightful 4 miles or so with only a short section on tarmac. 

Henry of course was as investigative as ever and at each field entrance along the lanes the routine was a quick dash in, nose down, stop and sit at the signal from the whistle and then a scurry back to heel for all of five or six seconds!  My word, tractor tyres seem to be getting very wide these days, even up here in the Peak District.

"What's all this mess?" you might be wondering?  It's not a mess it's work in progress...  (You can't make omelettes without breaking eggs!)

The fishing hut is in the process of being given a new lease of life by Warren and Jan.  Fresh roof, old shutters removed, all much brighter.  There is something rather secure and comforting in being dry inside on a rainy day, watching the river and sky whilst listening to the rain pattering on a corrugated roof.  Pleasures to look forward to but hopefully not too many times this season.  Sunshine will also be welcome.

The hut undergoing some close season "Preparation".  Do you notice something else in this picture? 

Click for a closer look...


What about the clarity of that water?

Yes even the river itself seems to have been in "Preparation" for the new season.  It is as clear as gin...



Regular Rod