Fraser on Fishing: Tweeddale was a challenge but I Muddled through

Tweeddale fishery is a delightful place, nestling high in the hills, but it has sometimes got a problem with the wind.

However, on this occasion, the wind was not the problem, although it did not help.

Tackling up with the normal midge tip line I decided to try some of the methods that were pinned up on the wall. I made for the top pond but from Yellow Dancers to Dries to Buzzers I could not get an offer. For more than two hours I tried before opting to move to the more sheltered middle pond.

Several fish were starting to move on the surface but I could not tempt any of them. Resorting to almost desperation stakes I tied a team of three Kate McLaren Muddlers and cast diagonally across the ripple. Just as the flies hit the water a big wave appeared behind the flies and made a splash at the tail fly. This was encouraging so I cast out in the same direction yet again. As the flies settled on the surface I started pulling which resulted in a 3lb fish seizing the middle fly - game on, as I had found a method they wanted and was quickly into another four fish.

This is what fly fishing is all about - watching your flies being chased by big and small fish and awaiting that all important lock on. It ended what I thought might have been a blank day.