The River Avon

Avid Angler Josh Maitland has been fly fishing since he was ‘knee high to a mushroom’ at 5 years old and favours river fly fishing on Scotland’s many stunning rivers for Trout , Grayling and Salmon. Josh is a member of several angling clubs and is a Clyde River fly Monitor for East Kilbride’s River Calder.

The alluring River Avon in Scotland runs several miles until it confluences with the River Clyde at Hamilton Bridge, where salmon and sea-trout fishing can be incredibly rewarding. The River provides very affordable fishing for all pockets and different fly fishing opportunities in the various techniques of our much loved sport. The River runs over rolling farm land with picturesque scenery painted to perfection.

The Water has many deep and arcane pools where fish of two pound or greater are not uncommon. The fast, glass clear shallows make excellent fishing for grayling- especially throughout the crisp, cold winter months. You will often find yourself in the company of graceful and beautifully elegant ladies of the stream; Working the shallows, grubbing around for the abundant nymphs.

French nymphing and Czech style can be deadly during this period- when used correctly. Like most Rivers, the Avon has many smaller tributaries running and meandering into the main body of the river. These small and humble streams provide excellent habitat for spawning trout and the close quarter’s style angler- thick and dense cover provides a challenge, from previous experience; rewards of taking fish in such a way, under over hanging cover or the thundering shower of the Kype falls- it is close to an anglers dream. Why would it not be?

The Avon Angling system has an onsite hatchery located at Craig Bridge, neighbouring the Strathaven brewery. The Anglers at the club work very hard all year round; like many angling clubs throughout the country they raise and closely monitor their trout eggs, where beautifully detailed and proportioned hand-reared fish are produced. This maintains the stunning features from the wild ones! Whether you’re looking for a quick -getaway- day permit or a committed full season ticket (£30) which covers migratory fish as well as permanent grayling and trout, this beautifully stunning River provides top quality sport for the novice or experienced game angler looking for powerful, bonny fish. Escapee Rainbows, although scarce are also sometimes caught. The many fly fishing disciplines can be fully appreciated and tested on this most rewarding of rivers. The Avon Angling Club is very active all year- like most clubs we preserve and nurture our waters with close care, maintaining the banks, surrounding foliage and also closely monitoring the rivers flora and fauna. This makes it very appealing for all.

Both I and my great friend Euan Clark have fished the water since we were knee high to a mushroom and care for the river greatly. Like most anglers; we encourage a catch and release policy - but we would not frown if you took one for the pan. We have an ongoing fly-tying club which meets on Tuesdays from 7pm- 9pm in our club house which borders the Avon bankside. Our main focus is on Clyde-style patterns where we closely imitate the real insect as closely as possible, which often tempt our wild trout to great effect. Anyone is welcome to join us, whether a novice or a dedicated fly-tyer, you are very welcome to join in. At our club there are experts with extensive experience in both tying and fly fishing on hand to help you.

There are days, most days where dry-fly action on the Avon will be thick and fast, incredibly exciting and most certainly breath taking- a fish a cast for some. Most commonly used river flies work well; amongst my box you will find various patterns; black gnats, march browns, various colours and forms of the dun. Also some specially hand -tied ones- I’d have to kill you if I told you. I like fishing the main flows of the river, casting upstream where I eagerly anticipate the boil, the line ripping through my fingers, the fast runs and aerials that would stop your heart. When my friend and I are scratching a little we make our way to the sharp , sweeping glides on the tight bends where catching a fish is like taking candy from a kid. Fishing Clyde-style spiders or weighted nymphs can prove to be a ridiculously easy sport.

For the upcoming season- like most of us, we will again become spend thrifts in the angling shop, purchasing items we are aware we have- a rod just catching your eye; maybe a new upgrade from your previous? We all do it but that’s what makes us come back for more. Before the season starts- like most I get the pre-season jitters. I wonder about the upcoming season and what it will offer. I re-new my membership’s and permits-neatly writing them out at the till or from the car bonnet- talking over tactics and enjoying the company of fellow members before we set out in a desperate attempt to make contact with the first of the season. I hope in amongst your permits there will be a day or annual ticket for the Avon Angling Club.

Tight lines for the upcoming season!

By Joshua Maitland ~copy right 2016~

Typical wild avon Brown Trout