Fishing Methods

For anglers fishing worm a 10ft/11ft spinning rod is adequate with a normal fixed spool reel.

Fishing line of about 15/18lb breaking strain is needed during the spring. This can be reduced to about 12lb breaking strain later in the season when the grilse are in.

For anglers fishing prawn (at the Falls only) an 11ft rod is preferable, normally fished under a float at adjusted depths depending on water levels with either a single hook on the end or a pin and treble. All colours of prawn work – natural, purple, pink, and red; cocktails (mix of two colours) can be lethal.

For anglers fishing fly a 10ft #7/8 line rating single handed rod is usually enough to handle any conditions except during a heavy flood. If water levels permit an intermediate line is the norm (no fast sinking lines or tips allowed in order to prevent foul hooking of fish). Switch rods have become popular in the last 12 and are also useful for covering wider areas of the river. A single handed rod will cover most water needing to be covered.

During the spring an intermediate line with about 15lb breaking strain leader and a tube fly is the most productive method for catching “springers”. Size and weight of tube varies depending on water levels, but generally nothing bigger than a 1 inch tube is used.

During the summer for grilse if water permits an intermediate line is recommended with 10lb breaking strain leader with either size 12/10 treble or double hook flies. Anglers may be asked to use full floating lines in low water levels.

Spring flies (Tubes) – Cascade, Willie Gunn, Gold-Bodied Willie Gunn, Garry Dog, Park Shrimp, Posh Tosh.

Summer Flies (Trebles/Doublers) – Cascade and its variants are definitely the most popular fly in the summer. Yellow Ally Shrimp, Orange Ally Shrimp, Flamethrowers, Silver Wilkinson, Willie Gunn, Gold-Bodied Willie Gunn, Green Highlander, Park Shrimp.