Ashburton River

When I go to Ashburton to vist my mother I take the opportunity to get a few hours fishing in first. It’s a long way to go just for afternoon tea. I usually check the Ecan river flow but for some reason the South Branch had no data but thought I’d risk it anyway. The North branch was very dirty but when I got to the South I was relieved to see it was gin clear, a little high but clear. I’d been before so headed straight to a spot I’d seen fish before. Sure enough, in a small side braid a good sized lone trout feeding actively from the top. A quick change to a dry fly and I was ready. A small branch directly above the fish made casting a challenge but from a kneeling position and with a side cast I finally managed to get a good presentation. The trout saw my fly and without any hesitation took it. Just for a change I timed the strike perfectly and the fish headed straight for under the bank so I put a bit of pressure on it. It seems the fish really liked my fly and decided to keep it. I hope it has lost it by now. Other than a couple of sprats that was the last feeding fish I saw. I might add the day started with a flat tyre and ended with slipping over in the river. Still a lovely day fishing on a really nice river. Not high fish numbers but only 10 min drive from McD’s.