Proper rain, at last!
After a scorching July which saw river levels dropping steadily, then a strange August which was hot at first, then cold, but devoid of significant rain, we now have a good spate running. Two-thirds of an inch of rain fell at Lifton yesterday, with a very wet morning followed by more showers overnight. The Tamar at Polson bridge was 0.8 metres on the gauge at 0800, it was 0.9 metres at 1300, having languished at 0.3 for weeks.
Currently the water is very dirty, but this is the first decent spate since April, and will start to get some salmon moving.
Another belt of heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow afternoon, and falling on already wettted ground this should give another rise. One can almost hear the salmon lacing up their running boots, preparing to scamper up the river as the spate starts to drop and clear.

Latest conditions

Cooler temperatures, heavy showers and at times high winds have brought an autumnal air to the rivers at Lifton. Trout fishing is up and down  - typical for August - but some anglers have done well fishing goldhead nymphs on the Lyd. The smaller tributaries could certainly do with an extra inch or three of water, but the rain falling seems to dry up within minutes of its arrival! In the meantime, sea trout night fishing is certainly still on the cards, with fish being caught on most nights and shoals now present in every pool. A spell of warmer, settled weather will no doubt improve sea trout catches further. We are coming up to salmon time at the Arundell Arms, though the salmon rods will stay in the cupboard until we have some serious rain to lift the river levels.

Sea Trout Update

The hotel sea trout catch now stands at 106, the highest at this point in the season since 2010. There are good numbers of fish throughout, and those fishing a light, delicate approach at night are picking up fish consistently. Last night regular sea trout guest, Alan Madsen, caught three to 2.5lb on beat 3 on the Lyd. Flies of size 8-12 have been catching most fish, with the surface lure also proving deadly.
After almost an inch of rain over the previous 24hrs, the Lyd has just had a top up of water, which should boost catches further by freshening the water and encouraging new fish to run. Prospects are looking very good indeed!!!