Caithness Stravaig 2024

This year's much anticipated fly-fishing stravaig to Caithness was once again a great success filled with laughs, good food and drink and the pursuit of trout across the county’s numerous lochs and lochans. 

For our group of friends, this annual meetup is more than just a fishing trip it's a chance to reconnect, share stories, and indulge in our shared passion of flyfishing.

This year, as always, we were blessed with a variety of weather conditions however it was mostly sunny and windy which was challenging at times. Some of us fished from boats, while others chose to fish from the shore, casting into the unknown with hopes high.

The lochs we fished were varied, some well known some not so much. Some were expansive, requiring to keep a careful eye on the wind and a good deal of patience, while others were more intimate, their secrets revealed only to those who knew where to look. 

The diversity of the waters from shallow peaty moorland lochs to the deep, clear waters, provided a perfect challenge for all of us. As is often the case in fishing, some of our Stravaigers were rewarded with impressive trout. 

These moments were celebrated with the obligatory photos of the fish the lochs and the general views, each photo a reminder of why we love these dear wild places. For me, however, the trout were more modest. 

The trout I caught, while not as large or as spectacular as those of some of my companions, they were no less satisfying. Each one was a product of months spent at the vice anticipating these moments a reminder that the joy of fly fishing lies not just in catching fish, but in the process itself. 

These are the moments that make these annual stravaigs so satisfying and worthwhile. Our evenings were spent at our fantastic Dunbeath base with beautiful views of the North Sea, sharing tales of the day's adventures, both the triumphs and the near misses. 

I never did manage to stay up too late as most nights I was too tired as after our hearty meal and a few beers and occasional whisky I could barely keep my eyes open. As the trip came to an end, we all agreed that this year had been another success. 

The fishing had been challenging but rewarding, and the time spent together, priceless. Caithness provided us with memories that will last until our next reunion. 

 On a personal note, I was delighted to have no blank days for a change however I did come close on one of the six days we fished. A wee sparkly muddler managed to fool a trout about the size of a Tunnock’s Caramel wafer one late afternoon just when I was thinking of giving up and reeling in. Throughout the week my most successful flies were the Watten Warrior and the Blue Zulu but a variety of others fooled the trout too such as Loch Ordie, Clan Chief, Black Zulu, Kate McLaren and various other leggy wets. Caithness offers such a vast number of lochs to fish each with its own character and we collectively only fished a few, there are so many more to explore and fish so hopefully we will make a return next year to experience the wild beauty and charm of Caithness once more.

Ludlow Flytying Club Demo

Allan Hutton Flytying Demo

On Thursday evening 8th of August  I had the great pleasure of giving a flytying demonstration for Ludlow Flytying Club  by zoom. I was so nervous as it was my first time. I just hope it came across alright. As my mind was racing ahead of my speech. 
The club record the sessions and upload them to Youtube and you can see my demo by clicking the link above. 

I really enjoyed the experience and would like to thank everyone who took time out to watch the live feed. Ive been asked to do another in the future which I will be more than happy to do.

If you can find time to watch the session any feedback would be most helpful and very much appreciated.

Here is a list of the fly patterns I tied.

1.  Watten Warrior. #10

2. Dirty Weeker . #10 short shank

3. Loch Ordie. #10

4. Short Ordie. #10 short shank

5. Clan Chief. #10

6. Black Ke-He. #10 short shank

7. Georgeous George Varient. #10

8. Wet Olive Mayfly. #10

Well Deserved!

It's been fantastic to see a few of my fly-tying and fly-fishing friends get an invite to display their fly-tying skills at the prestigious British Fly Fair International (BFFI) 2025 in Stafford. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved, as these individuals have shown immense dedication and passion in the art of fly-tying. Their invitation to such a renowned event is a testament to their skill and commitment.

While I must admit to feeling a twinge of envy, as my own application didn't make the cut, I understand the challenge faced by the organizers. Selecting from the vast number of talented tyers from around the world is no easy task. I have no doubt that those chosen will represent the craft with distinction and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the fair.

One day, I hope to join the ranks of those seated in Tyers Row, showcasing my own craft to the fly-fishing community. Until then, I will gladly attend BFFI 2025 as a visitor. I look forward to meeting my friends on Tyers Row, watching them work at the vice and soaking in the expertise of the other tyers on display.

My visits to the BFFI are always very enjoyable, filled with inspiration and learning. I'm sure next year's event will be no different, See you in Stafford!

Meanwhile here is some of my recent vice-work.

Reeled in Frustration: A Fishing Trip to Caithness

My much-anticipated fly fishing stravaig to Caithness was a massive letdown, marred by circumstances beyond my control that left me frustrated and angry. I had been so looking forward to this trip for some time, eagerly anticipating casting the fly patterns that I had tied and prepared at my vice for months.

Our adventure began with hope and excitement as my friends and I arrived in our Watten village digs around lunchtime. By early afternoon, we were out on Loch Watten, two boats strong, ready to make the most of our time on the water. Although the conditions were blustery, they were manageable—until the rain arrived. It was relentless, but the wind grew stronger. Despite our best efforts, we quit sooner than expected, having risen a few but with nothing in the net. We returned to our digs soaked and weather-beaten, just in time to watch Germany humiliate and embarrass Scotland in the opening game of the 2024 Euros.

Despite the disheartening start, just like Scotland we held onto hope. We had two more chances for success: Toftingall on Saturday and Watten again on Sunday. After a good breakfast made by Scott on Saturday morning, we headed off to Toftingall. Conditions were perfect, with fish rising to the vast number of mayfly that seemed to be everywhere. The loch was alive, and so were we, catching forty-two trout between the four of us, with just as many missed and lost. It was a glorious day on the water, and Tam "The Abacus" kept count with glee.

However, Sunday brought another twist of fate. I woke up early, tied up a few casts before breakfast, and was eager for a promising day on Watten. 

The wind and rain had returned, but the weather apps assured us conditions would improve by lunchtime. Despite the forecast, a ridiculous, ludicrous, poor misguided decision was made by the group—against my wishes—to take the engines back to Hugo Ross which we didnt use but paid for then stay in our rundown digs for the day, go for dinner between 5 and 6pm and then go chucking metal in Loch Calder for troot. Needless to say I expressed by feelings about that which would result in me staying at the digs all day and night on a perfect day and night for flyfishing.

Whilst Scott and Tam went to Wick with the engines cabin fever set in and by early afternoon, I couldn't stand it anymore. I walked down to Loch Watten and found the conditions perfectly playable. Sitting on a bench, looking out over the loch beyond the boat moorings, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of frustration. The trip I had looked forward to for months was essentially ruined.The disappointment was palpable. My much-anticipated fly fishing stravaig to Caithness ended not with contentment and satisfaction but with the frustration of missed opportunities.

It was a trip that should have been memorable for all the right reasons but instead left me furious, disheartened, and exasperated!!!!! 

Reimagining the Loch Ordie

While reviewing my blog stats to see which posts have been popular in the last month, I noticed an article I published  about Loch Ordies from a few years ago, during the COVID lockdown. The post featured some variants I had tied.

I then realized that I couldnt recall  fishing these patterns as I had planned.

One variant that caught my eye was the leggy Half Ordie.

Although Im a big fan of standard Ordies I cant believe I never utilised this variant, as it has everything needed to fool trout. Reflecting on the variants I tied perhaps I might have gone a bit heavy with the head hackle.

Inspired by this blogpost, I tied a new version of the Half Ordie this morning before going fishing in the afternoon.

This example is a lot more sparse, which I believe will allow for plenty of movement in the water. I'm really pleased with the result and can see its potential. I'll be tying more of these over the next few days, anticipating success with this pattern when I visit Caithness next month.

Im pleased and enthused to report that this pattern placed on the top dropper of my cast and fished from the boat  caught me two trout this afternnoon at Cobbinshaw! 

The Simplest of Pleasures!

On Sunday afternoon I found my myself driving to West Lothian listening to the end of season fortunes and misfortunes of various football clubs on the radio.

The  juxtaposition of the lively football commentary and the quiet setting of Cobbinshaw Reservoir in the West Lothian countryside felt peculiar, as late afternoon seamlessly transitioned into early evening.

By the time that  I arrived at Cobbie and got my boat ready, the Saints had just secured their Premier League status, while County faced the disheartening reality of dropping to the playoffs

As I motored the boat up to the north East corner of the reservoir  I was surprised to see that there was only a couple of other boats out taking advantage of the very pleasant early evening weather. 

I didnt have to wait too long to net my first fish as i located a fair bit of  trout activity at the peat hag shore of the reservoir.

It was great fun to have a good nunber of trout interested and rising to my flies.

Throughout the evening, I managed to net three vigorous trout, lose  a couple, and witnessed several others making splashy rises to my flies, only to come up short. 

The fly patterns that proved most successful were a leggy green-tailed Kate and a pearly palmer.

The sun still had a few hours to shine before setting in the west, and the breeze continued to blow gently as I motored back down the reservoir to the boat moorings. I felt a great sense of contentment and success as I tied up the boat, gathered my gear, and loaded everything into my car.

On the drive home, I learned that City had won the League again and I thought of all the multi  millions of pounds that was required just to achieve that success and happiness.

This day had been a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement, a reminder that some of life’s greatest joys come from the simplest of experiences without the need for extravagance.