Fish and stay guide
Medicines pollute UK rivers

Conservation

Medicines pollute UK rivers

Many UK rivers run clear and look healthy, but they contain an extraordinary mix of common pharmaceuticals and chemicals that harm fish.

Early results from tests of river water at more than 2,300 locations by the environmental charity Earthwatch in September have revealed the widespread presence of caffeine and nicotine, as well as common anti-depressants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and painkillers.

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How to retrieve flies on stillwaters

Tips & advice

How to retrieve flies on stillwaters

Most fly patterns, whether nymph, wet-fly or lure, fish well under a figure-of-eight retrieve. It’s the continuous, smooth motion that, for some reason, the fish love. This retrieve should be your first port of call when fishing anything other than a static dry-fly.

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