Gerald Stratford writes a monthly column for the Mail. Contact him on 07917 772615

FIRST of all I must say a big thank you to all the anglers and non anglers who got in touch to support me regarding last month’s article on dredging.

I will do a follow up later after meetings with the relevant bodies.

With the summer we have had, I think we could be in for a bumper autumn for all species, especially the trout at Farmoor and Lechlade.

I think there is not a better fish than a rainbow trout, which has been in the reservoir for a few months, especially if it has over wintered.

Most trout anglers enjoy catching in September and October, size doesn’t matter, a big one is a bonus.

It’s the quality we are looking for, a full tail, perfect fins and a fight second to none.

You will find most methods will work, we all have our favourite style. Mine is a team of nymphs under a strike indicator.

What’s very important is to spend time looking for the trout.

Don’t be afraid to keep moving. It’s amazing what other fish you can catch on a fly, as well as trout.

I have caught all the course species as well as sea fish with a fly rod.

There are one or two young anglers who have started to advertise course fishing with a fly rod as something new, but I’m afraid it’s not.

I can remember catching bass with a fly as far back as 1968 and catching carp the same way in the 1980s.

If you investigate any sport, most new ideas are just old ideas with a new twist.

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