In the second week of February, we had the pleasure of welcoming our first SQH group of the season—a fantastic team of six anglers, with three friends traveling from Ireland and three from South Africa. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie set the perfect tone for an unforgettable week on the water.
As the river experienced a slight rise, fish activity noticeably picked up between the pools. This increase in movement led to a much higher catch rate, keeping everyone engaged and excited throughout the week. We adapted our techniques accordingly, utilizing a combination of two-handed rods and switch rods paired with floating lines and intermediate tips. Depending on the pool depth and water conditions, we also employed sinking lines 3 and 5 to maximize our chances of success.
During the daylight hours, our primary approach revolved around small, precise nymphs, which proved effective in enticing bites. However, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the shadows grew longer, we transitioned to fishing with leeches, a tactic that often delivered thrilling results in the fading light.
The biggest and most unexpected highlight of the week came courtesy of our friend Yorram. Despite being a rookie angler, he surprised us all by outperforming even the most seasoned members of the group. His natural talent and quick learning curve earned him the well-deserved title of “top rod of the week”—a testament to the fact that sometimes, beginners bring a fresh approach that yields incredible results!
A heartfelt thank you to Richard, Paul, John, Jan, Yorram, and Hugh for making this week such a special experience. We truly appreciate your visit and look forward to many more memorable fishing adventures together!
CONTACT US
If you’ve always dreamt of fishing for some Sea Trout, then the famous Howenh Lodge on the Rio Grande would be perfect for you. If you’d like to know all the information about the fishing and accommodation, you can contact our fly fishing specialist Peter Collingsworth on 01603 407 596 or email at peter@sportquestholidays.com.
