Edition: Friday 12 June 2026

Weekly River & Hatches Update

June heralds the arrival of the summer solstice, with longer days and evenings providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy time on the water. Think the evening rise and magical sunsets. As the major mayfly hatches begin to taper off, matching the hatch can become a little more challenging. The fish might be slightly more particular in their fly choice, so be prepared to change your fly often. If your target fish ignores a fly more than twice, change size or fly.

Weather:

Sunrise: 04:50 Sunset: 21:23 Pollen: Very High UV: Moderate Air Pollution: Low Expect a change in weather again this coming week, with sunny intervals, gentle breezes and highs of 22degrees. Warmer temperatures, lighter winds, and mostly dry weather from Friday onward should improve water clarity and encourage insect activity.

River Flows:

This last week has been the wettest week since mid-February for England, with all except one region already receiving more than 50% of the long-term average rainfall (as stated by the EA). River levels are currently running at normal to above normal, with the rain providing a welcome boost and improving conditions for both fish and fishers!

Hatches:

Blue Winged Olives, Black Gnats, Medium Olives, Midges and Sedges are the main hatches for June.

Fly Patterns:

A versatile June selection of flies includes Caddis dries, iron blue patterns, emergers, pheasant tail nymphs, hare’s ear, ant and beetle patterns. Small dry flies work a treat!

Our Seasonal tips:

June is the month of the summer solstice (June 21) and the longest days of the year with sunrise around 5am and sunset 9pm. Given a choice between starting at daybreak or fishing at dusk, I would always choose the latter. Warmer weather can put additional strain on fish, so please keep handling to a minimum and return them to the water as quickly as possible.

News, events and catch reports:

  • Mulberry Whin: “I've never fished a chalk stream before and this was an absolute delight. My brother caught his first ever brown trout (and 2nd), both on dries, so he was very pleased. My best fish were both over 2lbs so I was also pleased.”

  • Dunbridge: “A most enjoyable late afternoon/early evening at Dunbridge. 2xBT caught on Grey Wulf and Mayfly. One returned. A delightful place.”

  • Upavon Farm: “This is a really fabulous beat and is sure to become a firm favourite with us. There was a friendly welcome, the access is excellent, it's a lovely spot to be in, and we had great fishing. 8 WBT up to 14' all returned. CDC mayfly imitation.”
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