Fishing in Chalk Streams Q and A

What is the ideal length of rod for fishing a chalk stream?

Unless the stretch of river is particularly wide, a rod of around 8ft is about right. The lighter the line the better, but it's essential to match line to rod. For average conditions, a light, supple 8ft rod capable of handling a No 5 line is best.

Will I catch more trout on a chalk stream by fishing the water instead of casting to individual fish that I can see?

This is strictly forbidden. In fairness to other rods fishing the river, you should cast a dry fly only to a rising trout, or a nymph to a trout that you can actually see feeding underwater.

Does camouflaged clothing help?

Camouflaged clothing is better than brightly coloured clothes. For bushy, tree-lined banks wear dark clothes; in open meadowland wear a pale outfit.

Will I need floating and sinking lines?

For chalk streams you will need only a floating line—brown or green are to be preferred. Bright colours, particularly white, should be avoided as they can scare off fish under certain light and weather conditions.

When fishing a dry fly, should the leader as well as the fly be greased?

If you do want to use grease, do not spread it on the last 2ft of leader before the fly, but it is far better to degrease the leader thoroughly so that the whole of it sinks and is much less obtrusive. Your fly will dip below the surface as you lift off to recast, but if it has been proofed with Permaflote it will not get waterlogged.