Fly fishing for wild brown trout on the river Loxley near Sheffield.

With shafts of sunlight illuminating columns of flies and the distinctive ring in the water created by a sipping trout you could think you are fishing on an exclusive beat of one of our famous trout rivers. This however, is an evening walking the banks of the River Loxley just outside of Sheffield. Not many years ago this river suffered from the dirge of pollution from the mills, factories and brickwork's along it's banks. Now however it is clean, fresh and more importantly - fishy!

It's not easy fishing however, the trout are wild, small and spooky. Light tackle such as a 6 foot 2 weight rod is what is required. You can afford to make a couple of splashy casts in the riffles and fast water but one error in the slow moving pools will put the fish down and will mean having to move on to the next pool.

If in doubt - try something small and black either dry fly of just subsurface. You may find a gold head takes you down too quickly in the slower water and as the bottom is littered with dead trees and branches, chances are you will loose the fly.

Lot's of the river is owned by Sheffield City Council and therefore is free fishing in line with the councils fishing policy, however if you are in doubt then best check first.