Fly fishing on the River Coln
The Bull Hotel’s stretch of the River Coln offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities for trout and grayling. Whether you are fly fishing for the first time or more experienced, an enjoyable day awaits you, especially with one of our fishing guides who can assist individuals and groups
With everything from fast shallow gravelly runs to deeper slow pools along its 1.25 mile length, the river has a multitude of different characteristics where a variety of fishing techniques from traditional dry fly fishing through to more modern techniques such as Euro nymphing can be used
The river, which runs gin clear for most of the year, has a very healthy population of wild brown trout and grayling and very good fly life, including a large mayfly hatch. Most days there is a hatch of upwing flies giving the chance to catch on the dry fly. Other important hatches include sedges, hawthorne and other terrestrial flies, so it’s always a good idea to have some of these patterns in your fly box
If there isn’t anything rising then a small weighted nymph fished under an indicator or dry fly can pick up fish
Wading, whilst not essential on some parts of the river, will enable you to fish more of the water though care should be taken in times of increased flow and there are a few deeper holes, especially towards the bottom of the stretch
A public footpath runs along much of the beat so please check carefully for walkers and their dogs when casting
Recommended tackle – 4wt rod between 7’6’ and 9’ with floating line and 4lb leader
All fishing is catch and release and all flies must be barbless-Barbed hooks to have the barbs flattened
To make the most of your fly fishing day, especially if you are fly fishing for the first time, we recommend you contact and book one of our Expert Coaches/Guides who will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. They provide all the tackle and equipment, including waders/boots, for your fishing day
Expert Guides and Tuition
Roger Patrick
With a permanent addiction to fly fishing, Roger is committed to introducing people to this wonderful pastime as well as helping the more experienced fly fisher to enhance their fishing skills
He has been coaching and guiding on the Bull Hotel waters for many years. His passion is catching challenging fish in small rivers and streams
Roger is an Angling Trust Senior (Level 2) Licenced Game Angling Coach and an Instructor with the Game Angling Instructors Association (GAIA). He provides tuition, coaching and guiding services catering for individuals and groups ensuring they have all the tackle and equipment required to enjoy their fishing experience
Email rogerjpatrick@hotmail.com or call 07753 123 518
Mark Purvis, Blue Zulu Fly Fishing
Mark Purvis is a fly fishing guide and coach who has been fishing the Bull Hotel water for more than 35 years. He has a deep knowledge of the Cotswold rivers, their trout and grayling, and the flies they feed on
An expert fly tier and dry fly enthusiast, he offers guided days or half days tailored to suit the experience and interests of the individual. He caters for beginners who have never held a fly rod through to experienced anglers looking for local insights or wanting to learn new techniques
As well as guiding, Mark is the Assistant River Secretary of the Cotswold Flyfishers club and spends much of the winter maintaining the local rivers, including the Bull stretch of the Coln
