River Eye Wild Brown Trout

Over the summer last year the family headed off to the Cotswold AONB to explore the quaint hamlets. The Slaughters (Upper and Lower) are very picturesque, however, unfortunately being popular tourist destinations half of the country was there with seemingly nobody wearing masks or obeying the social distancing rules so we didn’t stay long.

The River Eye is the focal point of Lower Slaughter snaking its way through the village, famed for its limestone cottages in the traditional Cotswold style and water powered mill. I was keen to check if there were any fish present in the shallow (<1ft) water but none were immediately evident. Then I spotted a “no fishing” sign which suggested there should be. Given the lack of vegetation in the river, lack of bankside vegetation and the number of people walking along the river it was little wonder. Then I spotted one lone brown trout, practically on the doorstep of River Cottage, just sitting static in the slow moving current, it didn’t appear to be moving much to pick up food items. Then I checked under the road bridge and voila there were about 10 wild brownies again just sitting in the shaded protection of the bridge patrolling a single flow line. I wasn’t surprised to find wild brownies in the river but wasn’t expecting to find that many in the stream and all of a good size. Given the tourist pressure I am not sure that fishing is allowed but have sent off a few emails checking for access so will keep you posted.