grannom

For trout fishermen, it's the first hatch of March browns or even grannom, the drab fly that erupts in clouds over rivers at the beginning of April.

Spring's here: skylarks overhead, moles in the garden, moths in the bathroom 2011

From the swaddling clothes of the risen grannom, cast thus upon the surface of the water by the insect made perfect, Halford turned to the artificial imitations then in use.

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior

The date may be given as 1877, and the fire was kindled by being on the river one April day, and witnessing one of those marvellous rises of grannom that might once be relied upon every season on the Test.

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior

They were of importance in those days, for the grannom was an institution much regarded, and the grannom season was held in high esteem.

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior

Stockbridge the shucks of the grannom would drift into eddies and collect almost as solid as a weed-bed.

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior

Anglers packed their kit and hurried away when the grannom was signalled up.

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior

There were as many patterns of the artificial grannom as there are to-day of the March brown, and it was because Halford found them of varying forms and colourings, and not

Lines in Pleasant Places Being the Aftermath of an Old Angler William Senior