Out with the old

There is no better way to usher in a new sporting year than by landing the Lady of the Stream or by wandering in pursuit of a woodcock or two, say

- Neil and Serena Cross

AS WE accelerate into 2026, with the old year shrinking in the rear-view mirror, it is probably worth reflecting on all the wonderful sport we've enjoyed so far, while also rejoicing in the fact that some of the best is yet to come.

Rather than slumping in front of the racing or scrolling through the new-year offers of Spanish partridges or Norwegian salmon that ping into our virtual lives, I find that the best tonic for the January blues is simply to crack on and get out into the field.

Everybody talks of January pheasants in reverential tones but there is so much more on offer if you look for it. One of my favourite ways to spend a sharp day at this time of year is to grab the old split-cane fly-rod and try for a grayling. During the colder months, these beautiful fish shoal up in rivers and often show in clearing water after a spate. They can be seen lying nose to tail in shallow runs with a few thumpers sitting back from the smaller members of the shoal. In conditions like these, a heavy Czech nymph fished actively through the run can be absolutely deadly and several fish can be taken consecutively.