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Walter Rijksen, The
Netherlands
Can you tell something more about yourself ?
I
am Walter Rijksen. I live in Monnickendam, the Netherlands. I am happily
married and have two lovely children. I earn my living as a manager within
a big Dutch bank.
How long have you been
a fly fisherman, and where have you been fishing among others ?
I started
fishing very young, learned a lot from my granddad. At first with a fixed
rod, later on with spinners and the lot. Fly-fishing started some 15 years
ago. Since then, my live changed for good. I fish almost every week in
Holland, year around. During holidays I used to fish in Ireland
(loughstyle). But Ireland is getting crowded more and more and in search
for unspoiled nature and wildlife I prefer Norway for my fishing holidays
now.
Why do you like river
Glomma and the Kvennan Fly Fishing zone ?
The Glomma is a
wonderful river with many faces: deep and slow in parts, fast running in
others. Somebody called it the shining river, and that is true:
travelling north from Oslo you can see the river for many miles, shining
to you in whatever light conditions.
The Kvennan zone is perfect for fly fishing: within a couple of miles
you have a lot of first quality water with great variety. From
steady flows to fast running stretches, so you can use all kind of
tactics. Kvennan camping is very nice to stay too, intimate sized,
friendly people and a lot of fishermen from all over Europe. The camping
is also great for the non-fishing part of the family: with Tynset nearby
for shopping and beautiful nature all over to take a hike.
Can you tell
something about the old days at river Glomma ?
I am afraid
not, I started fishing there 5 years ago. Since then I learned a lot and
became quite familiar to the stretches. For me the fly fishing zone is a
good investment for the future. Maybe it is too early to see results
yet, but I am convinced that the quality of fishing will be safeguarded
by it.
Did you catch any really
big fish in Glomma ?
To be honest
I did lose more ! I
caught grayling up to 53cm, but during the fishing for grayling there is
always the chance for a big trout. And you have little to say to a 60cm
plus wild brown in rapid water on 15/100 tippet. The biggest trout I
caught was 56 cm, a beautiful fish.
What is your
favourite dry fly ?
That is without doubt
the Softy. So called by a friend of mine. It's basically a pupa emerger
with a very low profile. The fish trust the silhouette and take this fly
with great confidence, while higher floating flies are rejected
What is your favourite nymph
?
I like
to fish my nymphs short lined and want them to behave natural, without
any drag. I often fish Czech style: 2 or 3 relatively light nymphs on my
leader. Size 8-12, some more heavily leaded, others only lightly,
depending on the current. Basic pattern in always the same, but color
makes a big difference. I always let the fish decide what they want, but
don't forget to tie some in hot neon colors!
How long leader do you use,
and how thick is your tippet ?
I
like to use longish leaders, 10-12 feet when fishing dries. The tippet
12-15/100. For nymphs I use a cast with 3 flies, 75 cm or so apart, also
10-12 feet, 15/100 fluorcarbon.
Do you loose a lot of fish
when fishing without a barb on your hook ?
Not at all. I do
almost all my fishing with barbless hooks and can only say it's a
blessing. It gives you the change to unhook very quickly without harm
for the fish.
What
do you think about the new rules & regulations ?
The rules are fine
with me. If you want, you can take one home for dinner, that's OK.
What should be your best
advice for a fellow Glomma fly fisherman ?
Take your time to get
familiar with the river, learn to read the currents. Always wade with a
wading staff. Whether fishing dries or nymphs: don't let your flies
drag, fish them close by but let them drift properly.
What should be your best
advice for river management ?
Keep on the good work
and protect this beautiful river. A suggestion might be a daily informal
gathering of the fly fishers to exchange experiences, make appointments
etc.
Is there something more you
want to share ?
In
fact I said
it all and hope to return to Kvennan many many times.
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