[BobP]

I would say that the difference is clearly outlined in the chart above. Chalk is 99% calcite, limestone isn't. Disregard the rest of the ignorant nonsense. For example, the Derbyshire Wye prides itself on its "wild" rainbows, but how did they get there in the first place? Arrived as eggs on ducks' feet perhaps? Or more likely stocked by our Victorian forebears.

Chalkstreams began to be modified by the Romans, then mills appeared in the Middle Ages for milling corn or making the woollen cloth that made the country rich at that time, and finally as a means of flooding lowland meadows for agricultural purposes.

So, obviously chalkstreams are heavily modified environments whereas a highland burn may not be. I say "may not" because there is only about 5% of the total length of watercourses in the UK that are totally pristine so the odds are against our mythical burn having escaped the hand of man in some way even if it is to create a ford so that cattle or sheep can cross.

 

[BobP]

Yes but the Derbyshire Wye isn't a "limestone spring creek" is it. "Spring creek" is an 'orrible Americanism just like "freestone" and it has no place in the UK.
Hence my assertion that spring creeks have wild rainbows and chalkstreams don't!

Andy

Depends how you interpret "spring creek." As you say, spring creeks have wild rainbows; the Derbyshire Wye has wild rainbows, therefore it is a spring creek. Used to do that sort of exercise at school 60 years ago.

It is simply an expression. Personally I prefer "freestone" as it describes exactly what it is. It is better than what? Muddy ditch? Same as I prefer "leader" rather than "cast". I cast with a fly rod and I have a leader on the fly line.

Also, most chalkstreams of my aquaintance have very few, if any, rainbows. A few escapees here & there maybe. I have a half rod on a really good stretch of the Kennet where I have thus far this season caught 90 trout. All browns and about 25% of them wild fish that were born in the river ranging in size from about 6 ounces up to 1.25lbs and there is plenty of visual evidence of very many more. Stocking with triploids hasn't done that river any harm.

 

[BobP]

And the dress code....................

Is it necessary to go fishing looking like a raggedy- a*sed tramp? Obviously it is where you fish. Down here on the chalkstreams I have yet to see anyone even wear a tie. I certainly don't.

 

[BobP]

There are one or two limestone streams in Austria and in Bavaria.

Some chalkstreams do carry a degree of colour. The lower Test is a classic example. Seeing trout in the water there is not a common event. The Kennet also carries some colour and spotting fish takes a fair amount of practice.

You are correct in your first sentence above. You'd think that anglers would be proud to have such a rare and delicate resource in this country instead of denigrating it, running it down and sneering at those who are lucky enough to be able to fish there. 85% of the world's chalkstreams - more than 200 large & small - and I get the impression that some on here would be happy to see them sucked dry and culverted over.

 

[BobP]

Ouch! Although..........you do realise.........that's not actually me in my avatar?

In that case what do you use to mop your chin with, after you've eaten your, (mythical), cremated roast beef and baked beans?

I rarely bother looking at avatars. Could be Charlie the chimp and I wouldn't look at it.

Ouch! Although..........you do realise.........that's not actually me in my avatar?

In that case what do you use to mop your chin with, after you've eaten your, (mythical), cremated roast beef and baked beans?

And the beef & baked beans were all too real. My wife still shudders in disgust at the memory of it.

 

[BobP]

I sense the last sentence is a bit of hyperbole, but it is a resource which may be beyond the reach or means of many who read these pages. They also carry rather powerful connotations, some of which have been aired (whether they be right or wrong).

Just because I can't afford a Ferrari I don't denigrate those that can or wish for the car to be converted into Vauxhall Corsa's. There is plenty of chalkstream fishing at not exorbitant costs especially for grayling in the autumn and winter months as long as those who take the opportunity don't turn it into a cheap day's chalkstream out of season trout fishing which more than a few have done. That's the quick way to lose the opportunity, and THAT has happened due to the activities of a few idiots who think it's a clever thing to do.