Rainbow Trout Waters Opening Weekend – March 2025
The new season is now firmly under way at the South West Lakes Trust Rainbow trout fisheries, opening on 1 March (with prior preview days for season ticket holders). Brown Trout fisheries are due to open on 15 March. Where available, boats are now on the water, and should be pre-booked (online or via the telephone). The weather was perfect for the start of the season, with blue skies, a gentle breeze and some warmth in the air. All of the lakes are now at full capacity.
Fishing:
Kennick – Rods averaged over 3.7 fish per angler during the opening sessions, with fish generally located off The Lawns, The Narrows, Clampitts Bay, East Wall and Bracken Point. The fish were well down in the water column, with sinking or sink-tip lines locating fish, with a slow figure-of-eight retrieve. A selection of lure patterns (Green Boobies, Goldhead Blobs, Cats Whiskers, Black Tadpoles) as well as some nymphs (Goldhead Montana, Damsel, Red Montana) and the occasional Buzzer all caught fish. Most fish averaged around 2lb, with Darren Penfold catching the best fish of the weekend, at 3lb.
Siblyback – The season opened on excellent form – anglers averaged 5.95 fish per rod, with fish mainly located along the North Bank, Two Meadows, West Bank and Stocky Bay. While some fish were caught on Montana and Damsel Nymphs, most were caught on a variety of lure patterns (Orange FAB, Kennick Killer, Snake, Black and Green Fritz, Orange Blob and Humungous) fished on Intermediate or Sink-tip lines (at between three and four metres depth) with a slow retrieve. Ethan Price caught the largest fish, at 3lb.
Burrator – Here the season opened with a flying start, with anglers averaging 4.6 fish per rod, mainly from Longstone, Pig’s Trough, Lowery Point, Back Bay and Bennetts. Intermediate or floating lines with a long leader (at about one metre depth) with a fast retrieve proved to be the most successful method, with fish taking Nomads, Blue Flash Damsels, Red Diawl Bachs, Cormorants and Orange Fritz lures. Most fish averaged around 2lb, with Ian Foxley catching the best fish, at 56cm, or 3lb 14oz.
Stithians – Here the fishing was slower, with anglers averaging 1.1 fish per rod over the opening weekend. Fish were well spread out around the fishery, notably at Yellowort, Goonlaze, Ray’s Beach, Hollis and the deeper water by the dam. Most feeding fish were around two metres down, and were mainly caught on Intermediate or Sink-tip lines, with a slow retrieve. Successful flies included Black and Peacock Spiders, Hares Ears, Montanas and Damsel nymphs, as well as Orange Blobs, Cormorants and Tequila FABs. Simon Peters managed a couple of fish at 1lb 8oz casting into the wind off Deep Bank.
Another successful Fly Fair was held at Roadford Lake on 23 February, with fly-tying demonstrations, casting lessons, and trout cookery demonstrations. Charles Jardine opened the event, which also included a variety of tackle and fly-tying suppliers, as well as the chance to meet local clubs and talk fishing with old friends, and some bargains to be had on the Kennick Club used-tackle stand.
Please see the Trust’s website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for more information on buying tickets, boat availability and booking, and forthcoming events.
Chris Hall (March 2025)