Aaron Bunning fished overnight session at Upper Tamar Lake between work and had this report for us: ‘I had a 31lb common and 19lb 8oz mirror, part of a 4 fish catch I had sunday night. All fish fell to Nashbait Citruz pop ups over Scopex Squid. I am over the moon to have now had a 30+ common and mirror from Upper Tamar!’
A week ago it was like summer today, it is like winter as I walk out to the Lake at Blakewell! Hail and snow flakes are driven by the icy North West Wind. A few moments later the sun is shining and the world looks a less hostile place.
I have a two fish complimentary ticket from the Christmas Competition and had not got around to using it as a result of COVID and the lake being closed so I was pleased that Richard & John allowed me to use it after several months. I had a plan to wander around the lake casting to individual fish seeing if I could spot one of the lakes doubles. The water was crystal clear but the gusty wind frequently riffled the surface making spotting fish tricky.
I fished several spots around the lake and failed to get a touch. I tried several patterns without success but did manage to spot a few trout cruising in the bay. A black bead headed lure on a long leader resulted in a twitch on the tip of the fly line. Next cast the line zipped tight and a spirited tussle followed before the fish came adrift! I checked the hook point and all was well. Next cast and again the line zipped tight….off came the trout. Third time lucky I thought when I hooked the next a couple of casts later…off it came. Still at least I had found the right fly and tactic. Ten minutes later the brace was in the bag.
Its always good when you find the right answer and yet I always wonder if the trout had simply switched on for some reason. This thought is reinforced as I walk away and notice that one of the other anglers has a well bent rod. Its mission accomplished anyway with trout for tea and spring proper on the way.
AP resident guide Julian Chidgey decided to make the most of the beautiful weather at Anglers Paradise & this time he was catching them himself instead of helping their guests!
Starting on the Kracking Carp Lake, Julian landed a 33lb 9oz Mirror using Outlaw Pro Krilla boilies topped with fake corn. He then headed over to the Main Carp Lake where in 4 crazy hours he landed carp weighing 24lb 9oz, 21lb 4oz, 21lb, 19lb 12oz, 19lb 6oz,18lb 1oz, 16lb 15oz and 14lb 11oz. All of which were caught off the surface.
If you want to book Julian to guide you during your trip to the day ticket or residents lakes simply contact him through Facebook ‘Inspired Angling Services (Julian Chidgey)’, Instagram ‘Julian Chidgey’ or by phone on 07720556414”
A brilliant blue cloudless sky and a North-East wind are never good for fishing but despite this it was delightful exploring this small clear water stream with a New Zealand style set up. This was challenging fishing with no manicured banks and plenty of branches and brambles to snare the flies. As I worked up stream flicking the team of flies into the deeper pockets and riffles it was both frustrating and encouraging to see plenty of trout darting for cover as they caught sight of me trying to be stealthy. I feel sure this will be easier in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
Two tiny trout succumb to a dry fly, images of perfection in the clear water their flanks a mixture of gold and crimson spots. It is also encouraging to tempt a small salmon par an indication that salmon have successfully spawned in this water during the winter.
The river weaves its way through woodland, fallen trees, lichen draped branches and wild flowers. Deer footprints in the muddy river side. A squirrel scampers across branches watching me warily. Marsh marigolds, primroses and the smell of wild garlic, Is there a better place than beside a trout stream in early spring?
Blakewell has reopened to anglers after a short break for maintenance and is in fine spring form.
Andy Facey landed this stunning 12lb spring rainbow from Blakewell.
Just a few of the fine carp tempted from Upper Tamar Lake over recent weeks.
Upper Tamar is not just a carp water it also has a vast range of other options with specimen perch, roach and eels along with bream and plenty of silver making it a fine match venues. (Below)Stuart Burridge had a cracking day at Upper Tamar with 42lb of roach and skimmers on the tip. 
Allan Jones and Karl Yates enjoyed their first fishing trip out since lockdown started. Jennetts was the destination and Allan was rewarded with a common of 19lb 6oz and Karl 23lb 2oz . Regulars to Jennets will be pleased that the fallen tree that has blocked access to far side has now been cleared away.
Paul Widlake fished a North Devon shore mark to tempt this huge bull huss scaling 14lb.
Ollie Passmore landed this impressive looking bull huss of 10lb 4oz
