Gammaton Reservoir near Bideford is well run by Torridge Fly Fishing Club who arrange regular stockings of rainbow trout to 4lb throughout the season. I recently visited the lake with six fellow members of the Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club. We had been warned that the fishing would be difficult as on most Stillwater trout fisheries at this time of year but with the date in club diary of events we decided to go ahead.

Club member Robert Chugg kindly met us at the fishery car park at 5:30pm and sorted our permits that are excellent value at £25.00 for three fish.

We all walked up to the top lake which had been fishing the best of the two. Most elected to use sinking lines with reports indicating that what fish were caught recently fell to lures or flies fished deep.

The conditions seemed ideal with a light westerly breeze and occasional sunny spells. The view from the lake is truly spectacular with the vista of the Taw & Torridge estuary basin stretching out to Saunton Sands and the hotel that is clearly visible. Lundy Island is also visible on the horizon far out in the Bristol Channel.

I set up on the West bank of the lake and started searching for a fish. Colin Combe opposite caught a fish early on which was an encouraging sign.

I tried various set ups and after an hour had a solid take whilst fishing a damsel booby fishing back with a pull and pause retrieve. The rainbow was around 1lb 12oz and a pleasing result considering the recent catches. I noted that fellow members were not catching any trout just a few small perch. After a while with no further takes I changed to a Montana on the point and two small dark flies on the droppers. I fished this slowly and to my dismay lost three fish before close of fishing at 9:30pm. Colin opposite landed one more trout.

As the light faded we walked back to the car park. The friendly club sortie had been highly enjoyable despite just three fish being landed. Colin Combe was the winner with two rainbows for 3lb 4oz and myself runner up with 1lb 12oz.