24 Jun 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report June 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

June 2025

Water temperatures continue to rise, with plenty of insect activity on the surface and fish looking up to feed. Generally there has been little rain and some water levels are starting to drop. A spell of quite sudden very hot sunny weather in the final week of the month made conditions for anglers tough, with catch rates on most waters showing a sharp drop. The Trust’s beginners’ days continue, with a well-attended event held at Burrator.

Fishing:

Kennick – The fishery continued to produce some excellent sport, with anglers averaging 3.3 fish per visit, and bank anglers fairing slightly better than the boats. Fish were well spread out around the lake, although West Bank, Oak Tree Point, The Lawns and Forest Bay all proved popular with bank anglers, while the boats found the best fishing in Clampitts Bay and Central Boat Bay. While fish could be found throughout the water table, many would come up to dry patterns (especially when beetles were on the water and sedges hatching). Successful dry flies included Hawthorns, Black Gnats, Klinkhammers, Hoppers, Deer Hair Sedges and Beetles. Sub-surface feeders were caught on Damsel Nymphs, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, Montanas and Hares Ears, while deeper feeders could be caught on Boobies, Tadpoles and Cats Whiskers. Lee Tatton caught a cracking rainbow of 3lb 6oz. The popular annual Peninsula Classic Bank Competition was held on 22 June, with the hot sunny conditions making the day challenging – the event was won by Rob Gale (from Ashburton), with Alex Venn runner-up. Water levels are now at 85% capacity.

Siblyback – The fishing at Siblyback just keeps improving as the season progresses, with anglers averaging six fish per visit, and with plenty of beetles being blown onto the water, fish are looking up to feed. Floating and intermediate lines with a slow retrieve were the order of the day, with Dry Sedges, Beetles and various Hopper patterns all catching plenty of fish. Successful sub-surface patterns included Montanas, Damsel Nymphs, Buzzers and dark Pheasant Tail Nymphs, as well as deeper fished lures (Boobies, Fritz, Cats Whiskers, Tadpoles and Orange Blobs). Stocky Bay, Crylla, Two Meadows and the West Bank all produced the most consistent sport. Phil Messenger Roberts caught a beautiful 3lb rainbow. Water levels are now at 81% capacity.

Burrator – The fishing proved to be consistent throughout the month, with anglers averaging 2.4 fish per rod. Longstone, Sheepstor, Bennetts Lawn and Lowery Point produced the best sport, with floating, sink-tip and intermediate lines fished with a slow retrieve proving to be the best tactic. While a few fish rose to a Hawthorn pattern, most were caught just below the surface on a wide variety of nymphs (Damsels, Buzzers and Montanas) and lure patterns (Orange Zonker, Orange and Yellow Blobs, Tequila Blobs, Black Mini-snakes and Orange Whiskey flies). Levels are now down to 86% capacity.

Stithians – The fishing improved as the month progressed, with anglers catching an overall average of 4.2 fish per rod (6.9 fish during the latter week before the hot spell). Golden Lion Point, Carmenellis, Yellowort and Pub Bay all fished particularly well, with anglers favouring an intermediate or sink-tip line and a slow retrieve. There was plenty of surface insect activity, with Sedges and midges hatching, as well as beetles being blown onto the water; dry patterns produced some spectacular sport (in particular, foam beetles, Deer Hair Sedges, Hoppers, CDC patterns and Black Gnats), while successful sub-surface patterns included Zulus, Blobs, Cormorants and Spider patterns. The water level is now at 91% capacity.

Colliford – The fishing greatly improved over the month, with anglers averaging 4 fish per visit; popular banks included Lords Waste, Middle Car Park, Stuffles, Browngelly Bay and along the East shore. With plenty of midges and beetles on the water and fish looking up to feed, floating line tactics proved most successful, with fish coming up to take foam beetles, Black Hoppers, CDC Emergers and Bob’s Bits in the surface film, as well as Hares Ears, Montanas, Dunkelds and pulled Soldier Palmers fished just beneath the surface. The water level is now at 77%.

Fernworthy – Again the fishing improved as the month progressed (weekly averages from two fish a visit at the beginning of the month, to 4.3 fish toward the end). Generally floating and sink-tip line tactics with a steady retrieve proved the most successful, with fish taking Beetles, Ginger Hoppers, Mini Scruffy Tigers, Humungous, Zulus, Black Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Silver Invictas. The Boat House Bank, Thornworthy, The Dam and Potters Bank proved to be the most productive locations. Rodney Wevill caught the best fish of the season so far – a beautiful brown trout of 3lb 2oz. During the Fluff Chuckers Fernworthy round, Wayne Thomas won the event with ten fish (the best at 47cm), followed by Rodney Wevill (also with ten fish, the best at 48 cm).

Roadford – Floating and intermediate lines down to 4 foot depth, fished with a fast retrieve, produced some amazing results at Roadford this month, with anglers averaging 5.9 fish per visit. Grinnacombe, South Wortha, Big Oaks, Gaddacombe and North Shop banks proved to be the best locations, with Dabblers, Bibios, Cormorants, Soldier Palmers, Zonkers, Black Tadpoles, Hares Ears and the occasional foam beetle all catching fish. The level is now down to 89%.

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 including a free fly fishing taster day at Roadford Lake on Sunday 20 July.

Chris Hall (June 2025)

1 May 2025

TARGETS

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, At the Waters Edge, Coarse Fishing, Sidebar | 0

I have drifted through my angling life fishing here and there for a wide range of species that has resulted in me visiting many venues both home and abroad. Whilst my motivation particularly these days revolves around enjoyment it can also be driven by chasing targets.

There are certain fish that have those defining landmark weights and with several species a double figure fish without doubt is that target. The merits can change over the years as species growth rates change but old school anglers like myself have grown up with these ingrained definitions.

Thirty years or more ago I fished a well known lake in Hampshire hoping for a double figure bream and caught a personal best of 8lb 14oz. A double figure bream is an impressive looking fish and whilst many carp anglers have little regard for them I have always considered big bream enigmatic fish.

Last year I fished a couple of sessions at Lower Tamar Lake targeting a double as they are relatively abundant in this mature shallow lake on the Devon and Cornwall border. Last year I failed to tempt a single fish despite fishing close to my good friend Bruce Elston who caught five big bream to 13lb plus fishing in the next swim. The follow up solo trip a couple of weeks later was a blank.

In specimen angling terms a couple of twenty four hour sessions is not a lot of effort but the fact that I hadn’t caught that double niggled me. My problem in fishing is that I chase fish in too many waters. Bass from the shore, tope on boats, shark, salmon, stillwater trout, wild trout from small streams, carp, catfish, LRF fishing, beach fishing, rock fishing, perch fishing, eels and so the list goes on.

Late April and there are a few bream coming from the lake and so Bruce and I set out to once again target them. Bruce arrives before me and chats with Bob the bailiff who kindly changes his plan offering us the chance to fish one of the few swims on the lake that has adjacent swims.

It’s a warm sunny day with a light south west breeze blowing from behind. We both spod out a bed of bait consisting of sweetcorn, pellets and dead maggots. I elect to fish with Remix Secret wafters recommended to me by Chris Connaughton of Barnstaple Bait and Tackle.

The traps set its time to sit back and absorb the surroundings over a fresh brew of coffee. The sun is slowly sinking behind in the western sky, the field behind is a mass of seeded dandelions and long grass. Birdsong fills the ebbing spring day, chiff chaffs, wrens and water birds all contributing to natures random ensemble of random melody. Swallows, fresh arrivals from distant lands swoop above the lake. Grebes glide across stillwater’s. It’s a fresh and vibrant time in natures calendar and to be here in expectation is bliss.

It is great to share the day with a good friend and we chat of life and of fishing past and present. There is undoubtedly something special about a longer session and the connection with the daily turning of the world and natures timeless essence.

The light fades as the sun sinks beneath the hill and the many colours start to fade to black and grey. The first stars slowly appear twinkling in a cloudless sky as the night shift takes over. Large horseshoe bats gyrating over the water feasting upon unseen midges and other insects. A tawny owl hoots from nearby trees, the occasional fish dimples the calm lake.

Bruce’s thrill alarm breaks the spell and I dash to the adjacent swim to witness an eel writhing into the waiting net. The dangers of using maggots…Fortunately the fish is lip hooked and the barbless hook slips easily from the eel, a species that is sadly in decline.

Shorty after this a bream of 8lb 14oz signals that we are in the right area, or at least Bruce is; This is followed 30 minutes or so later by a superb looking bream of 10lb 7oz once again for Bruce.

I settle into my sleeping bag willing my bite alarm to emit its thrill call but its all calm and still as I slowly drift off into a shallow sleep.

I wake as the sky starts to take on a pinkish glow the sun slowly rising from the east as another day begins with colours once again developing. The dawn chorus of late spring and early summer is one of life’s precious delights. Sadly and perhaps imperceptibly its vibrancy and fullness is fading as the worlds rich ecosystems are slowly destroyed by much of mankind’s stupidity and indifference.

As the light levels rise so my hopes of success fade and I contemplate my lack of connection. My doubts grow as to rigs, bait and location?

Then at 6:30am bleep, bleep and a slowly dancing bobbin. I lift the rod and feel a slow ponderous weight wallowing out in the lake. The line cuts the waters surface and I watch anxiously as my prize is drawn slowly towards the water’s edge and the waiting net.

I know it’s a bream by its languid performance at the lines end, but is it that elusive double?

A deep bronze flank appears, the bream slips over the rim of the capacious net. I look down at my prize and feel confident that I have eventually exceeded my target.

I secure the net and wake Bruce, from his deep slumber next door. The scales confirm 10lb 12oz. It’s great to share these moments in life. Then as we celebrate the alarm on the middle rod sounds and once again I coax a bream to the waiting net. At 9lb 12oz its another beauty and the fact that it fails to make that double figure target is less relevant as the mark has now been ticked off.

The story doesn’t end there though for Bruce’s alarm interrupts and I dash over with my brace of bream awaiting a photo safely in the net. I wield Bruce’s net as a huge slab rolls over its rim, 13lb 7oz a new personal best for Bruce. If Carling did fishing trips quips Bruce! Another bream of 11lb 8oz later adds to Bruce’s tally along with a small carp and another eel.

I Slowly pack up a couple of hours later content in my success and ponder upon that short sequence of action when all came right as a shoal of bream drifted over my hook baits. The line between success and failure is indeed slender in both fishing and life.

26 Apr 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report – April 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

April 2025

Although the temperatures have at last started to rise during the day, nights have been cool, meaning that water temperatures are still low, and while there have been some insect hatches during warmer spells during the day, the trout are still generally remaining in the deeper water, with most lakes requiring a sunk line to find fish. The Trust has run a number of successful introductory days at the rainbow waters in conjunction with the clubs, with many newcomers managing to catch a fish. Most lakes are still at top level.

Fishing:

Kennick – Fishing improved as the month progressed, with the overall monthly average of 4.6 fish per rod improving to a weekly average of 5.3 by the end of the month. Fish have been well spread out in the deeper water around the lake, with The Lawns, Clampitts, The Lodge Bank and Oak Tree Point fishing particularly well, with boat anglers also picking up fish in the mid channel. Sinking and Intermediate lines have been the preferred tactic, generally with a slow retrieve. Buzzers have been hatching during warmer spells, although most fish have taken deep-fished nymphs (Damsels, Buzzers, Hares Ear and Pheasant Tail Nymphs), or more often lures (Black Tadpole, Poodle, Tequila Blob and a selection of different coloured Boobie patterns). The best fish of the month (and at Kennick so far this season) was a 5lb 4oz rainbow, caught by Russell Bridgeman; Michael Peppitt caught a rainbow of 4lb 9oz, while Lee Cann caught a 4lb rainbow. Many of the fish caught contained black buzzers.

Siblyback – The early season success at Siblyback continued throughout April, with anglers averaging 4.5 fish per rod, with fish feeding throughout the water column, and being caught on Floating, Intermediate, and Sinking lines, generally fishing with a slow or medium retrieve. Crylla Bay, West Bank, Stocky Bay and Two Meadows produced the best sport, with fish taking a selection of nymphs (Montana, Damsel, Buzzer), lures (Blobs, Orange Snakes, Tadpoles and Scruffy Tigers), and even some dry patterns (Foam Hawthorn, Hopper and Grey Wulff) when midges were hatching. Nine teams of four took part in this year’s Snowbee Team Bank Competition, with 126 fish landed in total; the Kennick ‘A’ Team (John Hern, Darren Penfold, Paul Wicks and Alex Venn) caught 24 fish, weighing in at 35lb 2oz to win the competition, while Andrew Fotheringham caught the best fish of the day – a fine rainbow of 3lb 12oz. Ron Wilday (from Liskeard) enjoyed an excellent day’s sport, catching nine rainbows to 1lb 8oz fishing in Crylla Bay.

Burrator – Weekly averages varied between 0.6 and 2.8 fish per angler, with the best sport to be had at Longstone, Back Bay, Sheepstor and Pig’s Trough. Fish tended to be in mid to deep water, when either a sinking line, or a floater with a long sink-tip and a slow retrieve proved to be the most successful tactic. A few fish were taken from the surface using a Black Gnat, Bob’s Bits, CDC or Black Hopper, but the majority preferred either a sunk nymph (Pheasant Tail, Montana, Damsel or Hares Ear) or lure pattern (Tadpole, Orange Fab, Orange Zonker).

Stithians – The sport continued to improve as the month progressed and the conditions turned milder, with anglers averaging 3.5 fish per visit. The fish tended to be nearer the surface, with floating lines and a sink-tip fished with a slow retrieve proved to be the most successful method. Goonlaze, Hollis Bank, Pub Bay and the deeper water by the dam produced the best sport. Successful fly patterns included Cormorants, Orange and Black Blobs, Orange FAB, Damsel and Montana nymphs, as well as a few fish taking dry Black Gnats, Stithians Mayfly and Black Klinkhammers.

Colliford – Apart from one week, when a very strong easterly wind made the fishing difficult, anglers averaged 2.7 fish per rod, with fish being found in the deep water by the dam, as well as along the East bank, Pines, Menaridan Point and the West Arm. Generally floating lines fished with a variety of retrieves (fast strips, followed by very slow) worked well. Good hatches of Midges and Olives, as well as the odd Hawthorn and Beetle on the water meant that fish were looking up to feed, and could be caught on dry Hawthorns, Black Gnats, Claret Hoppers, Daddies and Beetles. Sub-surface feeders took Hares Ears, Mini Tadpoles, Damsels, Zulus and Soldier Palmers.

Fernworthy – The fishing was slower to pick up on this high exposed Dartmoor water, although weekly averages did pick up to 2.4 fish per visit toward the end of the month. The South bank and water below the Fishing Hut proved to be the most productive, with the browns taking Bibio, Hares Ear, Zulu and Goldhead Damsel, as well as rising to Beetles, Klinkhammers and Hoppers on the stiller, warmer days, when midges were hatching.

Roadford – The good sport at Roadford continued throughout the month, with anglers averaging 3.5 browns per visit. Floating or intermediate lines with a varied retrieve (Slow, Medium, and jerky fast strip) produced the best sport, with the best locations including South Wortha, Daveys Bank and Gaddacombe. Although the occasional fish would rise to a Green Hopper, most fish were taken on subsurface patterns (Black Tadpole, Mini Scruffy Tiger, Damsel and Olive Buzzer).

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 (April 2025)

30 Mar 2025

The first round of the Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

http://www.swlakesfishing.co.uk

The first round of the Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters was held today at Colliford Reservoir on March 29th.

The day started bright, breezy and warm and a good entry of all abilities ready to tackle the browns.

The temps dropped as the day went on and the winds gained momentum.

The fishing was a little tougher than on recent days, with lots of hook up only for the fish to come free before being landed.

The Cornish brown trout master, 2024 Brown trout master and Colliford specialist Roger Truscott was clear favourite at the start, but there where a few knocking on his the door at the end of the day.

Roger ended up winning the day with 8 fish and a total length of 293 cm, John Huckings new to this years competition a very close second with 8 fish and a total length of 286 cm.

The Fluff Chuckers Tankard for biggest fish going to Keith Burnett with a stunning fish of 46 cm and also new to this year comp Steve Lawes runner up for largest fish.

A total of 52 fish to the net and several fish between 40cm to 46 cm making it a very good day.

A big thanks to Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust, Turrall Flies, YETI Europe, Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room for your continued support with these events and a special thank you to Andrew Gooding for the loan of the measure gutters.

1 Roger Truscott 293cm Series points after first round 1

John Huckings 286 cm 2

3.Keith Burnett 240 cm 3

4.Steve Lawes 189 cm 4

5.Wayne Thomas 152 cm. 5

6.Steve Retallack 141 cm 6

7.Simon Peters 99 cm 7

8.Rodney Wevill 76 cm 8

9.Matthew Woods 68 cm. 9

10,Kevin Sellar 62 cm 10

11.Pete Williams 60 cm 11

12.Richard Adeney 59 cm 12

13.Philip Hoskin 52 cm 13

14.Ben Elliott 0 14

It hardly seems possible that another twelve months have passed since I joined the Fluff Chucker’s at Colliford high on Bodmin Moor. Fortunately I had learnt a valuable lesson that despite the favourable weather forecast it gets cold up there on the Cornish highlands. It seemed relatively mild and with a light breeze I pondered for moment before donning a thick fleece under my fly fishing vest and waders. Familiar faces were gathered around Rodney Wevills car as we collected our measuring gutters and received our goodie pack from sponsors Turral Flies.

We all headed eagerly to the water’s edge with competitors heading to their favoured areas. I had a cunning plan to head to where I had fished before and with a gentle breeze blowing into the bay I felt sure a few fish would be present close in. I had set up with my new Snowbee Floating Line and leader with three flies. A black bead headed tadpole on the point, Black spider on the middle dropper and a black and red Zulu on the top dropper a combination that I would have confidence to fish most days in early spring.

The first hour proved difficult as I searched the water contacting a decent trout after ten minutes that threw the hook after a few seconds and a spectacular somersault!

A short while later the line again tightened and for a second or two I thought I had hooked the bottom; that slowly started to move followed by a glimpse of a thick spotted flank that erupted from the water in a flurry of spray! This was a beauty I thought but elation turned to despair as the hook hold gave way the big brown trout disappearing from whence it had come. Another tale of the one that got away added to life’s toll!

The leader was left tangled requiring a re-tying. This was not a brilliant start, then the wind started to strengthen and I nearly lost my cap the fastening button failed. I pulled my buff up over my cap and soldiered on as the wind picked up. I persisted for a while but no more takes followed and a move seemed a good idea. I walked a half a mile or so to an area I had caught from on my last two visits.

First cast and I hooked a trout that came detached after a brief leap from the lake. Fifty yards further along the bank and I hooked a brown trout of 36cm. Two casts later a beauty of 42.5 cm was safely in the net. Things were starting to come right and I fished on now with renewed confidence.

The wind was by now strong and bitter cold with the sun hiding behind grey clouds making it a rather bleak and inhospitable environment.

I added another small brown before deciding to head back to where I had started the day adding another two trout to end the day with five trout. In truth I wasn’t to disappointed to reel in at 5.00pm and leave the cold water behind for a while.

Back at the end of competition meet up Rodney worked out the results and I listened as tales of the day were told. The cold wind had resulted in widespread chilling to the bone, slip and trips, bloodied fingers from stray hooks and plenty of tales of escaping trout. All agreed through chattering teeth that it had been a great day and that the next event is eagerly awaited.

25 Mar 2025

Wistlandpound Reservoir – Early season catches

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Many thanks to Rodney Wevill for allowing me to reproduce his Facebook write up on his recent trip to Wistlandpound

I was surprised how low the reservoir is so early in the season. This gives more open bank to fish but is perhaps concerning for the summer ahead.

Bright sunshine and gentle breeze on the edge of Exmoor and Wistlandpound Reservoir today.

Very little rising and probably a little too bright for the Browns.

What a beautiful place this is, I said I would get back up here when I last fished it two seasons ago with Wayne Thomas .

I found it a little bit harder this time, but with a bit of walking I found some fish and a few missed and lost.

These are all resident fish and was happy to find one reasonably fish plus a Rudd that couldn’t resist the tadpole.

The Browns up here are. Totally different colour to the ones down on Fernworthy, Roadford and Colliford far paler and silver.

Not being a stocked Reservoir Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust only charge about half the price of the other Brown Trout waters making this a real bargain in the most stunning of locations, I will try to get back up when they are taking off the top more readily.

And for once I couldn’t give a bugger that it’s to bright, we need some sunshine.

25 Mar 2025

Mainline carp Competition – Final Update

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Carp Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Mainline Comp. Final Update

Well what a Competition this turned out to be, within 40 minutes of the horn sounding, Dave Bellew on peg 16 was of the mark with a double take, 21Ib 3oz Common, 11Ib 7oz Mirror.

Then the Bunning brothers Aaron & Ashley, on peg 31 landed a cracking 20Ib 5oz Common.

Peg 32 was of the mark, Pete Oates & Kris Ingiszi 19Ib 3oz.

Pegs 1, 2, 16, 30, 31, and 32 seemed to be dominating the race for the first prize of £2000.

The ever consistent Nigel Woods got of to late start, typical of Nigel landing a 18Ib 3oz Common in the last 15mins of the Comp.

Matt Pepperell & Chris Hudson joined in the race for the prize money, landing a cracking 21Ib 2oz Mirror, with 20mins to go.

Seven 20Ib plus fish were caught during this exciting Mainline Competition.

Competition results below.

1st: £2000 Peg 31. Aaron & Ashley Bunning 61Ib

2nd: £1000 Peg 1. Nigel Woods 55Ib 9oz.

3rd: £500 Peg 30. Matt Pepperell & Chris Hudson, 47Ib 13oz.

4th: £250 Peg 32. Pete Oates & Kris Ingiszi. 42Ib 12oz.

5th: 24hr Permits Peg 16. Dave Bellew.

Biggest Fish. Peg 32. Pete Oates & Kris Ingiszi 23Ib 9oz Common.

Smallest Fish. Peg 16 Dave Bellew 5Ib 1oz Common.

Section 1: Peg 2. Tony Johns & Andy Byrne. 31Ib 8oz.

Section 2: Peg 13. Kris Harrison & Trev Island 20Ib 9oz.

Section 3: Peg 18. Dave & Dean Willoughby. 18Ib 10oz.

Section 4: Peg 26. Rich Harman & Richie Eaton. 10Ib 8oz.

Big thank you to all that took part, thank you John Kneebone and Mainline Baits for once again sponsoring the event.

A massive thank you to our volunteer marshal’s. Ken Sampson, Iain Ross, Matt Bennett, Bob Davey who gave up there time.

Also a big thank you to Dil & Mark who helped with the transport.

Thank you to our Head of Fisheries Leon Fisher, who kept the food flowing throughout the event.

Next Mainline Comp 25th, 26th, 27th July 2025.

4 Mar 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

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)

26 Feb 2025

Winter carp brace from Jennets

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Carp Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Toby Craven and Seth Tuson enjoyed a winter carp session to remember at Jennets Reservoir banking a fine brace of common carp.

Toby Craven with his common carp of 31lb 4oz.

21 Feb 2025

Mainline Baits Carp Open Pairs Competitions 2025

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Mainline Baits Carp Open Pairs Competitions

The Mainline Baits Carp Pairs competitions are held at our 81 acre fishery, Upper Tamar Lake. The competitions are generously sponsored by carp fishing giants Mainline Baits.

There is £3,750 in prize money from South West Lakes Trust for each competition. Each person who enters will get a goody bag with some fantastic Mainline products inside. As well as four section prizes there will be a prize for the biggest fish.

First prize: £2,000

Second prize: £1,000

Third prize: £500

Fourth prize: £250

Fifth prize: 24hr or day permits

This a fun, exciting and inclusive competition. The three biggest fish caught by each pair will be added together to decide your final weight and determine your place on the leaderboard. This year we have added more prizes and limited the numbers to 28 pairs, so book now to avoid disappointment.

All tackle and equipment is transported to and from your swim and the price includes a post competition barbecue/ hot food on the Sunday.

2025 dates: