Purchase a fishing ticket in July or August & you can come back as often as you like until you have reached your bag limit! That’s right, so if you purchase say a 5 fish ticket you can keep coming back through July & August until you have caught your 5 fish… Bargain!
Summer evening on a trout lake in early July lush green vegetation surrounding the mirror calm surface. Swallows swooping over the water with trout cruising clearly visible in crystal clear water.
I was enjoying an evening at Blakewell with their resident instructor Jeff Pearce. Jeff was as always kitted out with the latest top quality tackle from Snowbee a Spectre 5 weight rod matched to a 2 to 5 weight thistledown fly line that has recently won a prestigious European Fly Fishing Trade Award.
I had elected to contrast Jeff’s top of the range modern tackle by bringing along a 7ft Scottie Split Cane rod that I purchased from a work colleague last year. I later discovered that the rod had once been owned by Richard Mann a regular at Blakewell who sadly passed away last year. Whilst I am not a devout advocate of vintage tackle I do have a fondness for angling history and split cane rods have a certain feel that is somehow more in sync with nature than the steely modern perfection of carbon fibre.
We had decided to restrict ourselves to dry fly only on this warm and sultry evening planning to savour the visual delights of this method. It is surprising that so many anglers miss out on the best trout fishing summer has on offer by concentrating their efforts during the daytime hours often fishing office hours between 9.0am and 5.00pm when they could arrive at 5.00pm and fish until dusk when the fish undoubtedly become more active.
After a days work that had entailed a meeting in Plymouth I was relieved to eventually arrive at the lake at close to 6.30pm where I found Jeff chatting to a couple of visiting anglers.
Trout were clearly visible, some cruising and others were suspended lethargically almost motionless in the water
I tied a small grey duster to my 4lb point and worked the fly line until I had found the range of the target trout. Jeff was soon into action tempting a fish on a small caenis imitation. After a pleasing tussle a beautiful spotted brown trout of a couple of pounds was being admired.
It was obvious that the actively cruising trout were the fish to target as they were we guessed on the lookout for food. After a few refusals I dropped my fly into the path a cruising fish and watched as it nonchalantly swam up to the fly and slurped in my offering. The satisfying tightening of the line and well-bent rod followed this delightful moment of deception. This was the first decent sized trout I had hooked on the old Scottie as previous outings with the rod had been on the river where I had relished catching 4oz wild browns. This 2lb plus rainbow was a more severe test for the rod though I lent into the fish with total confidence enjoying every moment as the old cane absorbed every lunge.
As we fished on Jeff enjoyed success with a small sedge pattern twitching it a few times and then pausing. This often provoked a rise from the trout and a well bent rod. I followed suit tying on a sedge pattern myself and casting to active trout. This was fascinating fishing watching each fish’s reaction to the fly. There is surely no more enjoyable way to catch trout than with the dry fly?
Image by Jeff Pearce
As the sun slowly sank the trout became more active as the air-cooled and more flies hatched around the lake. There was no hurry to catch fish as we enjoyed the ambience of the summer lake. Chatting about fishing here and there and hatching plans for fly-fishing excursions in both saltwater and fresh. Jeff is a dedicated fly angler and relishes catching on this method above all others.
As the sun sank we took the opportunity to capture images of reflections in the water as the summer day ebbed away. A pair of kingfishers flashed across the water a pleasing glimpse of blue and orange. A heron wheeled above the trees emitting a primeval cry and resembling a pterodactyl that once flew millions of years ago. Such summer evenings are to be savored as the evenings once again begin to shorten as summers glorious peak of perfection passes.
The latest report from South West Lakes. Looks like a few anglers need to get up to Wistlandpound (our local water) that does offer some superb brown trout sport. Great value fishing
General:
With some of the highest temperatures across the country for many years, water temperatures rose quickly, especially in the shallower layers, to over 21ºc, resulting in catch rates falling towards the end of the month as fish became more lethargic. Water levels are still full or nearly so on all waters.
Fishing:
Kennick – Rods averaged 2.5 fish per angler over the first three weeks of June, with the fishing becoming more challenging toward the end of the month. The best Rainbow of the season – a beautiful fish of 7lbs – was caught by Mr. J. Bailey (from Esher) while fishing from the bank at the Narrows using a Black Bobbie on a sunk line. A 5lb Rainbow was caught by Mr. G.Hext, as part of a full bag, fishing from a boat.
The Narrows was the most productive area for both boat and bank anglers, with boats also catching well in the deeper water by the dam and in Clampitts Bay; the banks at the Top End and The Lawns also fished well. Dry patterns fished particularly well early in the month (especially Buzzer Emergers, Black Gnats, Black or Claret Hoppers and Daddies), while small nymph patterns fished on floating or sink-tip lines (particularly teams of Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Damsel nymphs) caught well throughout the month. Towards the end of the month sinking lines fishing Boobies, Tadpoles and Fry patterns started to produce good results.
South West Lakes Trust will be stocking hardier Brown Trout during the warmer months of July and August in order to continue good catch rates.
Siblyback – Anglers also averaged just over 2.3 fish per rod over the month, with most fish being caught from Two Meadows, Stocky Bay and the North Bank. Afternoons and early evenings generally produced the best fishing and, while some fish were caught on dry patterns such as Sedges, Bibios, Hoppers and Beetles, the majority of fish were taken on nymph patterns (particularly Damsel Nymphs, Montanas, Diawl Bachs and Pheasant Tail Nymphs).
Burrator – The banks at Longstone Peninsula and the North West shoreline have produced the best fishing over the month, with Black Gants, Beetles, Buzzer Emergers and Hoppers all catching rising fish. The majority of fish, however, have been caught on sub-surface nymphs ( Damsel Nymphs, Montanas, Buzzers and teams of Black and Peacock Spiders) fished on either floating or intermediate lines, while deeper fish have taken pulled Vivas and Cats Whiskers, particularly towards the end of the month when surface temperatures exceeded 22 ºc and the fish took to the deeper water.
Stithians – Anglers again averaged over 2.5 fish per rod during the first three weeks of June before the high temperatures resulted in more challenging fishing as the fish retreated to sulk in the deeper water. Fish were well spread out, with Pub Bay, Carnmenellis and Yellowort Bay producing consistently good sport. Other productive locations included Chapel Bay, Pipe Bay, Goonlaze and the deeper water by the dam. With plenty of beetles and emerging Buzzers on the water, dry patterns proved to be the most successful method, with Beetles, f-flies, Hawthorns, Bob’s Bits and dry Sedge patterns all catching well. Small sub-surface nymphs (Buzzers, Orange Diawl Bachs, Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails and Damsel Nymphs) fished on a floating line and long leader also produced some outstanding results.
Drift – The water here is still crystal clear, with Badger Sett bank (where fish have been regularly rising) and the North Shore producing the most consistent sport, while boat anglers and float-tubes have enjoyed great fishing off the Woods and in the deeper water by the dam. Palmered Coch-y-bondhus and Hoppers have taken surface-feeding fish, although the majority of fish have been caught sub-surface on Damsel Nymphs, Diawl Bachs, Black Crunchers and Buzzer imitations. Malcom Griffiths (from Gloucester) caught the best fish of the month – a 3½lb Rainbow – while float tubing near the dam.
Roadford – The fishing here has produced some excellent results, with large catches (rods averaged 6.6 fish) and some wonderful fish. Daveys Bank has produced the best sport from the bank, while boat anglers have caught well at Goodacre Bay, by the dam and over the boils, with dark patterns all catching well – Dry Black Gnats, Beetles and Black Spiders fished in the surface film, as well as sub-surface Black Pennells, Bibio patterns, and teams of Black Buzzers fished on sink-tip lines with long leaders. Duncan Kier (from Belstone) caught (and returned) bags of 32 fish and 20 fish up to 3lb 1oz fishing from the boat, while David Best (from Newton Abbot) caught fish up to 2lb 10oz.
Fernworthy – Anglers have had a tremendous month at this picturesque Brown Trout water, averaging over 6.5 fish per rod. The annual arrival of the swarms of beetle have meant that the fish have been looking up to feed, resulting in excellent dry fly sport, with foam beetle patterns, Dry Bibios, Sedges and Spiders producing outstanding sport, with a few sub-surface feeders taking Hares Ears, Montanas and Damsel Nymphs. Fish have been feeding well throughout the day, with most fish caught by the permit hut and from the Lawns. The best fish caught during the month was a grown-on Brown Trout of 2lb 1oz using a Bracken Beetle, while Paul Ackland (from Plympton) caught and returned 32 fish using a Black Ethafoam Beetle – in his words, a ‘red letter’ day!
Colliford – The fishing has, at last, started to pick up at Colliford, with local angler Dean Boucher losing a fish estimated at over 5lb at the net, as a final run pulled the hook.
South West Lakes Trust is introducing two boats for anglers during July and August this season at Colliford. This is exciting news as it will be the first time anglers have ever had the opportunity to fish the deeper waters where the larger resident Brownies are known to be. For more information and to book, call 01566 771930.
Chris Hall (June 2017)
For more information, please contact:
Rosie Vine
Communications Manager
South West Lakes Trust
01566 771930
General:
Water temperatures continue to rise with the recent warmer spell of weather, now to around 16ºc, resulting in an increase of insect activity, buzzers emerging and fish feeding nearer the surface.
Fishing:
Kennick – Rods averaged just over 2 fish per angler, with some superb fish caught – plenty in excess of 4lb. The best fish of the month was a 7lb 1oz Brown Trout, caught by Barry Ware Jnr from Okehampton, as part of a full bag, which also included a Rainbow of 4lb 4oz while fishing from the bank. Darren Everitt, from Moretonhampstead, caught a 5lb 12oz Brown Trout from the bank, using a Damsel Nymph. The best Rainbow caught in the month was a 5lb 6oz fish caught by Mike Steer, from Bovey Tracey, using Damsel Nymph fished from the bank in Boat Bay. Clampitts Bay, The Narrows and The Lawns were the most productive locations for both boat and bank anglers and, with Hawthorns starting to be blown onto the water, along with buzzers emerging (particularly on the warmer days), Hoppers, Emergers, and Snafflers all produced good results. The majority of fish were caught on Nymph patterns (Damsel Nymphs, Diawl Bachs and Montanas) and teams of Buzzers fished on a floating line, while a few deeper fish were caught on Boobies fished on a sinking line.
The Bank Pairs competition was held on 7 May and was won by father and son team Barry Ware Snr and Jnr, with a bag of 20lb, followed by John Hern and Rob Gale (bag of 17lb 7oz).
Siblyback – Anglers also averaged just over 2 fish per rod over the month, with most fish being caught from the Marshes and Stocky Bay and from the North Shore toward the end of the month, mainly from the bank. With Hawthorns very evident at the beginning of the month, Dry Bibios, Hoppers and Hawthorn imitations caught well fished on the surface. Lures such as Cat’s Whiskers, Baby Dolls and Orange Blobs, fished on intermediate lines, were the most productive, with nymph imitation catches (Damsel Nymphs, Buzzers and Diawl Bach) improving as the month progressed.
The best fish of the month, a Rainbow of 5lb 2oz, was caught by C.Hall (from Pensilva), while Mr Long (from Liskeard) caught a Rainbow of 4lb 12oz.
Burrator – With the reservoir level starting to fall, boats are now available through the Burrator Fishing Club. Anglers averaged 2.4 fish per rod, with Longstone Peninsula the most productive area. Buzzer Emerger patterns and Hawthorns fished on the surface have produced some great top-of-the-water sport, while the majority of fish have been caught on nymph patterns (Damsel Nymphs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Spiders) fished on Intermediate or Sink-tip floating lines. The best fish of the month was a 3lb 13oz Rainbow caught on small black pattern fished on a floating line from the bank at Longstone. Jonathan Rood caught a 3lb 4oz Rainbow at Longstone, using a Small Damsel nymph fished on a floating line.
Stithians – Anglers averaged 2.5 fish per rod over the month, with fish well spread out and being caught in a number of locations, particularly Pipe Bay, Pub Bay, opposite the activity centre, Goonlaze and Yellowort. There are plenty of Hawthorns being blown onto the water and this, combined with a lot of hatching fly-life, has meant that dry flies have produced some exiting sport (particularly Black Hoppers, Hawthorns and Spiders fished in the surface film). Subsurface nymph patterns have also caught well (especially Damsel Nymphs, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Pheasant Tail patterns).
The best fish of the month was a 3lb 6oz Rainbow caught by J. Dolley, from Redruth, using an Orange and Yellow Blob, fished from the North Bank.
Wistlandpound – The water level is now about two metres down from full and the fishery has been producing some fine fishing, with rods averaging 11.5 fish per angler (on a catch and return basis), with one boat session bagging (and returning) fifty Browns up to 1lb 8oz, with Damsel Nymphs, Sedgehogs and weighted mini Tadpoles all catching well.
The latest monthly report from Exe Valley where catch and release has proved a popular option.
Another month has passed far too quickly at Exe Valley with the first taste of summer now upon us. Although some inevitable weed has appeared during the hot spell Anchor Lake continues to provide excellent sport. The deep areas are looking in better condition than this time last year and up to today, 27th May 17, 147 anglers have caught 547 Trout for a very healthy rod average of 3.7 fish per person.
Another month has passed far too quickly at Exe Valley with the first taste of summer now upon us. Although some inevitable weed has appeared during the hot spell Anchor Lake continues to provide excellent sport. The deep areas are looking in better condition than this time last year and up to today, 27th May 17, 147 anglers have caught 547 Trout for a very healthy rod average of 3.7 fish per person.
Just this week I used imitative tactics while guiding Andy & Carl from the Birmingham area. We had to experiment with a couple of different fly patterns and in the end enjoyed some great sport using a washing line consisting of a Black Hopper Booby on the point and a simple Crank Shank Buzzer on the dropper. Fish fell to both patterns and the takes were fantastic; not to mention the fighting qualities of these fish!
If you are interested in improving your casting techniques please see Nicks website Nick Hart Fly Fishing
Andy Facey landed this suberb 12lb 4oz rainbow at Blakewell on a 6lb leader and size 8 green copper john on floating line. Andy spent several hours stalking the big trout that repeatedly followed the fly before suddenly grabbing it and taking off like a torpedo!
9lb 1oz on a dry fly for Mr Gilbert. Fish right up in the water even when cold & windy.
With the warmers days fish are moving up n the water so Nick Harts suggests “try an Owl, a Hopper or stick a Buzzer under a Bung.”
Nick Hart reports:-
So far to today Friday 28th April 188 anglers have visited since the beginning of the month catching a total of 599 Trout to set a very good rod average of 3.2 fish per rod. Amongst them have been some great fish such as the specimens shown below and we were also pleased to see that one of our Trout was selected by Trout Fisherman as Fish of the Month. Well done to the captor John Ratcliffe.
Although I had been meaning to add a catch report during March it is quite poignant to be writing one up now as this weekend heralds a two month period since Catch & Release options were introduced here at Exe Valley Fishery.
Catch & Release News
I am happy to report that the initial trial has been a resounding success with twenty percent of anglers choosing to opt for Catch & Release only while many others have completed their limits prior to enjoying an enjoyable sporting session rather than leaving the fishery prematurely.
Catch & Release options will continue for the foreseeable future until such time that water temperatures become too high. Please check the website and facebook for details or call 01398 323008, although I anticipate that the options should be available until June 2017 at least. We are the only small stillwater fishery in the area offering such a range of flexible fishing permits and now that spring is in the air you can expect some fantastic imitative sport … especially as there are a few wise Trout in Anchor Lake now.
Top Sport … and some of it is top of the water!
Over the last few weeks 228 anglers have enjoyed some great sport landing 893 Trout for a very healthy average of 3.9 fish per angler. Top flies have been Damsels, especially the Blue Flash variety and Buzzers under a bung are also very successful. But as the water begins to warm and the longer days are upon us don’t be afraid to try a straightforward dry fly such as a CDC Owl. Andrew Berwick, who started fly fishing late last year, did just that and was rewarded with his first ever surface caught Trout.
Looking back through the returns as usual we have witnessed some great catches including Perry Bamonte with a 5 fish bag at 17lb plus another 5 fish released, the second time he has achieved this in as many weeks. Matt Hunt has become a regular, travelling from Torquay to fish with us having heard that C&R fishing is now available. Fishing with his pal Mr Morgan they consistently catch 15 – 20 fish between them during weekly sessions since the new options were introduced back in February.
Nick Billet from Wellington said “Great day, many thanks will be back” after his first visit, completing a limit of 8 with his 4 fish taken tipping the scales at 14lb. Buzzers under an indicator proved to be the successful tactic which also worked for Nicks mate Shaun Rowden, also landing 8 fish.
News of the changes have spread across the West Country and Peter Philips from Plymouth was another first time visitor who had a best Trout of 5lb 8oz in a bag of 4, with one safely released. He commented “Great Fishery – lovely setting, nice condition & variety of size of fish, easy back casting – will certainly be back!”
Mr Metcalfe all the way from Wales was rewarded for his journey today in the form of this 11lb Rainbow.
Roger Weller landed a fine double figure rainbow trout of11lb 5oz he is on holiday from Cranleigh Surrey.
Thirty anglers gathered at Blakewell Fishery for their Spring Competition a day that was to be blessed with warm spring sunshine. It was certainly a jovial atmosphere that pervaded the morning with old friends and new talking eagerly about the days fishing ahead. These competitions are little more than an excuse for a bunch of anglers to get together for a social with a bit of banter and a bent rod.
After the draw and a coffee we all set out to the lake that was tinged with colour after heavy rain two nights previous. This was probably a good thing as bright sunshine is seldom good for trout fishing. The morning session saw anglers enjoy steady sport with the fish fighting hard in the cool water. Glancing around the lake it was apparent that a multitude of patterns were producing fish. My first peg proved challenging and I only managed the one trout a handsome brown that was to be the heaviest brown of the day at 3lb 5oz.
My next peg proved more productive and within the second hour I had completed my mornings quota of five trout.(below)
This gave me the opportunity to wonder around the lake and capture a few images before lunch.
The hour-long lunch break saw the hungry anglers tucking into a hearty meal of sausages, potato stew, salad, fresh bread and red cabbage and onion. This was washed down with a cool can of beer followed by a slice of delicious homemade cake.
All of this was of course punctuated by plenty of tales of fish and fishy places.
The afternoon session is often the hardest and that one fish can often prove hard to tempt. But with a blue sky and fresh green buds all around it was not too much of a problem if it took a while to complete the days bag.
The competition came to a close at 4.00pm and all but two of the thirty anglers had completed their six fish limit. The scales showed that it had been a very close event with just three pounds separating the top twenty-five anglers.
Result
1st Andy Facey – 6 fish – 15lb 7oz
2nd John Buxton – 6 fish – 14lb 15oz
3rd – Phil Martin – 6 Fish – 14lb 10oz
4th = Wayne Thomas – 6 Fish – 14lb 9oz
Colin Matthews – 6 Fish – 14lb 9oz
Paul Grisley – 6 Fish – 14lb 9oz
Whilst none of the big trout for which the fishery is renowned were caught several were glimpsed in the lake. A fine 13lb double figure rainbow was landed the previous day.
The fisheries facilities have been upgraded with a new toilet, fish weighing room and extended decking that will prove a hit on summer evenings when John and Richard Nickel plan a few summer BBQs and fishing events.
Next month sees the fishery host a Snowbee Open day when the latest tackle will be on display and available to try out with casting instruction from the Snowbee and Blakewell teams.