26 May 2025

Bulldog Fishery May Competition

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I called into Bulldog to capture a few images during the first hour of the competition and witnessed some fine trout brought to the net. The fishery should continue to give great sport over the coming weeks with some big fish stocked still remainng uncaught.
May Fly Fishing Competition
The May fly comp took place on Saturday  24th! 12 keen anglers took to the bank in a bid to win the top prize 🏆
In past comps  the main water inlet to the farm as been a quiet spot not seeing much action. This time however the inlet was the place to be! Multiple hook ups taking place at the same time!
No new records for fastest hook up were broken this time, however Dave Coad now holds the record for fastest pre lunch fish limit (4 fish) landing all for in an impressive 35 Minutes! 👏
As the day went on and more fish were landed it became apparent that it was going to be close for the biggest fish of the day award! Many of the bigger lumps were on the feed!
Lunch time came and went, and with our anglers happily fed we were back at it! Rising winds made for a difficult afternoon however the competitors persevered! 🐟
Results:
1st Mike Lathum
6 fish – 27lb2oz
Biggest 6lb12oz rainbow
2nd Nick Tamlin
6fish – 22lb5oz
Biggest – 7lb4oz rainbow
3rd Dave Chapman
5fish – 22lb
Biggest 8lb9oz rainbow (Biggest of the day)
A total of 53 fish were landed throughout the day, many being in the 5lb- 8lb bracket! two 5lb+ Tigers included in that total. Not any of the browns or Spartics 👀 it will definitely be interesting to see how long they can avoid the day ticket anglers 😁
Thank you to everyone that took part 😁 we hope you all had a great day! 🎣
These fly comps have been a huge success and we’ve received great feedback from those involved! We will be seeing how the weather fairs before setting the next date, likely to be after the warmer summer months but we may try to sneak another one in next month. So keep an eye Bulldogs Page or North Devon & Exmoor Angling News
25 May 2025

In Deepest Wales – Llyn Clywedog

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The Welsh valleys in late May provided a pleasing route to a fishing adventure that I will savour in my ever growing array of memories gathered throughout an angling life. The trip to Llyn Clywedog Trout fishery in Mid Wales had been anticipated for several months and as always it seemed slightly surreal when the day to set off actually arrived.

I was joining three old friends who I had fished with over many years in the annual Water Industry Game Fishing Championship ( WIGFC). Whilst we are no longer eligible to fish in the competition we still try to celebrate the old days with a trip together sharing tales of old and writing new chapters. It seems hard to believe that it was way back in 1995 that we were part of the winning team for South West Water at Sutton Bingham.

The glorious weather of late Spring was set to continue and a glance at the many rivers reflected this as we wound our way North. A road closure resulted in a short detour that proved a blessing in disguise as at just before 8:00am we spotted a sign to a Farm Shop with breakfast from 8:00am. The Valley was bathed in soft morning light, resplendent shades of green with rolling hills lay before us as we enjoyed a delicious full English with hot tea and coffee. Swallows and house martins were swooping to and from the eaves and all seemed pretty good with the world.

Fully refreshed we set off again pausing to take a look at the River Usk where Ray had enjoyed a day chasing the wild trout for which the river is renowned. So many places to fish and so little time. Talk of friends work colleagues and people we had known through the years who were now deceased or gripped by old age focussed the mind on life’s fragility.

 The words of Francis Rossi’s song ‘Tongue Tied’ came to mind as we resumed our journey.

I’m just dreaming of a time long ago
I’m just dreaming of the past
I’ve been feeling that there’s not long to go
Why does living go so fast?

An hour or so later we arrived at Llyn Clywedog a spectacular reservoir nestled within steep valleys of bracken, forest and sheep grazed slopes. The water shimmered ruffled by a moderate North East breeze beneath a brilliant blue sky. We purchased our bank tickets from the fishing lodge and set up our tackles for the day.

We had three days fishing ahead of us and confidence was high as we explored the vast area available on the Southern Bank. Swallows swooped over the water and the cuckoo’s evocative summer call drifted through the air. The occasional trout rose just out of casting range and we fished hopefully.

The scenery was truly epic and I relished exploring each corner of shoreline. Lush greenery of late Spring, young lambs grazing on in an idyllic backdrop.

Ray was fishing to my left and I called to him as an osprey soared above its white undersides clearly visible as it glided effortlessly above the lake. It was a sight to lock into those memory banks for sure along with the many kites we were to see over the three days we fished.

We packed up at around 5.00pm to head for our hotel ‘ The Red Lion’ in nearby Llanidloes a small town located close to the source of the River Severn. We had left North Devon before 5.00am and were all feeling a little weary and ready for food and drink.

We reminisced about life and fishing over a couple of pints and a good meal. The same old stories resurfaced of past adventures across the UK. The annual WIGFC competition rotated around the reservoirs of the UK resulting in us visiting an array of locations. Stories of a pub in Northumberland where a raffle in the village Hall offered pots of paint, light bulbs and a starched white shirt were retold. The hostel where a bed bug resistant bag was offered on arrival. The trials and tribulations over the years recalled with fondness and a hint of melancholy as we pondered upon the passing of time.

Day two saw us head to the lake after a good breakfast. We fished from the boats. I shared a boat with Ray with Garry and Rob sharing another boat. The boats enabled us to explore a far wider area. Stepping out onto the boats we gazed into the clear waters to watch a large gathering of trout swimming around the jetties. A few trout pellets tossed into the water resulted in a boiling frenzy. These trout were not fished for and known affectionately as the pets. Some of these fish were well over 5lb and had apparently haunted the area for several seasons.

On day one we all found a sinking line productive with the ever successful olive damsel proving effective. I also experimented with the locals popular choice of tactic suspending a pink wriggly worm pattern beneath a bright bung indicator. Ray and Garry frowned upon my lack of etiquette; likening the tactic to Coarse Fishing. As an all-round angler I sometimes struggle with the rights and wrongs of fishing tactics. In truth it was nice to take a rest from continual casting and drift along watching the optimistic bobbing of the bright bund. Its disappearance and connection with a hard fighting trout just another tactic to employ and enjoy.

In short we caught close to forty hard fighting rainbows during our two days on the boats with Rob landing a pleasing spartic. The fish were all in superb condition, full tailed and hard fighting. The average size was around 2lb with the occasional fish close to 3lb.

            On our last morning we learnt that booby’s often produced the bigger fish; deep and slow the tactic.

            Once again our WIGFC inspired trip had taken us to new waters. Vast blue skies, soaring kites in a wild and largely unspoilt landscape. Llanidloes the small town at the head of the Severn had an atmosphere of its own with a timeless aura that seemed to hang onto a retro 70’s vibe. Squadrons of swifts swooped high above as we strolled the streets embarking upon a little window shopping. It seemed to me that there was a greater abundance of bird life here in the depth of Wales. I certainly hope to return in the not too distant future.

            As to next year there will hopefully be another WIGFC reunion maybe a bit closer to home.

24 May 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

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South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

May 2025

Water temperatures are continuing to slowly rise, although some chilly winds have meant that the fish are often still feeding below the surface. During warmer spells insect activity increases, and trout begin to look to the surface to feed during hatches. The Trust has run a number of successful introductory beginners’ days at the rainbow waters in conjunction with the clubs, with many newcomers managing to catch fish – Stithians hosted theirs on 4 May, with future events planned for Burrator (15 June) and Roadford (29 June). The annual Peninsula Classic bank competition will be held at Kennick on 22 June.

Fishing:

Kennick – The excellent sport continued, with anglers averaging 3.5 fish per visit. Generally the fish were well spread out around the water (particularly popular areas included the East Bank, Clampitts, The Narrows, Boat Bank and Poplar Bay), with both boat and bank anglers both enjoying similar success. Fish fed at most depths, so a variety of line types, from floating to fast sink, all caught fish, with the occasional buzzer and sedge hatch bringing fish up to feed. Hawthorns started to make an appearance toward the end of the month, with the fish starting to get a taste for them. With fish hungry to feed, a wide variety of patterns all caught fish, from deep sunk Boobies (other successful lure patterns included Orange lures, Cat’s Whisker, Tadpoles and Ace of Spades), to mid-depth nymph patterns (Damsels, Montanas, Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail nymphs), with the occasional fish rising to Hawthorns and foam Beetles. Graham Roberts caught the best fish of the month – a rainbow of 4lb; Michael Peppitt caught a rainbow of 3lb 8oz – one of six caught from the boat; Michael Herring (from Thurlstone) caught a rainbow of 3lb 3oz (also from a boat).

Siblyback – The excellent sport continued at Siblyback throughout the month, with anglers averaging 4.3 fish per rod, with the banks proving to be slightly more popular than the boats. Stocky Bay, Crylla, North Bank and Two Meadows were the most productive locations. Fish tended to be near the surface, with floating and intermediate lines combined with a slow or medium retrieve proving to be the best tactic. There were regular hatches of buzzers throughout the month, with beetles, hawthorns and caddis putting in an appearance toward the end of the month. As the trout were eager to feed, a wide variety of dry (Hawthorns, Daddies, Gnats, Beetles, Hoppers and Klinkhammers), nymph (Damsels, Hares Ear, Spiders, Buzzers), and lure patterns (Tadpoles, Orange Fritz and Cat’s Whiskers) all caught fish. Ben Lang and son, Harry Cinnamon, caught 11 rainbows to 2lb between them, mainly using a floating line, long leader, with a Damsel on the point and Diawl Bach on the dropper. Ron Wilday caught nine rainbows to 1lb 12oz, pulling Damsels and Cat’s Whiskers. The Lawson brothers (Al and Andy, from Plymouth) both had an excellent morning session, casting Black foam Hoppers and Hawthorn patterns to rising fish, and each catching a bag of rainbows averaging 1lb 12oz.

Burrator – Anglers averaged 2.8 fish per visit over the month, with most fish being caught at Longstone, Sheeps Tor, Pig Trough, Peninsular Bay, The Lawns and Lowry Point. The banks were marginally more popular than the boats, and with fish feeding generally within three feet from the surface, floating and intermediate lines proved to be the most successful (fished with a variety of retrieve speeds). As there was plenty of insect activity (buzzer and sedge hatches), fish were looking up to feed, and could be caught on dry Claret Hoppers, Brown Daddies, Tups Indispensable, Dry Adams, Black Gnats and dry Sedge patterns; sub-surface feeders were caught on various nymph patterns (especially Damsels and Montanas, Buzzers and Diawl Bachs) and lures (Cats Whisker, Tadpole, Orange Blob and Cormorant).

Stithians – Stithians fished fairly consistently throughout May, with anglers averaging 2.7 fish per visit. Most popular locations included Pipe Bay, Mossopps, Goonlaze, Pub Bay and Yellowort, with plenty of fish feeding tight into the shallows, and floating lines with a medium/slow retrieve producing the best results. Plenty of gnats and hawthorn flies on the water meant that the trout were looking up to feed, and could be caught on dry Black Gnats, Black Hoppers, Hawthorns and beetles. Deeper feeding fish took Black Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, Damsel Nymphs, Hares Ears, as well as various lure patterns (Orange Blob, Snake, Tadpole, as well as the occasional Booby).

 

Colliford – Anglers averaged 2.7 fish per rod, and while fish were well spread out around the reservoir, the most productive banks included Redhill Point, the Dam, Lords Waste, The Slipway, The East Bank and Pines. With plenty of fish showing, floating lines with a slow retrieve proved popular, with fish taking dry Hawthorns, Hoppers, Black Gnats, and Foam Beetles. Subsurface feeders were caught on a selection of nymphs and lure patterns (including Goldhead Bibio, Soldier Palmer, Zonker, Tadpole, Pheasant Tail, Kate McLaren and Alexandra). Kevin Rushton caught a grand brownie of 4lb 3oz (the best fish from Colliford so far this season), while Dean Boucher caught a brown of 2lb 4oz (as part of a bag of eight fish).

Fernworthy – The catch rates improved to an average of 2.9 fish per visit over May, with fish being caught at Thornworthy, Brownhills, the Boathouse and along the south bank, as well as in the deeper water by the dam. Floating lines fished with a long leader produced the best results, and when there was a buzzer hatch, fish could be caught on small beetle patterns, Hawthorns and hoppers. Deeper feeders were caught on Damsels, Buzzers, Blue Zulu, Pheasant Tail, Soldier Palmer, Connemara, Bibio, Mini Scruffy Tiger and Hares Ears.

Roadford – Floating lines with varied retrieves proved to be the order of the day, with the best sport to be had from the deeper water by the dam, The Oaks, Grinnacombe, Gaddacombe, Shop Bay and Wortha. Weekly catch rates varied, with anglers averaging 5.6 fish one week, and 3 fish per visit over the whole month. While some fish rose to dry patterns (Daddies and Black Gnats), most were caught in deeper water, taking a selection of nymphs (Damsel, Buzzer, Blue Diawl Bach and Hares Ear) and lure patterns (Blue/Gold Humungous, Cormorant, Leach, Muddler Minnow and Mini Scruffy Tiger).

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 (May 2025)

26 Apr 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report – April 2025

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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)

5 Apr 2025

Chasing Wimbleball Rainbows

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Early April and to me this is trout season proper and where better to spend a day chasing rainbows than the fabulous Wimbleball nestled amongst Exmoor’s rural landscape.

I was fishing with my good friend Bruce Elston who had recently enjoyed catching his first double figure rainbow from Anglers Paradises Catch and release trout lake. We had originally intended to fish from the bank but recent catch reports indicated that the boats were starting to produce.

I was full of confidence despite the strong Easterly wind and bright sunshine. There was rain and cloud forecast for the afternoon so if the morning proved hard the afternoon would give a change of conditions.

We met at the boat pontoons for 8:30am after a pleasant drive as the morning sun rose to burn off any lingering morning mist. We were greeted by Mark Underhill who has worked so hard to make this fishery one of the best in the west country.

 

It was good to catch up and chat about prospects for the day and how well the fishery has been fishing recently. Judging by recent posts on social media the size of the rainbows this year are well worth chasing.

It was my turn as boat captain today and I suggested we start off with a drift or two in Cowmoor Bay that would offer a degree of shelter from the strong wind. We headed up into the wide bay towards the far end and commenced drifting using a drogue to slow the pace. I hooked a rainbow on the second drift that came adrift but this at least gave that much needed confidence boost.

It was good to spot the first martins of the spring swooping over the water after their long migration from the African continent. The sighting of the spring migrants always boosts my spirits knowing that natures cycle is still turning as it should.

It soon became apparent that even with a drogue  the drift was a bit too brisk and I suggested we head up to the dam end. We tied up to the rope that marks the dam area and spent half an hour searching the deep water to no avail.

I was using a fast sink Snowbee line with an olive damsel on the point and a bright orange blob on the dropper. Bruce was using a single black damsel.

The calmer waters of the Upton Arm beckoned we motored up into the wooded bay that always inspires. Wooded banks with branches trailing into deep clear water. Buzzards gliding high above and birdsong drifting in the spring air.

Action soon came our way as we drifted close to the bank with the trout seemingly close to the edge patrolling the steep drop off contours. We caught fish pretty well every drift throughout late morning. All hard fighting fish averaging between 2lb and 3lb.

When our catch rate eased we decided to try the opposite bank where the wind was blowing harder. First cast I noted a swirl behind my fly as a  trout lunged at the fly. The wind was pushing us rapidly into the bank and as I lifted the rod a huge rainbow appeared behind the lure turning away as I ran out of water. Bruce and I both gasped in awe at its size. One of those would certainly make our day!

With the wind making it very difficult we decided to take a break and return to the calmer bay we had been fishing and take a bit of lunch with the anchor lowered. I grabbed a sandwich and an iced coffee between casts. Bruce set up a nymphing set up with a sight indicator and allowed the set up to drift gently just off the overhanging tree line.

Bruce missed a couple of takes but it was third time lucky when he tightened into a fish that took off with a stunning turn of speed. Bruce hung on and relished the pulsing rod as line was ripped from the reel on a couple of long runs out into the bay. Eventually the fish settled into a closer range tussle a couple of rod lengths from the boat. Each time Bruce encouraged the fish close to the net it would surge off again. It was obviously a good fish that we estimated at around 7lb. It wasn’t until it slid over the rim of the net that we got an idea of its true size. A deep flanked fish in perfect condition with wide and powerful tail. Bruce decided to keep the fish and we were both stunned when the scales told a weight of 9lb 14oz!

What was most thought provoking was that the fish we had seen earlier appeared much bigger than this one. We caught a few more in the bay and then embarked upon a search back on the far side where we had seen the big fish.

            We found that if we positioned the boat carefully thirty yards or so off the bank we could drift into the shoreline where the trout were lurking then start the motor and push back out to drift back in; zig zagging along the bank like this we searched the margin adding trout or missing takes most drifts. I also glimpsed another monster of a rainbow that missed my damsel by an inch as we ran out of water at the end of a drift.

Sport eased for the last hour as rain started to fall. Bruce commented that it had been his best days trout fishing ever and he relished the exciting tug of the trout smashing into the lure. We headed back to the pontoon arms aching slightly, reflecting upon another day of memories made. We ended the day on seven trout each averaging close to 3lb with one solitary wild brown trout. The coming months should bring plenty of great days on this wonderfully wild water. Its stunning rainbows testament to an ambitious stocking program.

In addition to the stocked rainbows there are also some stunning wild brown trout that undoubtedly exceed 10lb! Now that really would be the fish of dreams….

30 Mar 2025

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

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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

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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.
17 Mar 2025

Full Report from Bulldog Fishery

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Full Report from Bulldog Fishery

Heavy frost ❄️ bright sunshine 🌞 and an Easterly wind 💨 Everything you DON’T want for a days fly fishing… However, the anglers that fished the postponed February fly comp today took on the challenge!
First to hook up on one of Bulldogs finest hard fighting rainbows was none other than Mr Denis Ives, a mer 12 seconds after the starting horn! This puts Denis in second place on the wall of Fame for fastest hook up in a comp!
Many fish were hooked and landed throughout the morning with some truly heartfelt moments with some of the bigger stock lost at the net! It was certainly the case for Ian! Losing what can only be described as a colossal Tiger trout at the net.There were a few choice words shouted in anger that won’t be repeated here! But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining and with the next rotation on the lake, Ian landed 2 fish in quick succession. One of which being a 6lb12oz rainbow! 🐟
Then a big cheer came from the opposite side of the lake, Graham Turner had landed a Tiger weighing in at 5lb9oz!
Although tough conditions the anglers persevered throughout the morning and rods kept bending. After the lunch break where Nigel and Tom could be heard bickering about who makes the best roast potatoes (we all know it’s Tom 💪) it was time to get the lines back out.
Numerous fish could be seen chasing the fly but not committing! But thankfully the fishing Gods were smiling on us and more fish were soon bagged. Lee Newton was the first to fill his 6 fish limit, shortly followed by Rod!
Eventually the final horn blew and it was time for the all important weigh in! Results as follows:
1st – Rod Daniel 6fish- 27lb2oz
2nd – Denis Ives 6fish-22lb2oz
3rd – Lee Newton 6 fish – 19lb
Biggest fish of the day:
Rod Daniel -7lb brown trout
As always Tom was on hand with his filleting knife to raise what we can for the vets charity by means of a gut/filleting service! Thank you to everyone that kindly made a donation! 🙏😁
A great day with a great bunch of anglers 👐
Ps if anyone finds Will Cory wondering around looking lost it’s because he can’t find what peg he’s supposed to be fishing, please return him to one of the Lee’s ASAP 🙏 🤣
Roll on the March comp! 💪
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