RIVER HEALTH – OPPORTUNITES TO RAISE AWARENESS

There are numerous threats to the complex life systems within our rivers and it is imperative that we all try and do what we can to give life a chance. Whilst salmon are perhaps the most iconic of fish they are perhaps the proverbial canary in the coal mine and their plight is an indication of the overall health of our planet. See below issues sent to me by James at Lance Nicholson’s.

The Issue

🐾  MILLIONS of doses of pet flea and tick treatments containing imidacloprid and fipronil are sold without prescription in the UK every year. These powerful insecticides — which have been restricted in farming for the past 7 years — are freely available in supermarkets and online to  use on pets and are contaminating our rivers, harming wildlife – and us.

Recent studies show they’re found in 100% of tested UK urban streams, harming the very species our ecosystems rely on — mayflies, dragonflies, beetles, and the birds and fish that depend on them.

This is chemical pollution on a national scale, and it could be stopped now…

✍️   PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

To: Baroness Hayman, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Call on the UK Government to end the non-veterinary sale of imidacloprid and fipronil pet flea and tick treatments

❗ THE PROBLEM

– Imidacloprid and fipronil are deadly to aquatic invertebrates even in minute quantities.

– These pesticides enter water systems when washed from treated pets, from their bedding, or even our hands

– One treated dog can contaminate 5 million litres of water above safe levels.

– Yet these treatments are sold without guidance, warning, or oversight.

🚫 WHAT WE’RE ASKING

We urge the UK Government to:

1. Ban the sale of imidacloprid and fipronil-based pet parasite treatments except by veterinary prescription

2. Immediately improve warning labels to highlight the environmental harm of these products

3. Support research into safer, eco-friendly alternatives for parasite control

✍️ PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AND SHARE THIS WITH AS MANY OTHERS AS POSSIBLE

 

Let’s protect our rivers, wildlife, and national parks!

________________________________________________________________

About the Exmoor Society

The Exmoor Society is a registered charity working to protect and promote the unique landscape, wildlife and communities of Exmoor. We believe the environment and the economy must go hand in hand — and that protecting nature starts with knowledge, action and partnership.

See Petition Link Below :-
PREDATION 
Dear Member,
There is growing recognition by environmental regulatory bodies that fish-eating birds,
Goosanders and cormorants, may have a debilitating impact on the population of salmonids in our rivers.
Natural England agree that simply scaring birds is likely insufficient to reduce the predation of our fish populations.
But it is essential to establish the population size in any given river system before any positive action could be considered.
There is now a real opportunity for fisherman and any other persons enjoying the river to be alert to the population of piscavores and take it in hand to report sightings. Adults have now had their chicks, and they are very successful breeders, and will stay on location in the early months.
We have designed a form that you can download to record sightings. The more detail you can provide the greater the validity of our evidence.
Tom Watts, our Fisheries officer / SEW Project Officer at WRT (Westcountry Rivers Trust ) will act as the co-ordinator of  reported sightings
He has designed a google form that auto populates a spreadsheet in the form of an easy questionnaire.
This can be shared through the website, email, newsletter, social media etc. 
You have a sighting? Just click on the following link. Please save the link to apply to each sighting 
Please pass this on to any friend / interested party.
You may also wish to keep a record of your sightings so you can download the attached spreadsheet
and send it in to Tom at the end of September. Try the link first.
Thank you very much for your help
With best regards
Bruce Pearson, Secretary RETA

A glimpse of silver – Arundell Summer Fishing

The season certainly seem to be drifting by on life’s current in an ever increasing speed and it seems only a short time since I was last at the Arundell for the grayling day back in early March. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/03/06/arundell-spring-grayling-day/

Over three months later and the grayling closed season has passed and summer sea trout are ascending the rivers of the Tamar catchment. The Arundell boasts twenty miles of water amidst lush landscapes of the Devon and Cornish borders. I had arranged a day’s fishing with my good friend Jeff Pearce and had arranged to meet at the Arundell tackle shop for 9:00am.

Traffic at Bideford delayed my journey and it was 9:30am before I arrived and apologised for my lateness. Jeff had enjoyed chatting with fellow fishing guests and James Christoforou who is the venues head of Fishing.

James is a breath of fresh air with an abundance of passion and optimism befitting an angler from a younger generation. James talked of the recent upturn in fishing in the rivers following a good summer spate with good numbers of sea trout showing along with a few salmon. These migratory visitors really are the icing on the cake with abundant wild brown trout and some stunning grayling providing consistent opportunity’s for anglers.

It is always well worth listening carefully to advice from experienced local anglers and James certainly knows the hotels waters intimately explaining to Jeff and I where to fish and suggesting which flies to use and how to fish them.

Jeff is a keen exponent of nymph fishing and engaged in an in depth discussion with James delving into the intricacies of fly design. Like many other anglers I know including myself he carries an extensive selection of fly patterns yet in reality only fishes with a tiny proportion of them. My own interpretation of the discussion is to some extent that there is some basis in certain flies working well on specific rivers. This could be in part be due to anglers following trends and traditions. It is also likely that certain colours are more visible in certain tinges of water colour. The weight of a nymph is undoubtedly vital in ensuring that a fly gets down to where the fish are so the stronger and deeper the pool the heavier the fly needs to be. So the perfect nymph for the Arundell waters is perhaps a tungsten silver headed jig style with black body and sprinkling of silver flashy sparkle.

It was late morning by the time we actually arrived at the waters edge keen to start exploring the deep pools and runs. We both carried two rods one set up with a dry fly and the other with a nymphing set up.

We started fishing on Beat 2 and Bridge Pool where Jeff commenced the days quest drifting his team of nymphs slow and deep as a rather nonchalant duck observed proceedings.

The lush green foliage of late June hung over the river its course carved through rocky bed rock over thousands of years. As I often say each river has its own unique character and the River Lyd is undoubtedly one of the West Country’s finest and after recent rainfall to flush sediment its waters seemed to be in sparkling health.

            BB that great Countryside Writers Children’s Book ‘The Little Grey Men’ is a classic tome that captures the magic of a rivers journey and the shaded waters of the River Lyd somehow resonated within the pages of the book. This morning could easily have been a day BB describes “ After a soft grey morning, the sun had slowly broken through the clouds, and every blackbird and thrush in Lucking’s Meadow began to warble and tune up; the first opening bars of a great symphony in praise of life”. My ponderings on gnomes dwelling in the shady banks of the River Lyd are undoubtedly deluded for BB states “ For secrecy  was of utmost importance, especially in these modern days when discovery would mean the end of everything. Why these little creatures had survived for so long is puzzling, because  though they lived in this rural countryside, it was by no means ‘wild’ in the sense that some parts of Devon and Cornwall are wild, and there are, to my knowledge, no gnomes left now in either of these last two localities, though I understand they are still to be found in some parts of Ireland”.

            We fished carefully up through deep shady pools that hid their secrets as sunlight broke through the vibrant green canopy of midsummer. We were both using bright indicators to suspend our nymphs to just trip the riverbed. This was not traditional fly fishing and the purist would certainly not approve. We are going through a revolution in fly fishing at the moment as technics from across the wider world are embraced by a younger generation who push the boundaries and break down the barriers between disciplines.

Watching our bright indicators drift slowly through deep calm pools is little different to trotting with a float and what’s wrong with that?

            There is no doubt that catching on an upstream dry fly is more satisfying and that delectable moment of deception is one to savour. However life is short and in these modern times if we want a younger generation to embrace the sport then perhaps we have to accept a wider range of tactics and values. It is perhaps possible to draw comparison with today’s cricket scene. The traditionalist will always extol proper Test match cricket; five days of endeavours to be savoured and analysed. A younger generation will perhaps prefer the wham bam thrust of 20/20 cricket that is all over in just a few hours.

            Jeff was first to connect and I watched as a sea trout gyrated in the strong current as it was persuaded to the waiting net. The silver flanks glistened as we admired its beauty before slipping it back into the cool waters.

Boosted by this success we both searched intently drifting the nymphs through the pools. I hooked a small brown trout that shook the hook and caught a couple of small parr.

            We then took a break to drive a short distance to the fish beat 3 a stretch of river that we had fished back in early March when Jeff had caught a grayling and I had lost one.

            We went our separate ways now alternating between pools immersed in our own endeavours to a large extent.  When we met up a short while later Jeff was excited to recall the capture of a fine sea trout estimated at around 2lb at had made his reel scream as it battled gamely.

 

            It is often the case that when I fish with Jeff we seem to mirror each other’s catch’s and when one of us enjoys a good first half the other succeeds in the second half. This was certainly my hope as I searched the pools attempting to read the water carefully focussing on those sections that took my fancy.

            The deep fast water towards the head of the pools and runs tempted me and I searched these areas in preference to the slower deeper areas.

            I undoubtedly missed a couple of fish as my indicator dipped beneath the surface or twitched vigorously with my strike finding no connection.

            Then that wonderful moment of connection came and a bar of silver erupted from the water leaping almost to eye level before coming adrift after just a few seconds of adrenalin fuelled excitement.

            Ten minutes later I hooked another larger fish that battled hard again leaping from the water before diving deep and under the far bank where I feared the line would catch in the roots of bankside trees. I savoured the bending rod and feel of a good fish in the strong current. I knelt at the water’s edge and guided the sea trout towards the waiting net. Then elation turned to dejection as the hook hold gave and my silver prize disappeared with flick of its tail.

            The two glimpses of silver leaping and gyrating on my line are lodged in that deep file of memories in the mind. Merging with the lush green of early summer clear glistening water following a summer spate. The electric blue of kingfisher and the cheerful echoes of chiff-chaff and wren song in a river valley. Damsel flies and dragon flies haunting the river margins. As many of BB’s books commence,

The wonder of the world

Its beauty and its power,

The shapes of things,

Their colours lights and shades,

Look ye also while life lasts.

            I caught up with Jeff at the weir pool and told of my losses. We chatted and fished the deep water above the weir together. A few trout dimpled the surface and Jeff switched to dry fly tactics whilst I persisted with the deep nymph tactics and missed a couple of chances.

We had planned to pack up at around 5.00pm but a glance at the time revealed it was now past 6.00pm and after ten or so last casts we reluctantly walked back across the waterside meadows to return home. Already plotting further trips with a youthful enthusiasm that belied our years. The indicator deep fished nymph will certainly be used elsewhere to explore those deeper pools when the fish are not rising.

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report June 2025

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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)

 

FLY CULTURE – GATHERING – June 19th – 2025

The Fly Culture Gathering at The Fox & Hounds Eggesford was a simple affair that like many things that work so well masked a great deal of effort from its primary organiser Pete Tyjas. Seventy or so passionate Fly Anglers gathered in a riverside field in mid-summer as the River Taw glided timeless on its journey to the open sea.

Fly Culture is a community that embraces the joys of fly fishing and the pursuit of fish and happiness in wild surroundings. In this modern world it highlights the good that can come from Social Media for much communication is undoubtedly derived from modern media despite the aging demographic.

There were anglers from far and wide at the gathering and it was great to catch up with those that have become friends over the years and make new acquaintances. The first hour of the evening drifted with the current as beer and burgers were relished and conversation’s of life fish and fishing flowed.

 

Pete then called order as a series of speakers delivered a fascinating narrative that told of small and beautiful trout from Devon’s brooks and rivers. The passion for elusive Atlantic salmon and that magical connection.  The art of tempting wily trout and what trout prefer to eat based upon in depth observations. World-wide obsessions with Arctic grayling from Northern waters. Tarpon and bonefish from tropical seas. Fishing, mental health and being with nature.

Michelle Werrett reads from her book – Song Of the Streams

Harry Chance told of Dartmoor’s jewels and much more…

Peter Cockwill – Inspired with stories from Arctic grayling adventures.
Snowbee’s Simon Kidd talked of the competitive fly fishing world and other fishy tales.

Peter Hayes delved deep into trout behaviour and how to tempt the wily fish.
A captivated audience
Matthew Wright entertained with tales of tropical adventures and life as a fly angler.

 

I left shortly after 9:00pm with plans for next year’s fishing already brewing. So many fish, so much water and so little time as life’s tide ebbs ever faster.

And then there are the lawns, the garage window and the decorating. Still in between jobs I can always enjoy reading Fly Culture and plotting a few more casts.

One cast is all it takes to make a memorable day!

I always relish my trips to Wimbleball savouring each day at this wonderful fishery located deep in the heart of Exmoor. Early to mid-June is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit with Exmoor’s valleys alive with the vibrancy of early summer. Hedgerows and trees that wonderful verdant green that lasts all too briefly before taking on the darker hues of July and August.

I arrived at the boat launching pontoons shortly after 8.00am and set up a pair of rods and tackle before pouring a coffee from my flask and enjoyed the view whilst I waited for my good friend and fellow Snowbee Ambassador Jeff Pearce to arrive.

            It was a mellow cloudy morning with a gentle breeze blowing from the West and there was the chance of sunny spells as the day progressed. Perfect conditions I thought but Jeff cautioned my optimism as catch returns reflected that the fishing had not been easy despite a very high stocking campaign.

            We were fishing from a boat giving the freedom to search for the fish across the lakes 370 acres. After a cheery greeting Jeff and I discussed our plan for the day. It was hoped that the beetles would be on the water as good numbers of fish had been tempted when conditions were right as the trout feasted upon this annual glut of food.

            We decided to commence activities in the deeply wooded Upton Arm an area that has a unique atmosphere with its steep wooded banks flanking the water. Far up at the head of the arm all was calm as bird song drifted through the air. We made our first casts searching the water as we drifted slowly.

            After fifteen minutes or so we moved to the middle area of the arm and resumed our search. I glimpsed a couple of good sized rainbows and made contact with a wild brown trout that shed the hook after an all too brief tussle.

            A second drift brought no action and so we headed for the deep water off the dam that seems to produce fish on a regular basis throughout the year.

            I was now using a fast sinking line with my favourite olive damsel on the point and a cormorant on a dropper. I was confident of success and seeing very little surface activity assumed the fish were deep. Jeff however persisted with a floating line and a more subtle imitative approach.

            We drifted slowly adjacent to the dam area rope cordon and I scanned the water as I always do with my polarised glasses giving a glimpse into the water through the surface glare.

Two good sized rainbows swam purposely through the clear water. I immediately swapped over from the sinking line and lure set up to a floating line with a foam beetle pattern on the point and a larger foam hopper three feet further back.

            I watched the water intently and spied another couple of trout. I placed my flies a few feet in front of the cruising fish. The trout inspected the offering but showed disdain. Jeffs floating beetle proved more appetising and was slurped down by a hard fighting rainbow of around 2lb.

            This was exciting fishing and my turn soon came as I dropped my flies in front of a trout that gave a good account on my 5-wt set up before shedding the hook.

            It was obvious that the trout were on the look out for surface food as close study of the water revealed plenty of cruising fish.

            There are often defining moments in a day’s fishing that can live long in the memory. One such moment came on this day as I watched a good sized rainbow cruising just beneath the surface. I extended my Snowbee Thistledown line and dropped my fly’s five feet in front of the trout.

            I watched with anticipation as the trout converged upon my offering. I gave Jeff a running commentary as the trout paused and inspected my offering circling warily before slurping the beetle from the surface in a delightful ring of deception upon the calm water.

            I lifted the rod to feel that thrilling moment of connection. The trout powered away the light rod taking on a steep curve and the trusted Snowbee Fly reel singing as line was ripped off at a rate of knots. This was undoubtedly a good fish and considerably larger than my initial estimate as I had seen it take my fly. After several powerful runs the fish dived deep stripping line from the reel as I put as much strain on the 6lb b.s point as I dared.

The 10ft 5-Wt rod  was well hooped over as I relished the opportunity to test my tackle as the fish shook its head far below the boat in over 60ft of water.  The fish held its position deep down the rod absorbing each lunge as for a few moments it was stalemate. Maximum pressure was applied and slowly the fish came up in the clear water and we glimpsed a deep silver flank. I readied the net; Jeff exclaimed that it was probably a double and I breathed a sigh of relief when the rainbow was safely within the folds of the net.

            The fish was in splendid condition with deep flanks and wide spade like tail. I slipped the small barbless hook from its jaws. Held it in the net for several minutes and lifted it from the water for a quick photo before slipping the fish back into the depths.

            We fished on a for a while missing several fish before it went quiet and we decided to search elsewhere. We headed to the far end of the lake to search Bessom’s and the shallower water. Several bank anglers were enjoying good sport in the area.

            There were no fish visibly rising so I decided to try lure tactics again. Jeff wisely persisted with dry beetle pattern and soon rose a fish. Switching back to my dry fly tactics I too enjoyed success and in the next hour we added three more fish to the days tally missing numerous takes as we failed to connect with the fly that was hard to watch as the brisk breeze rippled the surface.

            A lesson learnt was that the fish were undoubtedly looking for beetles on the surface. Whilst there were very few beetles showing the fish were still preoccupied with this food source and would intercept our artificial whilst ignoring lures.

            We returned to the boat jetty shortly after 6.00pm reflecting upon a rewarding day afloat on this jewel of water high on Exmoor. It had not been an easy day and that one opportunist cast had made it another day to remember. It is always worth reflecting that it only takes one cast in the right place at the right time.

2025 Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters Round Two Fernworthy Reservoir.

2025 Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters Round Two Fernworthy Reservoir.
REPORT FROM Rodney Wevill
What a day we have had today on Dartmoor .
The high winds never came even though it was windy enough, but the rain was extremely heavy and tested all our waterproof gear. And by and large most of the jackets failed at some point.
Funny that the non fishing gear worked a lot better than the ultra expensive stuff 👎.
We signed on at 8.30 for a 9 am start and a 5pm finish.
A real close day for three anglers, the series leader Roger Truscott  and Wayne Thomas and Rodney Wevill all shadowing each others catch totals and Wayne and Rodders neck on neck for biggest fish of the day.
By the end of the day Wayne came out on top with 339cm total length and 10 fish, Rodders runner up also on 10 fish and a total length of 336cm and Roger Third also on 10 fish and a total length of 289cm
Rodders taking the biggest fish , with a very nice 48cm from Wayne’s 47cm.
John Huckings coming in Fourth with 4 fish.
All the other anglers sharing out the points with 3, 2, 1 fish and a couple blanks.
As always a special thank you to Turrall Flies the main sponsor, YETI Europe, Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room, Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust our partners in these events, thank you for all your continued support
And thank you to all the anglers that turned up and gave it a go and had some fun even if a damp day .
Results round 2.
1. Wayne Thomas. 339cm
2. Rodney Wevill. 336cm
3. Roger Truscott 289cm
4. John Hickings 118cm
5. keith Burnett  100cm
6. Richard Adeney 70cm
7. Steve Retallack 25cm
8. Dave Cook  23cm
9. Matthew Woods 15 cm
10. Pete Williams
11. Ben Elliot
Standings after 2 rounds. Points
1. Roger Truscott. 4
2. Wayne Thomas. 6
3. John Huckings. 6
4. Keith Burnett. 8
5. Rodney Wevill. 10
6. Steve Retallack. 13
7. Richard Adeney. 18
8. Matthew Woods. 18
9. Steve Lawes. 18
10. Simon Peters  21
11.Kevin Sellar . 24
12. Peter Williams. 25
13. Phillip Hoskins. 27
14. Ben Elliot. 28

Many thanks to Rodney Wevill who is head Fluff Chucker and chief organiser of these enjoyable and friendly events. The Fernworthy heat proved challenging with epic rainfall throughout several hours of the 8 hour long event. I was fortunate to secure top spot with ten brown trout the best a stunning fish of 47cm. All but one of the fish was tempted using a red headed black tadpole. To some extent I would have to say that my success was in part due to the old adage that the harder I try the luckier I get.

It is sometimes puzzling why fish are caught by an angler whilst another angler fishing just a few yards away blanks. Whilst this can be luck it is often a subtle difference in retrieve, depth or perhaps a bottom contour that attracts the fish to a certain area.

Tackling up at the start of the day
Eagerly awaiting the off
A rainy view across the lake
Epic rainfall
Calm waters after the rain

WILDFISH – BIN THE BILL CAMPAIGN

Wild salmon are endangered so join Wildfish in their passionate effforts to raise the issues that threaten these iconic fish.

Welcome to our May newsletter. The prolonged dry weather has remained a defining feature of the year so far – and May has been no exception. Drought is no longer a distant possibility; it’s becoming a growing reality in the UK. Yet, despite the warning signs, water companies have failed to plan ahead – and it’s our wild fish populations that are paying the price. This month, we’ve launched our “Bin the Bill” campaign in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We’re calling on the Government to rethink its approach and deliver a planning system that protects wild fish and the waters they depend on. Scroll down to learn more about this and what else we’ve been working on throughout May.

Join our call to Bin the Bill

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is central to the Government’s plan to “get Britain building” and boost economic growth – but at what cost? This Bill poses a serious threat to wild fish and would dismantle environmental protections that have been in place for generations. Some are willing to compromise. But when nature is on the line, there is no middle ground. Join us and show the Government what’s really at stake.

📸 Take a photo that shows what it means to you

📱 Post it on social media with the caption below

#️⃣ Add the hashtag #BINTHEBILL

🔗 Finally, don’t forget to tag @wildfishcons !

Social Media Caption

If the Planning and Infrastructure Bill goes ahead, this is what we all stand to lose. Wild fish and the wildlife that depend on our rivers will pay the price. I stand with @wildfishcons to #BINTHEBILL

DULVERTON AA – Urge support of Wildfish.org

posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0
As you are very well aware – I’m passionate about our waters, our association and how incredibly special for me it is to be able to enjoy spending time deeply immersed within that beautiful environment.
Like myself – I know how much you value what the club has achieved and continues to achieve with the support of its valued members.
We are all too well aware of what the ‘water companies’ don’t do to protect that special environment which supports such varied fish species, with its continued direct sewage pollution.
WildFish – is a UK organisation (charity) which works hard to protect the UK’s precious natural streams and rivers.  Fergal Sharkey – a keen fly fishing enthusiast has been a vice president, along with many other notable scientists/people.
With that in mind the more people that help support that charity will directly impact and help protect our streams and rivers, but also help to change policy about how water companies are managing these environments.

Bulldog Fishery May Competition

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