8 Jun 2025

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

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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
1 Jun 2025

WILDFISH – BIN THE BILL CAMPAIGN

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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
29 May 2025

DULVERTON AA – Urge support of Wildfish.org

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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.
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)

13 May 2025

AT TEFF Rivers National Qualifier – River Teign – Sunday 18th May 2025

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AT TEFF Rivers National Qualifier – River Teign – Sunday 18th May 2025

2024/2025 Qualifiers

Final Venue – River Dee September 6th/7th 2025

Matches will be fished to full international rules and AT-TEFF River Qualifier scoring system. Measure, catch & release basis. Only in season fish 18cm and above be eligible for measuring / scoring / awarding fish points.

Entrants will be split into 2 groups:

  • Morning Group fishing am & controlling pm.
  • Afternoon group fishing pm & controlling am.

Draw to take place the evening before the qualifier at 7pm Fingle Bridge Inn

CLOSURE OF WATER

Competition water will be closed to competitors from Clifford Bridge to Dogmarsh Bridge (Mill End) from sunset on Sunday 11th May 2025. Members will be asked not to fish on the Sunday and the river will be closed to day-ticked anglers on the competition water for the Sunday as well.

PRACTICE TICKETS : £40 Practice permits include any 7 days of practice from 15th March – 11th May on all club water.

Contact Harry Chance on the number below to purchase a ticket via BACS and to inform him of the days you intend to fish.

Practice day tickets can be purchase for £15 which can be bought on a Westcounty Angling Passport Scheme or from Fingle Bridge Inn, Mill End Hotel or direct from the club. Contact Harry Chance on the number below to purchase a ticket via BACS and to inform him of the days you intend to fish.

AT TEFF Rivers National Qualifier – River Teign – Sunday 18th May 2025

Parking for practice: Dogmarsh Bridge on the side of the road, please be careful  – what3words ///writings.shrug.count. There is parking at the other locations on the map further up the river at Chagford swimming pool and you can walk down to the top of the beat.  Parking for the competition will be the same.

Please use the maps as info.

Download maps here

QUALIFIER INFORMATION

HQ: Fingle Bridge – what3words ///carefully.staring.washing  postcode EX6 3PW

DRAW : 7:00 pm Saturday 17th May at the Fingle Bridge Inn all are welcome .

Match Briefing 07:20am

Fishing Times: Morning group: 09:00 am – 12:00 noon – Single bank session – download map here. Parking in public cap park at Clifford Bridge (bottom of the beat) and FingleBridge – the beat end is at the bridge – download map above

Afternoon group: 14:00 pm – 17:00 pm is at Fingle Bridge (bottom of the beat) to Dogmarsh Bridge – download map here. Parking is at Fingle and walk up the foot paths on both sides of the river to the suspension bridge. From the suspension bridge to Dogmarsh Bridge the foot path is on the true left bank.

Harry is trying to sort parking in a farmer’s field next to the bridge. Otherwise, parking will be on the road which can be busy – download map above.

BRIEFING : 07:20 am at Fingle Bridge

Entry Fee : £30

Fishing Fee : £12.00 payable in cash on the day

Min entries : 12

For practice tickets : Please contact Harry Chance on 077919 302747 to make payment or if you have any further enquiries regarding tickets .

Match Organiser Simon Caddy 07884492300

AT-TEFF matches now have an AT membership requirement. If you need to renew or sign up please visit www.anglingtrust.net/membership or call 0343 5077 006 (option 1).

Cancellation/Refunds: Please note: If you wish to cancel a ticket, please inform [email protected] by email, and include your name, the name of the qualifier you would like to cancel, your membership number & postcode. We require 3 days-notice prior to the qualifier in order to process a refund. Any notification outside of this time scale will not be entitled to receive a refund. Please note: There is no secondary market for the sale or transfer of any tickets.

12 May 2025

The Arundell – Hosts Team England Qualifier

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The Arundell are thrilled to host a Team England Fly Fishing qualifier competition right here on their home waters during peak trout season.
This exciting competition focuses on catching wild trout on the fly, and offers a fantastic opportunity for fly fishers, especially local anglers to showcase their skills.
Successful competitors will earn a place in the finals, with the ultimate chance to represent England
Don’t miss out on this incredible day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and world-class river fishing!
Entry fee is £55 (£30 TEFF fee and £25 for a day ticket)
11 May 2025

Wistlandpound Club Monthly Competition Result – May 25

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Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club fished their May competition at Torridge Fly Fishing Clubs water at Gammaton Reservoir. I won the competition with three trout for 5lb 15oz. Nigel Bird was runner up with a brace of trout weighing 5lb with Colin Combe and David Eldred equal third with trout weighing 2lb 10oz.

Upper and Lower Gammaton Reservoirs hold many memories for me personally as I worked there over forty years ago when I worked with South West Waters reservoir maintenance gang. Whilst the old slow sand filters are long gone the actual reservoirs and the surround are little changed so returning always brings a sense of life passing as I ponder upon those who I worked with now undoubtedly long gone.

Conditions seemed promising as we approached the water with cloudy thundery skies. It was very still at first but I guess that a breeze would stir as the morning passed.

Within ten minutes Nigel Bird fishing to my left had a hooked trout which seemed a promising omen.

I set up with a floating line and a team of nymphs expecting fish to be high in the water. After an hour with very little sign of surface activity and no takes I decided to go deep and changed to fast a sink line. After half an hour a rainbow of perhaps 2lb 8oz seized my black booby lure and gave a spirited account before being dispatched.

I persisted and lost another trout a while later when it took the booby as I lifted it from the water. I tied a bright pink blob onto my top dropper and had a few follows before hooking another trout that was a lean sliver rainbow that again gave a good account.

It seemed that my tactics were worth persisting with as only three other trout had been tempted by members. I reverted to the black booby on the point after trying various lures  and was rewarded with my final trout to complete my limit.

I walked back to the car relishing the wild orchids and May blossom.