A spell of hot dry weather has resulted in water temperatures rising and fish retreating to deeper, cooler, shaded water on most of the reservoirs, while levels continue to drop. Intermediate and sinking lines have generally been the order of the day, although on some waters fish have still continued to rise and feed near the surface.
Fishing:
Kennick – Rods averaged 1.9 fish per rod, with boat anglers faring slightly better than those fishing from the banks. Generally deep-fished lures (Cats Whiskers and a variety of Boobies) caught the most fish, although Buzzers, Damsel Nymphs, Diawl Bachs and Montanas still managed to pick up some fish. The best fishing was to be had in the deeper water in Clampitts, Boat Bay and by the dam, although fish were also caught from the Causeway, Oak Tree Point and Hawthorn Point. Brian Hitchcock (from Budleigh Salterton) caught six rainbows to 2lb while fishing from a boat with a sinking line near the bottom. The water level is now down to 71% capacity.
Siblyback – The fish moved to deeper water as the month progressed, and while beetle and hopper patterns managed to bring a few fish to the surface, most were caught on subsurface nymphs (Montanas, Damsels and Buzzers) or lures (Orange Fritz and Blobs and Christmas Tree patterns), with both floating and sinking line tactics catching fish throughout the water column. Stocky Bay, Crylla, North Bank, Two Meadows and Stoney Bank all produced some good sport. Water levels are now down to 67% capacity.
Burrator – In spite of the high temperatures fish have continued to feed near the surface, either rising to dry patterns (Claret Hoppers, Black Gnats and Sedgehogs), or feeding relatively close to the surface, with floating lines and long leaders, sink-tip or intermediate line tactics catching fish (mainly using Damsels, Montanas and Diawl Bachs). Longstone, Sheepstor, Bennetts and Pigs Trough banks have all produced some good fishing. Andy Birkett (from Plymouth) caught a bag ten rainbows while fishing from a boat. Levels are now at 65% capacity.
Stithians – The warm weather meant that sport became more challenging, with anglers averaging 2 fish per visit, and fish well spread out around the lake (Yellowort, Sluice Bank, Deep Bank, Sailing Club, Goonlaze, Carnmellis and Pipe Bay all produced some reasonable catches). Generally floating line tactics with a slow retrieve are still working well, with Hoppers, Beetles and Sedge patterns taking rising fish, and Buzzers, Hares Ears, Black Hoppers and Spider patterns taking deeper feeders. Water levels are now down to 80%.
Colliford – Anglers averaged 3.1 fish per visit – popular locations included Lords Waste, Menaridian, Browngelly, East Bank and the deeper water by the dam. A floating line and slow retrieve produced the best results, either with dry patterns (Emergers, Black Hoppers, Bobs Bits, Foam Beetles and Daddy Longlegs) taking rising fish, or Bibios, Soldier Palmers, Zulus, Mini-Muddlers and Black Pennels taking deeper feeders. Gary Boyd (from Tintagel) caught four fish in one session, fishing on the surface and close to the bank, while Shane Coventry caught six. Levels are now at 67%.
Fernworthy – Anglers averaged 1.5 fish per visit, with most fish being caught off Lowton, Boathouse, below the picnic tables and off the South Bank. Hoppers, Black Gnats and Emergers took rising fish, while sub-surface feeders were taken on Invictas, Diawl Bachs, Partridge and Orange and Spider Patterns. Mark Warren (from Weston-Super-Mare) caught five browns to 1lb 4oz using Diawl Bach and Hopper Patterns.
Roadford – Anglers averaged 2.75 fish per visit, with fish mainly caught at Gaddacombe, Shop, Big Oak, Daveys Bank, Wortha and Grinnacombe. Some fish rose to dry patterns (Black Gnats and Emergers), but the majority were taken on sunk patterns (Soldier Palmer, Black Pennel, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear and Buzzer patterns) fished on a floating line. Dean Boucher (from Gunnislake) caught thirteen browns to 1lb 8oz in one session, fishing wets on a floating line from the bank. Water levels are now at 85% capacity.
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 (July 2025)
For more information, please contact:
Becky Moran
Head of Communications and Marketing
South West Lakes Trust
01566 771930