They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I guess that is to some extent what raises the excitement level when returning to a favourite venue after a few months absence. Wimbleball Reservoir nestling in Exmoor’s rolling countryside is a special fishery that has been rejuvenated over the past decade under the management of Mark and Trudi Underhill. It’s hard fighting rainbow trout provide exciting fishing set in a lake that gives pleasing the illusion of wild fishing.
The last time I had visited the lake was back in October when the water level was alarmingly low at around 25% and the boat jetty was a good walk from the water’s edge.
On the second day of the season on February 27th we found the lake brim full after a very prolonged spell of wet weather that was in truth what was needed to replenish the lakes and rivers across the country.
Reports from opening day were encouraging with a good number of big trout banked and plenty of good catches. Top fish being a stunning double figure rainbow for Roger Truscott who had travelled up from Cornwall.
After negotiating Exmoor’s water logged roads I arrived shortly after 8.00am to find Bruce all tackled up and ready to go at the boat departure area. Several other anglers were already eagerly waiting to launch as fishery staff bailed out the boats and fine-tuned the outboards.
The top end of the lake has a good track record early season so we set off to Rugg’s and Bessom’s to try our luck. And so the search began with Bruce and I casting our choice of lures on sinking and intermediate lines. I was expectant from the off and fished a black lure and cormorant slowly with occasional twitches to impart life.
( Above) My normal early season go to flies.
After an hour without so much as a pull the reality that its not always easy started to dawn. But with the misty rain easing and occasional glimpses of brightness in the sky all was good and as the sweet melody of a wren’s song drifted from the marginal tree’s I just relished the moment.
It’s always wise to keep a close eye on other anglers to determine if they are catching noting where and with what tactics. Constantly moving boats tends to indicate a lack of action whilst clusters of boats is often an indication of shoaling fish.
Whilst it is improper to crowd in too close its also wise to sidle a little closer as Fly fishers are generally a friendly bunch willing to share info and help each other. It’s not a competition after all and guys just wanna have fun.
After trying several areas Bruce and I had not had so much as a pull and by midday my confidence was just starting to ebb a little. Early season experience told me that a black fly fished on either an Intermediate or sinking line would work. However watching the anglers fishing other boats it appeared that they were catching on floating lines with a slow retrieve.
Our Friend Jeff appeared close to our boat and after a cheery greeting asked how we were doing. As I relayed our lack of success the line ripped tight and I was into a hard fighting rainbow that nailed the black lure with startling savagery.
My friend fishing on a nearby boat spoke of floating lines, long leaders black lures and cormorants. Encouraged that my fly choice was good I swapped my new Snowbee Intermediate for a Floater. I tied a Montana to the point and put a dial-bach and a cormorant on the droppers. Bruce meanwhile also changed to a floating line and tied on a bund drifting a team of nymphs as he enjoyed lunch.
Over the following three hours we enjoyed consistent action fishing teams of nymphs slowly. This was delightful fishing as a gentle breeze rippled the water and late winter sunshine illuminated the lake and leafless trees.
Birdsong filled the air and I watched a pair of grebes practicing their Spring courtship routine. It seemed that Winter was losing Its grip as the day drifted along on calm waters.
With an hours fishing left and sport slowing we decided to have an hour in the boat bay before leaving. Other anglers had also had the same idea and several boats fished as a heavy squall swept across the lake.
Heavy rain beat down but failed to dampen our enthusiasm. As the rain passed by sunshine broke through and a rainbow appeared adding vivid colours to the fading day.
We banked the boat and compared notes with fellow anglers. It seemed that all had enjoyed success with floating lines and small dark flies most effective. Bruce and I had boated nine good rainbows averaging 2lb to 3lb. Other anglers had faired equally well with one angler reporting eleven trout to the net along with tales of bigger fish coming adrift.
It was good to be back and I look forward to my next trip on this wonderful lake.
