4 Mar 2025

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report

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Rainbow Trout Waters Opening Weekend – March 2025

The new season is now firmly under way at the South West Lakes Trust Rainbow trout fisheries, opening on 1 March (with prior preview days for season ticket holders). Brown Trout fisheries are due to open on 15 March. Where available, boats are now on the water, and should be pre-booked (online or via the telephone). The weather was perfect for the start of the season, with blue skies, a gentle breeze and some warmth in the air. All of the lakes are now at full capacity.

Fishing:

Kennick – Rods averaged over 3.7 fish per angler during the opening sessions, with fish generally located off The Lawns, The Narrows, Clampitts Bay, East Wall and Bracken Point. The fish were well down in the water column, with sinking or sink-tip lines locating fish, with a slow figure-of-eight retrieve. A selection of lure patterns (Green Boobies, Goldhead Blobs, Cats Whiskers, Black Tadpoles) as well as some nymphs (Goldhead Montana, Damsel, Red Montana) and the occasional Buzzer all caught fish. Most fish averaged around 2lb, with Darren Penfold catching the best fish of the weekend, at 3lb.

Siblyback – The season opened on excellent form – anglers averaged 5.95 fish per rod, with fish mainly located along the North Bank, Two Meadows, West Bank and Stocky Bay. While some fish were caught on Montana and Damsel Nymphs, most were caught on a variety of lure patterns (Orange FAB, Kennick Killer, Snake, Black and Green Fritz, Orange Blob and Humungous) fished on Intermediate or Sink-tip lines (at between three and four metres depth) with a slow retrieve. Ethan Price caught the largest fish, at 3lb.

Burrator – Here the season opened with a flying start, with anglers averaging 4.6 fish per rod, mainly from Longstone, Pig’s Trough, Lowery Point, Back Bay and Bennetts. Intermediate or floating lines with a long leader (at about one metre depth) with a fast retrieve proved to be the most successful method, with fish taking Nomads, Blue Flash Damsels, Red Diawl Bachs, Cormorants and Orange Fritz lures. Most fish averaged around 2lb, with Ian Foxley catching the best fish, at 56cm, or 3lb 14oz.

Stithians – Here the fishing was slower, with anglers averaging 1.1 fish per rod over the opening weekend. Fish were well spread out around the fishery, notably at Yellowort, Goonlaze, Ray’s Beach, Hollis and the deeper water by the dam. Most feeding fish were around two metres down, and were mainly caught on Intermediate or Sink-tip lines, with a slow retrieve. Successful flies included Black and Peacock Spiders, Hares Ears, Montanas and Damsel nymphs, as well as Orange Blobs, Cormorants and Tequila FABs. Simon Peters managed a couple of fish at 1lb 8oz casting into the wind off Deep Bank.

Another successful Fly Fair was held at Roadford Lake on 23 February, with fly-tying demonstrations, casting lessons, and trout cookery demonstrations. Charles Jardine opened the event, which also included a variety of tackle and fly-tying suppliers, as well as the chance to meet local clubs and talk fishing with old friends, and some bargains to be had on the Kennick Club used-tackle stand.

 

 

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 (March 2025)

 

3 Mar 2025

DULVERTON AGM and Fishing Talk

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Dulverton Anglers Association AGM was held on Friday, February 21st in the Anchor Inn at Exebridge. I have been a member of the club for a couple of years and have enjoyed a few pleasurable days exploring their extensive waters on the Upper Exe and its tributaries.

The club is a long established one and its committee undoubtedly hard working and committed to providing good fishing, protecting the environment and nurturing a friendly network of anglers. The AGM was conducted in a calm professional manner with those friendly moments of warm banter that make all feel welcome and relaxed.

It is fair to say looking around the room that the majority of members fit the expected dynamic of a fly fisher pursuing the gentle art. Most with a few exceptions are of an older generation with greying or thinning hair with the occasional ache and pain. There is however no lack of passion for the river environment its fish and the desire to cast a line. I state this ageing dynamic as there is often a debate around the future with a lack of younger generation anglers. More on that later.

Catch returns show that brown trout and grayling fishing remains good with no significant concerns. The acquisition of Old Woman’s Beat is a significant milestone for the club and its first season saw many members fishing this historic beat. Over 250 brown trout were registered, close to 90 grayling and one sea trout. It is sad that no salmon were caught as this was once regarded as one of the prime salmon beats on the Upper Exe. Sea trout have never been a significant catch on the Exe system which is strange as the river shares many characteristics of other West Country Rivers that still boast good sea trout runs.

Old Womans Beat

One member present was Nicholas Fitton who has recently had his second book published, ‘Gently Down the Stream’. The Forgotten Art of Downstream Wet-Fly Fishing. ( his first book was ‘In Search of Wild Trout , Published in 1992) I asked Nicholas if he would kindly sign my recently purchased copy of the book and he duly obliged. His opening question to me was; Are you a downstream or upstream man? I replied that I cast to the fish where they lie be that upstream or down. In many of our wild rivers with overhanging tree’s there is surely no room for dogma and outdated tradition.

In so called liberated days it is perhaps strange that many still hold onto traditions of the past. It is perhaps a contradiction in stating this that I admit to a great fondness for angling literature from the early days of the last century and savour the words of some of the sports greatest writers. H T Sheringham, George A B Dewar, Sir Edward Grey, E. A. Barton, G.E.M Skues and of course F.M. Halford. These great writers hale from what was perhaps the golden age of angling when fly fishing traditions were established.

  We chatted at length about fishing and Fly-fishing and reminisced about a time when we were young and commenced our angling journey.  Freedom to explore the countryside and fish are common themes I have discussed with many anglers who shared those same decades. As young anglers we of course followed no rules drifting worms to catch wild trout and only learning the delights of fly-fishing as we progressed. I sometimes wonder if we should have open stretches of rivers where junior anglers can fish without the restraints of rules. Young anglers are the future and it is imperative that we engage them in fishing and nature. In the old days I feel sure the keepers of the river would occasionally turn a blind eye to the young child flicking a worm or knub of cheese to trout. Primula soft cheese worked for me, along with grasshoppers and flakes of mothers pride.

            I am looking forward to reading Nicholas’s book and learning more of the art of downstream flyfishing. ( Will write a review on the book on here in due course) The complete fly angler will surely be adept at all methods dictated to by the flow of the water and the ways of the trout.

The official meeting business was followed by a talk from Angling Trust representative Alex Van Wienen who highlighted the many services, avenues for advice and funding the Angling Trust offers to member clubs.

A delicious and plentiful buffet was provided to close the meeting the remains of which fed the associations habitat working party the following day as they cleared paths of debris on one of their beats in accordance with the landowners wishes. The association organise various working parties throughout the year and plans to work with the Environment Agency later in the summer to help tackle invasive Himalayan balsam.

2 Mar 2025

Sea Angling Update

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Boat anglers are enjoying fine sport off Ilfracombe with Bull Huss, spurdog and conger.

 

Mike Spiller with a fine spurdog caught on Reel Deal

(Below) Bull huss and spurdog caught on Bluefin

Shore fishing has been very slow in recent weeks with high pressure and calm seas not generally good conditions.

Appledore Shipbuilders  March Rover

Appledore Shipbuilders  March rover was won by Michael Hammett  with a Ballan Wrasse of 3lb 141/4ozs. Josh Atkinson was 2nd and 3rd, also with Ballan’s of 3lb 13 3/4ozs and 3lb 131/4ozs.
 After a cold start the warmed up to a lovely sunny day with light winds that suited the wrasse.

 

 

Combe Martin SAC

Wayne Thomas won Combe Martin SAC’s End of Winter Rover with a grey mullet of 2lb 13oz.

2 Mar 2025

A NEW SEASON UNDERWAY AT WONDERFUL WIMBLEBALL

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A NEW SEASON UNDERWAY AT WONDERFULL WIMBLEBALL

The Exmoor landscape glistened with frost as the sun climbed in the clear sky.  I negotiated the icy roads on my way to Wimbleball on the last day of metrological winter.

A veil of white mist hid the reservoir from view as I approached with not a breath of wind.

            Several anglers were already at the water’s edge and had enjoyed early success. I was meeting with my good friend Jeff Pearce who had assisted with the launching of several boats offering advice based on the previous days opening.

I had already set up my Snowbee Diamond 2 Fly Rod #7 4-Piece – 10′, in combination with a 7wt, Intermediate line with black lure on the point and small diawl bach on a dropper. This was my go to set up early season and I was to use this throughout the day. I had a few casts in the boat bay whilst Jeff continued to assist arriving anglers with the boats.

The mist was lifting quickly as late winter sunshine quickly warmed the air. The lake was mirror calm only the departing boats rippling the waters. I captured a few images of the scene and poured a coffee. It was good to be back at this jewel in the crown of West Country Fly Fishing.

 

This was day two of a new season and anglers the previous day had enjoyed most success fishing from the bank. The most successful flies were undoubtedly black and green perpetuated by the fact that most anglers choose this pattern early season.

Jeff and I had a cunning plan to utilise our boat to move around beaching the boat at promising areas and fish from the bank. Our first point of call was Bessom’s an area that gives access to reasonably deep water. I was full of optimism and belief but the first hour passed without any connection to the lakes residents.

Jeff was first to connect tempting a typical hard fighting rainbow on a black booby fished deep and slow. Despite lack of success I persisted casting out and working my lure back slowly inch at a time with the occasional speedy twitch and pause.

Persistence and belief generally pay off and suddenly the line zipped tight and I enjoyed the delectable throbbing of life transmitted through the line the rod absorbing the feisty rainbows attempts to shed the hook.

We spent another hour or so catching another six rainbows the best around 3lb 8oz. Whilst we could have stayed and caught steadily we decided upon a change of scenery moving to Cowmoor and an area of bank that has been cleared to allow easier access and plenty of room for the back cast.

 

 

It didn’t take long before the rods were bending and reels singing as rainbows hit our lures treating us to acrobatic antics as the fish leapt cartwheeling on our lines end. Jeff had by now changed over to a similar set up to me and tempted fish on a regular basis. We ended the day on fourteen trout averaging 2lb 8oz the best probably 3lb 8oz. Jeff lost what felt like a big fish of which many have been stocked the best topping 10lb.

The day will be remembered for the warmth of the sun the beautiful scenery, good company and of course those hard fighting full tailed Wimbleball rainbows. In many ways it was another perfect day that ended all too soon.

 

Opening Day Report from Wimbleball Fishery.

Seven boats and twenty-nine bank anglers attended opening day on Thursday. Some great catches were had, pictured was Simon Peters, from the bank at Cow Moor the fish were cruising the bank, you’d get 1 or 2 quick succession then it would go quiet for a while, ended up with 15 fish between two anglers, including pictured one around 5lb.

Peter Duckett had 3 right off from by the flagpole.

Anthony Cartwright had a great day on Friday fishing the bank from Ruggs, catching 16 fish on a mixture of floating lines with lures to shooting heads and boobies. Picture of decent fish in margin by rod, not far off 10lb.

Kieron Jenkins  with the best of a 21 fish total from the boat saturday, with most fish coming from Bessoms with some lovely overwintered fish from around the Pontoon.

Best method was fishing di7 and two boobies (pink and black) slowly at depth. Plenty of  positive vibes from anglers, bank seemed to outfish the boats weather was so different from previous seasons and the cold temperatures with bright sunshine put the fish down a bit but some still caught on floating lines and diawl bachs!  Get those online returns in, as at the end of the month Wimbleball admin will pick a random catch return for a free take 2 fish then catch and release ticket.

2 Mar 2025

Celebrating the Salmon Season 2025

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March 1st and the commencement of a new salmon season on North Devon’s Taw and Torridge. I joined members of Barnstaple & District Angling Club at Newbridge to celebrate the occasion at their bankside hut. Warm spring sunshine brought smiles and optimism a contrast to last season’s start with a raging torrent of dirty water combined with hail and thunder.

A Hang glider drifted high above in a clear blue sky. We chatted warmly of seasons gone and those who had walked the river banks at this very spot. It was good to share the spring day with a band of fellow piscators those stories of silver bars bringing hope for the season for anglers are an eternally optimistic bunch. A cool beer, hot dogs, Lemon drizzle and a cup of afternoon tea.

The river was running high with that healthy aqua tinge of spring. With the biggest tides of the season any salmon were likely to be well upriver by now but it was perhaps still worthwhile savouring the throb of a spinner as it traversed the currents or the drift of the fly over well-known taking lies.

Daffodils, celandines and primroses brought that touch of yellow to the lanes and river bank. We will soon glimpse the first martins and swallows and who knows perhaps that silver tourist will bring a touch of silver to enrich some lucky anglers life.   I look forward to reporting on the first spring salmon of 2025.

2 Mar 2025

Bideford & District Angling Club Presentation Evening 2024

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Another enjoyable night with Bideford & District Angling Club a pleasure to be a part of the evening. A very good attendance this year with a really positive vibe.

 

BDAC Coarse section 2024 cups and trophies.
Senior Match man Winner Craig Lamey 137pts
Senior Match man Runner up Paul Elworthy 103pts
Midweek series Winner Nathan Underwood 130pts
Midweek series runner up Kevin Shears 92pts
Pairs match Winners
Rhys Eyles and Darren Polden
Highest weight in competition. Rhys Eyles 69lb 12oz
Rod and reel league winner Richard Jefferies 128pts
Rod and reel runner up Darren Polden 112pts
Junior series Winner Ethan Broom. 46 points
Junior series runner up Lewis Hathaway 45 points
BDAC Sea Section 2024 Cups and Trophies.
1. Valentine bowl-most points in the monthly Rover. Andrew Clements 57 points
2. Keira short trophy-most points in the 48-hour. Stephen Found 18 points
3. Stephanie Vanstone-best specimen caught from the shore . Jon Stevens Bass 11lb 1 1/2 158.48%
4. Jason Talbot memorial plate-best ray caught from the shore. Stephen Found Thornback 12lb 9 139.58%
5. Snake plate-best Conger caught from the shore . Andrew Clements Conger 17lb 1 85.31%
6. Best round fish from the shore . Jon Stevens Bass 11lb 1 1/2 158.48%
7. Best specimen flat fish (no ray). Phil Vanstone / Stephen Found Dab 15oz 93.75%
8. Best specimen shark from the shore . Andrew Clements Smooth hound 14lb 9 1/4 145.76%
9. Winner of the end of season competition . Andrew Clements Small eyed Ray 9lb 9 106.250
10. Big Mike memorial vase . Craig Lamey Flounder 1Ib 5 3/4
BDAC Game Section 2024 Cups and Trophies
1st: Terry Dymond.
2nd: Dave Bailey.
BDAC: Highest Points in Monthly Comps. Terry Dymond 52 Points
BDAC: Runner Up Of Aggregate Points in Monthly Comps. Dave Bailey.
Best Rainbow Trout Caught. Dave Bailey 4Ib 2oz.
Best Brown Trout Caught From Reservoirs Fished. Dave Bailey.
BDAC: Combined Weight From All Reservoir Fished. Terry Dymond.
Chairmans Clubman of the Year. Steve Bailey.
The Club would like to thank, Nick Laws, Tom Wade and Wayne Thomas for presenting the trophies and making the evening a success.
24 Feb 2025

POPULAR FLY FAIR SIGNALS EVE OF A NEW SEASON

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  The South West Fly Fair hosted by South West Lakes Trust and held at Roadford Lake has become a popular fixture in the West Country angling calendar and is seen by many as the curtain raiser to the season ahead. I have been attending the event for many years and always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and forge further connections within the fly fishing community. The main sponsors for this year’s event were once again Turrall, Chevron Hackles and Snowbee.

(Above) Snowbee’s Simon Kidd

            Gale force winds and heavy rain failed to dampen enthusiasm as keen fly fishers gathered around the many stalls within the spacious conference rooms. There was an impressive array of tackle, clothing and fly tying equipment on display along with representation from local angling clubs, associations and the hospitality sector. As always river conservation was high on the agenda with a real passion for the preservation of our rivers and wildlife within.

            The River Teign Restoration Project that brings a story of salmon decline and the efforts to restore the river to its former glory was of particular interest to myself and I look forward to reading all about it in ‘The Teign Book’  written by local angler Neil Yeandle. The book now sits on my desk ready to read over the coming weeks. Glancing through its pages I can already see that it is an evocative story of catastrophic decline and sterling work to restore habitat that brings hope for the future.

            Former head of angling at South West lakes Trust Ashley Bunning was present with South West Waters Invasive species team highlighting the threats posed to our environment and native species. https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/tackling-invasive-non-native-species-to-help-protect-our-wetlands

Ashley Bunning – South West Water

            Talking with various organisations it would seem that 2025 is set to be a busy year for the regions anglers with plenty of events planned.

(Above) James Christoforou from the Arundell

The Arundell Arms is set to host several events over the coming months starting on March 5th with a grayling day and showing of Jack Perks acclaimed film ‘Britain’s Hidden Fishes’. This Country Hotel steeped in angling history since 1932 has a sound future with the vastly experienced  David Pilkington working with new fishing guide James Christoforou.

http://WWW.THEARUNDELL.COM

Charles Jardine and Leon Fisher

     Leon Fisher is the new head of fishing at South West Lakes Trust and welcomed well respected angler and long-time supporter of  the show Charles Jardine to open proceedings. Shortly after Charles took to the wet and windy outdoors to demonstrate the art of fly casting. Charles as always wielded his fly rod with deceptive ease to propel the fly line into the gale force gusts whilst casting valuable advice to the anglers sheltering in the porch area.

 

Charles stressed the importance of stance and how to hold the rod pointing out that these basic foundations are the key to consistent delivery of the fly to the target. A very important point is that protective glasses should be worn at all times. It was refreshing to hear Charles reflect upon the design of rods and their price tags. Whilst top of the range rods are a joy to use the actual performance is largely in the hands of the angler.

                                    https://www.hanak.eu/en/about-us/company-hanak

I chatted with Local angling guide Lewis Hendrie who was on the Hanak stand with their team of dedicated fly anglers. Lewis has his routes on Exmoor having grown up in the village of Exford learning his art on the wonderful rivers and streams that cascade to Devon’s North and South Coasts. Chatting with Lewis he pointed out that he had featured as a rising star in the Fly Fishing world in my North Devon Journal Angling column twenty five years ago. It is the mixing and mingling with fellow anglers that is at the heart of this event. Whilst fishing is the vital link conversations often flow far wider contributing  to a healthy community.

Andrew Beattie of https://abtfishr.co.uk 

Always interesting to see new and Innovative products ABT have a range of robust products for fly fishing and other disciplines designed by Andrew. The LRF Critter cradle with disgorger caught my eye as a useful tool for the growing band of sea anglers exploring the fascinating miniture world of species hunting.

The ideas behind the CritterCradle are as follows:-
  • Primary objective is fish care during for LRF angling
  • Provides a clean fish friendly surface for unhooking
  • Photography – a neutral grey compatible with camera exposure meters for good image exposure
Features
  • Competition card slot 68mm wide
  • Integral knot tightener (on the measure extension)
  • Measure & measure extension up to 300mm
  • Small hook disgorger
  • Light weight/ compact size for carrying
As a result it is a good tool for teaching & engraining good fish care techniques in young anglers (old too!).

Fly tying features extensively at the fair those present creating a wonderful range of flies, lures and nymphs to tempt a wide range of species in many waters. Tiny dry flies and nymphs to temp wily wild brown trout and grayling. Gaudy lures for freshly stocked rainbows and those big mouthfuls for ferocious pike. Fly tying can be a hobby itself filling those long winter nights spent dreaming of those warmer brighter days ahead.

Rodney Wevill of the Fluff Chucker’s

We are very fortunate in the West Country to have a vast range of waters to explore. One of the discussions at the expert forum between Charles Jardine, Rodney Wevill and Gary Champion was the wonderful places that fly fishing takes anglers to across the world. With a vital connection to nature highlighted by the speakers.

I returned home from the fair with my mind buzzing and full of inspiration for the coming season. The value of life and savouring each day and moment emersed in angling and the natural world is always highlighted at these events.

John Aplin (Centre) from Casterbridge Fisheries Ltd

Accommodation and Fly Fishing in Dorset

22 Feb 2025

Big Spurdog off Ilfracombe

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Steve Dawe and Carl Aldridge were amongst a party of anglers enjoying a short five hour trip on John Barbeary’s boat Bluefin. They caught around forty spurdog and a good number of bull huss. Steve Dawe boated a pb of 20lb 8oz whilst Carl Aldridge boated a pb of 16lb.

 

Steve Dawe with a persnal best spurdog of 20lb 8oz

Carl Aldridge with a personal best spurdog of 16lb

21 Feb 2025

Mainline Baits Carp Open Pairs Competitions 2025

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Mainline Baits Carp Open Pairs Competitions

The Mainline Baits Carp Pairs competitions are held at our 81 acre fishery, Upper Tamar Lake. The competitions are generously sponsored by carp fishing giants Mainline Baits.

There is £3,750 in prize money from South West Lakes Trust for each competition. Each person who enters will get a goody bag with some fantastic Mainline products inside. As well as four section prizes there will be a prize for the biggest fish.

First prize: £2,000

Second prize: £1,000

Third prize: £500

Fourth prize: £250

Fifth prize: 24hr or day permits

This a fun, exciting and inclusive competition. The three biggest fish caught by each pair will be added together to decide your final weight and determine your place on the leaderboard. This year we have added more prizes and limited the numbers to 28 pairs, so book now to avoid disappointment.

All tackle and equipment is transported to and from your swim and the price includes a post competition barbecue/ hot food on the Sunday.

2025 dates:

  • Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March
  • Friday 25 July to Sunday 27 July
  • Friday 10 October to Sunday 12 October

The competition is limited to 28 pairs. You can book your place online below.

For further information contact us on 01566 771930 or [email protected]

View competition rules here