Well worth a listen Click on the link below : – Enjoy
THE ARUNDELL WEST COUNTRY TROUT FESTIVAL
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The Fly Fishing community gathered at the Arundell for the first day of the West Country Trout Festival on March 14th the eve of a new River Fishing season. It proved to be a highly enjoyable day of learning, socialising and tackle browsing. My mind is overwhelmed with images, thoughts and plans for a new season so rather than try and report on the day with long winded narrative I will simply post images and relevant captions with links to relevant websites.
DAVID PILKINGTON
David Pilkington got the talks underway enthralling the audience by reading an extract from his highly anticipated book that reflects upon a lifetime at the water’s edge. His narrative tells of social change and declining salmon runs interspersed with rich and relevant humour.
WILD TROUT TRUST
David Oakley delivered a fascinating and informative talk on the work of the Wild Trout Trust. He highlighted the many issues that impact upon our rivers including; Agricultural pollution, Physical modifications, Waste Water, Urban pollution, Invasive species, Abstraction, Hydro and global warming.
He outlined the benefits of wood in rivers, The renaturalisation of rivers after years of misguided abuse. The importance of shade and the return to natural wiggling and meandering water courses.
Fowey Rivers Association
Jeff Pearce presented ‘Echoes of the Run: Can salmon still thrive in our South West Rivers? Jeff has lived close to the River Fowey for much of his life and has an intimate connection with the river and its fish. He explained the sad plight of the salmon and the issues that threaten their survival as they migrate from high on Bodmin Moor to their Ocean feeding grounds and back to their birthplace.
Jeff showed the vital work being undertaken on the River to give the sea trout and salmon a fighting chance.
The impact of Colliford and Siblyback Reservoirs was highlighted along with the hatchery that is being used to compensate for the loss of vital spawning grounds.
Click on links below for more info: –
https://billparrydavies.vhx.tv/products/tidal-reach
SOUTH WEST RIVERS ASSOCIATION
William Entwisle
Discussed the expansive strategies being developed by SWRA, including their sea trout and salmon action plan and smolt augmentation initiatives. I missed much of this talk but picked up at its conclusion as William talked of a Noah’s Ark to help salmon to survive as the destructive fishing industry is regulated via international agreements.
ALEX JARDINE
Alex emphasised the value and unique importance of English Chalk Streams. There are 210 chalk streams across the world 160 of which are in England with the others in France. The delights of fishing throughout the seasons were described with tactics and approach outlined with in-depth analysis of the trout’s view of the world.
https://www.aardvarkmcleod.com/water_type/chalkstream/
CHARLES JARDINE – FISHING FOR SCHOOLS
Charles is a gifted teacher and introduced his inspiring Fishing for school program with vigour and passion. The bugs life world of River Fly transfixed the audience and introduced the universal value of Latin across the scientific community. He explained how viewing the abundance of life in rivers linked to art and broader learning. Full details of Fishing For Schools can be found at :-
NIGEL NUNN
What we Observe
Is not nature itself,
But nature exposed
to our method
of questioning.
Werner Heisenberg
From Charles talk of Latin and life within the water we moved on to a little psychology as Nigel Nunn introduced his world of fly tying. Asking; How trout see things and why they take a fly? Nigel’s non symmetrical scruffy flies are designed to give the illusion of life. A great deal of thought, observation and experimentation is behind the designs of Nigel’s creations that tempt wily trout across the globe.
Nigel related to the names of some of his flies an example being the Gypsy Queen a vibrant pink and green fly, alegedly named after an Irish saying:-
Pink and Green
Should never be seen
Except on the back of a gypsy queen.
Nigel agreed with my comment that one of the most important factors in fly choice is Confidence and belief in its effectiveness.
https://www.nigelnunnflies.com
DOMINIC GARNETT
Dom talks coarse fish on the fly the new frontier; exploring a wide range of West Country venues suggesting that Fly Fishing offers opportunites to target many species not tradionally targeted with Fly Tackle. Species targetted by Dom included perch, Rudd, pike, carp, bream, roach, chub and even huge catfish.
LAKESIDE
IN THE COCKPIT
Jeff Pearce and Nigel Nunn creating tempting flies with a dash of banter and a cheery grin.
BREAK TIME
EXHIBITORS HALL
Exhibitors host a multitude of stands in the Tamar Room. Quality tackle, flies and holidays to tempt both angler and trout!
UNIQUE FLIES Offer fine quality barbless flies for river and lake
All the way from France
Casterbridge Fisheries (River Frome)
The River Frome home of the UK’s biggest grayling and stunning wild chalkstream trout.
Veniards & The Fly Emporium – Fly Tying materials and accessories at their finest.
Wimbleball Reservior Fly Fishery
Picaris The UK Distributor of Peux Fly Fishing, Fasna Fly Fishing and Diamond Back Fly Rods.
The organising and coordinating of such of an event takes months of careful planning and behind the scenes work. James Christoforou, Lewis Hendrie and all at the Arundell are to be thanked for their efforts.
THE INTRIGUE OF A PRIVATE LAKE
Over the years I have often spoken with Lewis Hendrie at various fishing shows and events across the West Country and it is always apparent that we share a deep passion for angling. So when Lewis suggested a fishing trip on a lake or river it was too good an opportunity to miss and a date was set. As is often the case natures script doesn’t always cater to our own desired narrative and our plans for the day would have to fit the weather to some extent.
The plan was to potentially split the day into two sessions seeking an end of season grayling on the River Exe or fishing on a Private Lake. On the eve of the fishing day the weather men’s prediction of gale force winds and driving rain failed to dent our enthusiasm and we arranged to meet at the White Horse Inn, Exford with our options open.
https://www.exmoor-whitehorse.co.uk
A warm seat in the pub beside the fire was a good starting point for the day and we chatted fishing in depth over a hot coffee. Lewis has been Fly Fishing in the West Country and beyond for many years and is a respected fishing guide and tackle consultant who is part of the Hanak UK team.
https://www.hanak.eu/en/about-us/company-hanak
Lewis writes:-
Basically the initiative behind Team Hanak UK is that we run workshops around the country that are free to all as an incentive to try and encourage younger people and more people into the sport of Fly Fishing. With a platform hosted by some of the best Fly fishers in the industry (that make up the Hanak uk) team we are able to provide the highest level of knowledge, advice and demonstrate a series of presentations and method displays to help people along their Fly Fishing journey. With an incredible team that are more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge and even give away their trade secrets to help all those that attend. I’ve been a level two qualified coach for 19 years but guided under the influence and watch of Nick Hart as an apprentice guide for a period spanning 20 to 21 years.Within the workshops that we run we incorporate brands that we have tried and tested and are completely behind due to the quality and durability of their products. This way the workshops aren’t biased to an individual brand although we fly under the Hanak UK banner because all of us absolutely love their range.
Lewis has competed at National, European and World Level. Fishing one World Championship, two European Championships and is multi capped at Home International level. He represented the England youth team from 13 to 19 years of age and has represented at senior level since.
The Fly Fishing world is changing at a rapid pace at present with new techniques being adopted by the fly fishing fraternity. I am presently reading Theo Pikes informative and thought provoking book – River Trout Streamer Fishing. We discussed the potential of these methods and Lewis fully endorsed how effective streamer fishing can be on UK rivers.
I told Lewis how my own fishing has been stifled to some extent by long standing traditions and how frustrating this can be. I recalled a discussion last year with the late author of the book ‘Gently Down the Stream’. Nicholas’s opening greeting to me was, ‘Are you an upstream or a downstream man’? To which I replied after a moments pause; “ I cast to where the trout lie”. A reply that Lewis related to as we went on to discuss the rapid development of fly fishing and how it can be applied to our local rivers over the coming season.
Fully charged with enthusiasm after an hour of fishing dialogue that evaporated all too quickly, we headed for the intriguing Private Lake that nestles within a moorland fold that is part of a Country Estate. It is always exciting to head to a new venue and Lewis fired up the anticipation as he described the very special brown trout and spartic trout that swim within its waters.
We arrived at the entrance gates and Lewis asked how good my car was on soft wet ground? My mind raced back to a near stranding close to a local river and I suggested caution. No problem replied Lewis let’s take mine it should be Ok; more of that later the eagerness to get fishing was strong and overruled the caution of common sense as we were to find later in the day.
And so we bumped our way down the track to arrive close to water’s edge. The lake undoubtedly had a unique character and despite the howling wind and driving drizzle it held a certain beguiling beauty. The onset of Spring seemed far away on this wet wild, windy and inhospitable day.
We tackled up eagerly with Lewis urging me to commence fishing from the first platform that offered some shelter from the conditions. I had elected to start off with a floating line and a long leader with gold-head black-lure on the point. No finesse required using these tactics and I opted for 10.5lb fluorocarbon leader.
I deduced that the water wasn’t deep as I peered into the peat stained lake and put a line out across the wind ruffled surface. I just love the anticipation of casting into unfamiliar waters hoping to unlock the mysteries of the lake.
https://www.fishpal.com/england/devon-cornwall-somerset/bradleypond/
I paused and allowed the fly to sink before commencing my standard erratic retrieve. Third cast and wallop a good fish hit the lure and a flash of orange flank was momentarily glimpsed before the hook hold gave. It looked and felt like a good fish, they so often do when they come adrift.
Confidence was fully charged now and a couple of casts later I connected again and this time my prize came begrudgingly to the waiting net. Lewis bounded over sharing the joy of success and keen to capture the image of this beautiful brown trout.
It wasn’t long before Lewis was connected to his own prize and I dropped my own rod to rush over and capture his triumph.
From this point in the day we could both just settle into the routine of fishing in the moment far from the troubled wider world. Birdsong resonated despite the gale force wind and driving rain. Each cast brought expectation and hope; it was good to be alive.
Another brown trout seized my lure and we admired its silver hued flanks so different than the first two fish we had tempted. The diversity of the brown trout gene pool is amazing and my mind drifted back to a fascinating talk delivered by Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust a few weeks ago. Whilst these fish were not true wild fish their beauty was undeniable and their behaviour by now undoubtedly as if wild.
We both moved around the lake searching the water and I lost another good sized fish after a brief connection but it seemed as if the lakes inhabitants had switched off. Lewis and I are both persistent souls so whilst a retreat for a pub lunch at the White Horse Inn seemed sensible another cast or ten was required.
It was close to 3.00pm before we actually headed for lunch but our earlier haste to reach the water brought a problem for the wet and slippery slope was not negotiable and so we had to walk to my car a few hundred yards away. The walk was eased by an exceedingly strong tail wind.
Dinner and a hot coffee were indeed a welcome interlude as Lewis darted to and fro gathering delivery’s for the forthcoming West Country Trout Festival at the Arundell.
Late afternoon and a couple of hours daylight remaining it was back to the lake after seeking help from the adjacent stables. Fortunately we came upon a friendly soul who cheerily agreed to bring over a tractor when her duties at the stable were completed.
Lewis and I arrived at the lake expectant with renewed vigour. I swapped my floating line for an intermediate and once again began to search the water. I savoured the stark landscape and tried to picture the lake in a few weeks’ time as the delightful symphonies of Spring and Summer would once again fill the air. Skylarks, cuckoos, swallows and chiff-chaff would surely sing and vivid blue damsel flies will flutter around the margins as speckled trout slurp flies from placid waters.
The trout proved elusive, the rescue of the van went without issue and the light began to fade from the day despite swapping my polaroid’s to my standard lens. The bare trees danced in the wind, rain lashed across the water and we both walked towards each other acknowledging that it was perhaps time to go after just a few more last casts.
Wet waders and waterproofs were slung into vehicles and we both shared a cheery farewell for despite the weather we had enjoyed a great day at the water’s edge and vowed to do it all again before too long.
South West Fly Fair 2026
Fly anglers from across the region flocked to Roadford Lake for the annual South West Fly Fair hosted by South West Lakes Trust an event that is a firm fixture in the fly fishing community’s calendar. The event was opened by guest of honour Charles Jardine who has attended the event for many years bringing his ever optimistic and buoyant presence. The fair was sponsored by Turral, Chevron Hackles and Snowbee.
The event above all is a wonderful opportunity for the Fly Fishing community to gather and socialise with plans made for the season ahead. The breadth of species and tactics employed by fly fishers is continually evolving and it is fascinating to debate these topics with fellow anglers who share their vast experience freely.
There seems to be a good upbeat vibe in the fly fishing scene at the moment and this was apparent as I wandered between the stallholders and attendees. A new season commences at South West Lakes Trusts rainbow trout waters on Saturday February 28th. At Wimbleball Reservoir fishing gets underway on Thursday, February 26th and anticipation is high for the wonderful sport enjoyed on this water high on Exmoor.
Fly casting is an important skill and Hywell Morgan, Charles Jardine and Gary Champion all gave excellent demonstrations making the art of casting look exceedingly easy. This illusion is testimony to their level of expertise and double haul, snake rolls were demonstrated and a wealth of tips cast out to a keen audience.
In the Fly Tying hall an impressive array of flies, lures and nymphs were created to tempt a wide range of species with tiny flies to tempt trout and grayling along with big gaudy lures for big pike.
There was certainly plenty to engage with and it was difficult to decide on watching the demonstrations or to attend the fascinating talks. I attended two talks and sadly missed Charles Jardines talk on the Fishing for Schools programme that helps young people from all backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or profound learning difficulties, by taking learning out of the classroom and into the natural world. More information can be found at their website. www.fishingforschools.co.uk
Shaun Leonard of the Wild Trout Trust gave an enlightening talk on wild brown trout populations. The complexity of genetic diversity within trout populations is a subject that science is starting to build a greater understanding of and this data is vital in conserving these incredible fish. Shaun’s passion and love of trout was very apparent as he reeled off a series of spectacular images of trout and their environment.
He emphasised the importance of river environments the value of trees and wood in rivers and how scruffy shaggy rivers provide shelter, food and varied flows. He explained the challenges faced by trout from agricultural pollution, poor river management, sewage pollution and climate change.
The importance of catch and release was emphasised with hen fish of particular value. The key points were : –
A trout is not just any old trout…
Massive natural variety & toolbox for change?
Each hen can be really important
Scruffy rivers are the business
Trout need to move around
Long lived if given a chance
Fabulous bellweather
Huge challenges…nature to help?
Brown trout are a key environmental indicator and if their populations are dwindling something is wrong. It has been suggested that if climate change progresses as expected many rivers will be devoid of trout if temperatures rise as expected. There is however hope as some trout populations have adapted to live within river systems where temperatures exceed those previously thought intolerable for trout. www.wildtrout.org
The next talk I attended was given by Rodney Wevill of the Fluff Chucker’s and took us to the tropical waters of Mexico where tarpon, bonefish, permit and rooster fish provide exciting sport for the fly angler. Rodney gave valuable advice on how to embark on the fishing trip of a lifetime at an affordable cost.
Rodney’s humorous accounts of warm water fishing and fish that strip lines from reels at an incredible rate certainly whetted the appetite for adventure. The dangers of sharks and crocodiles were also highlighted along with some alarming encounters with officialdom.
Leaving the fair late afternoon I was buzzing with anticipation at the coming months by river, lake and sea.
Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026
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Bulldog Fisheries Fly Fishing Competition – 1st February 2026
Many thanks to Tom Early for his report on the competition below ;- My own account follows
Our latest fly fishing competition at Bulldog Fisheries took place on the 1st of February 2026, and on arrival the conditions looked absolutely perfect. Overcast skies paired with still air set the scene nicely. Over a cup of tea and a bacon roll, plenty of fish were already showing, rising steadily along the far bank. Much of the early conversation centred around the recent stocking, with Nigel and Tom boasting of monster browns that had been introduced — excitement levels were high before a line had even been cast.
Following a quick peg draw, keen anglers made their way to their designated spots, patiently awaiting the starting horn. When it sounded, the ‘stocky’ rainbows came hard and fast during the opening hour of the competition.
Then came the first real moment of the day. Out on the point, with his rod bent double and a huge splash at the end of the line, it was clear Dave Chapman was connected to something special. After a lengthy fight and some expert netting from his son Freddy, the first big brown of the day was landed. Weighing in at just over 11lb, it was a cracking fish and gave Dave’s total weight a serious boost.
As the day went on, the rain arrived — heavy at times — and the fishing followed a familiar rhythm of sudden flurries and quieter lulls. There were moments when multiple anglers were playing fish across the lake at once, followed by brief pauses before the action fired up again.
Big browns continued to make an appearance throughout the day, particularly for Andrew Facey — quickly earning him the nickname “the man of many browns”. Fish after fish came to the net, including a double-figure brownie and a second biggen not far off, prompting a running joke that he’d soon need a wheelbarrow to carry his fish bag.
Just before lunch, the biggest fish of the day decided to show itself. North Devon Angling News editor, Mr Wayne Thomas, found himself locked into the battle of a lifetime. When the fish was finally landed, it was nothing short of spectacular — fin perfect and a prime example of what Bulldog Fisheries is capable of producing. Weighing an incredible 13.7lb, it was not only the largest brown taken from Bulldog’s waters in several years, but also a brand-new personal best for Wayne!
By lunchtime, anglers were soaked through and thoroughly hungry, so lunch was very welcome — cheeseburgers and chips all round!
Competition Results
1st Place: Andrew Facey – 5 fish, total weight 29.4lb
2nd Place: Dave Chapman – 5 fish, total weight 23.10lb
3rd Place: Chris Dunn – 6 fish, total weight 22.13lb
Biggest Fish of the Day: Wayne Thomas – 13.7lb Brown Trout
Many fish were landed throughout the day, including multiple Spartics and browns in the 4.5lb to 6lb range.
Overall, this was definitely one of the better competitions we’ve held. It’s always great to see everyone enjoying the venue, and knowing that our hard work is appreciated makes it all worthwhile 
Onwards to the next one
The Cultivation of luck
Those big moments in angling are often the result of a bit of luck and there are many sayings used in relation to the luck factor. ” The harder I try the luckier I get” is perhaps one of the biggest in angling. Chatting with Nigel about the carp lake I pondered upon the investment of time when he commented on an angler having caught one carp in eight days fishing. Carp fishing by its nature is a discipline where the amount of time spent on the bank can be seen as hours invested results in success.
Fly Fishing and in particular competitive fly fishing is time constrained meaning that the decisions made on the day within a strict time frame are perhaps more focused. Thinking back over my many years at the water’s edge many of my personal best fish can be attributed to a big slice of luck that has to some extent been cultivated.
The big brown trout I caught during Bulldogs February Competition is a good example. I had started the day in peg 10 determined by a random draw. As is often the case the first twenty minutes are often hectic with the fish seizing anglers offerings with gusto. I capitalised on this early spell banking two rainbows though I could and should have done better as numerous fish came off after a few seconds of brief connection. A lesson that I have learnt is that in a competition keep at it if the fish are playing ball for they will often switch off quickly as a result of angling pressure.
The competitive format is that every twenty minutes the horn is blown and all move two pegs along. The next three moves resulted in just one fish for myself and by late morning I had still to catch that fourth fish to complete the morning quota. Colin Combe a friend from Wistlandpound angling Club had come for a chat and we talked of previous successes at various lakes. Fly choice is a widely debated topic amongst fly fishers and we both agreed that Bulldog Trout seem to respond to larger lure patterns. My own favourite is an olive damsel whilst Colin reflected upon recent success with a cats-whisker. Now I know the cats whisker is a very successful fly but it is not a fly I tend to use often.
Half an hour or so later I was fishing the point a good peg but success was eluding me. It was by now lashing with rain and there were only three of us left on the striving for that fourth fish whilst all other anglers chatted in the warmth of the hut beside a roaring woodburner with hot drinks and biscuits. Tom walked over and perhaps taking pity upon us told us we could fish where we liked during the last twenty minutes.
I took the opportunity to walk ten yards to peg ten where I had started the day. I carefully tied on a catswhisker and checked the hooks bend for it was a fly that had resided in my fly box for quite a while. I cast the fly to what I perceived was the hot spot and after two tweaks of retrieve all locked up as a big fish hit the fly. Five apprehensive minutes or so later a big beautiful brown trout slid over the rim of the net.
It was a very lucky cast destined by being in the right place at the right time with a fly at the lines end that tempted the trout. In a stocked Stillwater big fish are no wiser than small fish. If there is any skill it is in the landing of the fish as a big fish can break free as they often do. Checking those knots, hooks and removing those line weakening wind knots are key to capitalising upon luck.
The burger and chips went down well as we chatted of fishing, country sports, healthy eating, cooking, local meetings with rock stars and a wide range of wider topics wisely keeping clear of politics and other contentious issues.
The afternoon session proved harder going with most struggling to complete their six fish limit. I did add another brown trout of a couple of pounds and lost a good rainbow of perhaps four pounds when the hook pulled. Chatting later it was obvious that the trout were nipping at the tails of the flys without fully committing.
It was cheery bunch at the weigh in as the days catches were admired and memories captured before heading home with plenty of trout and prizes.
Anglers Paradise 2025 – Lure Weekend Results
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The 2025 Anglers Paradise Lure Fishing Weekend once again proved to be an enjoyable and productive event that proved that awide range of species can be tempted using artificial lures. Lure Fishing is perhaps the fastest growing aspect of UK angling. Congratulations to all the winners below and credit to Anglers Paradise for being creative in running the event across their many lakes.
The event was generously sponsored by Capital Angling, Rapala, Fortis Eyewear, Fox Rage, Okuma Europe, Devon Baits and Okuma Freshwater UK.
THE WINNER OF THE 2025 LURE WEEKEND
The Champion catching 7 different species was HARRISON WOODHAM! Not only was this Harrison’s first ever Lure Weekend with his Dad, but he’s the youngest to have ever won it at 16 years of age!!
Harrison caught – Pike, Rudd, Mirror Carp, Common Carp, Perch, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.
Absolutely amazing angling Harrison, massive congratulations from us all!! What an achievement beating 35 other anglers!!
Harrison has won a week’s holiday for two to Anglers Paradise, 3 rods (from Okuma and Fox Rage), a £200 voucher from Capital Angling, a pair of Fortis Finseeker sunglasses, a reel from Fox Rage, LOTS of Lures from Rapala, and LOTS of other goodies from our other amazing sponsors!!
WELL DONE HARRISON – OUR YOUNGEST EVER WINNER
THE 2025 LURE WEEKEND WINNING TEAM & CHAMPION OF THE CAPTAINS Was…Team FOX RAGE and the Champion of the Captains was BEN HUMBER!
The Team won with 9 species caught between them which consisted of – Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Rudd, Mirror Carp, Common Carp, Catfish and Chub!
That is some amazing angling, massive congratulations and well done to you all, very well deserved.
Teamwork makes the dream work and you guys all fished your socks off and certainly worked as a Team!
Massive thank you to our sponsors for the amazing prizes!
BIGGEST CATFISH
The Winner was…NAT WORSFOLD! Nat caught a 78cm Wels Catfish from the Easy Cat Lake after losing one.
Congratulations Nat and WELL DONE! Great angling!
This was a close one with just 1cm between the 2 Catfish that were caught by participants, shortly after Nat caught hers, fellow team member Tom Wass also landed a Cat but his was 77cms!!
Certainly an action packed Lure Weekend that’s for sure!
BIGGEST PIKE
The Winner was…NIKKI WILLIAMS, who caught a 89cm Pike from Valhalla!
Congratulations and well done Nikki! There were plenty of Pike caught and you caught the biggest!! Great angling!
BIGGEST PERCH
The Winner was…MATTHEW COLEGATE who caught the biggest Perch measuring 35cms from the Specimen Tench & Orfe Lake!
This was the 1st Fish caught in the competition too, Matthew had all the anglers trying to beat it but they just couldn’t quite beat 35cms!!
Congratulations and well done Matthew!! Amazing angling and an awesome Perch to win this category!!
FISH OF THE WEEKEND
The Winner was…THOMAS WILSON who caught a CHUB from the Mystery Lake!
This is the first ever time that a Chub has been caught during the Lure Weekend and was without a doubt the Winner for the Fish of the Weekend Category!
Congratulations and well done Tom!! Amazing angling and you have now made Lure Weekend history in being the first angler to catch a Chub
An Autumn Day at Wimbleball – Exmoor’s Premier Trout Water
It had been too long since my last visit to Wimbleball Reservoir and on arrival at the lake shoreline I was shocked to stand at top water level and gaze at the distant boat launching pontoon far away at the water’s edge.
The lake now at less than 30% capacity demonstrates the impact of a dry spring followed by a long dry summer. The recent Autumn rainfall has had little impact so far and we can only hope for a very wet winter to restore the reservoir to full before next Spring. Abstraction from the River Exe will be key for Wessex and South West Water in achieving this goal for the lake is a shared resource that provides water across Devon and Somerset. I believe there are plans to build a new reservoir adjacent to Cheddar Reservoir that will take some of the load off Wimbleball but this is several years away.
There was a brisk North West Wind blowing which would undoubtedly influence where to fish. After loading the boat I headed up to Bessom’s an area that had been producing and is often productive at this time of year.
The road bridge stood high and dry a stark indication of the low level already mentioned. Autumn leaves in shades of bronze stood as a backdrop to the scene. It was indeed well worth visiting the lake to witness the banks revealing scars from its living past before the huge concrete dam held back the River Haddeo that joins the River Exe a mile or so below Dulverton.
The water at this shallow end of the lake was rather murky as a result of recent rain. I thought this could be the reason I could get no action as I searched the water with my flies. I headed to the dam end of the lake and passed the two other boats fishing the lake. I enquired as to success to be told that they too were struggling to find the fish.
I ventured into the deeply wooded Upton Arm hoping to find some shelter but the North West Wind seemed to be increasing in strength making fishing difficult. It was fascinating to explore the steep slopes with the rotting roots of tree’s an eery testament to the valley that was flooded in the late 1970’s.
I felt slightly ill at ease alone in this secluded area and decided to head back up to the dam area where I found more sheltered water. After half an hour or so I still failed to connect with any of the lakes trout. I was using a sinking line with a damsel nymph on the point and a black cormorant on a dropper. This was a combination I felt confident with and my gut feeling was to stick with this and search for fish.
I headed back up the lake again trying the shallow end. It was one of those days when things just seemed hard going. Those days when the wind catches the fly and it ends up stuck right in the middle of your back forcing you to disrobe to remove it. The fly you have just selected and put on the seat blows off into your fishing bag resulting in five minutes playing find the fly.
Deciding on another move I pulled the starter rope to be met with a brief splutter and total engine seizure. Looking over the back of the boat I spied a short length of rope wrapped tightly around the prop. It was impossible to remove the rope in situation so I had to haul the outboard on to the boat. The rope was solid and there was no way I could untangle it. All I had on me was a pair of line snips totally inadequate for cutting the rope free. Fortunately a friend of mine was within hailing distance and was able to assist cutting the rope free with a pair of robust garden scissors. A valuable lesson was learnt; always carry a knife in your fishing bag just in case you need to cut yourself free. Luck was to some extent on my side though for if this had happened whilst in the Upton Arm my days fishing would undoubtedly have been ruined. As the long row back against the strong wind would have been challenging to say the least.
Persistence will generally pay off and I headed to the North shore where I found better clarity and deep water close to the bank. I stuck to the same fly combination and was encouraged to see anglers in another boat enjoying some success as their rods flexed as a fish splashed in the water.
I felt a momentary tightening of the line that injected a degree of optimism and belief. Five minutes later there came that delightful tug on the line as a rainbow trout devoured one of my offerings. The fish fought hard leaping from the water and giving numerous strong runs that tested both tackle and my nerves.
I was relieved to pull a splendid rainbow of around 4lb 8oz into the net. It had taken the black cormorant on the dropper and I noted that the barbless hook was held by just a sliver of skin in the side of the mouth. I noted that it was now cloudy with light drizzle, the wind had dropped and it was undoubtedly a couple of degrees warmer. A brace of rainbows followed in the next half an hour and with the light starting to fade I called it a day contented with success on a hard day.
These hard days are often more rewarding than those days when fish come easily to the lures.
As I drove away in the fading light a barn owl glided close to the road and I slowed down to watch it settle on an old farm trailer. The privileged sight of this ghostly bird still lingers in the mind as I reflect upon the day fishing Exmoor’s premier trout water.
SEA ANGLING RESULTS
Stormy conditions may have deterred some anglers from venturing forth but the turbulant waters often stir up food close in encouraging fish to feast upon the proceeds.If you can wade through the dogfish a specimen fish could be the reward.
Kevin Legge took first and second place in Combe Martin SAC’s October Rover with small eyed ray weighing 8lb 12oz and 6lb 13oz. Third place was taken by Nick Phillips with a bull huss of 6lb 4oz.
Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour sea rover was won by Paul Ackland with a dogfish scaling 2lb 2oz.
Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters…2025
Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters…
The final round of the Trout masters was held at Roadford Lake today.
With challenging conditions, bright sun around mid day .
Series leader Roger Truscott set out on a mission to put a good gap between himself and his closest challengers, and mission completed, Roger finished on 17 Browns with Runner up Wayne Thomas on 12.
Rodney Wevill getting the biggest Brown of the day at 39cm with Keith Burnett runner up with a nice 38cm fish.
A total of 55 Browns caught for the day
A massive thank you to Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust for Partnering up with Fluff Chuckers and providing the Brown Trout Masters Cup and the overall winners prize of an all water season ticket.
Turrall Flies, YETI Europe and Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room for the prizes for each individual events.
And to all the anglers that have taken part over the year.
This series of events have become a great fun day on the water, all taking part have joined in with smiles no matter what their individual ability has been.
Looking forward to next year and hopefully build on the past two years,
Nice to see anglers that are normally fishing for Rainbows taken up the challenge of chasing these lovely Brown trout, not always the biggest or the easiest to catch but proper fishing for sure.
Round 3 Results.
1. Roger Truscott
2. Wayne Thomas
3. Kevin Selkars
4. Rodney Wevill
5. Keith Burnett
6. John Huckings
7. Richard Adeney
8. Jon Hopper
Final overall Results after Three Rounds.
Points
1. Roger Truscott 5 (Brown Trout Master 2025)
2. Wayne Thomas 8
3. John Hucking. 12
4. Keith Burnett 13
5. Rodney Wevill 14
6. Richard Adeney 25
7. Kevin Sellars. 27
8. Steve Retallack 27
9. Steve Lawes. 32
10. Matt Woods. 32
11. Simon Peters. 35
12. Jon Hopper. 36
13. Dave Cook. 36
14. Peter Williams. 39
15. Phillip Hoskin. 41
16. Ben Eliot 42
Thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work putting this enjoyable and friendly event together. All three venues run by South West lakes Trust provided excellent fishing in stunning scenery. I look forward to next years series of events. Hartd to comprehend the passing of a season that started in late March on the wide wild expanse of Colliford as we looked for the first martins and swallow arriving from Africa. The middle summer event was held at Fernworthy high on Dartmoor as heavy rain gave us all a good drenching but failed to deter the trout that were caught in good numbers as swifts and swallows darted across the water. And at Roadford its waters seriously low after a long dry summer I caught sight of a straggler swallows and martins leaving for their winter home in Africa.
A Danglers Diary – September 2025
posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar, Uncategorised |
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I sometimes wonder what anglers want to read on North Devon Angling News in addition to the latest news from around the region. I thought it might be worthwhile taking a look back at the beginning of each month at the venues I have fished over the preceding month and the triumphs and trials I have encountered.
In early September Pauline and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a testament to Pauline that she has accepted my obsession with angling throughout those fiorty plus years supporting me great with patience. (Most of the time; for there are times when I have undoubtedly overstepped the mark a little).
We celebrated at the Tarr Steps Inn beside the glorious River Barle that once teemed with salmon during the Autumn months. I remember catching a silver grilse on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral back in 1997. The river like many has suffered a dramatic decline in its salmon stocks though its wild brown trout are still abundant.
In the Exmoor Town of Dulverton it was good to see minnows shoaling in the leat that runs past Rothwell & Dunsworth the book shop that always has a tempting array of fishing books.
The Glorious Wye
Whilst the River Wye in Herefordshire frequently makes the headlines regarding effluent from Chicken farms and agriculture it is still a beautiful rIver. its salmon runs have plummeted but it is still home to some wonderful Coarse fish. I extracted a few bronze flanked chub on a trip in the middle of September.
Evening light on a tranquil Wye.
HOME WATERS
The quiver tip back on home ground…
CORNISH REEF
The annual trip to fish in the Looe Basher was once again an enjoyable excursion visiting familar haunts.
Spectacular red gurnard
Broken tips for two!
IN HOPE OF SALMON
THOSE WILD BROWNS ALWAYS OBLIGE
The beauty of a wild brown trout from the higher reaches of a local river.
Many thanks to Anglers Paradise for inviting Pauline and I to their 40 year celebrations.