Fishing New Waters – Cheddar

FISHING A NEW WATER – Cheddar

Tackle shops can often be the start of angling adventures as was the case when I was chatting with Mark Potter of Quay Sports. When Cheddar Reservoir popped up in a conversation about pike fishing Mark asked if I had ever fished the venue. I hadn’t but said it was a venue I have often wanted to try.

A few weeks later I started the car as the temperature read -3.5 degrees. After clearing icy windows  I traversed the slippery roads to meet up at Quay Sports where Mark Potter, Mark Frith ( Lakebed leads)  and I loaded the van with our tackle for the day.

We arrived at Cheddar reservoir as the sun slowly illuminated the frosty landscape. We met up with Ryan turner a good friend of Marks who had caught pike from the reservoir on previous trips.

Cheddar Reservoir is a manmade concrete bowl  completed in 1937 with a surface area of 260 acres. It is one of Bristol Waters reservoirs with the fishing managed by Cheddar Angling Club.

We were targeting the venues pike and headed for a deep area of the reservoir known to produce pike on a regular basis. Rod pods are essential for fishing from the concrete steps that surround the water and were coated with ice as we set up.

 

Dead-baits were the chosen tactic with some of us opting for legered baits others choosing the pleasing crimson of  a pike float upon the water. Popped up baits are considered a good option on this water that has extensive areas of weed.

 

After casting an array of bait’s, we sat back to enjoy the view as the sun slowly rose in the sky. The Somerset levels stretched out to the South and East and the Mendip Hills and the famous Cheddar Gorge to the North. The vast sheet of water twinkled in the morning sun and large flocks of water birds floated upon the calm surface.

Ryan Turner said that it was very much a morning water and we were all full of optimism for the day ahead. Any moment an alarm would surely sing out the question was how big would the pike be? On checking my set up I was slightly concerned to find the line frozen solid in the rod rings! A quick tug on the line every five minutes ensured that it was kept free until the rising sun brought the temperature above freezing.

As the sun rose the dog walkers, strollers and joggers came out in good numbers circum-navigating the lake and glancing at the camouflaged guys sat expectantly behind their rods.

We chatted of fish,  fishing venues of tactics and of past glories. Mark Frith has fished North Devon waters for many years and has many reflections on past days beside the water and the potential to catch a wide range of species. Modern days focus upon carp fishing has resulted in many of today’s generation overlooking the chance to catch specimen perch, eels and bream.

As the morning ebbed away it became obvious that the pike were not actively seeking a meal. Our hopes refocused upon a late in the day feeding spell as the light began to fade.

Baits were changed from time to time and relocated within our swims. We had decided on a sit and wait approach confident that pike would be present. At around 4.00pm Mark Friths alarm sounded and a small jack came to the net. Perhaps this would signal the start of a feeding spell?

Mark’s dog Scruff watches the pike swim away.

 

News that an angler fishing the far bank had caught three pike increased our hopes. He was using a bait boat and was placing his bait at long range. Perhaps the fish were too far out for us to reach?

The sun slowly sank to the horizon and the surroundings were illuminated by a golden glow. Large numbers of silver fish dimpled the surface with occasional large swirls indicating the likely presence of feeding predators. Hope lingered as the temperature began to drop along with the light.

We packed away as darkness fell another day done. Ancient oaks were silhouetted against the embers of the day and the first stars blinked as night descended. The call of owls drifted across the fields and we headed for home. Despite a blank day for most of us our spirits were high as we discussed plans for the coming year and opportunities that would surely come our way.

A Winter Day – Pike

 

The cold light of dawn brought with it frosted car windows and icy roads. It seemed the traditional day for pike fishing sat beside the calm waters of a lake. My good friend Paul Blake joined me for a day at Lower Slade reservoir where our alarms bleeped out as a few jacks graced our nets.

South West Lakes Trust have updated their pike fishing regulations for Slade and other stocked pike waters. Treble hooks are now allowed in conjunction with wire traces. Braided line with a minimum breaking strain of 40lb breaking strain is now compulsory. These measures are in-line with good practice across the pike fishing community, the strong braided line reduces the chance of losing fish and improves bite indication reducing the risk of deep hooking.

Updated pike rules at South West Lakes

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South West Lakes Trust have updated their pike fishing rules adapting them to fit with good practice within the pike fishing community. Pike are delicate fish that require careful handling. The use of strong braid will improve bite indication reducing deep hooking and the extra strength should reduce the risk of fish breaking free. There is nothing sporting in losing fish that could become tethered and die.
Updated pike rules for Argal and Lower Slade can be found on their website: https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/coarse-fishing-rules
Please familiarise yourself with the rules before visiting. Changes to the rules are that treble hooks are now allowed and the mainline has changed to 40lb plus braid.
Pike fishing rules remain the same at Porth and College.

Additional Pike Fishing Rules (all of the above apply also).

  •   Permitted methods of fishing are: Plugs, Spinners, Jigs, worms or dead sea fish
  •   Do not discard dead sea fish into the reservoir when leaving to avoid pollution and false alarms
  •   Treble hooks are allowed but have to be semi barbless. One hook on each treble may be barbed to holddead bait on and no bigger than a size 6. No more than two trebles on a rig.
  •   Braided mainline to be used (Minimum 40lb), Snag leader to be used dead baiting where necessary, mustuse a break away lead system.
  •   Hooks must be mounted on a wire trace
  •   Anglers must have forceps
  •   No gaffs allowed
  •   Pike must be weighed in a sling or net. They must not be hung by the gills
  •   No sacks for holding fish – flotation slings only for setting up photographic equipment
  •   Fish must not be held in a retaining sling for more than a few minutes while cameras are set up.
  •   Unhooking mats must be used.

CHEW VALLEY – THE FASCINATING GAME

 Chew Valley Lake 8:00am, it’s an excited gathering of anglers as always struggling to the boats with masses of piking tackle. There were the normal sprinkling of BIG NAMES in pike fishing amongst the eager group. I Have fished Chew on numerous occasions since it opened to pike fishing in October 2001 and always relish the challenge.

            The early morning sun illuminated the vast lake as Bruce Elston and I  loaded our gear into the boat. We discussed where we would fish and decided to go against the general wisdom and head for deep water close to the dam. The well known Stratford area would undoubtedly be packed with boats and we just didn’t want to be amongst the crowds. Big pike have been caught from all around Chew Valley Lake so whilst location is the key it is a big lake and it might not always pay to follow the crowds.

            To some extent my approach to fishing has changed over the years and enjoyment of the day is undoubtedly my number one aim. This may to some extent have been influenced by catching a 38lb pike earlier in the year a fish of a lifetime that I may never surpass. That fish was caught on a fly and both Bruce and I now question the benefits of targeting the pike during the trials at a higher cost when the fish can be caught on fly tackle.

            That said there is something special about watching floats bobbing upon a lake and the expectation of their disappearance at any moment. I cannot say for certain which approach I prefer or which is the. most effective.

            We agreed to troll lures on the way to our first location and were rewarded with a jack each. Using an echo sounder we located the boat close to where the bottom contours indicated a significant drop off. We then dropped anchors to ensure the boat remained stable and cast out dead-baits spread around the boat. It was now time to pour a fresh coffee and gather our thoughts.

            Bruce was first into a fish on a horse mackerel dead bait a small jack of perhaps 4lb.

            The conditions were certainly very pleasant for early autumn with a gentle breeze and brilliant blue sky.

            After an hour anchored up with dead baits and the occasional search around with various spinners we decided upon a move to a bay further along the West bank.

            After dropping anchor, I had a cast with the lure and immediately connected with a pike of around 8lb. We enjoyed further success from this location with Bruce adding another couple of jacks to dead-baits.

            Throughout the day we tried a few different spots, trolled a bit and varied our lures searching each area carefully. The autumn colours were showing on bankside trees. Swans and geese occasionally flew over and grebes glided on the water hunting for fish. High in the sky large planes flew to a fro from nearby Bristol Airport and wondered where they were headed?

            Bruce and I both watched our pike floats intently willing them to disappear. Time as always ebbed away and our dreams of monster pike slowly evaporated as the sun sank in the Western sky.

            We had boated 14 jacks between us, ten to Bruce and four to me.

 

            Bruce fished with his good friend Stuart Calder the following day. They chose to anchor up in the renowned Stratford area as thick mist hung over the lake. Early in the day Stuart boated a fine pike of 26lb 10oz. Bruce blanked. Chew is a big lake and each day deals a different hand there are many variables that go to make the game so fascinating and addictive.

26lb 10oz of prime pike

            We will be back in the Spring Fly rods in hand casting in hope and hopefully connecting with one of those famous Chew Valley Giants.

Berkley Wire Cutters – Handy Snips

Berkley Side Wire Cutters

“Pike anglers are strongly advised by the Pike Anglers Club to always carry a strong pair of side cutters in case there is a need to cut through hooks to aid unhooking.” These Berkley Side wire cutters are ideally suited to this purpose and a wide range of other uses for the sea angler and lure angler.

They are excellent tools for snipping off those old rusty hooks on lures prior to replacing them.

It is also a good idea to carry a pair of side cutters for use in an emergency. I once had a large hook penetrate a finger whilst in Egypt fishing for Nile perch and was forced to have the hook cut free to remove it from my finger. Many hours away from hospital I dread to think how we could have proceeded without a pair of side-cutters.

Heavy duty wire traces used in sea angling need top quality side cutters for cutting traces to length when making traces and for the occasional instance when a hook is too deep to remove from a fish.

The Berkley side cutters have carbon steel jaws, Corrosion Resistant Composite Coating, Ergonomic Co-moulded handle, spring assisted one handed operation and an adjustable lanyard.

These smart looking side cutters are a useful addition to any  sea angler or lure fisher’s armoury.

 

 

CHEW VALLEY – chasing dreams and creating memories.

There is always a feeling of intense anticipation as a visit to Chew Valley lake approaches. The vast water undoubtedly holds numerous pike of a lifetime but the reality is that such fish are hard to come by. Catching a big pike is like most specimen fishing a combination of being in the right place at the right time. A slice of luck can play its part and ensuring that everything is in place for when connection is made seals the deal.

I was very fortunate to have been invited to join my good friend Bruce Elston who had secured tickets to fish the boat trials. Early October and the weather was set fair with  a blue sky and calm waters.

Due to other commitment’s, I didn’t arrive until late morning and climbed into the boat to find that Bruce had boated two jacks and had several follows. We started off with a bit of trolling using Bruce’s electric outboard. After a short while Bruce boated a jack of 5lb or so which was an encouraging start.

The rest of the day was spent using varied tactics. Anchoring up for periods we put out a float fished dead-bait and searched around the boat using various lures. I experimented with some of my soft plastic bass lures and had a few hits without contacting the culprits. A change to a bright orange shad pattern also brought a few tugs, pulls and  follows from small jacks and trout.

We also enjoyed spells drifting with a dead-bait suspended a few feet above the bottom whilst searching with the lures.

As evening approached and the sun sank lower we savoured the scene. We chatted about lures and I dug a bright orange and yellow spring dawg from my old lure bucket. “They have gone out of fashion” commented Bruce. A few moments later a jack hit the lure and was brought to the boat side. To my relief it saved me unhooking it by erupting from the water to shower us in spray, shaking the hooks free. I was pleased to have avoided a blank trip.

The cry of Bruce’s reel alerted us that a pike had taken a mackerel dead-bait. I watched hoping that this would be a big un as Bruce set the hooks. Unfortunately, it was another jack. A few moments later I boated my second pike of the day a small jack of a couple of pounds tempted on a wobbled smelt.

As the sun slowly sank we were forced to head back to the lodge another enjoyable day chasing dreams and creating memories.

Bruce returned the following day to bait this pleasing double!

A Winter Pike Session

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After numerous shore fishing trips catching dogfish and small conger I felt a change of  scenery and species was in order. With a cold North-East wind forecast pike fishing came to mind so a trip to a local reservoir was the plan. With the pike gear scattered around the shed I knew it would be a fraught half an hour or so getting ready and ensuring I did not overlook anything important. With ice coating the car I was in no rush to hit the road so it was mid morning before I arrived at the waters edge.

Piking tactics would be maximum of an hour in each swim before moving. Dead-baits fished beneath crimson topped floats.

It was great to be at the waters edge enjoying the warm sunshine as I watched my floats expectantly. After half an hour I saw a large swirl just over a rod length out close to my float! In classic fashion the float bobbed and slowly slid away. I pick up the rod waiting till the line tightened and lifted the rod to feel that pleasing resistance as a decent sized pike lunged on a tight line in the clear water.

A low double and a pleasing start to my winter pike fishing.

The day drifted past with a pike from three of the next four swims none as big as the first but pleasing jacks between 5lb and 8lb and all in superb condition.

The last pike of the day came as the light started to fade with the sun sinking beneath the hill opposite the bare tree branches silhouetted against the sky. It was going to be a cold night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PIKE FISHING REGULATIONS

  • The reservoirs are covered by South West Water Reservoir Regulations with which anglers must familiarise themselves before fishing. All anglers must carry a valid Environment Agency Licence.
  • SEASON – All year
  • METHODS – Permitted methods include the use of spinners, plugs, flies, worms or dead sea fish baits presented on float or ledger tackle, live bating is not permitted. In order to avoid pollution false alarms, surplus dead baits must not be thrown in the reservoir when fishing ends.
  • Only barbless hooks may be used (barbed hooks should be crimped down). Hooks to be no larger than size 6.  All hooks to be mounted on wire trace.  Angler’s to be in possession of forceps.  Minimum 12lb breaking strain line to be used.
  • Gaffs not permitted; please use a large net for landing pike.
  • WEIGHING – Pike may only be weighed in conjunction with a weighing net or sling. It is PROHIBITED to weigh fish with the spring balance hook under the Pike’s chin.
  • All Pike anglers must have a large padded unhooking mat.
  • A Pike tube or sack may only be used to hold single pike for the short period needed to set up photographic equipment. To avoid damaging fish by dropping, anglers being photographed with Pike must do so in a kneeling position close to the ground.
  • KEEP NETS – keep nets are prohibited
  • Rods may not be left unattended at any time.
  • All Pike must be returned to the water immediately after capture, and in any event immediately after photographing.

12     Children under 12 years may fish for no charge provided they are accompanied by full paying adult over the age of 18 years and then only with permission of parent or legal guardian.

 

 

 

Simpson Valley – A variety of opportunities

Jeff Pearce searches for pike on Mallard Lake

Simpson Valley Coarse and Trout Fishery is set in a peaceful valley near Holsworthy amid over 140 acres of farmland. The complex boasts several lakes that hold a variety of species that can be targeted using a wide variety of tactics. I visited the venue with Snowbee tackle representative Jeff Pearce in the hope of contacting one of the venues big pike on fly fishing tactics. Mallard lake has been stocked with a good number of pike the biggest nudging 30lb with several topping 20lb.

Jenny Wren Trout Lake

The pike proved reluctant to play the game so we enjoyed an interlude in our predator hunt and targetted the trout of Jenny Wren Lake where I was delighted to catch my first tiger trout and a stunning rainbow of around 4lb that gave a terrific scrap in the cold water.

 

We were joined at Jenny Wren’s fishing hut by fishery Manager Andrew Moore who made us a welcome hot cup of coffee. Andrew chatted enthusiastically about Simpson’s Valley and of its fishing and plans for the future. The five lakes on the complex offer pike to thirty pound, carp to 35lb, along with specimen perch, eels, chub,trout and other species. There is a unique opportunity to target rainbow trout using LRF tactics on Skylark lake where catch and release is permitted during the winter months. This style of fishing is an ideal opportunity for young anglers to enjoy great sport without having to master the complexity’s of fly fishing.

 

Fishery Manager Andrew Moore with a hard fighting rainbow tempted on LRF tactics.

Andrew enjoys a hard fighting rainbow tempted on LRF tactics

We returned to Mallard Lake after our informative chat with Andrew and once again set about tempting a pike with our Fly Tackle. On two occasions I thought I had hooked pike but found that plump rainbow trout of close to four pounds had seized my four inch long pike fly! We will be back again and next time I may well sit it out with a dead-bait. If I don’t get sidetracked by trout or other species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fancy luring a Pike?

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Opportunities to fish for pike are limited in North Devon with only around half a dozen venues holding the species. If you fancy a try at pike fishing Anglers Paradise has a good stock of these toothy critters available to target with lures. See report from Zenia at AP below.

PIKE ALERT

Ashley Bunning used his day off work to have a couple of hours on Valhalla. Ashley caught 3 Pike in total with this being the biggest and used a Ecogear Ikajaco Lure to catch them.

Remember our Predator Lake Valhalla is now open for all to fish until February, time to get some Winter Lure Fishing in!

Call 01409 221559 to book.

Anglers Paradise