I Joined South Molton Angling Club for their Christmas get together at Blakewell Fishery where members hoped to win the Mac McCarthy Trophy for the biggest trout caught this season. The biggest trout up until this date was fine rainbow of 5lb 6oz from Wimbleball.
The morning was incredibly mild for mid December with an overcast sky that occasionally allowed glimpses of bright winter sun. I was hoping to once again slip into the bay where the trout had been shoaling the previous week. I joined club Chairman Ed Rands in the favoured spot and began working the bay with a damsel nymph.
Within an hour both Ed and I had secured five fish limit bags of quality fish with my five totalling just over 20lb and Eds around 15lb. We both chatted with Matt Kingdon who moved into the bay and continued to tempt the trout that had by now wised up a little. Strangely it seemed that the trout wanted a virtually static fly often taking the small black lure Matt was using as it sank through the water. It was fascinating to watch as Matt watched the end of the line twitch setting the hook with a quick strip of the line.
Blakewell Fisheries Christmas competition was held as a lower key affair this year in part due to high COVID rates in the area with only a small number of local anglers invited. Sunday morning dawned cold and showery as the draw for pegs was made along with a glass of port and a cup of tea.
The competitors drew lots at the start of the match with the intention of rotating around every hour. With the water cold and clear it was surprising that trout proved hard to tempt at first with several anglers struggling to get any takes at the start of the competition.
As the morning progressed it soon became apparent that the trout were tightly shoaled in the bay with any angler fishing there enjoying consistent takes. I was fortunate to draw this peg just before dinner and quickly added a brace of trout to the single trout I had tempted on my second peg. The best fish close to 4lb. The first two trout falling to a bead headed cats whisker the third to an orange blob!
A fine full tailed rainbow.
Paul Grisley with a pleasing Blakewell rainbow.
Dave Winter with his best trout of the day.
A hot pasty dinner and cool beer enabled anglers to exchange opinions and tales around the venues large outdoor dining table.
After dinner the rotating pegs format was to a large extent ignored as the bay again fished well. I moved to the corner of this bay away from the other anglers and flicked a bead head PTN out on a short line. After fifteen minutes my bag limit of five fish was completed. By now the trout were wising up as lures seemed to lose their pulling power.
As the afternoon grew colder competitors gathered for the weigh in with a hot cup of tea. Over half the competitors had managed to take limit bags with several rainbows topping 4lb.
1st – James Burdus – 5 for 16lb 13oz
2nd – Paul Grisley – 5 – for 15lb 15oz
3rd – Dave Winter- 5-for 15lb 8oz
4th Wayne Thomas – 5 – for 12lb 5oz
James Burdus with a brace of 5lb plus rainbows
Many thanks to hosts Richard and John Nickell for holding the event.
Richard told of the impact of changing climate on the trout fishery with warmer temperatures resulting in extensive weed growth throughout the year. The traditional season on small still-water trout fisheries has certainly changed across the country with the best of the fishing now starting in late October through until early summer. Increasing numbers of trout fisheries now close during July, August and September. Extensive farming could also be impacting with run off from fields helping to promote weed growth.
Blakewell is open for the rest of 2021 with a short break over the Christmas holiday. The lake will close for most of January when the lake will be drained to allow treatment of the weed growth. It will reopen rejuvenated in February with excellent prospects for late winter, spring and early summer.
All of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries continue to be operated under strict Covid-19 restrictions, in line with the current Angling Trust and Government guidelines. At the time of writing the on-site permit huts are not open, so day tickets, season tickets, and boats should be pre-booked online (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) or via the telephone. Water levels are now starting to rise to between 60% and 75% full (depending on site), while water temperatures continue to fall.
Fishing:
Kennick – The weather conditions have generally been very changeable, with some pleasant sunny days mixed with days of strong winds and heavy rain showers, while overall temperatures have remained mild for the time of year. There has been little surface insect activity, and fish have only risen to feed very occasionally in the early part of the month. Subsequently, most fish have been caught between one and six feet down on slow-sink or intermediate lines, with bank anglers catching the majority of fish. Fish have been well spread out around the lake, although Sycamore Wall, The Narrows, and Clampitts have been particularly popular. The usual selection of nymphs (Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Montanas, and Damsel Nymphs) and lure patterns (Orange Blob, Boobies, Cats Whisker, Kennick Killer, and Nomads) have produced the best sport, with Bibios, Shrimp, and Vivas also catching well. Sharif Adams (from Moretonhampstead) caught the best fish of the month with an impressive bag of six rainbows between 2 and 5lbs, using a Gold Damsel fished about a foot beneath the surface. Graham Roberts (from Totnes) caught three rainbows weighing in at 2lbs, 4lbs, and 4lb 4oz, as well as a 1lb brown; Bryan Parry (from Newton Abbot) caught rainbows of 2lb 8oz, 3lb, and 4lb, using a Damsel Nymph; Mick Megee (from Newton Abbot) caught seven rainbows to 3lb 8oz using a sinking line and slow retrieve. The final of the Lakes Trust’s ‘Best of the Best’ bank competition, supported by Snowbee UK, was held on 17 October – with twenty one anglers competing. Cornish angler Dave Johns won the competition (and £1000 prize cheque) with twelve fish weighing in at 25lb 2oz, Devon angler Andy Watson took second place with 15lb 12oz, and Andy Gooding won the prize for Heaviest Fish (3lb 2oz).
Siblyback – Although there has been little surface activity and few insects on the water, a few fish were caught early in the month on a dry static fished Black Hopper. Otherwise lures and sunk nymphs have been the patterns of choice (Red Matuka, Baby Doll, Viva, or Damsel Nymphs and Montanas), with an intermediate line producing the best results, and Crylla Bay the preferred location. Generally, fish caught have been between 1 and 2lb, with the best rainbow weighing in at 2lb 5oz caught by Nigel Muscelwate; Neil Barron caught a rainbow of 2lb 2oz.
Burrator – There was little surface insect activity over the month, and with the fish feeding sub-surface, generally intermediate lines with varying retrieval speeds proved to be the most successful method, with either a nymph (Montana, Damsel, or Diawl Bach) or lure pattern (Muddler, Leach, Orange Blob,or Kennick Killer) – although a Zonker fished on a floating line and pulled fast did result in a few fish caught. Longstone Point, Pig Trough Bay, and Sheepstor proved to be the most productive locations. The best fish of the month (and the best brown of the season) was caught by Al Lawson (from Plymouth) – a beautiful 4lb fish, using a Blue Flash Damsel on an intermediate line. Kevin Sellar (from Plymouth) caught a bag of seven rainbows to 2lb, using Damsel and Orange Blob patterns, while Steven Carter (from Tavistock) caught four rainbows to 2lb on a floating line and fast retrieve.
Stithians – Fish continue to be well spread out around the water, with most locations producing fish, although Goonlaze, Pipe Bay, and Dam Bank are all worthy of mention. With insect activity on the surface sparse, most fish have been caught on intermediate or sinking lines, although the occasional fish could be tempted by a dry Daddy, Deer Hair Sedge or Black Gnat on a floating line. With the majority of fish being caught subsurface, lure patterns such as Orange Blob, Cats Whisker, Black Cormorants, Boobies, and Fritz patterns produced the best catches. John Henderson (from Falmouth) caught the best fish of the month – a 3lb 8oz rainbow, as part of a bag of five rainbows using small orange gel blobs and mini orange boobies; Phil Messenger-Roberts (from St Austell) caught six rainbows to 3lb using black and white and green fritz patterns; Clive Pearce caught five rainbows to 3lb.
South West Lakes Trust’s brown trout waters (Roadford, Colliford, and Fernworthy) have now closed for the season, to reopen in March 2022.
Please visit the website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for details on ticket prices, fishery information, clubs, competitions, and boat availability.
Friendships are a vital part of angling and it is always great to maintain those long lasting bonds with a trip to the water’s edge. Garry, Rob, Ray and I were once part of South West Waters Game Fishing Team who travelled the length and breadth of England fishing in the annual Water Industry Game Fishing Competition (WIGFIC). We have tried to maintain the tradition of an annual fly fishing trip ever since our participation in the event ceased several years ago.
After a long lull due partially to COVID the Old Fisher Farts set off for a weekend at Wimbleball Lake staying at the delightful old Exmoor pub The George at Brompton Regis.
We assembled at the ticket hut at around 8:30am and cooked up an open air breakfast of sausage and bacon sarnies before heading out to cast our lines. Rob and I for the shoreline and Garry and Ray to the boats to be greeted by the ever helpful Trevor.
Conditions seemed ideal with a gentle breeze and light cloud cover. Despite this the trout proved hard to tempt with just a couple of hard fighting rainbows and wild browns succumbing to my lures fished on an intermediate line.
We met up at lunch time for another fry up and a chat.
Garry had managed a couple of rainbows but Ray and Rob had yet to catch. Spirits were still high despite the uncooperative trout and we set off refreshed and eager. With me joining Ray in the boat whilst Garry enjoyed a few hours on the bank.
The afternoon drifted past with me adding another couple of rainbows to the tally along with a beautiful wild brown of around a pound. Mid-afternoon Ray hooked a good rainbow that to my alarm caused him to almost stumble overboard! I think Garry added another rainbow to the score from the bank whilst Rob remained fishless.
As the sun slowly sank we headed back to the pub for a well-earned meal and a pint or two. Back in the early 1990’s we had been part of a winning team securing overall victory in the WIGFIC competition held at Wessex Waters Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil. In the intervening years since we have fished many times without repeating that victory. Back then as young men working in the Water Industry we undoubtedly talked a far different agenda. Close to thirty years later we discuss our medications and ailments and have more in common with the elderly gents in “The Last of The Summer Wine” and suffer occasional bouts of Victor Meldrew like grumpiness! The tales of days and colleagues some long gone bounced across the pub table. Memories of younger days rekindled once again.
In years gone by evenings in the pub would have endured into the early hours with last orders signalling close of play. These days catching the end of News at Ten signals a late night!
Next morning when we arrived lakeside where the lake was hidden in dense early morning mist. A bright calm sunny day was forecast so we suspected that the fishing would be even more difficult. Admiring the morning splendour as we chugged out on calm waters having elected to use boats. Catching trout seemed to be secondary as the new day dawned and a brilliant blue sky was unveiled, trees emerging from the mist dissolving in the warmth of the rising sun.
The tree shrouded Upton Arm of Wimbleball Lake is one of my favourite areas to fish. We resumed the days fishing searching the water with various lures. The morning proved frustrating with numerous good trout following the flies before turning away tantalisingly close to the boat.
By late morning Rob and I met with Garry and Ray to discuss tactics and decided on a move to the far end of the lake where we had enjoyed some success the previous day. We also knew that a fresh stocking had been made in the area so hoped a few uneducated fish would grant us success.
In the shallows we found the trout attacking fry sending tiny fish scattering to break the calm waters surface. Casting into the shoreline I tempted a small brown trout and secured a hard fighting rainbow. Rob also hooked a good fish that threw the hook after a pleasing encounter. Retrieving lures briskly with a roly-poly retrieve brought several follows from some impressive looking trout including a blue trout that looked a good five pound plus. A few brief hook ups kept us casting until we eventually conceded defeat at around 6:30pm the sun slowly setting to close what had been a magnificent autumn day.
Our lack of catching was certainly nothing to do with a lack of trout in the lake for the stocking of Wimbleball is regular and often with fin perfect rainbows that will take you to the backing. Large waters like Wimbleball are my favourite trout waters for success is sometimes hard earned but all the more rewarding for that.
Once again we resumed tales of bygone days at the pub that evening. Eagerly plotting future forays and discussing the state of the world.
After a delicious Full English on the Sunday morning, we set off for home another collection of memories etched upon our minds. The Old Fisher Farts will hopefully reunite in the spring of 2022.
All of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries continue to be operated under strict Covid 19 restrictions, in line with the current Angling Trust and Government guidelines. At the time of writing the on-site permit huts are still not yet open, so day tickets, season tickets, and boats should be pre-booked online (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) or via the telephone.
Water levels are currently about 80% full, with the fish at the brown trout waters generally responding better to the warmer water conditions.
Fishing:
Kennick – The month proved to be another of very mixed weather, with some very hot bright days, followed by heavy rain and winds – the main overriding feature continued to be one of warm, muggy conditions, and water temperatures continuing to gradually rise (to 20ºC), which often meant that the fish were lethargic and seeking the deeper cooler water, with boat anglers and float-tubers often enjoying better results.
As the month continued, the fishing became more challenging in spite of plenty of hatches (buzzers and sedges) and rises, and the feeding fish were often out of casting range for bank anglers. A slow retrieve produced the best results, with both floating and sinking lines catching fish; fish were well spread out around the lake, although Clampitts Bay, Oak Tree Point and Boat Bank did seem to produce the moist consistent sport. A wide selection of patterns caught fish, from Daddies, Black Gnats, Klinkhammers, and Emergers on the surface; Montanas, Damsels, Buzzer patterns, and Diawl Bachs subsurface; Cats Whiskers, Lime Boobies, Black Tadpoles, and Orange or Lime Blobs in deeper water.
Brian Sedgebeer (from Ilsington) caught five wild browns using a black and silver muddler skimmed across the surface in an evening session; Robert Boniface (from Exeter) caught four rainbows of 2lb and a 1lb brown on a sinking line; Graham Read (from Christow) caught two 2lb rainbows on a lime green Booby on the drop using a sinking line.
Siblyback – A very tough month’s fishing at Siblyback produced disappointing results, with few fish rising (although some fish are showing at sunset), and few anglers on the banks. Geoff Cook (from Falmouth) managed to hook three rainbows estimated at 2lb using a small yellow lure fished deep and fast, before losing all three at the net! Sport should pick up as the water temperatures start to drop.
Burrator – The fishing continued to be challenging this month, with anglers only averaging around one fish per visit, and nothing of any notable size being caught. Occasional buzzer hatches produced sporadic and brief rises, and apart from a few dry Sedges and Daddies, most fish were caught sub-surface on a variety of patterns (including Damsels, Montanas, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs and Cats Whiskers), with Longstone Bank and West Bank the most productive areas. David Hockin (from Plymouth) caught six rainbows while fishing from a boat using a sink-tip line during a buzzer hatch; Andrew Brown (from Chelmsford) caught a 3lb rainbow, and two more at 2lb; Tim Robinson (from Denmead) caught four wild browns to 1lb using a size 12 Sedgehog.
Bob Prout 3lb 2oz Burrator brown
Stithians – There are plenty of Rudd fry in the margins at Stithians, and this has, on occasions, made for some good fry-bashing. Although surface rises have been slow, dry fly fishing has produced some good sport, with anglers successfully using Daddies, Foam Beetles, Hoppers, Sedges, Adams and Sedgehogs. Rewarding sub-surface patterns fished on a floating line included Spiders, Hares Ears, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and Montanas. Fish were well spread out around the lake, although Pipes Bay, Goonlaze, Hollis Bank and Mossopps were all regularly mentioned on catch returns. Simon Peters (from Truro) caught two rainbows of 2lb using Fabs fished on a floating line with a long leader; T. Marks caught five fish using a Sedgehog.
Colliford – Another sensational month’s sport at Colliford, with anglers averaging 4.8 fish per rod. Fish were well spread out around the water, and dry patterns fished on a floating line (Red Hoppers, Foam Beetles, Black Gnats, Bobs Bits and Sedge patterns) produced some spectacular catches – Dean Boucher (from Gunnislake) had some excellent sessions (sixteen browns at 1lb 4oz on a Foam Beetle, Red Hopper, and Black Bits in one, ten browns to 1lb 14oz using a Black Tadpole on another, and nineteen browns on another using a Soldier Palmer). Chris Tilyard caught ten fish to 33cm using Black Gnats and dry Hares Ear patterns; Alan Judd caught eleven browns on a Soldier Palmer; Phil Messenger-Roberts caught fourteen and eight browns in two visits, mainly using a Soldier Palmer.
Fernworthy – Anglers averaged just under three fish per rod, with plenty of fish rising to dry patterns (Daddies, Klinkhammers, Foam Beetles, Bits, Hoppers and black Gnats); otherwise a selection of subsurface nymphs and traditional patterns fished on a floating line with a variety of retrieval speeds produced results. Again, fish were well distributed around the water, with no particular location standing out. Notable catches included Eric Kuchenbecker’s three browns to 2lb, caught on a Diawl Bach fished on a floating line; Richard Pleydell (from Exeter) caught six browns using a Kate Maclaren and Black Midge; Daniel Price (from Crediton) caught seven browns in one session, while Roy Gill (from Exmouth) caught five using a size 12 Klinkhammer.
Roadford – The weekly averages ranged dramatically at Roadford, from one week when only small perch were caught, to another week in early September when anglers averaged just under 3.2 browns per rod (when there was some sunshine and a nice ripple on the water, and a few Buzzers and Sedges hatching). Daveys Bank, Wortha Inlet and Grinnacombe proved to be the best locations, with Black Tadpoles, Soldier Palmers, Hoppers, Bibios, Diawl Bachs, Shipmans Buzzers and Hares Ears all proving popular patterns. Jamie Gillman (from Plympton) enjoyed some fabulous sport, catching twenty-four browns to 3lb, while John McCallum (from Westward Ho!) caught two browns to 2lb using a floating line and fast retrieve.
Please visit the South West Lakes Trust website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for details on ticket prices, fishery information, clubs, competitions, and boat availability.
Please see below the latest report from SWLT. Not included in the report but shown in the pictures are several coarse fish landed by Fly Fisherman. These coarse fish can offer excellent sport with carp present in Roadford, Colliford and Kennick. Large numbers of Rudd also offer great sport at Wistlandpound and Stithians. Large perch are also present at Roadford where lure fishing boats are available.
All of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries continue to be operated under strict Covid-19 restrictions, in line with the Angling Trust and Government guidelines. At the time of writing, the on-site permit huts are still not yet open, so day tickets, season tickets and boats should be pre-booked online (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing). Water levels are currently about 90% full.
Fishing:
Kennick – The month proved to be one of very mixed weather, with some very hot bright days, followed by heavy rain and winds – the main overriding feature was of warm muggy conditions, and water temperatures gradually rising (to 19º), which in many cases drove the lethargic fish to deeper cooler water, with boat anglers tending to achieve the best results. In spite of plentiful hatches of sedges, buzzers, and damsels, surface feeding was mainly restricted to early mornings and late evenings. Generally intermediate or sinking lines with a slow retrieve proved to be the most successful method, with a wide selection of nymph and lure patterns all working well, although the occasional floating pattern (Claret Snaffler, Black Gnat, Daddies and Hoppers) did bring fish to the surface, with fish well spread out over the lake. Mark Skelley enjoyed a great dry fly session during a buzzer hatch, catching six rainbows between 2 and 3lbs, as well as a beautiful 2lb brown. Matt Baines had great sport from a float tube, catching nine 2lb rainbows; Adam Dale caught six 2lb rainbows using a Booby fished from a boat on a sinking line.
Siblyback– A tough month’s fishing at Siblyback produced disappointing results, particularly at the beginning and end of the month. The majority of fish caught were taken from Stocky Bay or North Bay (from a boat), with most of the action in the late afternoon or early evening. A slow retrieved Bibio on a floating line produced a 2lb rainbow and an 8oz brown for Andy Dexter, while Phil Messenger-Roberts caught five rainbows up to 2lb 4oz.
Burrator – The fishing proved challenging this month, with the warm conditions making the fish lethargic and not keen to feed, although sport did improve toward the end of the month. A variety of methods worked, and fish were caught on both floating and sinking lines, with a variety of retrieval speeds. Longstone and Pig Trough Bay produced the best fishing, with both nymph (Buzzers, Hares Ears, and Damsels) and lure patterns (Persuader, Kennick Killer, and Woolly Bugger) catching fish. The best fish caught in the month was a 3lb rainbow caught by Jon Rood; M. Cekella caught three rainbows to 2lb 8oz.
Stithians – The fishing improved at Stithians, with weekly averages up to 2.11 fish per angler, and fish chasing fry in the margins. Pipe Bay, Goonlaze Point, Pub Bay, Chapel Bay as well as the deeper water by the dam all produced good sport, with a wide selection of dry, nymph and lure (including fry) patterns all catching fish, and floating line and washing-line tactics working well. Simon Peters (from Truro) enjoyed two excellent sessions, catching seven rainbows to 2lb in one, and two rainbows and three browns to 1lb 8oz four days later, using a washing-line set up (FAB on point, with Daddies and Hoppers) and slow figure-of-eight retrieve. Simon Peters caught 11 rainbows using a Damsel Nymph.
Colliford– The warm conditions did nothing to deter the eager feeding brown trout at Colliford, with anglers enjoying an overall monthly average of 4.2 fish per rod. Fish were well spread out around the lake (the best approach here is to keep on the move and cover as much water as possible), and floating lines were the most productive approach, with a selection of dry patterns (Beetles, Hoppers, Sedges, and Black Gnats), nymphs (Hares Ears, Damsels, and Bibios), and some lures (Black Tadpoles and Cormorants) as well as pulled Soldier Palmers all catching well. Dean Boucher caught twenty eight fish in two visits, using a red Hopper and foam Beetle. Chris Tillyard caught fourteen fish in two sessions using a dry Hares Ear and a Black Spider pattern; Chris also caught nine browns to 30cm on dries on another visit, and 5 browns to 33cm using a Silver Sedge dry and a Soldier Palmer Snatcher on yet another session.
Fernworthy – The fishing improved as the month progressed (the conditions were too hot earlier), and fish started to feed near the surface (mainly on Buzzers and Sedges). Thornworthy Bank and the South Bank proved to be the most productive locations, with Black Gnats, Midges, Beetles, Dry Sedges, Hawthornes, and Bibios fished on a slowly retrieved floating line producing the best results. Simon Madden caught a 2lb brown using a Damsel Nymph, Clive Garland (from Bampton) caught nine browns on a dry sedge, and Patrick Murphy (from Plymouth) caught six browns on a team of midges.
Roadford– The middle of the month produced the best results at Roadford, when anglers averaged just under four fish per rod. Daveys Bank, Gaddacombe, and the deeper water by the dam all fished well. Sub-surface patterns produced the best results, with either nymphs (Damsels, Montanas, Bibios, Buzzers, and Daiwl Bachs) or dark lures (Black Tadpoles, Black Wooly Buggers) producing the best results. Jamie Gillman (from Plymouth) caught ten browns to 2lbs using a Diawl Bach; Duncan Kier (from Belstone) caught eight browns to 2lb 8oz; Dean Boucher caught twelve browns in two sessions, all on a floating line.
Please visit the South West Lakes Trust website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for details on ticket prices, fishery information, clubs, competitions, and boat availability.
Wistlandpound has been producing some good brown trout with several fish of over 1lb banked. Jason Hayes has had success with both brown trout and good quality Rudd. The Rudd are present in large numbers and can offer great sport on light fly tackle taking small dries and wets. Large wild browns feast on the Rudd fry and have been caught to over 3lb. The water clarity is excellent this season with no sign of the prolific algae blooms that have blighted the venue during recent seasons.
Kennick – The air and water continued to warm up in June, with a mid-month cold snap and heavy rain freshening the water. Weekly rod averages fell from 4.32 to 2.37 fish per angler as the month progressed. While some rising fish were taken on Beetles, Black Hoppers, Claret Snafflers, or Green Klinkhammers in the evening rise, most fish were caught subsurface with a slow figure-of-eight retrieve, using either nymphs (Diawl Bachs, Buzzers, and Montanas) or deeper fished lures (Tadpoles, Boobies, Cats Whiskers, and Kennick Killers). Favoured locations included the north end at Smithacott and the Causeway, Sycamore Wall, with boat anglers catching well in The Narrows and Boat Bay. Notable catches included nine rainbows to 3lb4oz by R.R., three rainbows to 3lb 8oz by Geoff V, and nine rainbows to 3lb caught by Malcome U.
The Snowbee Top Rod Competition was held on 13 June, and won by Alec Hoare of Abbotskerswell, with a bag of five fish weighing in at 8lb 12oz.
Siblyback– Some excellent fishing was enjoyed by Siblyback anglers, with rods averaging 3.16 fish per rod over the month. Plenty of beetle activity meant that fish were looking to the surface to feed, although with such plentiful food available, the fish were often very picky, and would ignore anglers’ offerings. Stocky Bay proved to be the most productive location, with a Damsel Nymph or Orange Gold Head nymph fished on a floating line and long leader proving successful in the deeper water by the dam. An Orange Blob fished as a dropper, with Black and Green Goldhead fished on the point also produced good results. John R had a couple of excellent sessions, catching eight rainbows to 2lb 6oz and eight rainbows to 2lb 8oz.
Burrator – Anglers enjoyed another great month’s fishing at Burrator, with anglers averaging 3.2 fish per rod, with the best locations being Longstone, Discovery Bank, and Sheepstor. As the month progressed, more Hawthorns and Beetles were evident, and plenty of surface activity (particularly during the morning and late afternoon), when floating lines and long leaders performed particularly well (especially when there was some cloud cover).Earlier in the month the fish tended to be at various depths – Mark M caught eleven fish on Black Buzzers and Pheasant Tail Nymphs, while Miles P caught twelve fish on a Pearly Spider and Tungsten Hares Ear.
Stithians – The fishing has really picked up at Stithians now – anglers averaged over 3.6 fish per rod, with early morning and evening sessions particularly productive. Numerous beetles blown onto the surface have produced some excellent dry fly fishing (Beetle patterns and Hoppers both caught well). Fish have been well spread out, and generally eager to feed near the surface – Mossops, Carnmenellis, and Yellowort Bay all proved to be excellent locations. Catches of note included bags of ten rainbows to 2lb caught by Tony C., seven fish to 2lb 9oz caught by Warren C., three rainbows to 2lb 8oz caught by Robert G., and ten rainbows and a small brown caught by John H.
Colliford– Weekly rod averages improved over the month, with the best week producing an average of 4.2 fish per angler. As is usual with Colliford, fish were well spread out around the lake, where keeping on the move with a stealthy approach produces good results. Fish have been feeding well throughout the day (with a lot of surface activity at first light and late evening), and if not on the surface, then no deeper than about one metre, so a floating line, often with a slow retrieve (or dry patterns fished statically), produced the best results, with fish often hitting the fly as it touched the water or on lift-off. Hoppers, Beetles, Sedges, Spiders, Hares Ears, Soldier Palmers and Buzzers all produced results, with the best bags including eleven browns caught on a Bibio by Philip H., Barbara L. catching thirteen browns to 1lb, and Daniel T. catching a bag of sixteen browns.
Fernworthy – Plenty of excellent bags were caught at Fernworthy in June, resulting in a rod average of just under four browns per angler. With plenty of insects being blown out of the woods onto the water, fish generally were feeding at or just below the surface, and smallish flies fished on the surface or just under with mixed retrieves produced the results. Fish fed well throughout the day, and would take eagerly even if not showing. Successful patterns included Zulu, Spiders, Black Nymphs, Gold Head Hares Ear, and Hoppers. The North Inlet and Permit Hut Bank both proved productive locations, with fish often fairly far out in the rippled water. Andrew Gooding enjoyed two good sessions catching twenty six fish; Andy W. caught ten browns to 2lb, as did Charles B., while Kevin Primmer caught twelve fish from a float tube, and David G. had fourteen fish.
Roadford– Here the fishing has been relatively quiet, with the fish still lying fairly deep (although some evenings have produced a reasonable rise), and a sinking line with a slow retrieve producing the best results; the fish moved nearer the surface to feed as the month progressed. Davies Bank, Grinnecombe, and the banks close to the centre proved to be the most productive. Duncan Kier caught the best bag – seven browns up to 1lb 8oz.
All of the South West Lakes Trust trout fisheries continue to be operated under strict Covid-19 restrictions, in line with the Angling Trust and Government guidelines. At the time of writing, the on-site permit huts are still not yet open, so day tickets, season tickets, and boats should be pre-booked online (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing).
Fishing:
Kennick – The water continues to warm up, although strong, cold winds and one of the wettest Mays on record have meant that this is a slow process, and fishing on some days has been challenging. In spite of this, anglers from both bank and boat have enjoyed some excellent sport, averaging just over three fish per rod (mainly rainbows, along with a few browns). There have been plenty of buzzer hatches, and when these occur, the fish tend to lie in shallow water taking buzzer patterns just under the surface; otherwise, fish tend to be feeding 10-12’ below the surface. In addition to buzzer patterns, other successful flies included Diawl Bachs, Damsel Nymphs, or deeper fished lures (such as Orange Blobs, Cormorants, and Cats Whiskers). Fish were well spread out, with anglers catching well at Clampitts Bay, Oak Tree Point, and off the Lawns, with boats also picking up fish in Boat Bay. Plenty of decent bags were caught, including a bag of ten fish caught by Geoff V, nine rainbows to 2lb 8oz caught by Matt B, ten rainbows to 2lb 8oz caught by Malcome Ure, and nine fish to 3lb caught by James H. David B caught the best fish early in the month – a 4lb rainbow.
Siblyback– Stocky Bay, Crylla, and Two Meadows proved to be the best locations, with rods averaging 3.3 fish per rod. Floating lines with a slow retrieve proved to be the most effective method, with fish often taking just below the surface. Successful patterns included Montanas, Black Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, and Damsels, with the occasional fish coming up to take a Beetle, Sedge, or Black Gnat; otherwise pulled lures (Green Baby Doll, Viva, or Appetiser) caught fish in deeper water. George H caught five rainbows to 4lb in an evening session using Back Sedges and Bibios, while Al L caught a bag of 8 rainbows.
Burrator – Another great month’s fishing at Burrator in spite of the weather, with anglers averaging 4.5 fish per rod. The best locations were Longstone, Pines Bay, Pig Trough, and Sheepstor. Fish have been well distributed throughout the water column, with anglers catching on floating, intermediate, and sinking lines, usually with a slow retrieve. With occasional fish moving on the surface, dry patterns (including Foam-backed Beetles and Sedges) have met with some success, although nymphs (Diawl Back, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Damsel, and Montana nymphs) and deeper fished lures (Cormorant, Cats Whisker, and Kennick Killer) have proved the most effective. Better bags included nine rainbows, caught by Alan J; six rainbows to 4lb; and Simon Jeffries catching a ‘full house’ of five rainbows, three browns, and a blue in one session.
Stithians – With plenty of surface activity (especially in the evenings) and terrestrials being blown onto the water, floating lines and dry patterns (Foam-Head Hoppers and Hawthornes in particular) have been producing some exciting sport, with some decent bags of fish up to 2lb 4oz. Nymph patterns (Hares Ear, Montana, Diawl Bach, and Buzzer) and Lures (Viva, Cormorant, Kennick Killer) have both worked well with the deeper feeding fish. Fish are well spread out around the water, with anglers reporting a variety of successful locations (including Yellowort, Pipe Bay, Mossops, and Carnmenellis).
Colliford– Weather conditions have played a crucial part in the sport at Colliford this month, when a sudden change (such as a change of wind direction, cloud cover, or rain) has killed off what had started as a promising day’s sport of feeding fish and surface activity. Nevertheless, slow retrieved nymphs (Diawl Bachs, Buzzers, and Crunchers) on floating lines worked well for roving anglers, and when conditions permitted, a Dry Sedge or Bob’s Bits brought fish up to the surface. Successful locations included Hut Bay, the Dam area, and Browngelly Bay.
Fernworthy – In spite of the challenging weather conditions, anglers averaged three fish per rod in May, on either sub-surface nymph patterns (Damsels, Black and Peacock Spider, and Hares Ear) or, as there have been good hatches, with plenty of fish moving on the surface, small dries (Black Gnats in particular) fished on the surface letting the wind take the fly naturally; fish have also been rising to take a twitched sedge pattern. The most popular and successful location has been the bank near the permit hut, with anglers finding fish while fishing the margins. The better bags included eleven fish caught by Andrew G, and eight fish caught by Stuart M.
Roadford– Rods averaged around four fish per rod over the month, and while fish are well spread out around the lake, Big Oaks, Grinnacombe, and Goodacre Bay are worth a mention, with both boat and bank anglers catching fish. The trout are present throughout the water column, and are being caught on floating, intermediate, and sinking lines with a wide variety of patterns, from dry Hawthornes to a selection of nymphs (Pheasant Tails, Orange Buzzers, Montanas, and Damsels), and deeper-fished lures (Tadpoles and Woolly Buggers) – all with a slow pull retrieve. Notable bags included eight browns to 12” caught by Ian S, seven fish to 1lb 8oz caught by Duncan Kier, and five browns caught by Gary Stickland.
Please visit the South West Lakes Trust website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for the latest Covid-19 updates, as well as details on ticket prices, fishery information, clubs, competitions, and boat availability.
Blakewell Fishery is a picturesque and tranquil small-water trout fishery that is located just over a mile from the market town of Barnstaple. The clear waters offer quality Fly Fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout that are stocked into double figures attracting anglers from across the region.
The fishery is best approached using a light to medium outfit (6/7wt) with floating lines and imitative patterns working throughout the year. Day Tickets are £45.00 for a five fish limit. You can book online or call Richard Nickell on 07884 073932
The venue is perfect for new comers to Fly Fishing as it is less-intimidating than larger venues that may prove off putting to those starting out. Fly Fishing tuition is available on site with resident instructors. See Website for full details. www.blakewell.co.uk
The fishing is often at its best during the winter months when the trout flourish in the cool water that flows in from Bradiford Water.
I always tend to associate Spring with trout and salmon fishing so when picking up the Tesco shop I indulged in the April Edition of Trout and Salmon Magazine. Browsing through its pages of pleasing images I was delighted to come upon local fishery owner Richard Nickell’s familiar smiling features.
The magazine has another excellent feature on trout fishing on Dartmoor with local cane rod builder Luke Bannister.
A pleasing brace of doubles taken on my last visit to Blakewell back in December.
