One cast is all it takes to make a memorable day!

I always relish my trips to Wimbleball savouring each day at this wonderful fishery located deep in the heart of Exmoor. Early to mid-June is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit with Exmoor’s valleys alive with the vibrancy of early summer. Hedgerows and trees that wonderful verdant green that lasts all too briefly before taking on the darker hues of July and August.

I arrived at the boat launching pontoons shortly after 8.00am and set up a pair of rods and tackle before pouring a coffee from my flask and enjoyed the view whilst I waited for my good friend and fellow Snowbee Ambassador Jeff Pearce to arrive.

            It was a mellow cloudy morning with a gentle breeze blowing from the West and there was the chance of sunny spells as the day progressed. Perfect conditions I thought but Jeff cautioned my optimism as catch returns reflected that the fishing had not been easy despite a very high stocking campaign.

            We were fishing from a boat giving the freedom to search for the fish across the lakes 370 acres. After a cheery greeting Jeff and I discussed our plan for the day. It was hoped that the beetles would be on the water as good numbers of fish had been tempted when conditions were right as the trout feasted upon this annual glut of food.

            We decided to commence activities in the deeply wooded Upton Arm an area that has a unique atmosphere with its steep wooded banks flanking the water. Far up at the head of the arm all was calm as bird song drifted through the air. We made our first casts searching the water as we drifted slowly.

            After fifteen minutes or so we moved to the middle area of the arm and resumed our search. I glimpsed a couple of good sized rainbows and made contact with a wild brown trout that shed the hook after an all too brief tussle.

            A second drift brought no action and so we headed for the deep water off the dam that seems to produce fish on a regular basis throughout the year.

            I was now using a fast sinking line with my favourite olive damsel on the point and a cormorant on a dropper. I was confident of success and seeing very little surface activity assumed the fish were deep. Jeff however persisted with a floating line and a more subtle imitative approach.

            We drifted slowly adjacent to the dam area rope cordon and I scanned the water as I always do with my polarised glasses giving a glimpse into the water through the surface glare.

Two good sized rainbows swam purposely through the clear water. I immediately swapped over from the sinking line and lure set up to a floating line with a foam beetle pattern on the point and a larger foam hopper three feet further back.

            I watched the water intently and spied another couple of trout. I placed my flies a few feet in front of the cruising fish. The trout inspected the offering but showed disdain. Jeffs floating beetle proved more appetising and was slurped down by a hard fighting rainbow of around 2lb.

            This was exciting fishing and my turn soon came as I dropped my flies in front of a trout that gave a good account on my 5-wt set up before shedding the hook.

            It was obvious that the trout were on the look out for surface food as close study of the water revealed plenty of cruising fish.

            There are often defining moments in a day’s fishing that can live long in the memory. One such moment came on this day as I watched a good sized rainbow cruising just beneath the surface. I extended my Snowbee Thistledown line and dropped my fly’s five feet in front of the trout.

            I watched with anticipation as the trout converged upon my offering. I gave Jeff a running commentary as the trout paused and inspected my offering circling warily before slurping the beetle from the surface in a delightful ring of deception upon the calm water.

            I lifted the rod to feel that thrilling moment of connection. The trout powered away the light rod taking on a steep curve and the trusted Snowbee Fly reel singing as line was ripped off at a rate of knots. This was undoubtedly a good fish and considerably larger than my initial estimate as I had seen it take my fly. After several powerful runs the fish dived deep stripping line from the reel as I put as much strain on the 6lb b.s point as I dared.

The 10ft 5-Wt rod  was well hooped over as I relished the opportunity to test my tackle as the fish shook its head far below the boat in over 60ft of water.  The fish held its position deep down the rod absorbing each lunge as for a few moments it was stalemate. Maximum pressure was applied and slowly the fish came up in the clear water and we glimpsed a deep silver flank. I readied the net; Jeff exclaimed that it was probably a double and I breathed a sigh of relief when the rainbow was safely within the folds of the net.

            The fish was in splendid condition with deep flanks and wide spade like tail. I slipped the small barbless hook from its jaws. Held it in the net for several minutes and lifted it from the water for a quick photo before slipping the fish back into the depths.

            We fished on a for a while missing several fish before it went quiet and we decided to search elsewhere. We headed to the far end of the lake to search Bessom’s and the shallower water. Several bank anglers were enjoying good sport in the area.

            There were no fish visibly rising so I decided to try lure tactics again. Jeff wisely persisted with dry beetle pattern and soon rose a fish. Switching back to my dry fly tactics I too enjoyed success and in the next hour we added three more fish to the days tally missing numerous takes as we failed to connect with the fly that was hard to watch as the brisk breeze rippled the surface.

            A lesson learnt was that the fish were undoubtedly looking for beetles on the surface. Whilst there were very few beetles showing the fish were still preoccupied with this food source and would intercept our artificial whilst ignoring lures.

            We returned to the boat jetty shortly after 6.00pm reflecting upon a rewarding day afloat on this jewel of water high on Exmoor. It had not been an easy day and that one opportunist cast had made it another day to remember. It is always worth reflecting that it only takes one cast in the right place at the right time.

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL

Since Mark Underhill and his family have been managing Wimbleball Trout Fishery it has gained a reputation as one of the West Countrys best venues. Its hard fighting trout and spectacular scenery bring anglers back time after time. Trevor Telling was a very well-liked and respected member of the Wimbleball Fishery team giving valuable advice to visiting anglers inspiring them with his positive and friendly demeanour. Trevor has undoubtedly played a significant role in building Wimbleball’s reputation. Trevor loved Wimbleball and it’s anglers and was remembered at a Memorial Competition at the reservoir on September 8th, 2024. The competition was organised by Alan Cross a close friend of Trevor. Below is Alan’s full report.

 

The competition was opened by Karen Telling (Trevor’s wife) who thanked everyone for their turning out in weather that only fishermen could appreciate. 

Total money raised on the day from fishing entries, raffle and donations  was £305. 
That is all going to the South West Fishing for Life charity. Trevor was a fishing instructor with them, helping ladies who are going thru cancer treatment. 

Sale of Trevor’s fishing tackle and donations previously total of £1,565 went to Exeter Hospice Care who looked after Trevor in his final week’s and supported Karen and Charlotte. 

A Total of 3 bank fishermen and 22 boat fishermen took part in the competition. 
The winners were 
Martin Williams with 8 fish total and a biggest fish of 6 lbs 9oz’s for boat fishing and Andrew Hill with 2 fish and his biggest fish was 4 1/2 lb’s. 
Both fishermen were presented with a memorial shield by Jeff Pearce from Wimbleball Fishery. 


A total of 56 fish with a combined weight of 119 lb’s 6 oz. 
Winners of the raffle prizes of boxes of flies from Trevor’s own selection were 
Wayne Middleton 
Andrew Hull 
Neil Jones. 
Three ladies and their instructors from the South West fishing for Life charity turned out to fish as well, they didn’t want to enter the competition but enjoyed their fishing catching a further 4 fish. 
Karen closed the competition by drawing the raffle and congratulating everyone on their catches and again thanking them for turning out to remember Trevor. This will be an annual match to celebrate Trevor and of course allow us fishermen to talk about how big the one that got away was. 

I shared a boat with Snowbee Ambassador and Wimbleball team member Jeff Pearce and as always enjoyed a great day of fishing and fishing talk. The fishing proved to be challenging but with the combination of determination, trial error and experience we managed to catch five superb hard fighting trout. It rained pretty well all day but this failed to dampen our enthusiasm as the misty vistas still gave a certain dramatic back drop to proceedings.

 

http://www.snowbee.co.uk

Jeff Pearce with a typical Wimbleball rainbow

The warm and convivial atmosphere at the start of the day and conclusion were a fitting tribute to Trevor whose spirit lives on at this jewel in the crown of Exmoor Fly Fishing.

Trevor Telling Memorial Competition – Sunday September 8th 2024

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Wimbleball Lake, Sunday the 8th September 2024…


2 Fishing competitions in 1, from the boat and the bank, trophy & prizes for each.
Normal price for fishing plus £5 donation to charity.
The charities being supported are the South West Fishing for Life and the Exeter Hospicecare team.
For those that knew Trevor, and for those that didn’t, we are holding this match to commemorate a man who simply loved all fishing but especially fly fishing. His local knowledge of Wimbleball, Trout feeding habits and what flies and line to use and when, were readily shared with fellow anglers, he was much respected and a “one of a kind”.
The day will start with registration at the gazebo by the boat ramp between 8:00 and 9:00. The Fishing Competition will start from 9:30 with a weigh in at the end to be determined.
Entries on the day can be paid either by cash or cheque, boats should be booked in advance as normal, bank fishers can book online or turn up on the day & pay in the hut.
Some of Trevor’s “recommended” and favourite flies will be on sale on the day, all monies raised will also go to the charities.
2 shields are awarded, one for boat fishing and one for bank fishing. The winner keeps the shield for the year and is asked to ensure it is returned ready for the competition next year.
Karen, Charlotte, Matthew and Arthur thank you for supporting these 2 charities which meant so much to them during Trevor’s illness and hospice care and Trevor of course supported the south West fishing for life charity, teaching ladies to cast and enjoy the peace and tranquility of fishing after their own personal experiences of cancer.
Please share and get as many anglers who knew Trevor to come along, enjoy a fish and pay their respects…

 

 

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL COMPETITION

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New date arranged for our Trevor Telling Memorial Fishing Competition…
Wimbleball Lake, Sunday the 8th September 2024…
2 Fishing competitions in 1, from the boat and the bank, trophy & prizes for each.
Normal price for fishing plus £5 donation to charity.
The charities being supported are the South West Fishing for Life and the Exeter Hospicecare team.
For those that knew Trevor, and for those that didn’t, we are holding this match to commemorate a man who simply loved all fishing but especially fly fishing. His local knowledge of Wimbleball, Trout feeding habits and what flies and line to use and when, were readily shared with fellow anglers, he was much respected and a “one of a kind”.
The day will start with registration at the gazebo by the boat ramp between 8:00 and 9:00. The Fishing Competition will start from 9:30 with a weigh in at the end to be determined.
Entries on the day can be paid either by cash or cheque, boats should be booked in advance as normal, bank fishers can book online or turn up on the day & pay in the hut.
Some of Trevor’s “recommended” and favourite flies will be on sale on the day, all monies raised will also go to the charities.
2 shields are awarded, one for boat fishing and one for bank fishing. The winner keeps the shield for the year and is asked to ensure it is returned ready for the competition next year.
Karen, Charlotte, Matthew and Arthur thank you for supporting these 2 charities which meant so much to them during Trevor’s illness and hospice care and Trevor of course supported the South West fishing for life charity, teaching ladies to cast and enjoy the peace and tranquility of fishing after their own personal experiences of cancer.
Please share and get as many anglers who knew Trevor to come along, enjoy a fish and pay their respects…

Wistlandpound Fishing Club – Wimbleball –  July 14th 2024

July and August are generally difficult months for the Stillwater Trout angler so I did not have high expectations when I joined half a dozen members of Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club at Wimbleball Reservoir. It is however always a delight to get out on the water at Wimbleball with its tree shrouded banks, rolling pasture and abundant wildflowers.

The lake was mirror calm when we arrived at the boat pontoon with  light white clouds drifting across the summer sky. My boat partner for the day was Andre Muxworthy a long time member of the club.

We set off from the pontoon at around 9:00am and headed for the deep water off the dam an area that tends to hold fish during the summer doldrums as the fish seek the deep cool water.

I set up a fast sinking Snowbee Spectre Fly Line and fished a yellow damsel on the point with bright blob on the dropper. Andre used similar tactics as we set about exploring the deep water.

After twenty minutes or so Andre was first to connect bringing a nice rainbow of around 4lb to the net. The occasional fish was rising but I felt that most fish were likely to be deep.

I cast out allowing the flies to sink for 30 seconds or so before commencing a pacy retrieve. The hardest part of any days trout fishing is getting that first take. It took another twenty minutes before the line zipped tight as a good sized rainbow smashed into the fly. After a good battle a 5lb rainbow was safely in the net.

This proved to be the smallest of the three rainbows I brought to the boat during the day. The biggest a fine fish of 5lb 15oz with another of 5lb 5oz. All fish fought hard with the best fish taking me well past the backing. I also got broken by one fish that hit the fly hard leaping out of the water several times after breaking free. Other members also lost fish despite using 8lb b.s tippets! Two other fish came off and I glimpsed one absolute beast of  a fish following the fly to the side of the boat.

Andre caught consistently throughout the day boating four trout and losing a couple.

Andre brings another rainbow to the net.

As always the fishing time ended all too soon and we headed back to the boat launching area for the competition weigh in. The full result below.

An excellent days fishing not easy but it seldom is during the months of July and August when fishing early and late is probably the best bet. The quality of the fish is outstanding as my winning weight testified with three fish for 16lb 5oz.

1st     Wayne Thomas   3 fish 16lb 5oz.   Best 5lb 15oz

2nd – Colin Combe   3 Fish 14lb 2oz

3rd – Andre Muxworthy 4 four fish 11lb

4th     David Eldred  2 fish  6lb 4oz

5th Nigel Bird   1 fish 3lb 8oz

 

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL COMPETITION – POSTPONED

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*REMINDER… We are really disappointed to have to do this, but unfortunately circumstances beyond our control mean we will have to re-arrange the memorial for another date, possibly in October.
Jeff will be in touch with all of you that have booked boats or bank fishing on the 7th July to see what you want to do with your tickets, the lake will be open as usual for those of you wishing to fish the day as normal…

WIMBLEBALL FASTMAIL PAIRS MATCH

Great turnout for our Fastmail pairs competition over the weekend. Winners were Martin Williams & Darren Blackburn who recorded a total weight including time bonus of 40lb 11ozs. 2nd place went to Andrew Gooding & Paul who recorded a weight of 37lb 13ozs. 3rd place went to Wayne Thomas & Matt Kingdom with a bag weight of 32lb 8ozs. Thanks to all the anglers for your support…

Calm waters greeted Matt Kingdom, myself and other competitors as we assembled for the 2024 Fastmail Pairs Match at Wimbleball Reservoir. A day out on Wimbleball with good friend and experienced Fly angler Matt is always a joy. It’s also a good idea to pair up with an England Team member.

There was a buzz of anticipation in the air as lines were threaded through the rod rings and favoured patterns tied to the tippets. Some had practiced the day before and had an idea of where to head. I was told that there had been a good hatch of bright blobs the previous day and that this could be a wise fly choice!

Shortly after 9:00am Mark Underhill gave a briefing to all competitors with rules explained before giving the go ahead to depart and go fishing.

The start off reminded me of a slightly shambolic Grand National Start as competitors boats milled around before the starting signal was given. Competitors set off and Matt and I paused to see where everyone was heading. One thing I quickly learned from Matt is that observation is a key factor in competitive angling.

We headed straight for Cowmoor Bay an area that had been producing a few fish and an area that we had both done well in during previous visits.

It was a beautiful morning to be on the water with warm sunshine and a very light cyclonic breeze. The wooded banks and gently rolling arable land a delightful backdrop on this May morning. A time of year when the English countryside is at its most beguiling.

The occasional fish was rising but we soon realised that we had made a wrong choice when we saw a boat heading back to the pontoons at 10:30am, presumably with their ten fish bag complete.

A change of area was required as by this time Matt had caught one nice rainbow and I had had one follow.

We moved to the Dam end of the lake where most competitors seemed to be concentrating their efforts. We drifted the deep water in the gentle breeze. My line zipped tight and I was into a hard fighting full tailed rainbow a moment that was given added value when that evocative sound of the cuckoo drifted across the lake.

My first fish of the day a silver bar with a full tail that reminded me of fresh run grilse.

Over the following two and a half hours we picked up fish on most drifts with Matt’ s competitive experience undoubtedly scoring for us as we fished hard Matt ending with seven rainbows to my three.

Matt Kingom with the full tailed rainbow that completed our ten fish bag.

We headed back to the pontoon with our trout and weighed in to record 32lb 8oz inclusive of our time bonus.

Despite being close to four hours later than the winning pair at completing our bag it was pleasing to end up in third place.

         It had been a very enjoyable day. Many thanks to fishery manager  Mark Underhill and Jeff Pearce from Snowbee who worked very hard on the day ensuring that all went to plan. Thank you to Phil Dixon for organising the day and providing prizes and goodie bags.

 

STORM KATHLEEN – Results in postponing of Trevor Telling Memorial Competition

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The relentless bad weather is playing havoc with fishing and all country pursuits.

Trevor’s memorial Competition – Cancelled

Storm Kathleen is forecast to bring 40 to 50 mph winds over Wimbleball this weekend, therefore we have taken the difficult decision to cancel Trevor’s memorial competition.
We have rescheduled the competition to Sunday 7th July, Jeff will be in touch with all those who have booked online for boats over this weekend & will happily transfer bookings to the new date.

Bank fishing will still be available over the weekend…

TREVOR TELLING MEMORIAL COMPETITION

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Trevor Telling Memorial Fishing Competition…

Wimbleball Lake, Sunday the 7th April 2024 and annually thereafter.
2 Fishing competitions in 1, from the boat and the bank, trophy & prizes for each.
Normal price for fishing plus £5 donation to charity.
The charities being supported are the South West Fishing for Life and the Exeter Hospicecare team.
For those that knew Trevor, and for those that didn’t, we are holding this match to commemorate a man who simply loved all fishing but especially fly fishing. His local knowledge of Wimbleball, Trout feeding habits and what flies and line to use and when, were readily shared with fellow anglers, he was much respected and a “one of a kind”.
The day will start with registration at the gazebo by the boat ramp between 8:00 and 9:00. The Fishing Competition will start from 9:30 with a weigh in at the end to be determined.
Entries on the day can be paid either by cash or cheque, boats should be booked in advance as normal, bank fishers can book online or turn up on the day & pay in the hut.
Some of Trevor’s “recommended” and favourite flies will be on sale on the day, all monies raised will also go to the charities.
2 shields are awarded, one for boat fishing and one for bank fishing. The winner keeps the shield for the year and is asked to ensure it is returned ready for the competition next year.
Karen, Charlotte, Matthew and Arthur thank you for supporting these 2 charities which meant so much to them during Trevor’s illness and hospice care and Trevor of course supported the south West fishing for life charity, teaching ladies to cast and enjoy the peace and tranquility of fishing after their own personal experiences of cancer.
Please share and get as many anglers who knew Trevor to come along, enjoy a fish and pay their respects…