Lakes – the lakes were all stocked prior to the start of the season. Great Springs and Lower Figgs had been refilled and the water soon cleared. The water at Lower Figgs is crystal clear.
Since the season started the weather has been consistently good for fishing. Even over Easter when there were near record temperatures, the lake fishing was excellent. The opening week was a record start to the season and a few bigger than average fish were caught. By the first week of April the trout were rising and also chasing the roach fry.
In mid April the weather was bright and cold and the fish were rising freely to take buzzers, particularly at Little Bognor. Towards the end of the month the weather became warmer and brighter, the trout continued to rise and take small dry flies and buzzers.
The recent warm weather has produced hatches of Alder, Olives, Hawthorn and midges. Fish of 4 – 5lb have been caught and returned, one guest did particularly well at Little Springs using a dry Daddy. Popular flies were Montana and buzzer imitations.
Last week members visited the lakes on 90 occasions and caught 154 trout, 136 of which were returned. Fish of 3.5lbs and 4.5lbs were caught at Little Springs. For the season to date, 808 fish have been caught in 456 visits.
Catch and Release finishes on May 19 on the rainbow lakes but continues to the end of the season at Little Bognor.
River – it has been a quiet start to the season but the river is in excellent condition and the recent prolonged warm spell should encourage flies to hatch and the fish to rise.
Improvements have been made to give better access to the river at Perryfields. A few small seats have been provided at vantage points along the river.
The river has been stocked and should give good sport during May when the mayfly hatch. The trout are staying deep and hiding in the sparse streamer weeds. A deep sunk nymph run under bushes or between the weed beds should produce a fish or two.
Yesterday there was a good hatch of Olives and Alder fly at Perryfields in the evening and several fish were seen rising in the Fish Pass. The trout will begin to look up during early May and will be easier to find.
Spring BBQ – 2 June, 11:00am – 4:00pm
The date for the Spring BBQ is 2 June. The event will start at 11:00am and finish at 4:00pm. Brian Smart will be on hand to provide free tuition to members and guests. As in previous years we will be organising a BBQ with delicious food and wonderful wine included, all for £15 per person.
If you would like to attend the BBQ, please could you contact Emma Goode at the Estate Office by email on emma.goode@leconfieldestates.co.uk or by telephone on 01798-342502 to help plan the catering.
Orvis Day – 15 June, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Orvis will be holding a rod demonstration day at Great Springs and Little Springs on Saturday 15 June. The event is free and will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the fishing hut beside Great Springs.
Join Hamish and Jerome from Orvis Chichester and Orvis Guide, Brian Smart, for an exclusive day trying some of the finest rods available. Orvis will have a range of Helios 3 rods (the most accurate rod ever made) Recons, Superfine carbon and the new Clearwater.
Light refreshments will be provided in the clubhouse and guests are welcome to enjoy the scenery. No booking is required.
Directions: GU28 9LY and then follow the signs. Phone 07816879333 if you are lost !
This is a free event, open to members and non members.
Leconfield Fly Fishing Club 