Catch Returns – 12 October

With the rainbow trout lakes kicking back into action, please note the catch and release option will operate from the start, apart from at Upper Figgs, where it is ‘catch and take’ all season.

A stand-pipe has been installed adjacent to Great Springs hut, to facilitate the washing of members’ boots and equipment.

Successful flies used on the river and brown trout ponds:

Daddy, sedge, Klinkhammer, Buzzer, Ally McCoist, CDC, Grey Wulff, Coachman, Beetle.

Beetles were falling off the overhanging alder trees in significant numbers last week – much liked by our trout!

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 28 September

Unfortunately the temperature on the rainbow trout lakes has stuck at 18 degrees this week, so stocking must wait a little longer: as soon as we can, we will!

Meanwhile, another consistently good week on the river. Most members still concentrating their efforts to beats D and E. Our tractor is back in action after a breakdown, so access will be be improved in the coming days.

Successful flies on the river last week:

Daddy: beaded and dry, Sedge, Klinkhammer, Oliver emerger, Buzzer, Montana, Grey Wulff, PTN, Wickham’s Fancy, Spider, Diawl Bach

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 21 September

The settled weather returned and so on the river, normal levels and good water clarity, with corresponding successes from the banks. On the brown trout lakes, the spring water has brought the temperature down to manageable figures but the rainbow trout lakes temperature remains high; a week or two more of cold nights will help immensely.

Successful flies on the river: Grey Wulff, Daddy, Adams, CDC emerger, Damsel, Stonefly, Bumble, GRHE, Silver-blue and teal, Montana.

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 7 September

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While we wait for conditions on the lakes to improve (hopefully within the next two to three weeks) members continued focussing on our incredibly resilient river, though with mixed fortunes.

Successful flies included: Daddy, Klinkhammer, PTN, Emerger, Olive

Please remember to drive slowly on the re-surfaced river access lanes and tracks – and all estate roads!

In view of the prolonged hot summer we’ve all experienced, we will be extending the fishing season on the lakes until December 20th; fishing on the river will finish the last day of October, as usual.

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 24 August

Two chub on a riffle

Great Springs robin

More sea trout were observed again on the river over the past week, both following flies and jumping; this is a much later run than usual.

Successful flies used last week included:
Brown trout lakes: Sawyer bug
River: Buzzer, Mayfly, Daddy, Deer hair sedge, Emerger, Klinkhammer, Shrimp, Olive, Gold-headed PTN

A defibrillator has been installed at great springs hut.

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 17 August

Water temperatures remained high, though the prospect of cooler days ahead should start the return to more normal conditions.

Access to the river car parks has been greatly improved, with Kilsham lane (from the main road to Rotherbridge) benefitting from a top dressing.

Successful flies included:
Brown trout lakes: Buzzer, gnat.
River: Daddy, Buzzer, Grey Wulff, Blue-winged Olive.

Andrew Thompson

Catch Returns – 10 August

A tricky week at the brown trout lakes, but the river continued to provide excellent sport, along with several sea trout being seen jumping. The cooler night-time air temperatures are helping to lower the water temperatures throughout the fishery.

Access track repairs continue: this week the potholes in Kilsham Lane are being repaired.

Successful flies last week included:

Brown trout lakes: Grey Wulff, Green gnat and spider
River: PTN, Silver Invicta, Daddy, small Mayfly, Grey Wulff, Black Klinkhammer

Andrew Thompson