Author: leconfieldflyfishingclub

A quiet week in terms of visits and fish caught, probably due to the summer holiday and the weather.

Successful flies at Little Bognor and on the river last week included daddy long-legs, black beetle, black nymph, stonefly nymph, bloody butcher and olive emerger.

“Water temperatures remain high on the rainbow trout lakes, so the brown trout lakes and river are the best bet for sport at the moment.
A great variety of flies continue to produce results, with daddy long-legs being the most successful fly of the past week.”

Andrew Thompson

Photo by Andrew Thompson

Photo by Andrew Thompson

Photo by David Taylor

“On August 6th the effects of more heavy rain meant the rainbow trout lakes water temperatures were at 18 degrees, whilst the ponds at Little Bognor were at 15.5, the lowest temperatures and best conditions for many weeks. On August 7th the river was up and coloured though conditions should be much improved within a couple of days. Sea trout are still showing!” – Andrew Thompson

“… members have been having most fun at Little Bognor and on the river. The wild brown trout of 1.25 lbs from Beat E was special, both as a perfect fish in its own right and for the member who caught it. The fish was the highlight of his season so far, he caught it on a black and red flash damsel.” – Andrew Thompson

The Tuesday Club – photo by David Taylor

“Much the same conditions as last week. The rainbow lakes remain at 20 degrees despite some heavy rain. Over one inch of rain on Saturday brought the river level up a couple of feet but it didn’t become coloured and remained fishable. Levels should be back to normal by Tuesday or Wednesday.” – Andrew Thompson

“The springs at Little Bognor are flowing well and the fish were rising to take emerging midges all yesterday afternoon. A small buzzer fished just under the surface or a small dry fly, such as an Adams, will produce good results. Thanks to David Taylor for the cover photo (visible on the website.)” – Nigel Rainton

photo by David Taylor

“On the rainbow lakes water temperatures thankfully held steady around 20 degrees, whilst on the brown trout lakes the cool spring water provided consistent sport including two beautiful wild fish. Sea trout were showing on the river though none were caught. A variety of flies, including  Grey Wulff, CDC, GRHE, teal blue and silver, black nymph, shrimp, mayfly nymph were all successful in catching brown trout.” – Andrew Thompson

Success below Keepers Bridge

Photo by David Taylor

photo by David Taylor

Photo by David Taylor

Photo by David Taylor

“The rainbow trout lakes have thankfully reduced in temperature a little so the fish are much happier. The Little Bognor lakes provided consistent sport, as did the river. The odd mayfly still hatching on the latter. As usual,  a great variety of flies brought success.“

Andrew Thompson

“I visited the river over the weekend in the late evening and found fish rising at Keepers Bridge and Rotherbridge. A stealthy approach, making use of the riverside foliage, good presentation and a realistic imitation of a mayfly brought success. Mayfly were hatching in bursts at dusk. There was no fall of spinners”.

Nigel Rainton

Sea trout,  one of 3.5lbs the other of 6lbs. Caught and returned during the Environment Agency’s annual survey on our stretch of river. Caught today, Monday 10 July, such fine looking fish.

“The lakes are understandably tricky with the warm conditions, but successful flies were: Grey Wulff, daddy long-legs, buzzer and PTN.

The river continues to fish well, with successful flies including GRHE, Grey Wulff, damsel and PTN. The highlight of the week was a beautiful 6.5lb sea trout, caught and returned on beat D.”

Andrew Thompson

The River Day was a great success, over 20 members listened to Andrew Thompson’s talk about the club’s plans for the river and it’s ecology. Mark demonstrated various casting techniques and gave advice about tackle.

Photo Courtesy of Angela Gresham-Cooke

Members stopped at the Old Riffle and chatted over wine, beer and the marvellous cakes provided by Poppett.

“On Saturday I visited Little Bognor and found the fish rising well. I made use of the bankside cover, hiding from cruising trout. Two trout took a size 14 black buzzer on the lower lake. I also connected with three fish on the upper lake using the same tactics, two of which came adrift. Stealth, a realistic imitation and good presentation are essential with shy fish in difficult conditions“. Nigel Rainton

“The river is looking good and providing much sport. A few sea trout have been seen, though none caught. As usual, a great variety of flies are proving successful with most fish being caught in the evenings.” Andew Thompson

Pale watery dun – female

(Baetis fuscatus)

PS. don’t forget the River Day on Saturday