Andrew Thompson is on holiday.
Author: leconfieldflyfishingclub
Bank stabilisation at the new riffle
As the fishing on the rainbow trout lakes becomes more challenging, the river season has opened, adding another dimension and further options to our members. Olives and the occasional mayfly have already been seen here, along with bountiful alder beetles. Successful flies this week were daddy, black nymph and green woolly bugger. Over-wintered stock fish and wild browns are currently the targets; fresh stocking will commence at the end of the month.“
Andrew Thompson
“Andrew is away until April 21st. During his absence, you may see different faces patrolling the lakes and river; if you have any problems, in the first instance please ask/ ring one of them.“
Ruth Childs: 07990 843065
Matt Pitts: 07525 248234
Krysia Bylett
LFC Adminstration Assistant
Krysia.bylett@leconfieldestates.co.uk
The Estate Office, Park Road, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0DU
Tel: 01798 342 502
“The dry, settled weather continues, providing excellent conditions on the club’s waters. As some fish become more cunning, one regular member has found increased success by fishing deeper, using smaller flies like shrimp, perdigon and mini Montana (size 12-14).
The river opens this week, on the usual date of April 3rd.“
Andrew Thompson
Volunteers clearing litter on the River Rother.
Little Bognor
“It was a perfect week for fishing, a mixture of spring sunshine and grey overcast, light winds and warm temperatures. I visited all the lakes and was pleased to meet several new members. The fish are in excellent condition and fight hard, all the way to the landing net. “
– Nigel Rainton
“Welcome to the start of another season at Leconfield Flyfishing Club!
We had an excellent first week, the mainly settled weather conditions continued and a good proportion of our members were able to come and enjoy some great early season fishing. A large number of fly patterns were tried and most were successful. Most fish caught were around the 3lb. mark.”
– Andrew Thompson
Great Springs
“The opening weekend of the Club saw the happy return of many members and their guests, along with the first visits for several new members.
The period of fine, settled weather provided good conditions and opportunities for all, with 47 members catching 168 fish over the first two days. Popular flies included GRHE, PTN, both black and white nymphs, blue flash damsel and daddy long legs.” – Andrew Thompson
“On Saturday I took my grandson to Great Springs for some casting practice and hopefully a trout. He caught two fish before the cold wind made casting too difficult for him. I visited Great Springs again late Sunday afternoon and was surprised to have the lakes to myself. I fished into the wind over deep water with a weighted Gold Ribbed Hares Ear and caught three trout in excellent condition.
Catch returns will resume each week throughout the season.” – Nigel Rainton
Annual General Meeting
Miles Costello
The meeting on Friday 14 March was very well attended by members and their guests.
After club business had been conducted, Miles Costello gave a very interesting presentation about the history of Rotherbridge and Coultershaw which he illustrated with many photographs from the archive.
Later, members chatted over drinks and canapes, many thanks to the Poppet Hosp for organising the refreshments.
A nice trout from Little Bognor to finish the season
Photo courtesy of Andrew Thompson
“A good number of members braved the elements in the final week of the season. Conditions were tough, with very heavy rain making the rainbow trout lakes extremely turbid, yet the spring-fed brown trout ponds remained fishable throughout.
The large variety of successful flies included stalking bug, damsel, bloodworm, tadpole, black nymph, Klinkhammer, white bug, black woolly bugger, Montana and olive zonker.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas time and we look forward to seeing you again in March 2025, when the LFC season will open again (date to follow).”
Andrew Thompson
“The penultimate week of our fishing season.
Green or black Montana, damsel, daddy, Cat’s whisker, Creeper and Bloodworm were amongst the successful flies.
Enjoy the final week! “
Andrew Thompson
Photo courtesy of Andrew Thompson
“As cooler nights gradually bring the water temperature down, early morning fishing is becoming less productive. Members are finding most activity from mid-morning onwards.
Stalking bug, Tadpole, Shipman’s buzzer, Pale midge, Daddy, Dawson’s olive, Cat’s whisker, Damsel, Montana, Bloodworm and Klinkhammer were amongst the flies used in the past week to bring success.”
Andrew Thompson
Photo by Andrew Thompson
“A good week on the lakes, though one member noted that he initially only managed to catch autumn leaves! However, there was sporting action for most and several members also caught roach on the fly. The usual wide variety of successful flies included:
Leech, daddy, Montana, BFD, black buzzer, GRHE, Cat’s whisker, Red tag, Dawson’s olive, bloodworm and shrimp.”
Andrew Thompson
The South Downs from near Little Bognor – by Andrew Thompson
“A challenging yet successful river season ended with a dry week, enabling members to enjoy the last few days. Two sea trout were amongst the 16 fish caught and returned. Two stocked fish were kept.
On the lakes, Great Springs and Lower Figgs attracted most interest, with successful flies including Montana, buzzer, black nymph, GRHE, daddy, Klinkhammer and BFD.”
Andrew Thompson
Leconfield Fly Fishing Club 