Author: leconfieldflyfishingclub

Photo by Andrew Thompson

Photo by Andrew Thompson

A lot of water is flowing through the rainbow lakes !

Little Springs, photo – David Taylor

“The rainbow trout lakes are back! Much heavy rain led to colouring, though members still enjoyed good fishing despite this. The most successful flies used were fry imitations. Though as usual, a great variety of flies produced results, including blue flash damsel, stalking bug, daddy-long-legs, olive emerger, montana, klinkhammer, CDC and diawl bach. The continuous heavy rain meant we effectively lost the final week of the season on the river unfortunately, the last day is October 31st.“

Andrew Thompson

Early morning member

Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, always worth a try

“There has been a significant drop in water temperature to below 16 degrees on the rainbow trout lakes and restocking will recommence there this week. The downpour on Friday coloured and brought the river level up, hopefully encouraging the return of good numbers of sea trout which we expect at this time. It is clearing and dropping quickly and members returned to the river yesterday. “

– Andrew Thompson

Catch and release on the rainbow lakes has resumed.

Members are starting to catch fish from the rainbow trout lakes. We can’t yet say when the rainbow trout lakes will receive their autumn stocking as the introduction of fresh fish into a new water body is temperature dependent. The water temperature affects the dissolved oxygen content. We are waiting for the temperature in the lakes to drop below 16 degrees Celsius as our supplier’s water temperature is at 12 degrees and any more than a four degree difference on introduction means certain death for the fish. 

The rainbow lakes have dropped from their summer high of 24 degrees to 17.5 degrees but the current spell of warm weather is certainly holding things up. We have every intention of letting members know the autumn stocking plans as soon as we possibly can.

Members will be pleased to know that we cut the weed in Upper and Lower Figgs last week and will continue with Luffs this week. Quite a task but everything will look good and be ready for the trout when they arrive.  As an approximate guide, looking at the weather forecast, it is hoped we will be able to recommence stocking mid October.

In the meantime, the river is the place to be. Remember Mark Temple is ready, willing and able to accompany members to show them the intricacies of our stretch of this beautiful river.

Photo by Andrew Thompson

“Although not many members visited the river, a beaded black nymph worked well last week. On the rainbow trout lakes the water temperature is steadily dropping and it shouldn’t be long until Autumn stocking can take place .. we’ll keep you posted.”

– Andrew Thompson

Little Bognor

Little Bognor

“The river was at bank-full for a couple of days last week. In one 24 hr period we had 33mm of rain and in another 25mm! Temperatures at the rainbow trout lakes are now thankfully steadily dropping.” – Andrew Thompson

On the river fish were taking deep sunk nymphs last weekend. After the recent heavy rain they should be hungry and feeding well. Search for the trout under the trees and beside streamer weed beds.

On Saturday fish were rising well all over the bottom lake at Little Bognor, feeding on buzzers. A slow sinking black buzzer will catch fish.

“Until yesterday’s heavy downpours, the lakes were still very warm, so the rain will be a great help in starting to getting the waters back to trout-favouring conditions.  Black nymphs and daddy-long-legs continue to produce results on the river.” – Andrew Thompson

Photo courtesy of Stuart Mack

“The incredibly hot and bright conditions last week understandably discouraged visits, though brown trout were rising freely at times in the evenings. Daddy long-legs continued to be a reliable enticer, along with caddis, buzzer and parachute Adams.” – Andrew Thompson

Once again, rising temperatures are creating difficult conditions. However, the river and the spring-fed brown trout lakes continue to provide good sport, especially early morning and late evening. Successful flies on the lakes last week were: Klinkhammer, daddy, olive and grey duster.

Successful flies on the river last week were: sedge, daddy, beetle, stonefly nymph, Klinkhammer, emerging caddis and shrimp.