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“… 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

Dry flies were most effective on the lakes and nymphs on the river.

It was difficult everywhere last week but the heavy showers over the weekend and cooler winds should boost catches.

Can anyone identify this spinner which landed on the brim of my hat ?

( entomological name )

It’s good to see them swim away.

With the water temperature in the rainbow trout lakes still rising, the fishing there is extremely challenging. The river and the cool, spring-fed brown trout lakes offer more reliable sport. On the river, one sea trout was caught in this, the traditional peak time for these returning fish. However, we desperately need some rain to encourage them upstream. We are used to seeing plenty of the Banded demoiselle along our stretch and this season there is also an abundance of the Beautiful demoiselle. Late evenings in particular, are providing great sport at present. – Andrew Thompson

River Day – 1 July at 4pm

This is always an informative and relaxed gathering. It’s an opportunity to learn about the river and eat cake.

“For those of you who would like to learn a little more about our section of the Western Rother, we are holding our annual river day on Saturday, July 1st at 4pm. This will follow the usual format and will last about two hours, after which there will be a selection of refreshments and time to cast a fly before dusk. Discussions will include invertebrate life, casting and favoured trout haunts.

If you would like to come along, please could you let me know by June 26th. Please note that participants should meet in Rotherbridge Lane (GU28 0LL or What3words: nibbled.melon.tumblers) and will then travel in their own vehicles and by foot. ” – Krysia Bylett, Estate Office

Lakes – the warm weather and consequent increase in water temperature (all rainbow lakes are now over 19 degrees C) has meant the suspension of catch and release on the rainbow lakes. This is an opportunity to visit the spring fed lakes at Little Bognor or the river where catch and release is still permitted.

Dry flies of various patterns were popular on the lakes and nymphs were more effective on the river.

On the river the bright, hot weather drives the trout under the cover of marginal weedbeds and under trees. The most productive times are early morning and late evening.

A very hot week ahead, unfortunately for the rainbow trout. The Little Bognors are proving challenging. The river is fishing really well, especially in the evenings (though not always the case!). Mayfly was the most used and successful fly last week though plenty of olives are hatching. Good populations of caddis on the riffles – Andrew Thompson

The catch and release option on the rainbow trout lakes has now ceased until further notice, due to the high water temperatures. Catch and release remains an option on the brown trout lakes and on the river – Andrew Thompson

Members visited the lakes on 70 occasions and caught a total of 131 trout, only 23 of which were kept.

Members visited the river on 26 occasions and caught a total of 39 trout (including 2 sea trout) and one grayling.