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22 May – Catch Returns and BBQ

Photo by Andrew Thompson

Club BBQ on Saturday 20 May 2023

New members

The BBQ was very well attended, over 50 members had notified the Estate Office that they would be going. The sun shone, mayfly hatched, trout were caught and everyone enjoyed the splendid food, particularly the chocolate cake !

Last week members visited the lakes on 112 occasions and caught a total of 161 trout, only 23 of which were taken.

Members visited the river on 28 occasions and caught 42 trout, only 1 of which was kept. More than half of the fish were over 2lbs.

15 May – Catch Returns

Mayfly are appearing at Springs and Luffs giving good sport on dry fly. Clouds of spinners can be seen rising and falling around Little Springs.

Members visited the lakes on 88 occasions and caught a total of 221 trout, one of 5lbs from Luffs. 18 were taken and 203 were returned.

The outlet system at Lower Figgs has been causing problems for several weeks. The latest repair was carried out last week and we are hopeful this will hold. With the pond full of water again, the outlet will be tested for another week to ensure it is ready for re-stocking – Andrew Thompson

The river remained high and coloured. Members visited the river on 3 occasions but no trout were caught during the week. Two trout were caught after the weekly return sheets were collated.

8 May – Catch Returns

A software error prevented the display of yesterdays catch data contained in emails. It did not impact the display of data on the website.

The returns are as follows:

Lakes

Visits – 86

Taken – 25

Returned – 180

The river was bank high and coloured last week and remained unfished. Unfortunately, another wet week is forecast and it will be several days before the river is fishable.

Catch Returns – 8 May

VisitsTakenReturned
Lakes8625180
River*000

* The river was bank high and coloured last week. Unfortunately, another wet week is forecast and it will be several days before the river is fishable.

Alder and damsel flies are appearing in good numbers but at the moment the trout are locked onto emerging mayfly nymphs.

The trout are rising at Little Springs which is well worth a visit.

1 May – Catch Returns

The first mayflies should appear at Little Springs shortly, the main trigger for them to hatch is the length of the day.

VisitsTakenReturned
Lakes8124181
River*000

*The river was bank high and coloured, it should be fishable from Thursday 4 May onwards.

This appetizer was created using a brown trout from Lower Bognor. It was cured for two days and served with creme fraiche on pumpernickel bread with a cucumber, tomato and shallot salsa. 

Scan the QR code with your mobile phone for the background to this initiative.

Fresh trout tastes much nicer, is not full of antibiotics and does not damage our environment.

24 April – Catch Returns

VisitsTakenReturned
Lakes8623186
River*300
* river coloured

A fish of 4lb was caught at Little Springs.

A great white egret beside the river, photo by Andrew Thompson.

Last week the river was coloured, more heavy rain is forecast for this afternoon. It will probably be a few days before it is worth fishing.

Opening Week and AGM

AGM – The AGM was well attended, the Leconfield Hall was full ! Lord Egremont gave an interesting and amusing talk about the Leconfield Estate and his family history. Much wine and nibbles were consumed as members and their guests chatted about the new season.

Opening Day – Despite the heavy rain at lunch, members had a great opening day.

VisitsReturnedTaken
Lakes11937730
River(closed)
*3 x 5lbs and one at 4.5lbs

It is good to see the majority of fish being returned.