Midlands fishery report update

Just a quick note to let everyone know Loynton, Willington and Marton Heath trout fisheries are at the time of writing iced over. If you plan to fish any of the venues during the next few days I suggest you call the fisheries first to check the latest situation.

If you were planning to get out fishing over the break this weather came at a bad time. Willington was clear until last night's temperature of -8 deg C. I'm not impressed either as I've had to re-schedule three days of guided fishing, but that's winter fly fishing for you!

Tight Lines

Steve

Shortcuts to Success on Stillwaters

If you like many anglers plan to get out on the bank during the Christmas break you may like to visit somewhere new! One of the best ways to learn in fly fishing is to fish a variety of waters, getting to know each venue in turn. In order to catch well from that first trip their are a few tricks you can use:-

Before you go to a fishery do a search on the internet. Many fisheries have websites providing information that is usefull. You will also be able to find articles by anglers that have visited the fishery.

When you arrive have a chat with fishery staff, they will want you to enjoy your visit and catch fish so you come back in the future. They will often give you up to date information on hotspots and tactics.

Take a walk around the fishery, look for signs of fish moving but more importantly look for features that will attract trout.

When you locate a feature fish it effectively, working the entire area and range of depths from surface to lake bed.

Once you have covered an area without response, move. Don't linger in one spot move to the next feature and repeat the process. If you see trout moving at any time make a couple of casts ahead of them.

If you are still unsure about how to approach the water in winter or you want to up the catch rate, spend some of that Christmas money on a guided fishing day or flyfishing tuition. It is money and time well spent (but I would say that would I not?).

For anyone interested I will be guiding at Willington Lake Trout Fishery during the Christmas period. To book a trip call us on 01782 394564.

Lastly merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all clients of Midlands Flyfishing and readers of this blog!

Regards

Midlands Flyfishing Team

Fishery Report 15/12/05

Rainbows are feeding well at Willington Lake Trout Fishery. Top nymphs are damsel and buzzer patterns fished slowly during the warmest part of the day. In strong wind an intermediate line will give better presentation, but if you stick with a floating line a more sheltered spot can always be found in the many bays of this lake.

Loynton Trout Fishery is also providing brisk sport with plenty of trout in the 2-3lb range plus a few double figure fish being caught. During last weekend's milder weather nymphs and buzzers out fished big lures. One angler took a 15lb rainbow on a small red buzzer, proving that small flies catch big fish when fished appropriately.

More tips to keep you catching this winter coming soon!

Marton Heath Trout Fishery Report - Early December

Sport at Marton Heath has been good with rainbows averaging around two pounds and catches averaging four fish per angler. Many visitors are making above average catches of up to fifteen fish. The key here is to keep changing tactics like the weather!

Swapping between nymphs, lures and emerger patterns to suit the mood of the fish is the key to large catches. Almost as important is to stay on the move. If no takes occur in thirty minutes move on.

Tight Lines

Loynton Trout Fishery Report - November

What a way to see autumn out and winter in! During the last five weeks loynton has produced numerous doubles and no less than four rainbow trout over twenty pounds. Topped by a twenty five pounder, most of the big fish have fallen to lures as the rainbows predated heavily on fry.

Far from the recent cold snap slowing the larger trout down, two twenties came out on the coldest days of the year. No doubt the spring fed nature of the lakes has something to do with that. As usual when I managed a fishing session on my own yesterday action had slowed, but I caught three nice rainbows and missed a couple of good takes. A lot of fish nipped at lures and I found shorter tailed nymphs produced the goods, converting pulls and follows into strikes.

I'm looking to catch a few doubles this winter as it's my favourite time to go after the big trout. I will keep you posted on my progress.

If you would like to ask any questions or make any comments please go right ahead!

Tight Lines!