I have been thinking about fly fishing this water tomorrow (22nd Dec), but I am unsure as to whether to have a trip there or not?

Should I go when its so cold?


If I should go, I notice that people have been catching fish on bloodworm patterns. Maybe I should use these, what do you think? I actually don't have any tied up, and I have no material to tie any, so what could I use as an alternative?

Arctic Fox Fly,

It's a few years since I fished Raskelf, and then I coarse fished it. It was notorious for being much harder in winter than summer, to the extent it was considered not worth fishing after the first frost.

There is a railway line parallel to one bank, with a ban on poles on that side. I would urge you to be cautious with your casting (if and when you go).

Knotford lagoon may be a better bet. It's deeper, and has a reasonable head of coarse fish, including some big carp.

I'm assuming you don't want to fish for stillwater trout or river grayling. As I'm sure you're aware, winter fishing in Yorkshire can be daunting, regardless of method - good luck.

I normally course fish there for the tench, but haven't been for 1 year!

But I have been twice this year with my fly, but haven't caught anything. (Didn't have the right flies)


I have been the Knotford Lagoon once. I actually saw a fish in front of me, I cast to it and it didn't take. I am not sure what it was, it looked like a carp or a bream.

The only thing is that there is not really much room to cast on both waters, unless you use a roll-cast.