Hey guys,

I'm going to visiting the UK at the beginning of July for a few weeks of family catching up and am real keen to sneak off for a day or two of chasing that still elusive double figured trout. I have been following the forums on both Avington and Lechlade for a while now and i'm guessing that my best chance at that time of the year would probably be Avington....??

So what do you guys think? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Alex

Welcome to the Forum

If it were me id go Avington,great clear water for stalking.Are you aware of stalking tactics as you'll need them for Avington?

Neil

Another vote for Avington. Lechlade has a habit of switching off during the summer months. The fish are in there but they seem to become very lethargic.
Avington under Sam's management is back to its best again1

Pan is correct, lechlade is better known as a cracking winter water.

if you're not to fussed about catching a double, bushy can have some great evening rises (just across the road from lechlade)

Thanks for the welcome and the feedback!! You all pretty much confirmed what i was thinking so i think i'll make the effort and get myself to Avington. I have read a lot of the posts on here regarding the stalking tactics you all speak of and will base my approach on that i guess. i am practicing my catapult cast already and will invest in some stalking bugs when i get to the UK, as well as a couple of flies from the shop at Avington too - any recommendations??!!

I will most probably head down there on a week day to avoid the crowds. Are there any days quieter than the others generally or is it just the luck of the draw?

Thanks again, for the response guys, this forum thing is awesome..!!!

I passed nearby Avington the other day so I had a look.
It was an overcast day, so hardly ideal for spotting fish, but the water seemed a lot less clear than usual.
There were some cracking carp & perch in lake 2...

As for quiet days, well I also go during the week & generally Avington seems to have between 15-20 people the times I've been.

Luck of the draw with when you go really as its a popular water.The main thing with Avington is not to blind cast,either catapult your fly at a target fish or set a ambush for it ( they are creatures of habit and have patrol routes ).As for flies firebirds and when all else fails ( WAEF ) are good as are heavy weighted damsels and large buzzers tied on carp hooks.Don't forget some good quality polarized glasses and a large net

Neil

By the way, I heartily recommend the steak & ale pie in The Trout pub nearby if you're feeling peckish after a day's fishing.

Great stuff, flies are duly noted and will make sure to turn up prepared. Something else you seasoned pros might be able to shed some light on for me is this.....

I'm up to speed with the whole spotting your target fish, getting into position etc and the probable need for the use of a catapult cast due to the up close and personal style of this type of fishing (which gets my heart going just thinking about it!!) but once your fly is out, are you just twitching it back or using the rod tip to jiggle it up and down or what? Obviously, you don't have much line out to play with so what's the best way to use your window of opportunity when it counts?

And Steve Collyer...? If it's you, then i still have a copy of your dad's book that bought as a teenager and still read and use today....

Good call,nice pub that with good grub

Neil