Had a tough day yesterday on the lake with a friend sharing a boat. The wind was blowing cold and hard until late evening when, despite a good hatch of sedge, only a few fish were seen to move.

Weed is becoming a major issue. From the lodge you had to motor almost halfway across before turning towards the dam. Even in the deeper areas we were snagging the stuff every other cast. At one point I took a hook in the thumb, not noticing someones leader amongst the weed fouling the prop.

After fishing hard all day we managed a fish apiece, both to deep nymphs and in the 3lb range, which wasn't bad going by all accounts. On returning the engine to the Seymour, the landlords brother, who had also been out, reported that a group of six visiting boat anglers hadn't had so much as a pull between them.

If the fish switch on to the dries I'm sure there will be great sport to be had, but untill then it's back to Barrow Tanks for my stillwater fix.

Must be very disheartening living close to a reservoir that used to be ranked amongst the greats and with such a history to boot!

Sounds like a tough day Mike.

Spruce, think it's reputation still holds up well. Plenty of good fishing to be had there. Wasn't the best of fishing days yesterday.

Cheers,
Mark

Hi Spruce, as Mark says it is still a wonderful venue and I'm not slagging it at all. To have Chew and Blagdon on the doorstep is a privilege as people travel from all over the globe to fish them. Had a great day there myself last month, and many more previously.

I believe that Bristol Water had a weed-cutter in the past though it is no longer used, but there are good and bad days anywhere. That's fishing.

Sorry if I got it wrong. I was under the impression that Chew & Blagdon both suffered greatly from weed and pike problems. Glad to hear that may not be the case.

Blagdon and Chew had a cracking start to the season-this weather isnt helping.Mike,if youre looking to try out some of your new dries and emergers Chew might be the better option


all the best Nick

Brownsville thanks for the update coming up next saturday from north devon to fish the bristol waters? was going to put a post up but having read yours have seen enough. I was planning on heading towards the tanks
any heads up on where to head for or how it's been fishing? i have read the report but local knowledge always great to hear cheers jon

Thanks Nick, we had breakfast at Woodford Lodge, seems like half the England team were there too and advised the same, but I have a soft spot for Blagdon.

This is only my fourth season fly-fishing, so I'm not qualified to comment on whether either venue is in decline, but when was the weed last cut?

If the problem is due to agricultural run-off, maybe the farmers could find a use for hundreds of tons of biomass in exchange.

Jon, I'll be out one evening this week and will let you know nearer the weekend, might even be out on Saturday as well.

Know what you mean about Blagdon Mike, its my favorite water from the bank -especially magical early morning or evening

all the best Nick