Hi guys

I'm having 5 days in the Lake District in a weeks time and my lovely girlfriend has said she's happy for me to have a couple of days fishing while we're there.
(it's early days in the relationship, no doubt this kind of generosity will pass with time!)

Anyway, I've done a bit of research and picked Ghyll Head & High Newton as the 2 places to try.
(we're staying in Bowness on Windermere)

Anyone fished these before and got any good advice for this time of year?
Also, can anyone recommend any nice country pubs nearby for a pub lunch?!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Dan

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In a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate,
My fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion.

Hi i had a weekend camping on 2nd and 3rd of july fished them both great waters beatles and small drys worked great on both waters but the fish are line shy so i was using 3ld line for my drys on a tapered leader for pubs nothing really close but bowness angel and high newton the swan at bottom of windermere if u go on wadda website will give u a full list on waters theres plenty to choose from and were to get your ticket from enjoy wish i was back up there fishing

I've never fished Ghyll Head.

I've fished High Newton a couple of times - a lovely venue and stunning views on a clear day. It has a reputation as a top of the water fishery, and the locals were telling me that anything small and black is a good bet. It's not that big, easy to walk around and cast from.
Only thing is that if high winds are forecast, it can get quite breezy.
The only pub around there that I know is the Swan at Newby Bridge - in the old days it was good but pricey. You aren't that far from Grange over Sands which is bound to have some decent pubs and it's a nice place for the girl friend to have a wander round - though only enough for a morning.

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Hi
Troutabout has given some very useful information for you.

This morning we were instructing on High Newton and some fish were rising to something invisible. Size 18 black klinkhammers got bites along with tiny epoxy buzzers. High Newton tends to be more top of the water than Ghyll Head and gets plenty of terrestials landing if there is a breeze which is guaranteed and like Troutabout said beetles will pull fish up along with tiny black dries.

At Ghyll Head try damsel nymphs if its quiet especially in the middle basin. You should find plenty of Trout at the top end in the shallows which is where a lot of fish go to in Summer.

Tight lines

Bob
Fly Fishing with Bob Carlson and Vera Carlson

The Mason's Arms at Strawberry Bank is a gem of a pub with great food and beer, only a couple of miles from Ghyll Head.

I caught my first ever trout on the fly at Ghyll Head almost three years ago. A Kate McClaren worked then. I went back for a second visit earlier this year and caught some fresh stockies on pulled lures then went for the hard to reach fish rising in the middle and picked up a few on suspender buzzers and Hares Ear emergers. Very scenic fishery I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Same trip I also fished High Newton and had a fantastic day on Black Buzzers. The water is deep and clear and they hit them hard. Always breezy up there, very exposed so if it's windy in the valley think twice. I'm itching to go back!

Good luck with the trip, make sure you post a report when you get back.

SharkeyP

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Often thinks not travel widens,
Stay at home the Trout obliges.

Hi

fishing is hard at the moment. On Ghyll Head is good early and late and fishes well to nymphs and drys (anything black). If they go of at midday try intermediate/Di3 and sunburst blob or black tadpole in the deep water (main basin/dam). High newton on the other hand is a dry fly water (lures dont work) best drys are beetles at this time of year, but they are wise. You will get lots of plucks, just persist and keep moving!!!, also drop fly size to get more takes.

Thanks James

Hi guys

Thanks so much for all the advice, I can't wait to get there now.
Loving the fact that dries work, as I'm currently on a mission to improve my dry fly technique, so sounds like this trip could be the perfect opportunity!

And I will definitely be taking my girlfriend to The Masons Arms for lunch, looks like a really nice pub.

I'll let you know how I fair on my return.

Fingers crossed for a non-windy few days!
(unlikely from what I can gather!)

Cheers

Dan

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In a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate,
My fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion.

I fished it a few times when visiting my brother who lives in Kendal.Here is a wee article about Gyll Head.

scotsmanincumbria: A Hidden Gem!

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www.hillenddabbler.blogspot.com

My mate and I fish Ghyllhead quite a bit, but for the last few weeks have found it a bit slow.
If you fish a lure then fish it right to the bank as I have taken a lot of fish close in. Try a fritzy damsel, which works for me.
I fish on the top most of the time, and if fish are rising small hoppers or daddies can be effective, and will bring fish up even when theres nowt showing.
I have also caught with cdc emergers and elk hair sedges as evening draws on.
By the way there are several pubs around the area that have free day tickets for residents,if you haven't booked anywhere then they are well worth searching out,otherwise it's £18.oo a day.
tight lines.