Spent yesterday roaming the banks at Roadford reservoir trying out my new 9ft 6wt Redington CPS (superb rod) and what a great day was had, i was following pods of fish cruising the margins and now and again boiling up the surface feeding. I landed nine brownies all returned and averaging around 3/4-1lb with the biggest (which i nearly lost in the plentiful submerged gorse) a very strong superbly conditioned fish measuring in at 22inches (not sure of weight) measured against my rod, lost 4 others and missed a load more, some very big fish were rising out of casting distance wish i had a kayak. Very calm & bright conditions with just enough ripple on the surface to make it a tempting days fishing. All were caught on barbless dries which included,
foam beetle #14
hawthorn #14
black hopper #14
black CDC F-fly #16
the odd twitch was all that was needed to entice a take some being ferocious takes.
Well worth a visit if your down in the west country and want to fish a largish (740 acres, 8 miles of bank) reservoir. Beats a pellet chucking fishery any day IMHO.

cheers
Steve

PS: This is only my 2nd season of F/Fishing and i learnt hell of a lot yesterday and it was my most enjoyable day yet, i think a more experienced person would have doubled my take

Excellent report, Steve!

Roadford is on my 'places to fish before I die' list and after reading this I may be visiting sooner rather than later.

Allrounder

And do you mean to tell me you never had a PERCH?
Thanks for this post Steve, Roadford is one of this countries best Brown Trout waters and yet few people know of it let alone fish it. Thoes of us in the area ( the most I have seen fishing on any one day during the last three years is six ) know it for the three pound plus fish it gives up . This time of the year the margins are full of fish and this is the first time in over five years that the water level has been near the top mark.
Given some sun after this rain the Hawthorn should be on the water and what fun will be had then! However it will slow down during high summer but by Sept. and given some 'Daddies' sport will be on the up again.
A great piece of water with some wonderful fish.
Rod.

Hi Rod,
No not a single Perch, i have heard that in the past that you couldnt land a fly without a Perch taking it. On each occassion i have been there, never seen more than three other fishing. If you or anyone else is interested in meeting up i will be at Roadford tommorrow Saturday 12th along Grinacombe bank.
Cheers
Steve

I have only ever been once that was the opening two days so many years its hard to remember when, what I do remember as if it was yesterday was in the region of 300 bank anglers turning up to fish it, it was complete and utter chaos, I have been to quieter premier league footie games Having driven about 250 miles to get there we gave it ago against our better judgment.

No surprise when I tell you we only saw 1 fish caught, I also fell in something approaching quick sand and had to be dragged out by my mate and some passing anglers and then to top it off we retired to the pub to seek some relief only to bump in to some plus four wearing hooray henry banging on about how he was a lawyer and how Roadford had grossly misrepresented its charms and that we should sue them. What a muppet!

We never bothered with the second day but I did write to Roadford expressing my frustration at them selling so many day tickets and they kindly sent me and my mate free tickets for another day.

These tickets are still unused but as I am almost passing Roadford next Saturday and I have no desire to watch the cup final I might just give it a go