Had a seven hour stretch in a boat there today. Caught 21 'bows, killed 3, 4lb, 3 & 3/4lb and a 3lb. Had 2 Blues and a very nice 6lb + Brownie, all returned. Mainly on lures just under the surface, pleased that a new variation I tied last night worked wonders. A nice little pink & white number. Also caught on GRHE and sedge pupa.

Only been twice, first time, 6 weeks ago, I blanked from the bank, today went in a boat had fish showing all day all around.

Not over keen on the place, seems an odd atmosphere? But it gets rave reviews everywhere I see it, maybe its me. Not enough pegs to my mind around the bank, too many too close to trees, but plenty of fish in there thats for certain. I'd be interested to see what others think of the place.

looks like you had a great day mate well done

__________________
David (little machin)

I was on yesterday too, I take it that was you in the red boat??

I only managed a few hours but had four all on the dry. I did try a zonker on a Di4 line and I had a pull a chuck but I just dont like that style of fishing though Im going to force myself to do it more, Im just a wee bit addicted to the dry if Im honest. I went last saturday afternoon and had a right old time on the dry, got into a few, lost a few and missed many more including a dam fine brown that spat the fly out.

I have to disagree with the number of pegs; I really wouldnt like those on the dam wall to be any closer, its 'friendly' enough as it is plus the pontoons on the road side arent really my thing. It also gets very busy which pushed the fish from the bank as you experienced yesterday.

I can understand what you mean about the atmosphere. I have experienced quite a few rude people there but I think that goes for all fisheries these days. What I have noticed is the unwillingness of some anglers to reveal what fly they are using, I just dont get this at all. Also, you'll notice that people seem to take root even to the point of getting out the folding chair!!

On the whole I think it is probably the best fishery in the area, its very well stocked, the fish are in fine condition (though Ive never taken one so I dont know what they are like for eating) and the owners are great. As an added bonus Mike is a great instructor and turned my quite average cast into something half-decent!!!

The real problem I have is watching those that fishing in the tubes, Im dying to have a go at that, I really think thats going to be for me!! Next year maybe.

I have to disagree with the number of pegs; I really wouldnt like those on the dam wall to be any closer, its 'friendly' enough as it is plus the pontoons on the road side arent really my thing. It also gets very busy which pushed the fish from the bank as you experienced yesterday.


I think I meant too few pegs that have large amounts of water accessible for the majority. The pontoons are fine, but there are too many that are restricted by the trees and Id agree about te dam wall, if anything they are too close together.

I didnt realise until Id hired the boat yesterday that you have to go out to one of the buoys and attach yourself to them, you arnt allowed to move aorund freely. That would be ok in gerneral if by using the buoys you could cover all the water, but I dont think you can? It seems an odd rule given that you can float tube there too. I can see why they would do that to stop the inconsiderate form moving into a bank anglers swim.

I like to get out on a boat mainly because you have your own space, dont interfere with anyone else and you can cast 360 degrees at moving fish without hesitation. You dont have all the hassle of collecting all ones kit to move. Plus you dont have to deal with the "rude" people. Last time I wasthere I was approached by a youth of about 18 who "asked" to see my permit, then muttered something about barbless hooks and then walked away, no please/thanks/have a nice day - nothing. I nearly launched him from the pontoon! Big disadvantage of the boat - sore back from sitting all day in the same position, I suppose Ill get round to buying a proper boat seat eventually. Also the main thing I like is that 99 times out of 100 you dont have to even touch the fish to return them, a quick flick of the hook and its free and they dont need to come out of the water, recover them in the net and away they go. Thats got to be better for them than landing them fully to release them?


As for methods, well I too like the dry, if anything its my favourite, but I now have moved on to the school of thought that says if it isnt working move on to something different, so I usually set up at least 2 often 3 rods, with a floater, intermediate and fast sinker on and change as and when the fish move up and down.


It also gets very busy which pushed the fish from the bank as you experienced yesterday.

Yes it was busy, and I was glad I was able to stay out in the middle I never needed to move as fish were all over, I did notice many seemed to not catch much and certain pegs seem to be very popular!

On the whole I think it is probably the best fishery in the area, its very well stocked, the fish are in fine condition

I certainly agree that the fish were in excellent condition, everyone I caught yesterday had a full tail and was in tip top condition. Its too close to the main road for me, I like peace and quiet when Im fishing - something thats getting harder and harder to find. I cant abide it when groups of mates start shouting across to each other about flies/missed takes/ etc etc. Drives me mad!

is watching those that fishing in the tubes, Im dying to have a go at that, I really think thats going to be for me!! Next year maybe

Im definately up for that, its funny Ive just been pricing tubes up for that exact same reason, Id like to have a go before I buy one, do they hire them out? I guess its an idea to have some proper advice too before setting off with flippers in hand! I dont know how many places allow it round here either, but it looks great fun and I like the idea of freedom to move with the fish.

As for telling what flies Im using, Im always happy to say, but to be honest, I I usually dont bother asking, I prefer to use my own judgement about flies/lines depth etc. I generally do ok once Ive fished a place once or twice I usually manage to catch.

But float tubing is my next main new thing next year, I really do want to give it a go.

Terry

I didnt know that about the boats, never been out in one! Are you allowed to move between the bouys?? there seems to be a few dotted about. To be honest, I've not seen that many out on the boats but the ones I have always seem to do well.

Regarding the tubes, I know Mike does tube tuition which includes the tube but you have to have your own chest waders. It looks great fun and Id love to get out there. My only concern is that there doesnt seem to be that many fisheries in the NW that allow it, in fact, I can only think of Curleys! Next time I see Mike I'll get some info.

Yes you can move between buoys. Ill have a look into getting a tube lesson then I think. Ill post a question under the general forum about recomended kit

Never found that to be the case. Anglers are generally really happy
You do get the odd morbid soul which occur all over the world.
Leave them to suffer in peace.They need time to console themselves.

You do get the odd angler that wants the whole dam wall because he can't cast or share.

It used to have plenty of space until someone told everyone about the place. There usually was alternate swims but due to its popularity the platforms fill up.

Yeah he probably works there not happy that he has to carry out the facilities duty of licence checks or fish all the dead fish out with barbed hooks hanging out their mouths.

The trout congregate under those trees feeding on falling prey.
Casting back into the bank with a dry produces some fish and awesome fun.
Low casts or high back casts solve the problem. More fish come from those pontoons than the wall so they cant be that bad.
Beats fishing a concrete bowl.

Once you get better at casting you'll find the trees aren't a problem.

Which flies the fish take changes by the hour in some cases by the minute especially when one of the home owners decide to feed the ducks loaves of bread

Yes taking cushions for the boat is good. Standing up sorts it but if your a little thin in the backside take a cushion.

The anchor points prevent the boats spinning and anglers drifting into anglers swim space. One further towards the houses on the water would be good.
Drifting boats isn't a wise move from an insurance point of view.

The owner seems quite tolerant and laid back. Hes not in the business of telling his customers to smile but tells a good yarn.

Mikes very helpful but I wouldn't interrupt one of his lessons. The clients often aren't fond of that.

Check the guest book if you want to see what flies have worked.

Some people think fisheries are some sought of book library where you have to an oppressive silence. Let people have their fun. Its doesn't scare fish.
I had the bloke mowin the lawn behind me the other day at a fishery. Didn't bother me.

The water looks healthy, clean, there is a varied complexity and size of fish.

What flies have worked for people here on that particular fishery past and present?

__________________
a fisherman who has completed his mortal time discovers he has actually gone to hell when condemned for eternity to fish for one species in one stretch of river.

Plus you dont have to deal with the "rude" people.


Never found that to be the case. Anglers are generally really happy
You do get the odd morbid soul which occur all over the world.
Leave them to suffer in peace.They need time to console themselves.

You do get the odd angler that wants the whole dam wall because he can't cast or share.

It used to have plenty of space until someone told everyone about the place. There usually was alternate swims but due to its popularity the platforms fill up.


Quote:
Last time I was there I was approached by a youth of about 18 who "asked" to see my permit, then muttered something about barbless hooks and then walked away,


Yeah he probably works there not happy that he has to carry out the facilities duty of licence checks or fish all the dead fish out with barbed hooks hanging out their mouths.


So he could do his job, that he is presumably paid for, in a more polite way


Quote:
too many too close to trees


The trout congregate under those trees feeding on falling prey.

really? How informative

Casting back into the bank with a dry produces some fish and awesome fun.
Low casts or high back casts solve the problem. More fish come from those pontoons than the wall so they cant be that bad.
Beats fishing a concrete bowl.

Once you get better at casting you'll find the trees aren't a problem.

I dont have a problem casting, but again thanks for the input

Which flies the fish take changes by the hour in some cases by the minute especially when one of the home owners decide to feed the ducks loaves of bread

really? how informative

Yes taking cushions for the boat is good. Standing up sorts it but if your a little thin in the backside take a cushion.

Sadly standing up is not allowed there as its against thier rules and its a tad unsafe from an insurance pov

The anchor points prevent the boats spinning and anglers drifting into anglers swim space. One further towards the houses on the water would be good.
Drifting boats isn't a wise move from an insurance point of view.

I assume that a drifting boat is less of a risk than your recommendation of standing up in a boat?

The owner seems quite tolerant and laid back. Hes not in the business of telling his customers to smile but tells a good yarn.

not met him, not interested in his yarns

Mikes very helpful but I wouldn't interrupt one of his lessons. The clients often aren't fond of that.

Why would any one want to interupt a lesson Im not rude, but thanks for the warning anyway

Check the guest book if you want to see what flies have worked.

Ive no interest in knowing what someone says they have caught fish on, Ill use my own skills thanks, but again thanks for the advice, in nearly 20 years of fly fishing I'd never thought of that

Some people think fisheries are some sought of book library where you have to an oppressive silence. Let people have their fun. Its doesn't scare fish.
I had the bloke mowin the lawn behind me the other day at a fishery. Didn't bother me.

Well it would bother me, I like to go fishing for some peace and quiet I dont want a row going on, it intrudes on my enjoyment, ie spoils my fun but each to their own eh? If thats ok?

The water looks healthy, clean, there is a varied complexity and size of fish.

What flies have worked for people here on that particular fishery past and present?

I have listed what I used already, but its in the guest book if you want to check it?

No offence or patronising is intended on my behalf

A very enthusiatic and detailed post Terry909. I look forward to reading about your first trip in a float tube.

__________________
[COLOR="Blue"]"A fish seen is a fish nearly caught"[/COLOR]

I find your offhand dismissal of Outof waters' replies somewhat disingenouos Terry!!
I think you may have misinterpreted his meanings, he has taken you at face value and possibly none too experienced and as such I believe he has proffered advice in a friendly manner, I do not believe he intended insulting your intelligence/ability.
So I think you are a little OTT in your sarcasm, Outofwater has not in my experience on here been "smartarse" before so I fail to comprehend your dismissive responses, unless of course you know each other and have history which is not public knowledge, in which case I will get my coat!!