Popped to Lechlade today for a few hours to see how it was looking. Water is crystal clear, lots of rainbows between 5-8lb about, didn't see any brownies but that certainly doesn't meant they aren't there! Managed to get a 11lb 8oz rainbow from a pretty tricky spot, had to climb out along some branches of a fallen tree to get to it. Had spotted it earlier on, then another chap had been trying for it in the branches but offered me a crack as was having any luck and got it to take a Firebird. A bit hairy clambering back through the branches to get to the bank to land it but lots of fun! Didn't see any other fish of the same size as this. Look forward to going back in a few weeks when the browns might be more visible and maybe a few bigger rainbows to have a crack at.



11lb 8oz Rainbow



The tree that the fish was hiding under, had to inch all the way out to the far branches to hook it.

A lovely rainbow that, well done, never been there myself but must give it a go.
Thanks for showing it.

Alan

Well done mowglibov. Glad you got back safe and sound. Our clubs hopefully going up in march time for a go at them

Well done Mowgli. good fish.

You and that bloody firebird!! you must have a boxful!

In my defence some of them are different colours!! This one was a more peach colour than the usual green. My box full of them was somewhat whittled down by the bloke who had tried to catch this fish earlier who I offered a free rummage through my fly box as a thank you!

It is certainly my most effective but not favourite stalking fly, I would much rather use a small WAEF but sometimes fish just want a bit of flash

Not me. i always use one of my cannonballs. it's big, heavy, 2 inch tail and i'm proud of them!!

Love that swim you got the rainbow from.. there's ALWAYS a broonie under that tree do a 'curl' cast round the end of the tree, let it sink to the bottom (there's a hole there) and strip it back. rare is the day there's not a spotty following!

Itching to get up there soon!

wow, thats a stonking fish! looking forward to visiting this fishery very soon

__________________
Still hunting for that double figure trout!

Would it be possible to post so we can see some of the lechlade flies that are used.

TT

I can't post a pic as the fly would terrify the purists!!

But to tie it is simplicity itself.

Hook - Size 10 heavy guage hook, tie in a couple of hefty lead dumbell eyes then tie in a 2 inch length of black/green/white marabou at the head end and then down to make the body. (leaving the tail) finally tie in one or two strands of that 'flash' material, but no more and away you go.

The fly fishes with an undulating action leaving the tail to pulse in the water the fly works on a fast strip, a slow but long retrieve, or on the drop. ive had rainbows to 21.9 on it, and browns to over 16 so it seems to work!!

Cheers
Alex

Brownie, any updates on how its going and when we can expect the big brownies to really come to life? Ive not been fishing since April as ive been busy but im itching to get back out at lechlade!!!