I live in Lancaster and will shortly be visited by 3 grown up sons - all beginners (they can cast a line courtesy of two trips out last year). There are many stillwater fly fisheries within striking distance for a day trip - we're planning 2. I know some of them (Forrest Hills, Bank House) and we have been to Farleton View - we are to be honest spoilt for choice. Key considerations will be the state of the banks (they'll be largely restricted to overhead casting) and any need to cast long distances, degree of challenge in the fishery at this time of year and the need to explore a variety of depths (they'll likely be fishing single flies). If anyone can suggest one of the many potential fisheries within about 1 hr of Lancaster where there's a reasonable chance of taking fish on either say a surface fly or subsurface buzzer I'd be very grateful indeed for your views. Probably planning 2 trips.
Thanks in anticipation.
GD

Pendle View is easy enough, no trees, small water, plenty of stockies, easy fishing. Its where i started after 10 years away from the sport.
(the average size of the fish isnt huge, but they fight like crackers)

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http://manchesterfishingfiend.blogspot.com

Many thanks indeed - looks just the job.
GD

Hi GD

I live just up the road in Over Kellet. WADAA (Windermere Ambleside and Ditrsict Angling Assoc) have some cracking waters within an hour of you. High Newton and Ghyll Head are always worth a visit and fish well to small dries and buzzers. Ground conditions at High Newton are varied so watch your lines don't get snagged on the rocks at your feet - I made that mistake once and wrecked my Midge tip Ghyll Head is a bit easier for covering fish holding spots. Useful info can also be found on (www.lakedistrictfishing.net).

Also worth a try from Bank or Boat is Stocks. Its been fishing a bit better of recent and you can cover fish from the bank with relative ease particularly Hollins Bay and Bens Beach - check out their website for more (www.stocksreservoir.com).

Hope this helps and tight lines.
Ben

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Peregrine Team Esthwaite

Hi GD
Have a look here

www.lancashireflyfishing.co.uk

under day ticket waters

Tightlines
Mike FlyFishing

Thanks Mike (I did wonder if Curley's would be good)
GD

Ben
Thanks - I am a member of WADAA but have never had much success at High Newton (and on the two occasions I have been, neither has anyone else - the last time in October was very still and bright) and thought it might be a bit exposed next week. Where do you park at Ghyll Head ?

I have had myself much more success at Kentmere (on East bay) but I thought it might be a bit early yet to be successful on top of the water. WE did go to Kentmere late last August and one of the boys actually caught - at 8:05 am - which was the last rise we saw!

They've recetly stocked at High Newton (and other WADAA waters) and I've heard some good reports in the last week or so. I've had good success at the opposite end from the Dam where the rocky promentories (sp?) are and fish back into the bays. Also worth trying Fantasy Island (the bit that sticks out along the road side. For Ghyll Head parking I would use the layby on the left as you get to the fishery - its a bit hit and miss depending on the number of people fishing but you can usually squeeze in somewhere far enough to let traffic past.

I think Kentmere will come into its own once the weather has settled. Water temperatures will still be relatively low up there.

Ben

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Peregrine Team Esthwaite

Thanks - I'll probably give High Newton a go on one of the days!
GD

Just a note of caution on parking at Ghyll Head. Two locals I know had their car broken into there, so be sure not to leave valuables!

Bessy Beck is also a good "comfortable" water I'm told

Blencarn I have fished and is very nice and laid back, with easy casting and a huge sedge hatch in the evenings, probably a bit further away from you though.

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