Anybody on here fish any of the Waltham Reservoirs in London? Was thinking of going up there at some point as its not far from my home, but wanted to get some info first.

As there aren't many places to fish in London, do they get busy? Do they fish well?

Would be grateful for some info.

Stuart,

I'm a member of Walthamstow club, but honestly I haven't fished the reservoirs for a while. They have a membership id on here, otherwise contact by email: Walthamstow Fly-Fishers Club Membership [wffc_membership@live.co.uk].

I think it closes for fishing in December, but I will check for you. Being a concrete bowl like Farmoor, and situated in an urban setting it's not the prettiest of venues, but the fish are fit and fight well. It took me a few trips before I actually caught one, but when I finally did, it was a 7lb+ fish which looked like a bar of silver and stripped line off to the backing twice before coming in. Boobies, bloodworm and buzzers fare well here.

Regards,
Steve

The two day ticket reservoirs at Walthamstow (No.4 and No.5) are open for fly fishing until the end of January, after which they re-open mid-March.

Unlike smaller fisheries, Walthamstow continues to fish well into December, especially on Boobies, but also on buzzers and bloodworm patterns if you get light winds and mild conditions.

The last stocking went in just over two weeks ago, but there was already a healthy stock density.

With the recent overcast weather the fish have been high in the water, especially around mid-day. Fish to over 7lbs have been caught, with a 5lb rainbow just this weekend from No.4.

You will find further information at the Walthamstow FFC website, at www.walthamstowffc.org.uk

Walthamstow FFC

I'm off there Wednesday afternoon hopefully, if you can make it I can show you around.

Had three cracking fish on thursday, two over 3lb and a 5lb'r I put back. Tryed to get there yesterday but the poxy Victoria line was shut down! Been catching on a floater with a long leader and a damsel nymph - fish have been on corixa, buzzers, bloodworm and sticklebacks - see below...


Sorry this one is a bit gorry!!

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This Seasons Blog

Thanks all, some useful info here. Will be sure to go up there in the coming weeks.

Nice pics Vinnie, wish I could go this Wednesday but I have the pleasures of sitting at my office desk and staring at a computer screen for 8 solid hours.

Will probably see you up there in the near future though.

I in recent years would have said avoid , some major problems with understocking .
Been a couple of times this season and although no red letter catches there have been fish to see and catch,great for an odd afternoon evening when i dont want to travel far,but as a scenic fishery it doesnt do it for me !
BTW I was very much a regular back in the 70s and early 80s.

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Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!

It's another one of those "not for the feint-hearted" venues IMO - can be good on it's day but generally hard unless you know exactly where to fish. Not a beginner's water.

Getting info from people like Vinnie, or other regulars who occasionally visit here, is the best way to go. From now on, I would expect it to be largely booby fished deep, and maybe bloodworm.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates