Hi all,

newcomer to the art of fly fishing (and de-lurking on the forum) though I have been sitting beside the wrong kind of muddy puddles for quite a few years.

A mate of mine took me for a day's fishing at Barn Elms last spring where I was instantly hooked. Since then I've visited a couple of times but as it's closed 'til March I'm looking for somewhere to try out all the tackle I got for Christmas.

After googling a bit I'd pretty much decided to try Sheephouse but then I read the forum. You guys have put me off - so on to Felix Farm (also nearest to me) but reports seem to indicate the winter fishing is a bit tough. It looks a super water but perhaps best to wait a few months.

Just over an hour's drive to Bushyleaze where the reports indicate easier sport. Whilst I'm not looking for a bite a chuck I'd like some confidence boosting winter fish. Also £20 for a hour's tuition seems an absolute steal!

Tackle wise I have a 7wt rod with floating and intermediate lines and a 5wt with a floating line. Which water would the forum recommend?

I've been to Felix a few times, and only ever caught Rudd. It looks beautiful, and it a great place to relax (once you get over the noise of the M4), but it's not a great place to catch fish - although some people with fast sinkers do okay. Quite fancy another go, so might do when my Di7 turns up.

I tried Farmoor at the weekend, I found it bleak and difficult, but will definitely go back when it's a bit warmer.

Bushyleaze always gets a good review from this place, so that's next on my list.

All the best.

John

I have fished Felix farm and it is a pretty place as long as the wind is in the right direction other wise the Motorway is a bit harsh. It's is not very far from one of my offices. It is very deep so in the winter it's sinking lines, blobs etc.

You might want to try a shallower fishery like Dever or the one in Maidenhead just off the Thames.

Tou also have the Sportfish shop and a fishery at Theale. Never fished there though just shopped.

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Carl

http://www.wandlepiscators.net/
http://teiseangling.co.uk/index.htm

TOMORROW THE TRENT COULD BE YOUR FISHERY! When are YOU going to JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST?

I've fished Bushyleaze once, with some tuition. I thought the instructor was good. It's another £15 to fish on after your lesson with a two fish ticket, and I think I was given an option to extend that further. I thought it was an attractive lake to fish. I did come away feeling as if maybe I filled my ticket a little too quickly and easily, given my lack of experience, but then I had been plonked in the right area and told the right method by the instructor.

I haven't been back since - Churn Pool and the Watermark are only a few miles away - and I prefer catch and release, so tend to fish Churn Pool or drive out to Farmoor.

I don't think Haywards Farm (sportfish) opens again until March, haven't been there myself - which is a bit rubbish as I live about 5 miles away.

God me thinking about trying my luck at Felix again now, hmmm.

Haywards Farm at Theale, adjacent to Sportfish, is closed until March I think.

I was toying with the idea of Farmoor myself this coming weekend but feel slightly intimidated by the scale of it

Barn Elms is ideal for a beginner - very nice lodge, well stocked, don't need to cast far.

Expensive as you get more proficient and run out of limit too quickly, but a good place to start.

Farmoor is not a beginner's water until the fish come on buzzers in April/may - too much casting and specialist equipment needed right now.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

The smaller (catch and release) side isn't too bad, doesn't take too long to walk all the way round. In any case, if you ask in the tackle shop when buying your ticket, the ranger will usually tell you where to go and how to fish.

I've fished Felix once and also only came away with a small Rudd. My brother-in-law has also fished there and not even so much as a bite - wouldn't mind trying it again though but from what I've heard and read it's not the "easiest" fishery. Have you thought about Albury Estates ? Quite good for the beginner in that they do a fish credit system so you don't end up spending a fortune with nothing to show for it whilst you are still learning the ropes as it were. Nice selection of lakes as well in close proximaty as well as Peter Cockwill's Albury Game Angling shop.

I wouldn't recommend either Felix, or Bushy for a beginner. Felix for the reasons mentioned above, and Bushy because you need to chuck a long line or wade, or get in a boat. Farmoor's out for the same reason. I'm not sure where youre from, but i'd go for a small stillwater. something like Frensham, Chalk Springs, or Avington (if you can afford it) Lechlade (opposite Bushy) is fishing very well now, and while i'd never normally recommend it for a beginner, the winter can make it quite easy....