Halliford Mere Lakes 13th/14th March
I recently had 2 days to kill whilst Mrs Scubacrazy was doing a course at Hampton court. After asking on the forum here for suggestions as to where I could fish nearby, it was suggested to try Halliford Mere, and Syon Park
I spent Saturday fishing at Halliford Mere, with the intention of going to Syon Park on the Sunday.
After spending 4 hours fishing Halliford, I decided to forget about Syon, and come back to Halliford instead.
So, here's a quick report on my experience and my thoughts on this fantastic little fishery.
First of all, for those who haven't been, it is a Strict policy of Catch and Release only. If you want to take a catch home, you can buy the fish you catch by the pound.
I was also told that it is not as easy as some other fisheries, due to it's C&R status, and the fish being a little more "line-shy" . Also, because all catches are returned, stocking is not on the same scale as some overstocked ponds. This makes Halliford quite a challenge, especially for a beginner like me !
Anyway, I turn up on Saturday, and find the lodge, and a very nice chap called Brian, who runs the place.
After paying for my ticket, I was given a map of the lakes and a quick chat about where was productive, and what flies were being successful. Brian was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and a genuinely nice chap !! He also ties and sells flies, so if you haven't got what you need, you can get them there.
First impression of the fishery was it is very "pretty". It consists of 4 lakes, 3 trout (fly fishing only), and 1 coarse. There are plenty of trees and marginal plants, along with plenty of wild bird life (Including some very pretty and noisy parakeets!). The place has a very "natural" feel to it.
The water was fairly clear, although not gin-like it was certainly clear enough to spot some lovely sized trout right alongside the banks. Too close to do anything with, unfortunately.
So, I was advised to try a GRHE, with a gold head to get it down quickly, and a floating line. So that's what I did. I started in Lake 2, the smallest, and covered the water as best I could. After no activity I moved around a bit, ending up behind the houses,spotting a few fish here and there, and casting to them. Didn't work though!
Eventually I was rewarded with a fine fighting rainbow of around 2 lbs. I thought it was going to be bigger, after the fight I had, but when I got it to my feet, it was evident that the fish was a fine specimen, fully finned and nice big full tail. It was released without netting, and swam off to fight another day.
After a while I took myself off to the lake in front of the lodge, and had a few nibbles, but nothing to show for my efforts.
I then cast into lake 2 from the narrow bit of land between 1 and 2. Had a huge tug almost immediately, put a huge bend in my rod, but then shook it's head and I lost it. But then after another 2 casts, I caught my second of the day, a little smaller than the first, although not by much. Again a fish in fin perfect condition.
I decided to come back on the Sunday, because I really enjoyed fishing here. It is more like "real" fishing, and I think it depends more on tactics than your average fishery. I didn't fancy a day where there was no C&R, and besides, I have plenty of trout in my freezer at the moment.
So, back I went on Sunday.
This time I decided to fish a GRHE with gold head on the point, and a Diawl Bach on a dropper about 3 feet up. I was again using a floater, with a 12' leader.
Again, caught and safely released 2. The larger being a touch under 3 lbs.
The first was again from lake 2, on the side of the houses, about a third of the way doen. (The second little clearing). It was taken on the GRHE.
The second was taken on the far side (from the lodge) on lake 1. This was on the dropper.
All in all, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed myself, both days.
I know, it's not exactly 73, but it was 4 which I feel I had to work a bit for, which is exactly why I enjoyed it so much. Not everyone caught, but I did, and that's a nice change for me !
I will definitely be going back here, even though it's not exactly local. I look forward to trying dry on here, when things warm up a bit.
So, if you fancy a day out, in nice surroundings, and a bit of a challenge, give it a go.
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"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."
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