December Newsletter

Hello fellow game fishers,

I trust you have all enjoyed the festive season and are ready to see in the new year.

Whilst the latest fish stock sizes are smaller, they are in good condition and perfectly capable of bending the rod. I expect that by the end of February we will be back to normal. The problem has been that all the local fish farms have not been able to supply fish of any decent size.

The Christmas period has meant that just a few have fished, however, some of you have braved the cold weather.

• 2 lovely fish. 5 ¼ lbs. Went like a demon and took me from the road jetty nearly across the lake – well into the backing. Second was just over 4 lb. I did spoon them – the sum total was 1 water beetle! Interestingly the fish were very spooky every time a line landed near them, so I’m guessing that somewhere a predator is moving. That was not normal behaviour – my casting isn’t that bad!

• Lovely few hours at WZ yesterday afternoon. Lake looked fantastic. Lots of fish moving which seemed to be feeding just under the surface. No idea what their diet was as they weren't interested in anything I tempted them with and I couldn't see any fly life in the water. Eventually I managed to catch a fin perfect 6.5lb specimen from the far platform on a white apache. Very good fight with lots of runs. I finished my session with a small pike, as the light started to fade. My first time fly fishing for a few months and a very enjoyable return. When I cleaned the trout it's stomach was empty.

• Hello Paul, mixed news today. Beautiful misty morning, light cloud on the far jetty I saw an egret perched, looking as lovely as they do! and then gloom up surfaced Mr. otter cruising boldly along despite my arm waving and bad language! I took two super fish, the best topped the scales at 6lb 8oz a real cracker, the other a mere 4lb----what a fishery! The day ended not too well with a vehicle mishap, ho-hum cant win them all! Jim.

• Hello Paul (belated) Happy Christmas! One of my hobbies, apart from catching trout, is fly tying, and over the years I have accumulated about 200 unused flies (therapy!) Would the club be able to make use of them? They include lures, boobies, nymphs & dries, all sizes from 8 down to 16. I’ll leave them in a box in the shed at WZ for anyone to pick up, or sort through. Tight Lines Happy New Year Jim.

• Two fish from winterbourne today. Place to myself. Think these are original stock by the size.

Don’t forget if you can let me have a report of your fishing day, I am only too pleased to include it in my newsletter. I personally have a special thankyou to everyone who has contributed their time, effort and support throughout the year.

Here’s to a great year ahead, plenty of companionship and even better sport.

Happy New Year. Paul.