November Newsletter
Hi Game fishers,
As we rush towards Christmas can I take this opportunity to thank all the members who help and assist the club in its many and various activities. In particular the work carried out to maintain our lakes to provide us with such spectacular fishing.
Ticket Prices from January 1st 2026.
As those members who attended the annual Game section meeting last March will recall, it was advised that an increase in the cost of fish from our supplier was likely. The delivered fish price has risen substantially and consequently from 1st January 2026, WDAC will be increasing our ticket prices. This is simply to help us keep up with the rising cost of stocking good-quality fish and to ensure our lakes are well-maintained and enjoyable for everyone. The new prices will be: 2-fish ticket £27.50, 3-fish ticket £41.25, and 4-fish ticket £55.00. I hope members understand the need for this change but this has been forced upon us because of the new price structure from our current suppliers.
The good news is that WZ levels are back to normal and the springs are running, giving perfect conditions for our rainbows. I suppose the big question is if these weather patterns will repeat next year and clearly it’s something we have to plan for?
Your reports for the month follow and thanks again for all those taking the time to send them in to me.
I fished Rawlsbury yesterday afternoon, rather grey and quite breezy at times but caught my two fish. One just on 4lbs, the other a little heavier but as my scales only go up to 4lbs I cannot be totally accurate. Both on a black cactus fly from Orvis.
We braved the bad weather and I took Dermot Cusack to Rawlsbury today as my guest for his introduction to WDAC. It was a huge success. He started at Chapmans at the second platform and quite quickly hooked two fish which got off. He then hooked a third and played it successfully (pictured) and I netted it for him. We then fished on round to the other bank to get the wind on our backs. He got another fish near the top. Needless to say both of us were using Viva Apaches with sink tip lines. I then took him up to Cowleaze and he got a good take second cast which he landed. He then fished on and got another off the dam. Up to this point I had caught 3 fish in Chapmans and one in Cowleaze making a total of 8 between us. I went online and bought a further two tickets which action you have condoned in the past. They were all splendid hard fighting fish and weighed in at 4 , 4.2, 3.12, 3.8 , 3.8 , 3.8, 3.4 and 3.2. Dermot intends to apply for membership. The usual 3 Dabchicks and 9 Canadas on Chapmans and a sheep on the dam at Cowleaze.
I had 3 fish yesterday evening (5th Nov) surprisingly warm evening several fish showing in Chapmans where all three were caught on a black Apache fished with an intermediate tip. Lost a couple of others which jumped all over the lake and then came off. All three were 4lbs and in v good condition. A very peaceful and pleasant evening.
Another nice trip to Rawlsbury yesterday afternoon (5th) to coincide with the forecast promise of no rain and a little sunshine. Oh well, at least it stopped raining. Both Alison and I straight into fish on Chapmans on green or black gold head blue flash damsels. We had 7 fish from Chapmans, all the usual 3lb 4oz ish but the last one eluded Alison as it was getting dark and the fish seemed to switch off. A walk up to Cowleaze and the last fish banked after a couple of casts.
Great to see WZ looking so fantastic. Although quite mild the wind was gusting making overhead casting quite a challenge. I decided to go off the beaten track and chose a little used spot in front of the hut! Back casting is tricky due to the hedge but casting on an upward trajectory allowed a reasonable distance. 3rd cast with a Montana hooked into a hard fighting fish. It was netted in good time and weighed in at 4 lbs 3ozs. I moved around to the far jetty which meant casting into the wind. Perseverance paid dividends and after several hard knocks and swirling eddy’s around the fly, I set the hook into another beauty. This one a 3lbs 10 ozs cracker. Great sport and A1 conditions. Thanks to the committee and helpers for getting our water back up to scratch.
Zelston looking good with the weed starting to regenerate already. Great to be back there. Started with a Humungous on a very long leader (too lazy to change to an inter/sink tip). Had one first cast. Then a touch slow for 15 minutes, so speeded up the retrieve, and instant success. Water is lovely and cold – they fought superbly. 2 very nice fish 4 ¾ and 5 ¼.
Two first yesterday from Zelston, 6lb 4oz and 4 lb 8 oz, great to be back there, the water looks amazing.
I had a really epic day at WZ today and I have to congratulate you on sourcing and stocking a generous release of extraordinarily high quality and superbly athletic rainbow trout, four of which gave me a really good challenge for several heart stopping moments. What fun it was though I have to admit to being broken by one fish that leapt out of the water and smashed itself against the bank thereby severing my leader! WZ is in excellent shape so thank you for your efforts on our behalf. FYI my 4 Fish weighed in at 5.10; 4.12; 4.10 and 4.08 - Wow!
fished on Monday morning, a lovely crisp bright autumn day. It’s amazing how quickly the lake level has risen, it looks beautiful clear as gin! I took my fish from the disabled jetty, fishing a small white booby, after having had a few days at a local commercial fishery, it was good to connect with "real" fish again! 4lb 8oz & 4lb 2oz, it’s good to be back!
Had a great 2+ hours at WZ today. First fish was 4lb 12oz. Very fit. Jumped 4 times. Then lost 2 fish in quick succession - shed the hook. Then completed my brace with another strong fish of 4lb 2oz. All on black lure about 2 feet down. Also enjoying the fish was an otter. He or she looked well settled in the lake. Mostly seen near the western pontoon, but roaming freely out into the middle. How long will the recent stocking survive?
We are aware that an otter is visiting WZ, please let me know if you do sight it so we can track its coming and goings.
Finally, Rawlsbury is still available until Tuesday 16th December so please take every opportunity to visit when you can. We are lucky to have such a venue. It’s the sort of place where every cast feels unrushed and you can relax, breathe and be still. Maybe a bit too lyrical but it’s true!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Tight lines,
Paul.