Week ending 2nd October 2000

At Chew dry flies continue to be the most productive method, but when the fry feeders start moving, large lures pulled on intermediate lines produce exciting sport.

Bank fishing is improving with fish being caught early mornings on both nymph and fry patterns. Mr. D. Lloyd of Warrington took a Chew boat out on Monday to take a fine 6lb 8oz Rainbow. Whilst on Saturday Rob Hankins drove from Cornwall to have amazing sport from a Chew boat, taking 16 fish for 48lb 7oz.

Blagdon bank and boat fishers are still having good sport. The trout are still feeding close to most of the shores within reach of most bank fishermen.

Small nymphs fished very slowly have produced the best catches. Mr. C. S. Ayliffe of Tetbury fished a Diawl Back from Green Lawns taking a 6lb 2oz Rainbow.

Barrows No. 3 reservoir is now fishing very well with fish coming to dries and nymphs. Anglers on No 2 reservoir are experiencing terrific sport with limit bags being taken on dry fly. No.1 reservoir is not being fished much but those that do are taking some brown trout.

Mr J. E. Thomas of Stockwood had an excellent days fishing on Barrow No. 3 fishing Diawl Back and Hedgehogs to take a limit bag of rainbows including fish of 4lb 12oz, 4lb and 3lb 8oz.

Advice on Tactics
Floating line with dry fly such as Carrot flies, 3 minute drys or Floating Fry.
Intermediate and floating lines pulling with lures such as Muddlers, Zonkers.

Prospects
With the weed dying back more fry will appear close inshore providing a larder of food and very exciting fishing. Now that the weather is starting to become cooler the fish will be feeding avidly to put on their winter weight. This will bring the larger fish into the margins, but be aware that much larger than average fish will be hooked. There is always a good chance of a double-figure brown trout taking your fry imitation!

Trout Caught
Chew: 700
Blagdon: 376
Barrows: 121

Best Boat Areas
Chew: Dam Basin and Villice Bay
Blagdon: Plosh Water to Rainbow Point

Best Bank Areas
Chew: Woodford, Walley Bank, and Wick Green
Blagdon: Ash trees and Green Lawn
Barrows: No. 2.

The winners of the October return card draw, winning a free mid-week boat are:
Mr. C. Campion. Old House Farm, Church Road, Crowle, Worcester WR7 4AT
Mr R. H. King. Richmond House, Beckington, Bath, NE Somerset. BA3 6SW.

Bristol Water plc; Recreations Department, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke. Bristol BS40 8XH

Tel/Fax (01275) 332 339.