Week ending 9th October 2000
On Chew boats, 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 now coming into full swing with fish being caught throughout the day on dries, nymphs and fry patterns. Avon Fly fishers have been taking full advantage of the excellent fishing and offers this season. This weekend they fished their fifth Bristol Water competition, having already fished Blagdon boats in April and July, two Chew boat competitions in August using the two for one offer, and now the first of their Bristol Water bank competitions.
The day was won by Lee Williams who took a 20lb 9oz limit, including a fine 5lb 12oz rainbow fishing with Sparklers and later Hoppers from Nunnery. On Friday they also fished the final of their boat knockout when Ricky Nicholls, President of the Club, who also works at the Lodge, took the trophy with an eight fish limit of 20lb, fishing Appetisers on intermediates during the day then dries when fish started rising late afternoon.
Blagdon bank and boat fishers are still having good sport. The trout are still feeding close to the shores within reach of most bank fishermen. Small nymphs fished very slowly have produced the best catches. Graham Farrant’s trip from London was well worthwhile when he landed a 6lb 8oz rainbow fishing Corixa from Rainbow Point, whilst Mr Perry’s party of 16 boat fishermen enjoyed their day taking 28 fish including fish of 5lb and 6lb.
Barrow No. 3 reservoir is now fishing very well with fish coming to dries and nymphs. Fishers on M2 reservoir are experiencing terrific sport with limit bags being taken on dry fly. M1 reservoir is not being fished much but those that do are taking some brown trout. Season ticket holder Chris Cavill has been having excellent sport on the Barrows landing 20 fish to 3lb 8oz on his last three visits.
Advice on Tactics
Floating line with dry fly such as Carrot flies, 3 minute dries. Intermediate lines with nymphs or lures, such as Diawl Bachs and Appetisers.
Prospects
With the approach of winter, fish are moving in to the bank and becoming opportunistic feeders taking a wide variety of food. This in turn means fishermen need to think about their imitations and be willing to try a range of methods throughout the day, often starting in the morning with fry patterns, following on with nymphs and by late afternoon turning to the deadly dry fly.
Trout Caught
Chew: 575
Blagdon: 270
Barrows: 245
Best Boat Areas
Chew: Spring Bay and Villice Bay
Blagdon: Top End and Rainbow Point
Best Bank Areas
Chew: Woodford, Nunnery Point, and Wick Green
Blagdon: Ash trees and Rugmoor
Barrows: No. 2.
Bristol Water plc; Recreations Department, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke. Bristol BS40 8XH
Tel/Fax (01275) 332 339.
