Fishing Reports - South West Lakes

South West Lakes Trout Fisheries

General:

The mixed weather continued through July – settled spells broken by wind and rain. Water levels have kept high, and while water temperatures have continued to rise, they have not reached a level to adversely affect the fishing. Sedges are beginning to appear in greater numbers, with good prospects for dry fly fishing next month, particularly in the evenings.

Fishing:

Kennick – July produced a number of big fish throughout the month to both boat and bank anglers, with weekly rod averages of 2.5 fish. Sedges and Damsel Flies brought fish to the surface, and anglers fishing with these imitations met with some success. Sub-surface nymphs (Damsel Nymphs, Buzzers, Montanas, and Pheasant Tail Nymphs) produced the most consistent results, fished down to about 1 metre depth. Lures and boobie patterns fished on sinking lines also provided good sport.

The best fish of the month included a 6lb 6oz rainbow (equalling this season’s best fish so far) caught by Mr. P.Sore of Ashburton, using a Montana from the bank, and rainbows of 6lb 20z and 3lb 1oz (as part of a full bag) caught by Mr. Ashfor of Exeter, using a Damsel fishing from the bank in Clampitts Bay. The best bag of the month included rainbows of 6lb 1oz, 5lb 6oz, and 3lb 2oz, and was caught by Mr. R. Metcalf of Kingskerswell, using a Green Nymph fished from the bank.

Siblyback - the changeable weather had a pronounced effect on the fishing, with weekly rod averages varying between 2.1 and 4.3 fish, with fish readily rising on the calmer and warmer days Successful dry patterns included large dark Hoppers (Black or Claret) and Daddies, which would even bring non-rising fish up. Sub-surface nymphs such as Damsels, Montanas, and Pale Green Buzzers caught fish, as did larger darker lure patterns (such as Vivas and Cormorants). The best fish of the month included a 4lb 4oz and 3lb 9oz rainbow caught by Mr. Allin of Okehampton fishing a Lime Green Jungle Cock wet fly, and a bag that included rainbows of 3lb 5oz, 3lb 4oz, and 3lb 2oz rainbows caught by D. Locke from Taunton, fishing buzzers from a boat.

Wimbleball – Ruggs, Bessoms, and Cowmoor all fished consistently well from the bank during July, while boat anglers also caught fish in the Sailing Club area. With fish feeding off buzzers and sedges from the surface, there was great sport to be had using dry Sedge patterns, Lake Olive patterns, Daddies, and Black Gnats. Traditional sub-surface imitations (such as Damsel Nymphs, Montanas, Diawl Bachs, and Buzzers) all caught fish, as did larger lures such as Black Tadpoles, Cats Whiskers, and Orange Fritz patterns.

A number of fish over 3 pounds were caught, including a 3lb 6oz rainbow caught by Maurice Woodward from Dulverton, and 3lb 4oz by Neil Osborne from Exeter.

Stithians – was predominantly a dry fly water during July, with a selection of Hoppers (Black or Orange), Daddies, Sedges, Bibios, and Gnats all catching fish. Successful sub-surface patterns included Buzzers, Damsel Nymphs, Hares ears and Invictas, with Orange lures proving to be the best attractor patterns. Bank fishing tended to be more popular, with Goonlaze, Chapel Point and Carnmellis Point all fishing well, as well as the deeper water near the dam and around the aerators. The best fish of the month was a 3lb 12oz rainbow caught by Mr. Chamberlain of Cambourne.

Colliford – has continued to fish well, with a variety of traditional brown trout patterns (such as Connemara Black, Black Pennel, Mallard and Claret, as well as Damsel Nymphs and Hare’s Ear Nymphs) all catching well. However the best sport resulted from Elk Hair Sedge imitations twitched on the surface, as well as Hoppers and Bibios. Jamie Walden of Winkliegh enjoyed a great day’s sport, resulting in a bag that included brownies of 2 and 4 pounds on a dry sedge imitation.

Fernworthy – This brown trout fishery continues to fish well, with a wide variety of patterns all taking the eagerly feeding fish - mainly dark traditional patterns have been catching fish (Bibio, Black Pennell, Zulu, Black Emergers, Spider patterns, Hare’s Ear, and Montanas), and when the fish get a bit more choosy, a size 16 Black Gnat or Ant pattern has worked well. With catch-and-release available, anglers have been catching bags of up to a dozen fish up to 2lb. The best areas have included the North Bank by the dam, and the South Bank below the permit hut.