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PRESS RELEASE
11th December 2005
2006 FISHING SEASON DETAILS AND PRICES ANNOUNCED
Next year’s prices for the Bristol Water fisheries have been announced and for the third year running all permit prices are unchanged.
With Chew Valley celebrating it’s fiftieth birthday this coming year, we will also be arranging a variety of events and offers which will benefit our customers.
A boat competition with prizes to the value of £2,500.00.
Prizes of permits for captors of special tagged fish.
Boat loyalty awards for regular customers.
Special free gifts for all season permits.
Full details of the coming season will be contained in The Buzzer, the fisheries’ 2006 brochure, available early in the New Year.
HEADLINE PRICES:
Season Permits (Full 7 Day): All Waters £555.00 Chew Valley £455.00 Barrow £340.00
Bank (Full Day): All Waters £15.50 Chew Valley £13.50 Barrow £11.00
Boats (Full Day): Blagdon £23.50 Chew Valley £29.50 Litton £50.00
SEASON DATES
TROUT: Chew Valley and Barrows will open on Thursday 16th March with Blagdon opening one week later on Thursday 23rd March.
The usual special pre-season days for season permit holders will be on Tuesdays 14th & 21st March.
From Sunday October 15th winter permit prices will apply.
Boat fishing will continue on Chew until Thursday 9th November and on Blagdon until Tuesday 31st October.
All waters will close on Thursday 30th November.
Litton will remain open throughout the year.
PIKE:
There will be no February pike trials in 2006 but we will continue with the successful autumn pike fishing. Boat and bank fishing will be allowed from October 15th – 20th, 25th – 30th & November 4th – 9th. Bank fishing only sessions on November 14th – 19th & 25th – 30th.
BOOKING
To book all fishing send a letter or email to the Fisheries HQ at Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Bristol, BS40 8XH before January 1st 2006. The draw for boats will take place early in January with offers sent out about the third week in January.
The email address is bob.handford@bristolwater.co.uk
For further information about this release contact Woodford Lodge on 01275 332 339
Note
CONTINUING SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2006
Special opening days for Season Permit holders.
Juniors go free from the bank when accompanied by paying adult.
April reduction of £3.50 for all day mid-week boat rods.
August Two for the price of one for all bank permits.
Reduction for all season permits on boats. 10% discount on all tackle purchases from the Lodges.
Week 35
14th November 2005
TOTAL CATCH 55,746
Another stormy week with extremely strong south winds, up to gale force at times, and some very heavy rain. These conditions have made the main lakes quite dirty. The lake levels have risen very quickly. The water remains warm in the very mild conditions.
Pike Fishing This week saw the end of the third and final boat fishing session. The near gale force winds persuaded many anglers to stay ashore and those that ventured out have had to endure some very rough conditions at times. Even so there have been some very good fish taken with at least half a dozen 20s reported and a best fish of 34.02 caught. This wonderful fish was captured by Mr W. HOUSE on a lure. There are a few smaller fish being taken on lures but fishing smelt & mackerel remains the best way to tempt a better fish.
Fishing for pike from boats has finished but there are further bank sessions - 14th to 19th November, and 25th to the end of fishing on 30th November.
Pike Caught 44 fish by 54 anglers, av wt 11.09. Best fish 34.02.
Trout Fishing Another difficult week due to the very poor weather and water conditions. When anglers have been able to fish there have been some better catches but often it’s just been too windy or muddy to fish effectively. Even so a rainbow of 7.06 has been caught - by DEV STICKLEY on a black Fritz Goldhead at Wick Green on Chew Valley Lake. Most fish are now falling to larger, brighter flies although calmer weather may well see more interest in the smaller, nymph patterns.
Trout fishing from the bank continues until the last day of November at Chew, Blagdon and the Barrows. Litton remains open throughout the winter.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 34
07th November 2005
TOTAL CATCH 55,360
Another stormy week with extremely strong south winds, up to gale force at times, and some very heavy rain. These conditions have made the main lakes quite dirty. The lake levels have risen very quickly. The water remains warm in the very mild conditions.
 Pike Fishing This week saw the start of the third and final boat fishing session. The near gale force winds persuaded many anglers to stay ashore and those that ventured out have had to endure some very rough conditions at times. Even so there have been some very good fish taken with at least half a dozen 20s reported and a best fish of 31.04 caught. This wonderful fish was captured by PAUL WESTON on a dead-bait. There are a few smaller fish being taken on lures but fishing smelt & mackerel remains the best way to tempt a better fish.
Fishing for pike from boats finishes this Wednesday but there are two further bank sessions before the end of fishing on 30th November.
Pike Caught 44 fish by 66 anglers, av wt 8.00. Best fish 31.04.
Trout Fishing Another difficult week due to the very poor weather and water conditions. When anglers have been able to fish there have been some better catches but often it’s just been too windy or muddy to fish effectively. Even so two rainbows of 7.12 have been caught - one by MALCOLM FISHER at Chew Valley and another by CHARLIE COOPER from Barrow 1. Most fish are now falling to larger, brighter flies although calmer weather may well see more interest in the smaller, nymph patterns.
Trout fishing from the bank continues until the last day of November at Chew, Blagdon and the Barrows. Litton remains open throughout the winter.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 33
31st October 2005
TOTAL CATCH 54,679
After several weeks of settled, calm weather this week has seen a major change to stormy conditions bringing very strong winds and heavy rain. This has made fishing difficult at all the lakes but especially at Chew where the water has coloured up in the southerly winds. The winds prevented boat and bank fishing in many areas - the north banks at Blagdon and Chew and the main basin of Chew Valley.
With calmer weather forecast things should quickly improve and as the air and water temperatures remain warm, the fish will continue to feed well.
 Pike Fishing The second session was spoilt by the strong winds making fishing in open water difficult and causing the water to colour badly. Fishing with lures was less productive and the smaller fish found the previous week had disappeared. Although a dozen 20s were reported only one fish over the magic 30 was captured. STEPHEN WHITEHEAD was the lucky angler who boated this 31.04 fish taken on a dead-bait.
Pike Caught: 67 fish by 82 anglers, av wt 9.09. Best fish 31.04.
Trout Fishing A difficult week saw catches fall at all the waters except Litton. Being more sheltered anglers could still enjoy fishing in relatively calm waters. The lower lake has seen the best catches and the inflow of water to the top lake has caused some discolouration. Larger nymphs and bright, small lure seem to be the best patterns.
Elsewhere the boat anglers have caught well when the conditions have allowed. Bank fishing at Chew from Nunnery and Wick has been good but anglers fishing Blagdon have often found the north side of the lake unfishable and fishing from the south side less productive.
The Barrows have also slowed down in the unsettled weather.
Most fish are now falling to brighter flies and lures although there have been small hatches in calmer periods when nymphs and buzzers will still catch.
Biggest fish this week was an 8.04 beauty taken by DENNIS CURTIS. The fish was caught from the shore at Nunnery and took a Cruncher.
Boat fishing continues at Chew Valley until 9th November but Blagdon is now bank fishing only. The final day for fishing at all the lakes is Wednesday 30th November.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 32
24th October 2005
TOTAL CATCH 54,084
Weather: A mild, settled start to the week but stormy conditions by the weekend with some heavy rain and strong SW winds.
Water: Water quality is still mainly good but the stronger winds have caused some turbidity in the shallower areas at all the Lakes. The surface temperature remains around 13ºC.
Pike Fishing The first six-day session of the pike trials saw some excellent catches and several wonderful pike. Biggest of the four 30 pounders caught was a magnificent fish of 37.10. This fish was taken by ALAN PALMER and was caught on a lure. ALLAN SHEPHARD also took a huge fish of exactly 36.00. His fish also fell to a lure. These fish were in addition to the two 30s reported last week. So far there have been at least another dozen fish taken over the magic 20lb mark and loads of jacks. Many of these fish have taken lures rather than dead-bait. This is possibly due to the warmer water temperatures being experienced at present. As the water cools more fish should fall to dead-baits. Best areas for the boats have been in the deeper channels off Moreton Bank & Point and offshore from Woodford Bank. Anglers trying their luck from the shore have not taken many big fish although several fish in the high teens have been captured. The next pike session starts on Tuesday 25th and ends on 30th October. Most boats are booked though there are the odd cancellations becoming available.
Pike Caught: 107 fish by 67 anglers, av wt 7.07. Best fish 37.10.
Blagdon Another good week for Blagdon which has seen better catches all round. The bank fishermen are now catching from most areas but with the stronger winds anglers have fished the southern shores at Green Lawn & Rainbow Point with greater success. MARTIN BURGESS caught his limit bag frorm Green Lawn on Sunday to win the BRFFA bank competition. His fish mainly fell to lure patterns. The stronger winds have also made boat fishing a little more difficult. Most of the south shore has been unaffected but fishing from the North Bank, Ash Trees and Rugmoor has been harder due to the muddied water.
Chew Valley Few anglers fished for the trout during the pike trials but those that did fared well especially from Nunnery, Woodford & Wick Green where the bank fishermen have enjoyed some very good sport. Fish are still taking small nymphs but a fry pattern pulled back quickly can prove very effective. Boats are finding fish in very shallow water behind the Island, Villice Bay and Moreton.
Barrow Both Barrow tanks are well worth fishing at present. Fish are coming to all methods though there are few fry feeding fish showing. There are now fewer moving fish and emerger patterns are becoming less effective. Lure patterns fished deeper are well worth trying.
Litton The Lower Lake is fishing very well with small gold heads and nymphs fished on floating or intermediate lines catching throughout the day. There are still a few fish moving when conditions allow. The Top Lake is now filling slowly and some fish are being taken near the Dam.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 31
17th October 2005
TOTAL CATCH 53,112
Weather: Another mild, settled week with mainly light winds and a little rain.
Water: Water quality is still very good at all waters. Barrow 3 has dropped well down but Chew & Blagdon have held steady. The surface temperature is around 13ºC.
Chew Valley The last week of brown trout fishing saw some good catches from the shore in many areas. The North Shore and Picnic Areas have still fished well but Nunnery and Wick Green have been the most consistent banks with plenty of limit bags being taken. Although there are some fish falling to lures, including large fry imitations, most anglers are fishing nymphs on floating lines. Diawl Bach, PTN, Corixa and Buzzers are all worth trying at present, as there appears to be plenty of natural insect life active in the lake. Boats have found the fish more difficult to locate and the best catches have fallen to anglers fishing very shallow water. The Island, North Shore, Moreton Point and Moreton Bank have been the favourite places to fish. The average size of the fish taken from the south end of the lake has been considerably bigger with plenty of 3lb+ fish. Best fish this week a 6.00 brown which fell to PAUL GOLDING.
Blagdon The bank catches continue to improve with all areas along the North Shores fishing well. Ash Trees and Rugmoor are possibly the favourite but plenty of fish now seem to be feeding all along the bank. Boats have also taken plenty of fish from Rugmoor area but most anglers are still happy to fish the deep-water areas around the Dam, Cheddar Water and Butcombe. ROB TOOZE took a marvellous 7.13 fish from the bank at Green lawn.
Barrow Both Barrow tanks are well worth fishing at present. Fish are coming to all methods though there are few fry feeding fish showing. Dries are well worth a try in the early evening as there has been some rising fish close in around the banks.
Litton The Lower Lake is fishing very well with plenty of moving fish on the better days. The Top Lake is still falling steadily. Small gold heads and nymphs are the best patterns to use but occasionally dries and emergers will work.
Pike Fishing Saturday saw the start of the autumn pike trials at Chew Valley. Most anglers found plenty of smaller fish willing to feed but there were plenty of big fish taken as well. Best so Far is a 34.14 fish which fell to a float fished dead bait. PETE CLIMO was the lucky angler. Another fish weighing 30.04 was taken by P CURRY fishing a lure. His boat also landed another weighing 28.12. Other big fish reported so far are 28.14, 27.14 and another 6 fish over 20lbs.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 30
10th October 2005
TOTAL CATCH 51,736
Weather: A settled week of mainly calm weather. Daytime temperatures have been good for the time of year but nights are now much colder. Some rain but mainly dry. Winds light and mainly from the east.
Water: Water quality is still good although Chew can colour up very quickly in any moderate breeze due to the low water levels. All the main lakes should now hold steady or rise slowly as less water is being used. The surface temperature is 13ºC.
Chew Valley Another very good week at Chew Valley for all fishermen. The fish have now moved much closer inshore and the bank anglers have enjoyed the best of some excellent sport. The fish have been feeding well on corixa and buzzer and small nymphs fished slowly on a floating line has been the most successful method. The fishing from the boats has been similar but it can become difficult to get close enough to the shore when large numbers of bank fishermen are present. In these cases try fishing near the False Island and Island, or fish along Moreton Bank and Point. If fishing the deeper places use an intermediate and the washing line to prevent your nymphs fishing too deep. On the calmest days there have been rising fish feeding on hatching black buzzer and these can often be tempted by fishing a hopper or nits emerger. Best patterns this week have been PTN, Diawl Bach and Stick Fly. This week has seen some bigger fish captured at Chew. G FRANKS of Brecon took an 8.04 rainbow from the boat on a Shipman’s Buzzer. CHRIS HOMEYARD landed another ‘bow of 6.10 from the North Shore and DAVID RUDMAN caught and returned two browns form the boat weighing 6.00 and 5.08.
Blagdon This week has seen an upturn in the bank fishing at Blagdon with good catches coming from the North Bank, Ash Trees, Pegs & Rugmoor and Green Lawn. On occasion there have been some excellent evening rises and there has been some interesting sport when fishing dries and emergers but most fish are falling to slowly fished nymphs. Boat anglers have still been taking good bags in the Dam basin but those who have ventured to the Top End have found fish in the shallower water.
Barrow Both Barrow tanks are well worth fishing at present. Fish are coming to all methods at present though there are few fry feeding fish showing. Dries are well worth a try in the early evening as there have been some rising fish close in around the banks.
Litton Top Litton level is beginning to fall steadily now and fishing there has not been as popular as at the Lower Lake. There catches have been very good on nymphs and gold-heads.
This weekend sees the start of the first of the autumn pike trials at Chew Valley. All the boats are reserved but there are some bank places still available. (Details of availability and fishing methods – ring the Lodge). Trout fishermen are welcome to fish the shore during the pike trials.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 29
3rd October 2005
TOTAL CATCH 49,514
Weather: A mixed bag of weather this week. Most days have been quite warm and there has been plenty of sunshine at times, but we have also had heavy rain and some very strong winds. Cooler evenings.
Water: Water quality is mainly good although Chew can colour up very quickly in any moderate breeze due to the low water levels. All the main lakes should now hold steady or rise slowly as less water is being used. The surface temperature is 14ºC.
Chew Valley Fishing has good again this week for boat and bank when the conditions have been favourable. If the wind blows strongly from the south or west the water will become coloured but this has had little effect on the fishing. Often the fish have been very close to surface and floating lines with dries and nymphs have caught well. These fish can be quite difficult to take but try pulling your flies back across the surface for some chasing sport! Hoppers, Daddies, Boobies, Floating Fry, all these patterns can be used combined with small emergers or nymphs. Fishing intermediates with the washing line is also well worth trying. Areas to try are North Shore and Picnic Areas, Walley, Woodford, Nunnery and Moreton.
Blagdon The boats continue to enjoy excellent sport mainly from the deeper water areas. Some better bank catches can be taken from North Shore and Ash Trees. Similar methods and patterns to Chew Valley. This week has seen some much larger fish being caught. Peter Davey of Highbridge took a 7lb 3oz rainbow from a boat and Mr K.B. Edwards of Clevedon reported 2 browns and 7 rainbows between 4lb and 5lb 8oz from the bank.
Barrow No 3 continues to fish well. On the better evenings there can be a short hatch and rise. Nymphs fished slow & deep also catching consistently as are Barrow Mice.
Litton Top Litton level is beginning to fall steadily now and fishing there has not been as popular as at the Lower Lake. There catches have been very good on nymphs and gold-heads.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 28
26th September 2005
TOTAL CATCH 47,819
Weather: A more autumnal week with cooler temperatures most days and at night. Plenty of sunshine still, with little rain and mainly light westerly winds.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although with lake levels down moderate winds will stir up the silt. The water levels continue to fall slowly. The surface temperature is 15ºC.
Generally another good weeks fishing for so late in the season. Many days there has been some surface activity with buzzers hatching and fish showing, but the cooler temperatures have slowed evening sport at all the waters. There still seems to be plenty of food available – buzzers, corixa, daphnia, snails and fry but these will lessen as the water continues to cool down.
Chew Valley Bank fishing has become more difficult this week and the popular deep-water areas have seen a decline in catches. Some fish being taken from Moreton Point & Moreton Bank, and Nunnery and North Shore are still producing. The boats have fared much better. The Dam Basin, Woodford, False Island, Villice Bay and the mouth of Herons are all worth a try. Dries & emergers will still catch on the better days, but pulling nymphs and small lures is probably the favourite method.
This weekend saw the last of the domestic contests at Chew with the Snowbee Competition, run by the BRFFA. The Bank contestants struggled with just a 2.6 rod average but the boat anglers did better catching 4 fish per person. Bank winner was MALCOLM FISHER, the only person to take his full 8 fish limit. He was followed by SEAN TORRINGTON with seven. Top boat angler was MARTIN BURGESS with MARK STEVENS second and ANDRE GYSLER third. The top 6 all caught their limit bag. Most of the boat anglers were pulling various patterns on floating or intermediate lines. As always Diawl Bach proved popular but PTN, traditional wets and Blobs & Boobies also worked successfully. After the competition a B-B-Q buffet was enjoyed by all.
Blagdon The slow bank fishing continues though there have been fish taken from Butcombe, Pipe Bay, Home Bay and Top End. The boats are still catching well from the deeps but some are now venturing to the shallower end of the Lake and finding some feeding fish. Fewer fish taken on dries this week with the best catches coming on nymphs.
Barrow No. 3 is fishing well with some fairly good rises occurring early evening on the warmer days. Nymphs fished slow & deep also catching consistently as are Barrow Mice.
Litton Top Litton level is beginning to fall steadily now and fishing there has not been as popular as at the Lower Lake. There catches have been good on nymphs and gold-heads. Few fish showing in the evenings.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 27
19th September 2005
TOTAL CATCH 45,427
 Weather: The summer continues with plenty of sunshine, light winds and occasional showers, but very little rain.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still good although there is some algae present on the sunnier days. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is around 17ºC.
Chew Valley The exceptionally good fishing has continued this week for all anglers, with fish close inshore in many places early morning and late evening, and during cloudy spells. Boat fishermen continue to catch well during the daytime with some evening rises to buzzers and sedges. Methods and patterns for fishing boat & bank are similar with nymphs fished slowly sub surface or dries fished to moving fish. Boat anglers have also had success fishing the washing line and sometimes sinking lines and blobs. Diawl Bachs, Black Buzzers, PTNs & Hares Ears are all popular at present with Daddies, and red or claret Bits and Hoppers working well when fish are on the surface. Favourites places are Woodford, Nunnery, Walley and Picnic Area 1. Some fry feeders near the landing stages – try Sparklers and Zonkers. Mr S.Quartly of London took a 6lb rainbow and Mark Bellringer of Weston one of 7lb, both from boats.
Blagdon Boat fishing has become slightly harder during the past week with the fish around the dam basin getting harder to tempt, but more boat anglers are beginning to take fish from the shallower end of the lake – Rugmoor, Ash Trees and Wood Bay. Bank anglers have also fared better this week catching well from Pipe Bay and Cheddar Water and also taking fish from Rugmoor Bank & Point.  Similar methods and flies to Chew Valley. John Dean of Regil took the best rainbow of the season so far from a boat this week- 10lb 4oz- and he took it on a red dry- no mean feat!
Barrow No3 continues to fish well especially early and late. Often fish are found very close in to the shore during these periods and when there is cloud. Many anglers continue to fish the mouse with some success, but small nymphs and even dries will also catch especially when fish are moving. Mr F. McGarry had a rainbow of 5lbs.
Litton It’s been another good week with good catches on the Lower Lake. The Top Lake is now beginning to drop steadily. Small goldheads and nymphs fished slowly are the best way to take fish but it’s worth trying an emerger in the evening.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 26
12th September 2005
TOTAL CATCH 43,381
Weather: The summer continues with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Occasional electrical storms but very little rain.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still good although there is some algae present on the sunnier days. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is around 17ºC.
Chew Valley Another very good week for all anglers with fish close inshore in many places early morning and late evening, and during cloudy spells. Boat fishermen continue to catch well during the daytime with some evening rises to buzzers and sedges. Methods and patterns for fishing boat & bank are similar with nymphs fished slowly sub surface or dries fished to moving fish. Boat anglers have also had success fishing the washing line and sometimes sinking lines and blobs. Diawl Bach, Black Buzzer, Pheasant Tail Nymphs & Hares Ear are all popular at present with Raiders, Bits and Hoppers working well when fish are on the surface. Favourites places are Woodford, Nunnery, Walley and Picnic Area 1. Some fry feeders near the landing stages – try Sparklers and Zonkers.
Blagdon The excellent catches continue for the boats although things have become slightly harder over the weekend. More anglers are also beginning to take fish from the shallow end of the lake – Rugmoor, Ash Trees and Wood Bay. Bank anglers have also fared better this week catching well from Pipe Bay and Cheddar Water and also taking fish from Rugmoor Bank & Point. Similar methods and flies to Chew Valley. P GAY of Frome took a 5.08 rainbow from a boat this week.
Barrow No3 continues to fish well especially early and late. Often fish are found very close in to the shore during these periods and when there is cloud. Many anglers continue to fish the mouse with some success, but small nymphs and even dries will also catch especially when fish are moving.
Litton A better week with good catches on the Lower Lake. The Top Lake is now beginning to drop steadily. Small goldheads and nymphs fished slowly are the best way to take fish but it’s worth trying an emerger in the evening.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 25
5th September 2005
TOTAL CATCH 41,737
Weather: Another hot and sunny week with mainly light winds. Some thunder storms and heavy showers.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is often a little algae present. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is around 19ºC.
 Blagdon. The remarkable boat fishing continues with excellent catches coming from the deep water areas off of the Dam, North Shore, Cheddar Water, Pipe Bay, The Lodge and Home Bay. Some fish are now being caught at the Top End of the lake too. Fish are being taken on a variety of methods with dries and small nymphs on floating lines working well in cloudy conditions, and sinking lines with nymphs best during the sunshine. Bank anglers are still struggling from most shores but Cheddar Water and Pipe Bay have seen some better sport mainly on nymphs.
Chew Valley. Bank and boat anglers enjoyed another good week at Chew though the hot conditions did make fishing patchy. During boat practice days there were plenty of fish to be found off Woodford and the Dam but on the competition day things were much harder and 221 fish were taken. Lexus Individual Champion was STEVE WINSTONE who took a full 10 fish limit on a small sparkler fished just off the landing stage. MARK WITHYMAN was runner-up also with 10 fish, taken on nymphs behind the Island. Mark completed a great week, following his win at Blagdon last Sunday and his 2nd place in the Lexus, he won the Chew Evening Boat League for the third successive time, just beating Dave Drake by two points. This very popular league now attracts over 20 anglers on each of the ten contests.
Bank anglers are still catching well at Chew, again mainly from the deep water shores. Nunnery, Woodford, Walley and North Shore have all seen good limit bags. Most fish are falling to slowly fished nymphs but fry feeding appears to be on the increase and small zonkers, minkies and sparklers have all been successful.
 PATSY COLWELL of Frampton Cotterell landed a 7.04 rainbow from Nunnery Point. She took the fish on a size 12 Diawl Bach. The fish, her biggest ever rainbow, took her more than ten minutes to subdue and net.
Barrow. No3 still seems to be the anglers favourite with fish rising early and late, and fair catches during the day by fishing slow nymphs or the Barrow Mouse. The water on 1 is now clearing but catches there have not been as good as 3.
Litton. Although stocked recently fish are still hard to tempt on both lakes. The water levels on lower have now recovered but there is still a little algae. Top lake is clear but the fish have yet to really start feeding well.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Quick Update
On Wednesday 31st August the Lexus European Open Individuals final was held on Chew Valley. 100 anglers took part with a rod avergae of 2.2. The winner who receives a lexus RX300 4x4 for a year was STEVE WINSTONE from South Wales. His 10 fish plus time bonus weighed 26lb 13oz. In second place was MARK WITHYMAN whose 10 fish plus time bonus weighed 26lb 2oz. Mark actually finished before Steve but his fish were slightly smaller. All in all a very enjoyable competition.
Chew Valleys stocks will be replenished today (1st September) with the release of the fish from one of the net cages.
Week 24
29th August 2005
TOTAL CATCH 38,853
Weather: Some cloud and rain at the start of the week but dry and sunny at the end. Warm for the time of year with light-mod westerly winds.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is often a little algae present at Barrows and Litton. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is around 18ºC.
Chew Valley Another very good week for the Chew anglers from bank and boat. The majority of the fish are remaining in the deeper parts of the lake and are feeding well despite the sunny conditions. Fishing from the bank has been most productive earlier in the day or later in the evening but from the deepest areas fish can be caught all day. Nunnery Point, Woodford, Walley and Picnic Area 1 have all seen limit bags coming mostly to nymphs and dries. The boats have caught from similar places – Villice, Woodford, Walley, The Dam and North Shore. In cloudy conditions floating lines have worked well, but when the sun shines try using intermediate or sinking lines for more sport. Many different patterns and methods are working at present. The ever successful Diawl Bach in green, red or jungle cock, pheasant tail, buzzer, Soldier Palmer, Grenadier, Silver Invicta, Coral & Cormorant Booby, Zonker & Minky, have all been successful this week. The static fishing tactic is still catching but more people are finding pulled or retrieved flies are taking more fish.
Blagdon The bank fishing at Blagdon is still disappointing with fish coming from Cheddar Water & Butcombe but few fish appearing at the shallow end of the lake. The boats have fared much better though still fishing from the same areas as in recent weeks – The Dam, Butcombe, Cheddar, Pipe Bay and in front of the Lodge. Dries and emergers are working well if the fish are seen moving or during the evenings. In brighter conditions sinking lines are proving more useful when fished with nymphs and small flies. Diawl Bach, PTN, Hares Ear, Damsel, Montana, Stick Fly & Cormorants have all accounted for limit bags this week.
In the Blagdon Flyfishers competition this weekend the fourteen competitors took more than 100 fish. Top rod was MARK WITHYMAN with TONY BALDWIN second and JOHN BRAITHWAITE third.
Barrow No3 still seems to be the anglers favourite with fish rising early and late, and fair catches during the day by fishing slow nymphs or the Barrow Mouse. The water on 1 is now clearing but catches there have not been as good as 3.
Litton Although stocked recently fish are still hard to tempt on both lakes. The water levels on lower have now recovered but there is still a little algae. Top lake is clear but the fish have yet to really start feeding well.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 23
22nd August 2005
TOTAL CATCH 36,978
Weather: A cloudy start on Monday but sunny, hot conditions returned and remained for the rest of the week. Winds mostly light and westerly.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is often a little algae present at Barrows and Litton. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is around 18ºC.
For the past couple of weeks the boat fishing at Blagdon has been extremely good and anglers have been filling the available places as quickly as possible to share in the superb sport. Chew Valley has also fished quite well from both shore and boat but with the onset of hot, sunny weather Chew Valley catches fell off. But after three very bright days the fish at Chew suddenly turned on and some fantastic catches resulted, climaxing in the Bristol Water Teams Challenge competition on Sunday.
Ten teams of six anglers turned out to fish this friendly competition between local anglers and what a day they had. 41 of the 60 fishing completed their limit bags and there were no blanks. The rod average was a fantastic 6.7 fish per man and in two of the teams all six anglers ‘bagged up’. Eventual winners were team Tightlines whose 48 fish weighed 100lbs 12ozs. They also had the top individual with SCOTT GRAHAM. His limit weighed in at 18.15. Second were Bristol Reservoirs Fly Fishers whose 48 fish weighed 94.02, and third were last year’s winners, Blagdon Fly Fishers. After the weigh-in a complimentary buffet was enjoyed by all the competitors.
The bank anglers are also enjoying improved catches. Woodford, Walley, Nunnery and North Shore have all fished well early mornings and as the sun sets. Most are being taken on nymphs or small lures fished on floating lines but occasionally dries will work well when buzzers are hatching.
The boat fishermen have had the best success with slow sink or intermediate lines with a washing line set up. Coral & black boobies fished with holo Diawl Bachs and buzzers has been the most popular method with dries and emergers working if fish are rising. Villice, Woodford, The Dam and North Shore have been the most productive places.
The same methods apply to fishing from the boats at Blagdon. There the favourite areas have been in the deeper water – The Dam, Butcombe, North Bank and Cheddar Water. Although the weed is slowly dying back the shore fishing can still be hard but more fish are now being caught from North Shore, Orchard Bay, Ash Trees and Rainbow Pointn.
Anglers at the Barrows are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent years. No 1 has fished consistently all year but has a slight algal bloom which has slowed things down. No 3 is fishing well with good evening rises and plenty of fish during the day on nymphs and the mouse.
AUGUST BANK OFFER If you take out a bank fishing permit on any of our waters in August you may have another permit free of charge provided it is taken during August and is of the same type, i.e. on a ‘like for like’ basis.
Details of how the scheme operates are in the permit kiosks and at the Lodges, or you can phone us on 01275 332339
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 22
15th August 2005
TOTAL CATCH 35,732
Weather: A mixed week of weather with some heavy rain, bright sunshine and cloudy days. Mainly light westerly winds. Warmer forecast for the next few days.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is often a little algae present. Water levels are falling steadily. The surface temperature is 18ºC.
BLAGDON. Boat anglers have not found the fishing quite as easy this week but there have still been some excellent bags of fish taken mainly from the deeper water. At times there are plenty of fish moving and dries and emergers have been well worth a try. At other times nymphs on a floating line fished slowly have worked. Although most of the recent stocking has taken place in shallower end of the lake the fish still seem to move to the deeper areas. Bank anglers are now catching well from most areas and as the weed dies back things should improve further.
CHEW VALLEY After a large stocking last week the fishing from bank and boat has improved this week. Bank fishermen have taken limits from Woodford, Nunnery and North Shore. Most are coming to nymphs but when fish are showing an orange hopper or raider is a good bet. The boats have caught from the same areas as the bank fishermen but often bigger fish are being landed from Moreton and Stratford. Dries and emergers are taking plenty of fish but nymphs and mini lures can work well when fish are not showing. When using nymphs give them a bit of movement. Pearly PTN, green Diawl Bach and Montana are all popular at present.
BARROWS Another stocking takes place this week which should maintain the better fishing at the tanks. As always there are moving fish to be found most evenings but small dries and nymphs (14 & 16) are needed to tempt these fish.
LITTON Very few people are fishing Litton at present but when it is fished the catches have been very good. There are a few rising fish but most are taken on nymphs and small lures.
AUGUST BANK OFFER. If you take out a bank fishing permit on any of our waters in August you may have another permit free of charge provided it is taken during August and is of the same type, i.e. on a ‘like for like’ basis.
Details of how the scheme operates are in the permit kiosks and at the Lodges, or you can phone us on 01275 332339
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 21
8th August 2005
TOTAL CATCH 33,687
Weather: Cool, showery weather has given way to brighter warmer days and mainly light north-westerly breezes again this week, but at times some welcome light cloud has encouraged fish to show at the surface.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is still a little algae present. Water levels at all the lakes are falling steadily. The surface temperature has remained around 18ºC.
CHEW VALLEY This week boat anglers have found the best fishing off Moreton and Stratford, Wick Green, behind the Island and along the North Shore. It has often been possible to tempt moving trout with dries, although the majority of fish have been taken on nymphs such as Diawl Bachs, PTNs and Buzzers fished ‘washing line’ style with a Booby or other buoyant fly on the point to keep them up above the weed beds, which the trout are browsing for corixa, bloodworm and snail.
Bank anglers have found things improving this week, and, whilst it can still be hard fishing during the daytime, some better bags have been taken very early in the morning and late in the evening. Areas worth a look are North Shore, Woodford, Nunnery and Wick Green.
BLAGDON The excellent catches from the boats have continued this week, with plenty of moving fish in the deeper water off the dam and the Bywash, in front of the Lodge and across the middle from Butcombe to Home Bay, and in these areas it has been possible to catch on nymphs or dries all through the day.
Bank fishing has improved this week with good catches being taken from all the areas cleared of weed, particularly Rainbow Point, Green Lawn, High Bank, Ash Trees and Pegg’s Point.
As the water level continues to drop and the weed dies off, some really good late season bank fishing is anticipated.
BARROWS A pretty good week at the Barrows with fair evening rises at both lakes and still plenty of fish being taken during the day from the Pipe.
AUGUST BANK OFFER If you take out a bank fishing permit on any of our waters in August you may have another permit for free, so long as it is taken during August and is of the same type, i.e. on a ‘like for like’ basis.
Details of how the scheme operates are in the permit kiosks and at the Lodges, or you can phone us on 01275 332339.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 20
1st August 2005
TOTAL CATCH 31,774
Weather: Cool, showery weather has predominated this week, and mainly light north-westerly breezes have heralded better fishing conditions.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is a little algae present following the recent hot and sunny spells. Water levels at all the lakes continue to fall steadily. The surface temperature has fallen to around 18ºC.
CHEW VALLEY This week boat anglers have found the best fishing at Moreton, Herons Green, behind the Island and the North Shore. Despite evidence of quite vigorous surface activity these fish have been particularly difficult to tempt with dries, although the odd one will make a mistake occasionally. Better results have usually come to nymphs such as Diawl Bachs, PTNs and Buzzers fished ‘washing line’ style with a Booby or other buoyant fly on the point to keep the nymphs up above the weed beds, which the trout are browsing for corixa, bloodworm and snail.
Bank anglers have found things improving this week, and, whilst it can still be hard fishing during the daytime, some better bags have been taken very early in the morning and late in the evening. Areas worth a look are Woodford bank, Nunnery and Wick Green.
BLAGDON The better catches from the boats have continued this week, with some good evening rises in the deeper water from Butcombe to Home Bay, and at times it has been possible to catch all through the day on nymphs or dries, or by using similar surface tactics to Chew. Bank fishing has improved this week with good catches being taken all along the North shore with Ash Tree the favourite spot. Fish have also been taken in the areas cleared of weed at Green Lawn.
As the water levels continue to fall and the weed dies off, great bank fishing is in store.
BARROWS A pretty good week at the Barrows with fair evening rises at both lakes and still plenty of fish to be taken during the day from the Pipe.
LITTON Catches have been much better this week particularly from the lower lake. Gold heads and nymphs fished well down have taken well during the day with some fish coming to dries in the evenings.
AUGUST BANK OFFER If you take out a bank fishing permit on any of our waters in August you may have another permit for free, so long as it is taken during August and is of the same type, i.e. on a ‘like for like’ basis.
Details of how the scheme operates are in the permit kiosks and at the Lodges, or you can phone us on 01275 332339
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 19
25th July 2005
TOTAL CATCH 30,904
Weather: After a very hot sunny spell, with temperatures over 30ºC, the weather has changed, and rain and westerly winds have cooled the lakes with a consequent improvement in the fishing.
Water: Quality at all the waters is still mainly good although there is a little algae present following the recent sunny conditions. The levels continue to fall steadily. The surface temperature has fallen to around 19C.
CHEW VALLEY This week saw an improvement in boat catches. In the BRFFA Bristol Water Hidden Teams competition 42 boat rods caught 160 fish averaging 2lb 3oz. The best total bag was Martin Burgess’ limit, with time bonus, for 28lb 7oz, and the best fish was Dave Drake’s superb 6lb 4oz rainbow. Winner off the bank was Colin Oram with 3 fish for 7lbs. Martin and Colin both received a Greys GTX reel, and all participants received a prize when the hidden team results were revealed. Best bags on the day were taken fishing the ‘Washing Line’ technique on a floater – using a Booby to support a team of Diawl Bachs.
Late Result: on the same day the 2004 BRFFA Boat Knockout was finally completed: Mark Withyman came out the winner, beating Paul Golding into 2nd place by 5oz. Bank anglers have found things fairly difficult again this week, especially during the daytime, but some better bags have been taken very early in the morning or late in the evening.
BLAGDON The better catches from the boats have continued this week with good evening rises in the deeper water from Butcombe to Home Bay, and at times it has been possible to catch all through the day on nymphs or dries, using similar surface tactics to Chew. Marco Orsi took a fine rainbow of 5lb 4oz. Bank anglers have found a few fish in the areas cleared of weed- North Shore, Cheddar Water, Green Lawn and Wood Bay, but these places ‘grow over’ again very quickly.
BARROWS A pretty good week at the Barrows with fair evening rises at both lakes and still plenty of fish to be taken during the day from the Pipe.
PROSPECTS A big stocking to all the waters took place this week, and there are still more fish to go in during the next few days. This, combined with the cooler weather and some rain, should make things improve quickly. Bank fishing at Blagdon will remain hard while the weed continues to flourish but a real bonanza is on the cards there as the area of water gets smaller and the level falls.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 18
18th July 2005
TOTAL CATCH 29,638
Weather: A very hot, sunny week with temperatures over 30ºC recorded. Mostly light winds from NE and then west.
Water: Quality at all the waters still mainly good although there is algae present following the sunny conditions. The levels continue to fall steadily. The surface temperature is still around 23ºC.
CHEW VALLEY. This week saw the National finals of the Lexus European Open Teams Competition. 33 teams of six competed over three days in the hottest week of the year. On the first day the 66 anglers caught 219 fish, a very respectable result considering the hot sunny day. Most fish were taken on deep fished nymphs and boobies off the North & East Shores. Two days later things were very different with just 74 coming to the scales. Similar areas and tactics were still the order of the day but the fish were not feeding and many anglers struggled for a take. With the continuing sunny, hot weather things looked ominous for the third day, but a change in the wind direction and a slight fall in temperature turned the fish on and 278 fish were caught. Similar tactics were employed but Woodford Bank and the Dam were the best areas. Teams winning through to the International final included the following local teams: Team Tightlines, BRFFA Woodford, Blagdon Team Bristol Water, BRFFA Moreton and Witcombe Flyfishers. Bank anglers have found things difficult again this week especially during the daytime. Some better bags have been taken very early mornings or last thing at night.
BLAGDON. The better catches from the boats have continued this week with good evening rises in the deeper water from Butcombe to Home Bay. Bank anglers have found a few fish in the areas cleared of weed but the sunny conditions have encouraged the weed to grow quickly and these places ‘grow over’ very quickly.
BARROWS. A pretty good week at the Barrows with fair evening rises at both lakes and still plenty of fish taking during the day from the Pipe.
LITTON. Catches are much better this week from both lakes. Gold heads and nymphs fished well down have taken well during the day with some fish on dries later in the evenings.
PROSPECTS. Another massive stocking is planned to all the waters this week. Combined with the forecast of much cooler weather and some rain, things should improve quickly. Bank fishing at Blagdon will remain hard while the weed continues to flourish but this should begin to die off soon and a real bonanza is on the cards there as the area of water gets smaller as the levels fall.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 17
11th July 2005
TOTAL CATCH 28,213
Weather: The week started with fresh NE winds and ended with a heat wave! Forecast is for continuing hot, sunny weather with temperatures up to 30ºC.
Water: Quality at all the waters still very good. The levels are now falling quite fast on the main lakes. The surface temperature has now risen to 23ºC.
CHEW VALLEY A much better week for all anglers. The fresh breeze at the start of the week made boat fishing difficult but as the wind died anglers were able to control their retrieve speed better resulting in many more takes and fish. Nymphs need to be fished as slowly as possible for best results. Depth is crucial. Long leaders and midge-tip lines allow the flies to get well down where the fish are often feeding on daphnia, bloodworm and buzzers. As usual the most successful flies are Diawl Bachs & buzzers, but skinny Pheasant Tails and Hares Ears are also well worth trying. There are a few rising fish to be found during evenings and a small dry can then be very effective. Bank anglers have had some success this week but mainly very early or late in the day. As soon as the sun comes up the fish tend to move off-shore to the deeper water, but they do return when the sun sets and then very small nymphs and dries can then be very effective. Areas worth a try are Walley, North Shore, Woodford, Nunnery and Moreton.
BLAGDON This week has seen a great improvement in the fishing at Blagdon with plenty of moving fish to be found in the middle of the Lake. Favourite drifts are from Butcombe to Home Bay Point. Red dries in small sizes have taken some very good catches. On occasions you need to fish as small as 16’s to get takes but at other times the fish are happy to take size 10’s. Bank fishing is possible from the north side of the lake but few fish are taken during the daytime. MIKE EVES took the biggest fish this week, a 6lb brown from Butcombe. The fish swallowed his small gold-head Hares Ear fished on a floating line.
BARROWS The Barrows are still producing the best evening rises. Fish can be taken on small dries most evenings as they feed on the hatching buzzers and sedges close to the shore. Daytime a static mouse is worth a try but remember you must not leave your rod unattended while fishing this method.
LITTON Another difficult week at Litton. The Top Lake is in need of a ‘freshen up’ as there has been little inflow into the lake during the past few weeks. Fish can still be taken in the deepest part of the lake around the Dam. The best fishing has been on the lower lake.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 16
4th July 2005
TOTAL CATCH 26,838
Weather: Another warm week but plenty of cloud and some showers. The wind has been fresh at times and often stays up during the evening.
Water: Quality at all the waters still very good. The small amount of rain has made no difference to the levels which continue to fall. Water temperature at surface is still 19ºC.
CHEW VALLEY A much needed boost of 5,000 fish has made the fishing much better for all anglers this week. The fish have been well spread around the lake yet many of the fish make a beeline straight towards the North Shore and back of the Island. Villice has fished quite well at times, as have Moreton, Stratford & the False Island. Bank anglers have found the North Shore, Woodford, Walley and Nunnery to be best. Nymphs fished slowly on long leaders or washing line have been best though there are a few fish moving on the better evenings.
BLAGDON The extreme weed growth on the south side of Blagdon has made fishing from the shore almost impossible. The weed cutting boat has been working hard and Howard has cut many areas on Cheddar Water, Green Lawn, Rainbow and Wood Bay to a depth of 8 feet, but the growth rate is so fast that it often takes just a couple of days for the swims to clog back up. The boats have fared better with some very good rises during the evenings and on the better days.
BARROWS. Rising fish are still a feature at the Barrows. Most evenings there is a good hatch of small buzzers and sedges and the fish come close in-shore to feed on the surface. Dries and emergers are the best way to take these fish. Daytime a static mouse is worth a try but remember you must not leave your rod unattended while fishing this method.
LITTON A hard week at Litton with few fish taken. Weed growth on the lower lake has limited the fishable areas, but on the top lake fishing around the margins in the deep areas will still take fish.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 15
27th June 2005
TOTAL CATCH 25,438
Weather: Another very warm & sunny week. One day of rain and thunderstorms helped to cool the air temperature. Westerly winds for first few days and then back to north-easterlies.
Water: Quality at all the waters still very good with 10 feet visibility at Chew. Water temperature at surface has remained at 19ºC.
 CHEW VALLEY Difficult fishing at the start of the week but good again by the weekend. Fish were found off the North Shore and Island by competitors practicing for the Lexus teams contest, but on the competition day things had changed and Villice Bay started to fish and produced the best catch and biggest bags. Some fish were taken from the False island too. Deep nymphs still accounted for the best catches but the washing line also worked well when fished over or near the weed beds. Blagdon Fly Fishers topped the final listing with Team Tightlines, BRFFA Woodford and Witcombe Fly Fishers also qualifying for the next round. TONY BALDWIN took best bag with 8 fish weighing 21.08. NIK LONG came second with 9 fish for 21.06.
On day two seven teams lined up on another hot, sunny day. Villice Bay again proved to be the best area on the Lake. Surprise winners were Animal Team Kingsbridge. They were followed by BRFFA Moreton, Team Snowbee and Chew Flyers. PAUL GOLDING was top rod with NIGEL EVANS catching the best fish, a rainbow of 5.12. Bank fishermen have been finding things harder this week with fish around early morning and late evening, but soon disappearing to deeper water when the sun gets up. Nunnery, North Shore and Woodford are well worth a try.
Also held on Chew Valley this week was a float tubing trial day. 28 anglers took part but struggled to catch, see the pictures!
 BLAGDON Bank anglers continue to struggle at Blagdon. The heavy weed growth is impossible to clear but Howard is out every day in the weed cutting boat doing his best! Boats are still catching but it is often later in the day when the fish begin to take some interest. Plenty of sedges hatching but few buzzers appearing until near darkness.
BARROWS Barrow continues to have the best of the evening rises with fish showing most nights. Locals use very small nymphs and dries to tempt these fish (size 14 & 16). During the day a static mouse is worth a try but remember you must not leave your rod unattended while fishing this method.
LITTON Both Lakes have fished pretty well again this week. Fish falling to nymphs & gold-heads during the day with some being taken on emergers during the evening.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 14
20th June 2005
TOTAL CATCH 24,132
Weather: A very hot, mainly sunny week combined with moderate breezes.
Water: Quality at all the waters still mainly good. Water temperature at surface has increased to 19ºC.
BLAGDON The hot weather does not seem to have affected Blagdon as much as the other waters. The lake remains very clear with visibility of more than 8 feet in most places. Weed growth is increasing fast and though Howard has been doing his very best to keep on top of it with the weed-cutting boat. Bank anglers are still finding the fishing difficult but there have been some very good results from the boats. Fish are being taken from all areas. During the very bright conditions the fish tend to move offshore into deeper water but often return to the shallows when the sun begins to go down. Some fish being taken from the surface but most falling to nymphs and gold heads fished well down.
BARROWS Barrow 2 continues to produce fish for the few anglers who are prepared to fish it. 1 & 3 have had some very good rises but daytime fishing is more difficult unless fishing on the inlets or fishing at distance with a mouse.
CHEW VALLEY Fishing at Chew has been much harder this week. The sun has brought on an algal bloom and clarity is poor in many of the shallower spots. The deeper areas are the clearest especially around the Dam, North Shore and Island and the middle of the lake have been the best areas for boat fishing. Buzzers and Diawl Bachs fished very deep and slow are still the most popular patterns but some fish have been tempted by blobs and boobies pulled on sinking lines. Recent favourite areas such as East Shore, Moreton & Stratford have seen less fish being caught. Nunnery, Walley, Moreton and North Shore have been the favourite banks and often wading is required at other shallower places to get past the weed. In the final SW eliminator for the England National squad 30 anglers managed only 41 fish. Winner was TONY CHIPMAN who took 5 fish. Other qualifiers to fish the final at Rutland were ANDY HASKINS, JOHN HORSEY, MARK MILES, DEREK STENNER, MARK WITHYMAN, JOHN HUMPHRIES, SIMON GURNEY, TONY BALDWIN & TONY WRIGHT.
LITTON Both Lakes have fished pretty well again this week. Fish falling to nymphs & gold-heads during the day with some being taken on emergers during the evening.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 13
13th June 2005
TOTAL CATCH 22,366
Weather: A much brighter week with plenty of sunshine often combined with a fresh, cool wind. Wind dropping on some evenings.
Water: Quality at all the waters now good except where the wind has caused some colour from stirred up mud & silt.. The cool breezes have kept the water temperature at 14ºC.
The bright conditions this week have made fishing a little more difficult especially from the shore. As soon as the sun rises the fish have tended to move into deeper water, not returning until the sun starts to weaken in the evenings. Many of the regular bank anglers are waiting until the last couple of hours before wetting a line. During the daytime boats have taken fish but mainly fishing deep & slow with nymphs away from the shallows.
 BARROWS With the planned drain-down of Barrow 2 progressing slowly anglers have been taking advantage of the small area of water left to tempt the few remaining fish in the water. Although browns were stocked there this spring no rainbows were planted. So when EDWARD LEACH connected to a big fish here he thought he’d hooked a brown. When he eventually netted the fish he found he’d taken an over-wintered rainbow of 7lbs 2ozs, the biggest fish from the Barrows so far this year. It shows that the policy of stocking triploids does mean more and bigger fish surviving the winter. Elsewhere on 1&2 there are plenty of fish showing later in the day and many fishing dries to tempt them. Daytime is more difficult but nymphs and mice fished deep have accounted for several limit bags too.
LITTON Both Lakes have fished well this week. Plenty of fish to gold-heads during the day with some better evening rises producing fish to buzzers and emergers in the evening.
BLAGDON There is considerable weed growth now appearing on the south side of the lake. Howard has been busy in the weed-cutting boat clearing an area at Wood bay and part of Rainbow Point. This week should see the rest of the south shore weed cutting completed. Areas off the north bank are not so bad. Fish are moving closer inshore near these weeded spots where there is plenty of food – corixa, damsel flies, buzzers, water mites and daphnia – and fish feeding on them. Boats are now catching fish from most areas of the Lake mainly on nymphs but some on the surface during the better evenings.
CHEW VALLEY Bank anglers are finding things much harder during the sunny days of the past week but often catching well when the sun starts to set. Best bag from the bank competitors in this weekends ORVIS competition run by the B.R.F.F.A. was just three fish! This catch from the North Shore was enough to win MALCOLM FISHER top spot and an Orvis rod. Boats fared better averaging over 3.5 fish per person. MARK MILES claimed first place with a limit bag from behind the Island. Second was STEVE WINSTONE whose 7 fish catch included a brown of 4.13. Third and fourth were RODNEY MARCH and ANDY GOODING who both completed their limits of eight fish. Most of the fish taken were on long leaders with Diawl Bach Nymphs and Buzzers. These need to be fished as slowly as possible to imitate the bloodworms and buzzer nymphs the trout are feeding on. Corixa feeders are also starting to show in Herons, Moreton, Stratford & North Shore.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 12
6th June 2005
TOTAL CATCH 20,666
 Weather: The unsettled weather continues. Plenty of rain, strong winds and cold for the time of year. Few calm evenings and very little sunshine.
Water: Chew Valley is a little coloured but Blagdon is very clear. Barrow 3 has had some algae but appears to be clearing as has Lower Litton. Levels are steady at all the lakes. The surface temperature is now 14ºC.
CHEW VALLEY After last week’s report of three big browns, this week we have two even bigger fish from Chew Valley. The biggest trout of the season so far was caught from Nunnery Point by JOHN DYSON, fishing from the shore. The 11lb rainbow took a dragon fly nymph and a shaking John took the fish to the Lodge to be weighed and witnessed. When he’d calmed down he returned to Nunnery and promptly hooked and landed another of six pounds. On the following day IAN CAISLEY from Scotland captured a huge 10.12 brown from the boat. This fish was took a tiny size 14 green-headed Diawl Bach nymph. Fishing throughout the week had been very inconsistent. On the better days plenty of fish were taken, mainly on nymphs fished very slowly. On other days the wind was so strong it was impossible to fish carefully except at anchor and the drift fishermen had to resort to pulling bright lures on sinking lines. The Association of Major Clubs held their Chew heat in very windy conditions and the anglers managed only 2 fish per person average. Bristol Reservoirs’ Fly fishers won the event with a team total of 25 fish. The following day the wind calmed and the Southern Federation held their eliminator. Of the 36 anglers fishing, ten caught their limit and together they averaged 5.5 fish per person, an excellent competition and result. Favourite areas afloat have been East Shore, Wick, Moreton, Woodford & North Shore. The bank fishermen have found Woodford , Nunnery, Moreton Point and Walley the best places for sport from the shore.
 BLAGDON Better fishing again this week for the boat anglers but still difficult in many areas on the bank. Boats are now reporting plenty of fish from Pegs, Ash Trees, Wood Bay, Rainbow, Home Bay and Butcombe. Plenty of sedges now hatching during the evenings. On occasions there have been fish moving on the surface and taking dries but the most successful method has been nymphs and gold heads fished slow & deep.
BARROW The algal bloom on 3 has made the fishing hard there this week but it does now appear to be clearing fast. No 1 continues to fish from the A38 wall and there have been some surprising catches from 2. Browns were stocked before the start of the season but no rainbows. Even so several good rainbows have been taken as well as plenty of fat browns. The mouse is accounting for fish during the daytime but small dries and buzzers are favourite during the evenings.
LITTON The algal bloom is now dispersing slowly but fishing on the Lower Lake is still slow. The top lake is clear and this is where the best catches have been taken. Fishing near the dam end close to the banks with goldheads or intermediate lines and nymphs are the best methods. Further up the lake fish will be found in the middle. Dries will sometimes work but damsel flies, mini tadpoles, PTN, HEN and Diawl Bach are the favourite patterns. Both waters will be stocked this week.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 11
30th May 2005
TOTAL CATCH 18,182
 Weather: A very unsettled week with conditions ranging from near gale force southerly winds to sunny days with temperatures near 30ºC. In between there was the odd better fishing day but even then it was often cold.
Water: The strong winds stirred up the main lakes but as soon as it calmed the water quickly cleared. Levels steady and the temperature remains around 13ºC.
CHEW VALLEY. A week of hard fishing in vary variable conditions produced some incredible brown trout, including one of the biggest ever taken at Chew. On Wednesday Henry Russell captured an 8.04 brownie from the boat in Villice Bay. On the following day he and several friends returned to the same area and Willie Patrick hooked and landed a beautiful hen fish of 10.09. This fish took a large sparkler fished on a sinking line. On Saturday in near gale force winds a third massive fish was taken, this time an 8.09 specimen which fell to Martin Conroy fishing a Diawl Bach nymph. Bank anglers have still found fish in Herons Green Bay from Nunnery and Moreton sides. Moreton Point has been the hotspot. Boats have struggled to find consistent fishing with Moreton and Stratford producing one day, and East Shore and the Island the next. Small flies fished slowly still seems to work best but there have been more fish taken on pulled flies in the windy conditions. In the SW eliminator fished on Sunday a bag of 7 fish for 15.11 was enough to secure a win for Tony Baldwin. Richard Cobbledick came second with 6 and Rob Honour was third also with 6 fish. The 24 anglers averaged 3 fish per person. Most found fish in the East Shore or Moreton with nymphs.
BLAGDON. At last the Lake is beginning to fish as it should in May with limit bags from the boats and more fish caught from the shores. Pegs Point, Wood bay & Rainbow Point have all fished well and fish are still being found in Butcombe Bay. The fish are staying deep most of the time but are being taken on small nymph patterns.  There are plenty of sedge starting to hatch and these may entice the fish onto the surface during the evenings. Some corixa are appearing around the new weed beds and these will always have some trout feeding on them throughout the day. Best fish of the week was a borwn of 6.11 caught by John Fry. It took a size 12 black buzzer. Ted Pozniak had the biggest rainbow of the week, a 5.12 fish also taken on a buzzer.
BARROW Good catches have been taken at both waters this week with some very good evening rises. Small nymphs and dries are the best during the rises fished on or near the surface. During the daytime the Mouse is always worth a try but fish are taken on nymphs fished slow and deep close to the banks when conditions are right.
LITTON The lower lake has a green algal bloom at present which is making fishing more difficult although there have been a few fish moving in the evenings. At the top lake the water is clear and this is where the best catches have been taken. Near the dam end fishing close to the banks with goldheads or intermediate lines and nymphs is the best method. Further up the lake fish will be found in the middle. Dries will sometimes work but damsel flies, mini tadpoles, PTN, HEN and Diawl Bach are the favourite patterns.
Up until 1969 there had only ever been one fish taken from Chew over 10lbs. Now it seems there's one taken every couple of years. Is it because more get returned nowadays? All three large fish taken this week were in excellent conditions and the two 8's fought very well. There is a story to the 10.09. The anglers hooked the fish which came off near the surface after a few seconds. He threw the fly back on the water and the fish immediately turned and engulfed the fly, right down it's throat. The fish splashed about on the top and he had it in the net before the fish had time to start fighting, hooked and landed within ten seconds! What a capture! Fishing on Chew has got tougher but Blagdon is now improving. Funny that two lakes 6 miles apart can be so different.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 10
23rd May 2005
TOTAL CATCH 17,067
Weather: A cold, windy start to the week but warmer at the weekend. Heavy rain and gusting south- westerly winds made fishing uncomfortable at times.
Water: Levels falling very slowly at the main lakes but rising at the Barrows (except 2 which is being drained). Clarity is mainly good at all the Lakes and the surface temperature is 13ºC.
COMPETITIONS There were more boat competitions at Chew Valley this week. On Thursday to Saturday the Lexus European Flyfishing Individual Championships south-west heats were held. Conditions were not good with a fresh SE to SW wind, heavy rain at times and quite cold. Over the 3 days 150 anglers caught 350 trout, a rod average of 2.3. Individual heat winners were Rob Honour, Alec Vanrijkel and Gary Haydon. The third heat of the Evening Competition resulted in a win for Simon Pritchett with six fish. Second was Sag Griffith, and third Martin Faulkner. With seven heats to go the field is still wide open- current leaders are Mark Withyman, John Harris and Martin Burgess. The next heat is on the 2nd June, and it’s a 6pm start. Anyone can enter ,and it’s your best 5 results that count, so why not give it a go? The one-off entry fee is £10 plus the cost of an evening boat.
CHEW VALLEY Fish are now being found in most places around the Lake. Favourite areas are Wick, Stratford, Moreton, Nunnery, Woodford and North Shore. The bank fishing has been harder this week mainly due to the strong winds preventing fishing from many of the best spots. Nymphs on floating and intermediate lines have been the most successful though a few anglers have caught on fast, fished bright mini lures. Best fish: Paul Morris took a 6lb 5oz brown.
BLAGDON Butcombe Bay remains the best area on the Lake for boat and bank, and the strong winds this week have not helped anglers who wish to fish other places. More fish have been stocked this week and the hope is that these fish will stir up the resident fish in the shallows.
BARROW Anglers fishing in the sheltered areas have been catching well at the Barrows especially on the A38 side of No 1. Small flies and dries are the order of the day. There have been encouraging evening rises, but often the mornings have been too cold for much hatch. Surprisingly there have been some good browns taken from Barrow 2. This lake is now well down with lots of exposed soft mud so great care must be taken if fishing here. Best fish: David Coates took a rainbow of 5lb 4oz.
LITTON Both Lakes are fishing well with fish coming mainly to nymphs and gold-heads. Very few rising fish so far. Bookings are heavy but there are some days available next month.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Week 9
16th May 2005
TOTAL CATCH 15,067
Weather: A cold, windy start to the week but warmer at the weekend. Mostly cloudy but dry. Some frosts at night.
Water: Levels falling very slowly at the main lakes but rising at the Barrows (except 2 which is being drained). Clarity is mainly good at all the Lakes and the surface temperature is 13ºC.
The first of the major boat competitions were held at Chew Valley this week. On Thursday the Fulling Mill/Anglian Water, south-west heat was held. Conditions were not good with a fresh NE wind, bright sun but quite cold. There were eight teams of six anglers competing for four places in the English final to be held at Grafham. The 48 anglers managed to take 243 fish, an average of over 5 fish per person. There were 12 anglers who completed limits and no blanks! Winners were the WOODFORD team of Bristol Reservoirs They managed a catch of 42 fish between them. The other three qualifiers were Team Tightlines, BRFFA team MORETON, and Carbotech Kingfishers. On the Friday Rolls Royce held a national competiton for their employees. It was fishing from the shore at Blagdon and Chew Valley. The day was windy and cool and fish were scarce. Only 52 fish were weighed in, the winner Steve Stickland, catching six fish. Blagdon Fly Fishers held their first match of the year at Chew Valley on Sunday. The day dawned very bright and flat calm, ideal conditions!!! The fish were not really keen on feeding but the 18 fishing did catch 72 fish. Winner was JOHN HARRIS whose seven fish catch weighed 17.15. The ever-consistent TONY BALDWIN was second, his limit bag weighing 17.04 and JERRY CLARKE also took his bag of 8 weighing 16.01for third spot.
CHEW VALLEY Fish are now being found in most places around the Lake. Favourite areas are Wick, Stratford, Moreton, Nunnery, Woodford and North Shore. The bank fishing has been harder this week mainly due to the strong, cold wind preventing fishing from many of the best spots. Nymphs on floating and intermediate lines have been the most successful ‘though a few anglers have caught on fast, fished bright mini lures.
BLAGDON Butcombe Bay remains the best area on the Lake for boat and bank, and the strong winds this week have not helped anglers who wish to fish other places. More fish have been stocked this week and the hope is that these fish will stir up the resident fish in the shallows.
BARROW Anglers fishing in the sheltered areas have been catching well at the Barrows especially on the A38 side of No 1. Small flies and dries are the order of the day. There have been encouraging evening rise at the tanks but often the mornings have been too cold for much hatch. Surprisingly there have been some good browns taken from Barrow 2. This lake is now well down with lots of exposed soft mud so great care must be taken if fishing here.
LITTON Both Lakes are fishing well with fish coming mainly to nymphs and gold-heads. Very few rising fish so far. Bookings are heavy but there are some days available next month.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK 8
9th May 2005
TOTAL CATCH 13,266
 Weather: A warm start to the week but colder, strong north winds for the weekend. Some showers but mainly sunny.
Water: Levels are steady except at Barrow 3, which is being filled. Clarity good at all the Lakes. The temperature at the surface is 13ºC.
Although the weather has improved this week the cold northerly winds combined with bright sunshine have made things difficult at times. Earlier in the week the conditions were much better and the fish responded by feeding well near the surface.
CHEW VALLEY May is often the month when the browns start to feed well and this year has been no exception with two excellent fish taken from the boats fishing the North Shore area. The biggest fish was one of at least seven pounds captured by ANDREW HEDGER on a Diawl Bach. MARK WITHYMAN landed another of five pounds and both fish were returned to grow even bigger. And the bigger rainbows have also been in evidence with a 6.09 fish being taken by D. HARRISON from the bank on an emerger while MARTIN KINSEY (pictured) took one of 5.04 from the boat. E A WEST managed to take a good fish of each species, a brown of 5.02 and a rainbow of 5.01. CHRIS BAIRD from Co Antrim, N. Ireland is becoming a bit of a Chew Valley regular. For the last three weeks he and his five companions have flown from Belfast to Bristol for a days fishing! They leave at 7am, are fishing by 10.30 for the day, and return home by 11pm. The cost of the day with air-fares, taxi and fishing is just £60.00 each for the day. They think it’s fantastic value for money as they have no equivalent fishing locally of the same quality. The fishing areas and methods have remained very similar to last week but there are a few more fish now being found off Wick and in the middle of the Lake.
BLAGDON Butcombe Bay is still the favourite place for boat anglers fishing at Blagdon though fish are now being taken from many other areas - Orchard Bay, Ash Trees, Home Bay and Rainbow Point. The bank fishing has become more difficult and weed is beginning to show on some of the south shores. This could help to pull fish onto the shores. Best fish of the week was a 5.07 rainbow caught by M L JOHNSON from a boat.
BARROW Anglers fishing in the sheltered areas have been catching well at the Barrows especially on the A38 side of No 1. Small flies and dries are the order of the day. There have been encouraging evening rise at the tanks but often the mornings have been too cold for much hatch.
LITTON A 5.12 rainbow was the highlight of a trip to Litton for M BEALE. The fish was taken from the Lower Lake on a small nymph. Both Lakes are fishing well and have been less affected by the very cold winds than the main Lakes as they are very sheltered. May is very heavily booked at Litton but there are still some days available into June.
PROSPECTS Weed is now growing at all the Lakes and this can be good and bad news for anglers. The weed beds are full of insect life and food for the trout so there are always feeding fish around and amongst the weeds. But this can be a problem when hooking and landing these powerful trout. Try fishing with only a single fly close to the margins of the growth and when you hook a fish there will be less chance of the fish becoming snagged as when fishing with two or more flies. If the fish dives deep into the weed and is un-moveable, release the tension on the line and sometimes the fish will swim free on its own accord. Corixa increase in numbers as the water warms and this food source is always available to the trout even in bright sunshine or strong winds. Imitating them can be difficult but often Diawl Bach, Pearly PTN and claret dries catch well when they’re feeding hard on the water-boatmen. Morning and evening rises should be better over the next few weeks. With a start time of an hour before sunrise sport can be well worth trying as the fish come close inshore. You often find you’ll be the only fisherman there!
For this weeks full results table click HERE
Also caugh this week was this magnificant Eel estimated at 7lbs from Blagdon
WEEK 7
2nd May 2005
TOTAL CATCH 11,589
Weather: At long last we are getting some warmer weather! Less windy and occasionally sunny, but with some severe thunderstorms with heavy showers or hail. Some calmer mornings & evenings
Water: Levels are steady except at Barrow 3, which is being filled. Some green algae at the surface on calm days, but mostly clear. The temperature at the surface has risen to 13ºC.
 CHEW VALLEY An excellent week for both boat & bank fishermen. With the arrival of some warmer conditions sport has improved quickly with many anglers catching on dries and plenty of fish showing. Although the water is still cold the fish have begun to feed well in several areas, mainly places where the wind has blown the daphnia and flies. Both boat and bank anglers have found these the best areas to fish. At times the residual fish from last season have been found feeding heavily and some superb bags of fish have been captured. These fish are often very lean but full finned and fighting fit with many of them over four and five pounds. The favourite area for these fish has been Moreton Bank and Stratford while Herons Green, Villice, Nunnery & north Shore have been producing good catches of this year’s stock fish. The most successful method has been floating lines, long leaders and nymphs, but at time pulling lures or traditional and even dry flies have worked. Try Diawl Bach, Black Buzzer, Pheasant Tail, Damsel Nymph, Bits Emerger, Booby and Cactus Fly.
Best fish this week- all from the boats- Steve Winstone had a 6lb brown which was returned, Roger King caught a 6lb 13oz rainbow on a dry off Woodford, and Brian Gray took a 7lb 7oz rainbow on a size 12 Diawl Bach in Villice bay.
BLAGDON Better fishing from most areas for bank anglers – Butcombe still favourite for boats. At last Blagdon is starting to fish more consistently especially from the shore. The boats are still finding Butcombe the best place but those who have ventured away from there have found better fish all the way up to Top End. In Butcombe most boats are fishing at anchor with nymphs fished on sinking lines but Polish Water and Home Bay are also well worth a try. Green Lawn, Rainbow Point, Ash Trees, Orchard Bay and North Shore are all worth fishing from the shore. Nymphs fished on long leaders well down is still the most successful method ‘though there are a few fish beginning to move at times and dries & emergers are worth a try.
BARROW Fish coming from 1 & 3 with some good evening rises. The warmer weather has produced rising fish early & late on and many anglers are now catching on dries. During the day nymphs and lures fished deeper have caught especially on the Treatment Works bank of 3 and the A38 bank of 1.
LITTON Excellent catches on both lakes. Litton continues to fish well. It is a very sheltered venue and is less affected by wind than our larger waters. This often means there are feeding fish when the main Lakes are more difficult. Few moving fish yet but plenty to nymphs on floating lines. The top lake fished well this week around the dam area and mid-way up the lake. The lower lake produced well around the barrier net.
PROSPECTS May is usually a very good month at the Bristol Water lakes as the buzzers hatch in large numbers and snail, corixa & sedges increase in numbers. Early morning and late evening will find fish moving but during the day fish can still be found moving if conditions are good or in sheltered areas. The resident browns begin to feed more and there is a good chance of catching a really big fish. Anglers have been commenting on the incredible fighting qualities of the fish at present, and this can only improve as the fish pack on weight over the next few weeks.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK6
25th April 2005
Weather: Another cold week but less wind and occasional sunny spells. Often showery.
Water: Levels have risen very slightly at Chew and Blagdon and Barrow 3 is rising steadily. Barrow 1 & 2 remain well below top level. The temperature at the surface is about 11ºC.
CHEW VALLEY A much better week for boat anglers while the bank fishermen are still enjoying excellent sport. Although the water is still cold the fish have begun to feed well in several areas, mainly places where the wind has blown the daphnia and flies. Both boat and bank anglers have found these the best areas to fish. At times the residual fish from last season have been found feeding heavily and some superb bags of fish have been captured. These fish are often very lean but full finned and fighting fit with many of them over four and five pounds. The favourite area for these fish has been Moreton Bank and Stratford while Herons Green, Villice and Nunnery have been producing good catches of this year’s stock fish. The most successful method has been floating lines, long leaders and nymphs but at time pulling lures or traditionals and even dry flies have worked. Try Diawl bach, Black Buzzer, Zulu, Grenadier, Hopper, Bits Emerger, Cormorant and Cactus Fly. The first eliminator was fished this weekend and the competitors averaged nearly 5 fish per man with 6 anglers managing to take their 8 fish limit. Winner was MARK WITHYMAN closely followed by MARK MILES and ALAN WILLIAMS. The top ten go through to fish the final eliminator in June. Best fish this week was a five pound plus brown caught on a dry fly and returned by MARTIN COTTIS.
BLAGDON Better fishing from most areas for bank anglers – Butcombe still favourite for boats. At last Blagdon is starting to fish more consistently especially from the shore. The boats are still finding Butcombe the best place but those who have ventured away from there have found some better fish. Tony Baldwin fishing near Rugmoor had three fish of over 4lbs in his bag all taken on small nymphs. In Butcombe most boats are fishing at anchor with nymphs fished on sinking lines but Polish Water and Home Bay are also well worth a try. The best banks have been Rainbow Point, Ash Trees, Orchard Bay and North Shore. Nymphs again have proved the most successful. JOHN NADIN took a 5.06 brown on a dry fly from the boat while M HASKINS landed one of 4.09 on a red buzzer.
BARROW Fish coming from 1 & 3 with some good evening rises. The fish at the Barrows appear to be feeding best where the available food has been blown ie the south-west sides of the lakes. Most fish are taken on nymphs but there have been some quite good rises on the better evenings and very small dries are the well worth a try.
LITTON Excellent catches on both lakes. Litton is well sheltered from the NE winds and have been less affected by them. So far there have been few rises but catches on intermediate lines with nymphs & mini lures have been exceptional. The lower lake is favourite but fishing along the dam and deep banks on the top lake is usually successful during the day. E MALTBY took the best fish from Litton this week, a 5.00 rainbow.
PROSPECTS Although it’s taking a long time for the weather to warm the water things are starting to happen with large hatches of green buzzer appearing at Chew & Blagdon. There is plenty of daphnia in the water and a few corixa are now being seen too. With a large stocking to all the lakes this week we should see some good fishing over the bank holiday period.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK 5
18th April 2005
Weather: Another cold week with very strong winds at times. Some heavy rain over the weekend.
Water: Levels have risen very slightly at Chew. Barrow 3 is filling and will be near top level in the next few weeks. Barrow 2 will be drawn down and emptied in the future. The temperature at the surface is about 10ºC.
BLAGDON A better week for the Blagdon regulars as most areas have been fishable despite the very strong winds. Bank fishing appears to be improving all around the Lake with good catches reported from Wood Bay, Rainbow Point, Home Bay, Butcombe, Ash Trees & Pegs Point. Methods remain the same – long leaders on floating lines with nymphs and buzzers. The boat fishermen are still finding ‘patches’ of feeding fish and these are often very local. Butcombe is still doing well but Polish Water and Home Bay have also seen some very good bags of fish. Sinking lines at anchor are the favourite method.
CHEW VALLEY The Bay areas are still the best place to fish from boat and bank especially with the strong south and west winds. Herons Green, Nunnery, Villice Bay and Woodford have all seen limit bags from the shore coming to small nymphs and goldheads. The boats have found plenty of fish close to the shores in Herons and along the road embankment. Villce has also done well but few fishermen are venturing to the north and east side of the Lake as it has been well stirred up by the winds. Fish still seem to be shoaling in many places. Best fish of the week was a six-pound rainbow taken by S. BARTLETT from the bank.
BARROW The level in Barrow 2 continues to fall slowly and few anglers are fishing there but the other lakes are fishing quite well. There have been few moving fish so far as the weather has been too cold but fish can be taken on floating lines and smaller flies. The mouse is now beginning to work on both 1 & 3.
PROSPECTS Although the weather has been poor for the last couple of weeks things should now be starting to happen with weed beginning to grow and insect life staring to proliferate. Daphnia should also become more plentiful and corixa will increase in numbers and activity.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK4
11th April 2005
Weather: Winter returned this week for a few days with very cold, strong winds from the north west and even a few wintery showers. Improving again for the weekend with less wind and some brighter spells.
Water: Levels remain steady at all the lakes. The main lakes are now mainly clear except where the winds have stirred up silt. The temperature at the surface has fallen slightly to 11ºC.
 BLAGDON The best fish to be taken at the lakes this year fell to RICHARD EVANS of Bristol on Saturday. Fishing from a boat in Butcombe Bay Richard hooked the fish, an 8lb 2oz brown, whilst fishing a small black booby on a sinking line. The fish was in terrific condition and fought well. This area of the Lake has been the favourite spot for boat & bank anglers at present. Most fish have fallen to nymphs and small lures fished deep and slow although there have been occasions when a few fish have been seen moving on the surface feeding on the hatching black buzzers. Fish are also being taken from Orchard Bay, Rugmoor, Rainbow and Wood Bay when conditions allow. Best patterns are Buzzers, Pheasant Tail nymphs, Diawl Bach, Black Goldheads, Cormorant and Viva
CHEW VALLEY Villice Bay has been the hot spot for fishing at Chew this week. Sheltered from the strong, cold winds and with plenty of black buzzers hatching, anglers have found plenty of feeding fish. The bank anglers have been using floating lines with nymphs to tempt good bags while the boat fishermen have found intermediate lines to be most effective. Smaller flies have worked well but occasionally lures and boobies have also worked well. Other areas worth trying have been Nunnery, Herons Green and Walley Bank. S. HARVEY took the best reported fish from Chew this week, a 5.04 rainbow which took a small nymph from the North Shore.
BARROW The level in Barrow 2 continues to fall and few anglers are fishing there but the other lakes are fishing quite well after the recent stocking. On 1 G LEWIS took 5.04 and 4.15 rainbows on a Diawl Bach nymph. No 3 is still producing fish from the corner near the steps.
LITTON Plenty of fish being taken on both Lakes on goldheads and nymphs. Few rising fish but no need for sinking lines.
 A story from earlier in the season!!
Pictured to the left is Les Toogood and his catch from opening day on Chew Valley. He caught this terrapin on a fly from Stratford!!
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK 3
4th April 2005
Weather: A mixture of sun, cloud, showers and some blustery westerly and southerly winds.
Water: Levels remain steady at all the lakes. There has been some colour in the main lakes but generally visibility is now good. Surface temperature is 12ºC.
CHEW VALLEY Things have now calmed down after the frantic opening days. The changeable weather has encouraged fishing from different parts of the Lake on different days, and the bank anglers have at times enjoyed excellent fishing. There have been massive hatches of black midge which has encouraged the fish to feed and good catches are being reported on buzzer patterns, Diawl Bachs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs and small gold heads fished on long leaders and floating lines. There is also plenty of daphnia in the water and fish can be found cruising at a variety of depths feeding heavily. A small bright mini lure pulled back on an intermediate line will often prove effective for these fish.
Boat anglers have sometimes had trouble staying close enough to the shores where the bank anglers are doing well. Those who have fished quieter areas or tight to shores where no bank fishing is allowed have done well – Herons Green Bank, Moreton Bank and Herriotts Bridge. The deep water areas have yet to produce.
Best fish of the week were; Martin Burgess with a splendid 7lb 12oz rainbow from North Shore, and Tom Timms with a 6lb 02 rainbow, also from the bank.
BLAGDON After an unsteady start Blagdon has come on in leaps and bounds, producing many good bags to bank and boat. Much of the fishing has involved boobies or goldheads fished slow and deep, but several anglers have reported excellent rises to emerging black buzzers over the deep water out from the Lodge, and Tim Appleton managed to catch six on dries on a mild afternoon. The water warming up and clearing augures well for more nymph and dry fly sport as the season progresses.
Best fish of the week: John Fry took a 5lb 14oz rainbow from a boat and Mr C. Howarth another of 5lb 07oz.
BARROW It is hardly practical to fish No2 any more due to the very low level, but 1 and 3 are still fishing well to small nymphs and lures.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK 2
OPENING OF THE SEASON 18TH – 28TH MARCH 2005
Weather: A warm settled week with plenty of sunshine and no rain. Winds have been mainly easterly and light.
Water: Levels remain steady at all the lakes. There has been some colour in the main lakes but generally visibility is now good. Surface temperature is 11ºC.
CHEW VALLEY Things have now calmed down after the frantic opening days. The warm, settled weather has allowed fishing from most areas of the Lake and the bank anglers have enjoyed excellent fishing. There have been massive hatches of black midge which has encouraged the fish to feed and good catches are being reported on buzzer patterns, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail Nymphs and small gold heads fished on long leaders and floating lines. There is also plenty of daphnia in the water and fish can be found cruising at a variety of depths feeding heavily. A small bright mini lure pulled back on an intermediate line will often prove effective for these fish.
Boat anglers have had trouble staying close enough to the shores where the bank anglers are favouring. Those who have fished quieter areas or who have fished tight to shores where no bank fishing is allowed have done well – Herons Green Bank, Moreton Bank and Herriotts Bridge. The deep water areas have yet to produce.
Best fish of the week were; DAVE BELL with a 6.08 rainbow from Villice Bay on a white lure, J ALLEN took a 6.00 rainbow from a boat, TREVOR CHUBB tempted a 5.02 fish from the North Shore, GERRY ROWE a 5.07 rainbow from Woodford Bank and A ANDERSON had a 5.00 r/bow from wick Green.
BLAGDON Opening at Blagdon proved to be a very slow affair with many anglers moving to Chew Valley after several hours of poor sport. Boat anglers also struggled and concerns were voiced on the lack of fish and dirty water. But just two days later things were very different with the water clearing and fish beginning to feed well in the deeper areas of the Lake. Limits were taken from boat & bank mainly on North Shore and Butcombe but Wood Bay and Green Lawn were also starting to produce good catches by Easter Sunday. Most fish were taken by fishing fast sinking lines and small goldheads and nymphs while boobies also caught well. Boats were anchoring just offshore and taking limits of fish deep down.
MALCOLM FISHER took the best fish of the season so far by catching a 7.02 rainbow from the north Shore on a black buzzer.
BARROW An excellent over-wintered rainbow of 5.07 was reward for J WILIIAMS when he fished Barrow 3 this week. He was among many successful anglers fishing in the corner by the steps where the fish have congregated feeding on clouds of daphnia that have been blown into the shore. Few fish being taken from 2 even though some were stocked pre season, but 1 is still fishing well mainly from the inflow and the bank adjoining 2.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
WEEK 1
OPENING OF THE SEASON 17TH – 21ST MARCH 2005
Opening day saw Chew Valley lined with expectant anglers, some of whom had queued overnight waiting for the start at 7 o’clock. But it took a little while for the conditions to warm up and for the fish to start feeding in many areas.
Wick Green and Herons Green were the first reported hotspots with Dave Coombes completing his limit bag soon after 9am. As the sun rose and with it the air temperature the fish responded and good catches were taken from many areas – Wick, Herons, Moreton, Stratford, Nunnery and North Shore.
As the boats set sail from the jetties most opted for calmer spots off Wick, East Shore, Herons and Villice and they too were soon into hard fighting Chew Rainbows.
Although the water was much colder than the past few years the fish were not too deep and were mainly taken on Diawl Bach Nymphs and Black Buzzers. A mini Cormorant or JC Viva on the point also took well. Many of the fish taken appear to be last years stock triploids – lean, very silvery with spade tails and averaging around the 2.08 mark but up to 5.10. Add to those a sprinkling of plump browns to 4.06 and you have an excellent start for both bank and boat anglers.
Barrow also started well with excellent catches from 1 & 3. The corner above the steps and the pipe on 3 was the hot area with limit catches coming thick and fast on the first day. But many anglers chanced a cast on the newly flooded No 1 with good success.
During the next few days the weather warmed even more and black buzzer have begun to hatch encouraging more fish to feed higher in the water.
Thursday of this week sees Blagdon opening to the public. With the levels near full the Lake looks superb and Bristol Water are expecting good bags from all the usual hot-spots. Although all the boats are already booked there is plenty of bank space available and permits are now on sale. Fishing starts at 7am but the gates will be opened from 5am for those keen overnighters! Phone Woodford Lodge for details.
For this weeks full results table click HERE
PRESS RELEASE MON 14TH FEBRUARY 2005
 Chew Valley opened its 1200 acres for pike fishing for five days last week and it proved to be the best spring fishing so far.
The weather had been settled for several days and those anglers going afloat found calm conditions and fairly clear water in all areas. The boats started fishing from 9am and spread well out around the water searching for those elusive Chew Valley specimens.
Many boats headed for the usual hot-spot at Stratford but this proved to be disappointing with few fish taken. Those that headed into the relatively unknown waters around the Island and in front of the Sailing Club fared much better. The deeper water in front of the Lodge also proved well worthwhile and these were the areas that produced.
 WAYNE ADCOCK from Ross on Wye captured the best fish of the week on a lure fished in front of the Sailing Club. The fish weighed in at 37lb 12oz, a magnificent fish. To finish his day he moved in front of the Lodge and landed a fish of 25+ on a mackerel but before he could weigh the fish another took his smelt bait. This fish tipped the scales at 30lb 11oz. All three fish beat his own PB and completed a fantastic days fishing for Wayne. Paul Weston his boat partner could only manage a 13lb fish. (Last year he took a 35lb fish the autumn trials).
Other good fish in the five day session were a 36lb 10oz fish for MARTIN HARRISON and a 35lb fish for ANDY SANFORD-HOUSE. There were many other twenties taken but very few smaller fish were caught. Best fish reported from the shore was just under 20lbs.
We now have a short break before pike fishing starts again on 21st February for another five day stint. Most boats are booked but there are still plenty of bank places available.
More pike fishing will follow in October. Details and a copy of our new Buzzer magazine can be obtained by ringing 01275 332339. |
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