WEEK ENDING Monday 21st July 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 35,058

Weather:       The weather is still very unseasonable, cold and often very windy, with some showers. Some evenings have seen the wind drop to give good fishing conditions but often remains moderate and chilly.   

Water:              A little algae present at all the lakes but the winds have kept it dispersed and, other than at Barrow 2, it is causing no problems with the fishing. Weed growth on the south side of Blagdon is now prolific but is due to be cut when conditions allow. The surface temperature remains at 17°C.

Chew :   Although the weather remains cold and windy the fishing at Chew this week has been excellent from the boats and good from the bank. Fishermen prepared to wade through the weed at Moreton Point and Moreton Bank have found plenty of fish feeding tight against the margins and willing to take nymphs and dries. Nunnery and Woodford have also been well worth a visit but few fish moving here. Nymphs fished very slowly have been best method there. Boats anglers have enjoyed some wonderful sport despite the fresh and gusty winds. Most areas are worth a try with drifts through the middle of the lake proving very popular, as are the shallow areas near to weed banks. Favourite have been Villice, Nunnery, Moreton, False Island and Point of the Island. Many anglers have found dries and emergers to be best whilst others have used the washing line to good effect. Whatever method you try keep your flies in the top couple of feet or risk fishing below the feeding fish. Bits Emergers, Bills Big Red, Hoppers, all in red, claret or fiery brown, Diawl Bachs, Crunchers and Pheasant tails fished with bright coloured boobies are all worth trying.

Blagdon:           Winds again making fishing on the North Bank difficult but perseverance here is well worth the effort as there are fewer fish off the South Shore. Nymphs, buzzers and mini lures seem to be the best patterns to try.

Barrows:           Barrow 2 remains closed for at least another week as the algae count has not diminished yet. 1 & 3 have both been well stocked last week so the excellent season enjoyed at the tanks so far should continue. Look for moving fish late and early, catchable with dries and small buzzers. Use nymphs and small lures in the daytime.

Litton:               The lakes have settled well after last weeks rain and the fish have responded well with good catches on both. Few moving fish found but static nymphs and small goldheads will take fish most of the time on both waters.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  979 trout taken by 194 rods, average catch 5.1 per rod

Blagdon:           913 trout taken by 228 rods, average catch 4.0 per rod                           

Barrows:           59 trout taken by 46 rods, average catch 1.3 per rod                   

Litton:   37 trout taken by 7 rods, average catch 5.3 per rod

Total catch to date:

35,058 trout taken by 9,931 rods, an average catch of 3.5 per rod.

Hi Everyone
As promised attached is the picture of the 10.05 brown taken at Chew Valley recently. The fish was caught by STUART BEVERIDGE from Glasgow and was weighed and returned alive to the water.
Regards
Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 14th July 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 33,070

Weather:       The week began unsettled with fresh winds and some very heavy rain. But the weekend was more reasonable with calmer winds, warmer and mainly dry.  

Water:              The dirty water has cleared from most areas. Levels rose at the end of the week due to the heavy rainfall. Weed growth on the south side of Blagdon is now prolific but should soon be cut. The water temperature at the surface is 17°C.

Chew :   A disappointing start to the week with few anglers and fish caught due to the continuing poor weather. But by the weekend things had turned around and the catches were excellent especially from the boats. Fish have been taken on most methods but mainly near the surface so floating line fishing has been favourite. Dries and emergers, nymphs and buzzers and boobies and wets have all accounted for good bags. Fishing around the margins has found plenty of fish feeding on corixa, sedges and bloodworms. Often anchoring near the shore is the best way to fish for these. In the middle of the lake hatching buzzers and daphnia has been the trout’s main diet. Here drifting has produced the best sport. Best areas for boats have been Moreton, Stratford, Woodford, False Island and Sailing Club. Moreton Point, Moreton Bank and Nunnery are most popular bank areas. Biggest fish of the week was a 7.03 rainbow taken from the bank by Malcolm Fisher.

Blagdon:           With the lighter winds and more favourable conditions anglers have been able to fish the North Bank of the lake from boats and the shore with great success. Bank fishermen have found very early morning and late evening best but boat fishermen have been able to catch throughout the daytime too, mainly on nymphs and buzzers. Much of the south shore is now becoming difficult to fish from the shore due to the weed growth. Plans are in place to use the weed cutting boat to make fishing channels at the favourite spots.

Barrows:           Barrow 2 is closed at present due to a high count of blue/green algae. The remaining lakes are still producing plenty of fish mainly to small imitative patterns. The mouse is also still working.

Litton:               The heavy rain experienced last week filled the lakes to overflowing and coloured the water. But the calmer conditions have allowed the lakes to clear and the excellent sport enjoyed so far this year continues. Few moving fish found but static nymphs and small goldheads will take fish most of the time on both waters.

This week's catch:

Chew:                  450 trout taken by 126 rods, average catch 3.6 per rod

Blagdon:           554 trout taken by 151 rods, average catch 3.7 per rod                           

Barrows:           140 trout taken by 67 rods, average catch 2.1 per rod                 

Litton:   58 trout taken by 16 rods, average catch 3.6 per rod

Total catch to date:

33,070 trout taken by 9,456 rods, an average catch of 3.5 per rod.

Hi All   What awful weather for July! I know we should expect it as it is summer time but it really is unpleasnt - strong and gale force winds, heavy rain and pretty cold. All in all not the best fishing weather.   Already this year we have had over 31,000 fish taken. With more than half the season left we should be on for one of the best years ever.   Chew had a good stocking last week and Blagdon the week prior so we're hoping for good catches when the weather calms down. The forecast for the rest of this week is still unsettled but from the weekend things are beginning to look a little better. When the wind decreases the colour will soon drop out of both lakes and I expect the fishing to be as good, if not better than before. Chew has enjoyed it's best top of the water sport for years and the condition and size of the fish this season is excellent.   So don't put your rods in the cupboard yet. There's still plenty of sport to come over the next few months.   Tight lines   Bob Handford

Barrow 2

PLEASE NOTE   Due to a very high algae count on Barrow 2 at present, there will be no fishing allowed there until further notice..   Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 7th July 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 31,868

Weather:       A very unsettled week of strong winds and heavy rain. Still very cold for the time of year.

Water:              The strong southerly winds have continued to stir up the main lakes Weed growth is still not presenting much of a problem. The water temperature at the surface is 16°C.

Despite large stockings into both Chew and Blagdon results this week have been disappointing. The very unseasonable weather has prevented the boats from fishing on many days and persuaded anglers to wait for better conditions before taking a trip to the lakes.

Chew :   The continuing strong, and at times, gale force winds have affected Chew Valley badly over the past three weeks. Not only has the lake been stirred up colouring it with silt and mud, but also the very poor weather forecasts have persuaded anglers to stay at home or rearrange their visits to the fishery when things have calmed down. On two occasions the boats have been cancelled because the wind speed forecast has been above our safety criteria. With few anglers fishing, the catches have been disappointing though when the boats have ventured out fish have been found in the sheltered areas and around the weed beds. On the calmer evenings fish have still been rising though often for only very short periods. Best fish reported this week was a 6.05 rainbow taken by BOB COMER from the bank.

Blagdon:           Although less affected than Chew, even Blagdon has suffered from the winds this week. Much of the North Bank has been unfishable and the Top End has been very brown with stirred up mud. Boats have gone out most days but have had to fish the areas around Pipe Bay, Cheddar Water and the Dam or face a long row back against the wind from the East end of the Lake. Bank anglers have taken fish on buzzers, nymphs and damsels but few fish seen moving.

Barrows:           The Barrows continues to fish well. Most areas except the windiest areas can be fished and most have been producing some fish. The mouse is still working during the daytime and nymphs and buzzers are best early morning and late evenings.

Litton:               Both lakes are now fishing well again after a recent restocking. Few moving fish found but static nymphs and small goldheads will take fish most of the time. The Top Lake is a little harder but fishing tight to the banks with buzzers and nymphs will produce some good fish.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  262 trout taken by 136 rods, average catch 1.9 per rod

Blagdon:           542 trout taken by 186 rods, average catch 2.9 per rod                           

Barrows:           304 trout taken by 131 rods, average catch 2.3 per rod                           

Litton:   22 trout taken by 4 rods, average catch 5.5 per rod

Total catch to date:

31,868 trout taken by 9,096 rods, an average catch of 3.5 per rod

WEEK ENDING Monday 30th June 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 30,738

Weather:       Another very changeable week with fresh winds and rain, and often very cold for the time of year.

Water:              The strong southerly winds have again stirred up Chew Valley. Blagdon, being more sheltered, has avoided the worst of the winds. Weed growth is still not presenting much of a problem at any of the lakes. The surface water temperature remains at around 17°C.

Chew :   This week again saw the strong winds affecting the fishing often making fishing impossible in many areas. The combination of these winds and low temperatures made surface fishing very slow. Hatches have fallen away even during the evenings and anglers have had to leave behind the dries and fish nymphs and lures to take fish. When conditions have allowed the Dam area and the Island are still producing fish, but on many days the sheltered areas off Villice, Moreton and Stratford have been the best areas. Fishing around and above weedbeds has been the most effective way to catch. Small nymphs and emergers are the most popular patterns but bright mini lures have also been used successfully. Beware when fishing the weedbeds as fish will dive quickly often catching droppers in the weed giving them the chance to escape. Two six pound brownies this week. JERRY EVERETT took one of 6.08 on a Diawl Bach while J. MORLEY captured one weighing 6.00.

Blagdon:           A better week at Blagdon though the best sport has been from the boats. The North Bank and Butcombe are still the favourite areas and the south winds have made fishing here very hard for the bank anglers. Few fish moving but good catches have fallen to nymphs, Damsels and Green Buzzers.

Barrows:           Probably the most consistent fishing at present as the tanks are little effected by the winds. No 3 is still proving to be the best lake to fish. Plenty of fly early and late has produced some good rises but nymphs and mice are often the best catchers throughout the day.

Litton:               After a stocking at the Lower Lake fishing has been very good. Few moving fish found but static nymphs and small goldheads will take fish most of the time. The Top Lake is a little harder but fishing tight to the banks with buzzers and nymphs will produce some good fish.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  675 trout taken by 264 rods, average catch 2.6 per rod

Blagdon:           509 trout taken by 195 rods, average catch 2.6 per rod                           

Barrows:           134 trout taken by 55 rods, average catch 2.4 per rod                 

Litton:   95 trout taken by 25 rods, average catch 3.8 per rod

Total catch to date:

30,738 trout taken by 8,639 rods, an average catch of 3.6 per rod

WEEK ENDING Monday 23rd June 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 29,325

Weather:       A much more changeable week with mainly cloudy days, showers and fresh to strong winds. Some better evenings.

Water:              The strong winds have stirred up both Chew and Blagdon colouring the water but also freshening the surface. Weed growth is still not presenting much of a problem at any of the lakes. The surface water temperature remains at around 17°C.

Chew :   Changing weather conditions have made fishing a little more difficult at Chew this week. Stronger winds and sometimes bright sunshine have made dry fly fishing for moving fish less popular and anglers have concentrated around the margins and weed beds throughout the daytime. Here the fish have been browsing on nymphs and bloodworms and feeding on pin fry and corixa and all these patterns fished slowly and near the surface have worked well. Evenings have seen some surface activity if the wind drops off. Best areas have been Walley and Nunnery for bank fishing and Villice, Moreton, Stratford and Walley for the boats.

Beginner David Johnson-Norton went afloat with Malcolm Fisher on Chew and took a super 7-8 fish. Well done David

David Johnson-Norton captured the biggest fish of the week while fishing from a boat in Villice Bay. The 7-08 rainbow took a red dry fly.

Blagdon:           The strong SW winds have made much of the North Bank unfishable at times so anglers have concentrated at Butcombe, Cheddar water and Green Lawn. Here most success has come to nymphs and buzzers fished slowly although occasionally sedges fished dry have worked. When the winds allow Pegs, Ash Trees and Orchard Bay are all worth a visit.

Barrows:           No 3 is still proving to be the best lake to fish. Plenty of fly early and late has produced some good rises but nymphs and mice are often the best catchers throughout the day.

 Litton:              Harder fishing at Litton this week. Nymphs fished static and emergers have worked well at times though a small bright lure fished deeper often will take fish when other methods fail. In the evenings there are lots of small browns feeding on the sedges as they skitter across the surface. Amongst them are the bigger fish, which tend to be a little more wary so do approach quietly and cast carefully.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  539 trout taken by 165 rods, average catch 3.3 per rod

Blagdon:           725 trout taken by 221 rods, average catch 3.3 per rod                           

Barrows:           372 trout taken by 118 rods, average catch 3.2 per rod                           

Litton:   31 trout taken by 13 rods, average catch 2.4 per rod

Total catch to date:

29,325 trout taken by 8,100 rods, an average catch of 3.6 per rod

WEEK ENDING Monday 16th June 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 27,658

Weather:       Another settled week of warm days and very light winds. Many days have been bright sunshine throughout and there has been no significant rainfall.

Water:              Water quality is very good with at the main lakes but Barrow 3 is a little coloured. Weed growth is now showing on most shallow areas but is not presenting a problem so far. The surface water temperature remains at 17°C.

Chew :   The settled weather has meant more moving fish again this week, often throughout the day as well as great rises in the evenings. The light winds have allowed anglers to fish with dry fly most of the time although static nymph and occasionally pulling a small lure is effective. But the best sport and the most fun has been casting a small bits emergers or hoppers to feeding fish on the surface.  Best sport has been found around the aerator slicks, on the wind lanes off the North Shore, Sailing Club, Nunnery Point and Moreton Point. Orange, red and claret are the preferred colours. Bank fishing from North Bank, Nunnery and Wick is well worth a try.

Blagdon:           This week saw an improvement in the boat fishing and the continuation of the excellent bank angling enjoyed throughout the season so far. Butcombe, Cheddar Water, and Top End are now producing good bags of fish. Weed banks are now showing in many of the popular shore spots but feeding around the margins of these will often produce good fish to a buzzer PTN or corixa. Although fewer fish are rising at Blagdon the evening sport has been exceptional with dries and green buzzers.

Barrows:           Fish have fed well on all the lakes with plenty of moving fish early morning and late evenings. Most fish falling to nymphs fished slowly on floating lines but increasing numbers of anglers now fishing dries and very small buzzers for the rising fish.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers but plenty of sport on emergers for those prepared to try. In the evenings there are lots of small browns feeding on the sedges as they skitter across the surface. Amongst them are the bigger fish, which tend to be a little more wary so do approach quietly and cast carefully.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  888 trout taken by 243 rods, average catch 3.7 per rod

Blagdon:           780 trout taken by 264 rods, average catch 3.0 per rod                           

Barrows:           208 trout taken by 74 rods, average catch 2.8 per rod                 

Litton:   87 trout taken by 18 rods, average catch 4.8 per rod

Total catch to date:

27,658 trout taken by 7,583 rods, an average catch of 3.7 per rod

Hi All   Sorry for the delay in sending this weeks report.   A hot and sunny week, ideal for holidays but not the best for trout fishing. Still, catches have remained very good with some superb evening fishing at all the lakes and very good 'top of the water' fishing at Chew. The quality fo fish remains very high, the average weight at the Orvis comp on Chew was 2lb 7oz, and there have been several big fish reported too. The forecast is for slightly cooler weather over the next week. With high densities of fish at all the venues the great sport enjoyed so far this year is bound to continue. Boats availability is now a little easier on weekdays so afternoon and evening rods are well worth taking. Ring Woodford on the day after 11am to book.   Regards   Bob Handford.

WEEK ENDING Monday 9th June 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 25,677

Weather:       Another settled week of warm days and very light winds. Many days have been bright sunshine throughout and there has been no significant rainfall.

Water:              Water quality is still mainly very good with just a little patchy algae in Chew Valley. Weed growth is now showing on most shallow areas but is not presenting a problem so far. The surface water temperature remains at 17°C.

Although conditions have not been the best for trout fishing the results this week have again been very good with plenty of moving fish even in the bright sunshine. The evenings have at times been superb with big fly hatches most nights.

Chew :   Moving fish and dry fly has been the order of the day again at Chew this week. Many anglers arriving at the water, greeted by flat calms and bright sunshine, have been a little daunted. But in the main body of the lake fish have been feeding well on the surface and have been taken on Hoppers and Bits Emergers by those who have persevered with the dry fly method. Floating lines with nymphs fished close to the top has also accounted for some good bags from Villice Bay, Walley Bank, The Dam and around the Island. The usual nymph and buzzer patterns in size 10 or 12 but lightly dressed and fished slowly seems to take more fish.

BRFFA held their ever-popular Orvis competition. This was the 26th consecutive year that Orvis UK has sponsored this contest. 70 anglers turned out for the floating line only event and winner on the day was GARY HASKINS, one of six competitors to complete a limit bag. Included in his was a wonderful 6.05 rainbow taking his weight for eight fish to over 23 pounds. Second was SIMON GURNEY followed by KEITH TANNER and MARTIN BURGESS. The bank section found the fish a little more elusive but MALCOLM FISHER winkled out 3 trout including a fine 7.03 rainbow to win the top prize.

Blagdon:           The bank fishing at Blagdon is still going well with fish in close early and late. In the sunshine the fish have tended to move offshore but have still been catchable with nymphs fished deep and slow from the boats. Best areas are still the North Bank, Ash Trees, Green Lawn and Cheddar Water.

Barrows:           Fish have fed well on all the lakes with plenty of moving fish early morning and late evenings. Most fish falling to nymphs fished slowly on floating lines but increasing numbers of anglers now fishing dries and very small buzzers for the rising fish.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers. Pheasant tail Nymphs fished deep and slow have worked well but watch for moving fish showing during buzzer hatches, as these fish will take dries if covered properly.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  768 trout taken by 267 rods, average catch 2.9 per rod

Blagdon:           564 trout taken by 217 rods, average catch 2.6 per rod                           

Barrows:           433 trout taken by 140  rods, average catch 3.1 per rod                          

Litton:   58 trout taken by 22 rods, average catch 2.6 per rod

Total catch to date:

25,677 trout taken by 6,973 rods, an average catch of 3.7 per rod

WEEK ENDING Monday 2nd June 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 23,627

Weather: Generally a very settled week of warm days and very light winds. Some sunshine but mainly cloudy with occasional thundery showers late afternoons.

Water: Clarity at all the lakes is still very good with little algae showing as yet. Weed growth is slow at present but will increase with the warmer, sunny conditions. The surface water temperature has risen to 17°C.

Barrows: The settled weather ahs really helped the Barrows and the fish have fed well on all the lakes with plenty of moving fish early morning and late evenings. Most fish falling to nymphs fished slowly on floating lines but increasing numbers of anglers now fishing dries and very small buzzers for the rising fish.

Chew : Most days this week have seen moving fish and anglers have been fishing Hoppers and Emergers to good effect when there has been a breeze. But in the flat calms these fish have proved extremely difficult as they tend to move erratically and often stay well away from the boat or shore. Long, accurate casting is then essential to take them. The evening hatches have been spectacular with masses of Caenis, Sedge and tiny Buzzers coming off. Some success on lures and deep nymphs around the Dam and Woodford.
A wonderful Brown weighing 12lb 10oz was taken this week from a boat fishing in Villice Bay. CHRIS REYNOLDS was the lucky angler catching the fish on a Cats Whisker near the surface.

Blagdon: The bank fishing at Blagdon is still going well with fish in close early and late. In the sunshine the fish have tended to move offshore but have still been catchable with nymphs fished deep and slow from the boats. Best areas are still the North Bank, Ash Trees, Green Lawn and Cheddar Water. C. MYERS landed a 7.00 rainbow whilst fishing a Damsel Fly near the Dam.

Litton: Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers. Pheasant tail Nymphs fished deep and slow have worked well but watch for moving fish showing during buzzer hatches as these fish will take dries if covered properly.

Prospects: Chew and Blagdon should be receiving 5,000 fish this week which should ensure a continuation of the excellent sport enjoyed so far. The massive buzzer hatches seen over the past few weeks during the daytime will decline with brighter, sunnier days but there will be more morning and evening activity. Corixa and pin fry feeder are now showing too and these fish will often continue feeding in the daytime sunshine.

This weeks catch:
Chew: 489 trout taken by 185 rods, average catch 2.6 per rod
Blagdon: 645 trout taken by 199 rods, average catch 3.2 per rod
Barrows: 231 trout taken by 76 rods, average catch 3.0 per rod

Hi again from Woodford.   Well, the Bank Holiday lived up to expectations again. Pouring rain and gale force winds! Still we have had some really good fishing when the weather has allowed. With now over 22,000 fish caught the season is going well and with the lakes in such good condition there's no reson at all why it shouldn't continue. Boats are now becoming available at both Chew and Blagdon and the bank fishing at all the lakes is well worth trying at present.  Litton is having another excellent year. If you haven't tried fishing there it's well worth a visit. Two lakes that are all yours for the day, complete with barbeque. Ring Woodford Lodge to book.   Happy fishing   Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 26th May 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 22,189

Weather:       The week began settled and cool, but warmed with light winds by mid-week. The weekend saw gales and torrential rain.

Water:              Clarity at all the lakes is very good with little algae showing as yet. Weed growth is slow at present but will increase with the warmer, sunny conditions. The surface water temperature remains at 15°C.

Another excellent weeks fishing at all the venues despite the terrible bank holiday weather experienced on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Boat fishermen enjoyed the best of the sport but there were plenty of limits from the bank too. Nymphs fished deep and slow has been the most effective method but at times both lure fishing and dries have also worked well.

Chew :   Best areas; North Shore, the Dam, Walley Bank, Nunnery and Herons Green Bay. Boats also taking fish across the spit of the Island and drifting from the False Island to Nunnery and Moreton.  Best pattern; Buzzers, Diawl Bach, PTN, Crunchers large sizes but lightly dressed on floating lines but very slowly. Red Hoppers, red  & orange Bits emergers fished dry. Small lures, boobies and blobs fished deep.

Best fish of the week was a beautiful 6.08 rainbow caught by MARTIN BURGESS during the evening competition.

Blagdon:           The North Bank areas still the best but some good bags also taken from Green Lawn. Boats finding fish at Rugmoor, Pegs, Ash Trees, Cheddar Water and in front of the Lodge. Nymphs & buzzers fished deep has been the favourite way to catch.

Barrow:             A much better week at Barrows with 1 & 3 fishing best. Watch out for more rising fish there as the weather continues to warm.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers. Some moving fish showing during buzzer hatches on the lower lake and these fish will take dries if covered properly.

Prospects:         With more fish being stocked into the lakes the excellent sport should continue or even improve. The massive buzzer hatches and surface feeding fish will continue through into June. Sedges will start to hatch in the evenings and mornings and these often induce more moving fish at the Barrows and Blagdon.

This weeks catch:

Chew:                  1245 trout taken by 400 rods, average catch 3.1 per rod

Blagdon:           972 trout taken by 319 rods, average catch 3.1 per rod                           

Barrows:           361 trout taken by 119 rods, average catch 3.0 per rod                           

Litton:   38 trout taken by 9 rods, average catch 4.2 per rod

Total catch to date: 22,189 trout taken by 5,795 rods, an average catch of 3.8

Hi again   May and June used to be the best trout fishing months with plenty of fly life and moving fish at all the lakes. For the last few years these months have been cold, wet and blowy. But this year things have been back to the 'Good Old Days' with fish feeding at the surface much of the time, even during the day. Boat and bank anglers have been able to fish dries and emergers to good effect and the fish have been very accommodating. Surely there's nothing better than spotting a fish feeding, judging its direction and speed and casting where you expect him to be. A few seconds of anticipation and with luck the fish rolls over the offering and you're in! Well, if that's what you like then come down to Chew now for some great sport. Tight lines Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 19th May 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 19,573

Weather:       The week started warm and dry with light easterly winds but got suddenly cooler by Thursday, still with the light east wind. A few light showers but mainly dry.

Water:              Clarity at all the lakes is very good with little algae showing as yet. Weed growth is slow at present but will increase with the warmer, sunny conditions. The surface water temperature has risen week to 15°C.

Chew :   The excellent fishing continues at Chew for bank and boat fishermen.  Although the air temperature has cooled there are still huge hatches of buzzer taking place throughout the day and this, along with clouds of daphnia, is providing plenty of food and encouraging the fish to feed well at all times. With a large stocking taking place during the week, many bank areas have found a new lease of life with anglers taking full baskets from North Shore, Walley, Woodford and Nunnery. In amongst these fish larger residents are to be found, solid bars of silver which take many anglers by surprise with their speed and power. Nymphs and buzzers fished slowly on long leaders is the best way to catch in these areas. Boats fishers have found fish in the same locations. But drifting across the point of the Island and across the middle of the lake towards Nunnery Point, Moreton and Stratford will put you where the bigger fish are. Here it is often best to fish emergers and a red Hopper or orange Bits often proves irresistible to these better trout.

GEORGE BRAITHWAITE took this weeks best fish, an 8.05 rainbow, from the shore at Nunnery.

Blagdon:           This weeks stocking ahs helped the fishing at Blagdon but it is still a little harder than a few weeks ago. Areas to try for boat and bank are Top End, Butcombe, Cheddar Water and Pipe Bay. 

Barrow:             Not easy fishing this week at Barrows. The cooler weather has sent the fish deeper and many fishermen have resorted to sinking lines and mini lures as the best way to catch. The few moving fish have disappeared but with warmer conditions forecast they should soon be back.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers. Some moving fish showing during buzzer hatches on the lower lake and these fish will take dries if covered properly.

Chew:                  1205 trout taken by 266 rods, average catch 4.5 per rod

Blagdon:           427 trout taken by 183 rods, average catch 2.3 per rod                           

Barrows:           359 trout taken by 111 rods, average catch 3.2 per rod                           

Litton:   33 trout taken by 8 rods, average catch 4.1 per rod

Total catch to date: 19,573 trout taken by 4,948 rods, an average catch of 4.0

per rod

Hello from sunny Woodford Lodge.   A wonderful week of weather and fishing. Calms and bright sunshine are usually the kiss of death for top water sport. But this week has showed that it's not always the case. Although the dry fly sport has been difficult, fishing sub surface has been some of the best enjoyed for many years. And with fairly settled weather forecast this excellent sport should continue. Weekend boats are now becoming heavily booked, as is Litton. But there are still boats available most weekdays and afternoon and evening sessions are well worth a try at present. Look forward to seeing you soon.   Regards   Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 12th May 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 17,501

Weather:       A warm and sunny week with very light Easterly breezes and some showers.

Water:              Water levels falling very slowly at all venues. The clarity is excellent at all the lakes. The water temperature has risen this week to 18°C at the surface.

A fantastic fishing week at all the lakes. Despite the very warm, bright conditions the fish have fed and been caught in great numbers. There have been some incredible hatches of buzzers throughout most days and these have encouraged the fish to gorge themselves and this has made for exciting sport most of the time.

During the daytime the fish have tended to move offshore into slightly deeper water making the bank fishing more difficult. But later in the evening and early morning they are easily within reach although often not easy to tempt. Boat anglers have found fish at all times, often very close to the surface. Although deep fished nymphs fished static have worked, many anglers have found that their flies are beneath the fish with this method and realised that a slow retrieve or fishing with a floating tail fly has resulted in many more takes as the flies are fishing at a much shallower depth. Dries and emergers have also worked though the fish are spoilt for choice with so many real offerings on the surface. Black seems to be the favourite colour at present with Diawl Bach, Cruncher and Buzzers all working well. HEN and red Holo DBs also well worth trying.

Chew :   Bank. North Shore, Walley, Nunnery and Herons. Boat. The Dam to behind the Island, Roman Shallows to Nunnery, Stratford, Moreton, Walley and Woodford.

Two competitions this weekend enjoyed excellent results. The Scierra Pairs fished by 34 anglers took 164 fish. Winners were PAUL ROACH and DAVE JOHNS. The Southern England Eliminator saw 29 competing. 184 fish were taken with JOHN HORSEY taking top spot. His limit bag included a 5.08 rainbow.

Blagdon:           Bank. All North Bank areas worth a try. Boats. Top End, Home Bay, Cheddar Water & Butcombe. TERRY WILLMOTT took a rainbow of 9.12 from Cheddar Water.

Barrow:             No3 still favourite with small nymphs and dries proving the best patterns. M BROWN took a 5.00 brown on a buzzer pattern from Barrow 3.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs proving to be the best catchers. Some moving fish showing during buzzer hatches. on the lower lake and these fish will take dries if covered properly.

Chew:                  1405 trout taken by 321 rods, average catch 4.4 per rod

Blagdon:           811 trout taken by 270 rods, average catch 3.0 per rod                           

Barrows:           350 trout taken by 107 rods, average catch 3.3 per rod                           

Litton:   82 trout taken by 10 rods, average catch 8.2 per rod

Total catch to date: 17,501 trout taken by 4376 rods, an average catch of 4.0

Hi Everyone   At last spring seems to have arrived with some warm and settled weather forecast for the next week. The last seven days has seen a great improvement in the weather and this has encouraged the fish to feed well. And what great fish they are! The growth rate in the lakes has been fantastic due to the massive amount of available food. Fish that were stocked at the start of the season at around 2lbs are now averaging 2.08 at Chew and 2.05 at Blagdon. There have also been some really big fish taken so far - over 70 fish weighing over 5lbs have been taken so far. May is usually a really good month for bigger fish so watch this space!   Alan is planning on stocking more fish in the very near future. All lakes will be receiving a good boost so that the excellent sport enjoyed to date continues for the rest of the month and into June, often the best time for fishing both bank and boat. There are  boats available most weekdays though weekends are heavily booked at both Chew and Blagdon.    Tuesday 6th is the date of the third evening competion. This popular event is a series of ten matches fished at Chew and the cost includes a meal and drink after the weigh-in. Anyone can fish and some good catches are usually had with rising fish most evenings. The boat pairings are drawn so you have a chance of fishing and learning from a top angler. Why not give it a try? Just ring the Lodge for details 01275 332339.   I look forward to welcoming you to our waters very soon where you will enjoy top quality sport from top quality trout.   Tight lines   Bob Handford

WEEK ENDING Monday 5th May 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 14,853

Weather:       The days continue to warm up with temperatures as high as 20°C on occasions. Much lighter winds this week and just a few showers.

Water:              Water levels falling very slowly at all venues. The clarity is very good at all the lakes. The water temperature has risen this week to 12.5°C at the surface.

Chew :   Some excellent boat fishing this week with fish coming from most areas and on all methods. The bank anglers also continue to do well from most shores. There have been masses of hatching buzzers this week, often coming off all day but especially later in the evening. Those fishermen who have tried dries and emergers have found some success but the fly has to be presented right in front of the fish as there are so many naturals on the water for the fish to choose from. Other methods have also worked well too. Nymphs fished slowly on an intermediate with a washing line works at all times and during competitions many anglers have pulled blobs and boobies to good effect.

The size of fish coming from Chew is exceptional with a 10.02 brown topping an impressive list. This fish fell to SIMON MATTHEWS of Nailsea when fishing from the bank at Wick Green. It took a small black Cruncher.

The team heats of the Lexus International was fished on Saturday and 48 anglers took to the water. At weigh-in an amazing 332 fish had been taken with 23 completing limit bags and no-one blanking! Top rod was MARK MILES who included a 7.15 fish in his limit bag. Top teams, who qualify for the final at Chew in August were Tightlines, BRFFA Orvis, Blagdon FF Bristol Water, BRFFA Park Retail and Team Snowbee.

Blagdon:           Still very good catches from the boats but a little harder from the bank. Nymphs fished slow and fairly deep is working well and the Top End of the lake is still the favourite area. This week saw two big rainbows taken, a 7.06 fish for TONY PACKER caught from a boat and a 7.04 captured by GEOFF BRAY again from a boat.

Barrow:             More fish beginning to show now at the tanks especially mornings and evenings and small emergers are worth a try. During the daytime small nymphs, goldheads and mice are taking fish from most places.

Litton:               Plenty of fish being caught on both lakes with nymphs and mini lures proving to be the best catchers. But watch out for moving fish as there have been some good hatches on the lower lake and these fish will take dries if covered properly.

Chew:                  988 trout taken by 222 rods, average catch 4.5 per rod

Blagdon:           990 trout taken by 278 rods, average catch 3.7 per rod                           

Barrows:           251 trout taken by 117 rods, average catch 2.2 per rod                           

Litton:   58 trout taken by 17 rods, average catch 3.4 per rod

Total catch to date: 14853 trout taken by 3668 rods, an average catch of 4.1 per rod

Bristol Water fisheries, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Nr Bristol, BS40 8XH.

Tel 01275 332339, Fax 01275 331377, email: woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk      

WEEK ENDING Monday 28th April 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 12,566

Weather:       Some warmer weather this week saw temperatures as high as 17°C but the moderate winds still making it feel cool. Some heavy showers.

Water:              Water levels are falling slowly at all venues. The clarity is very good especially at Blagdon. The water temperature at the surface is 7.5°C.

Chew :   Despite the persisting cool weather the excellent fishing continues for bank and especially boat anglers. Boats have found fish in most areas of the lake but the favourite spots have been North Shore, Walley Bank, behind the Island, Wick Green and off Nunnery Point. Although nymphing is still the most popular way to catch more fish are now showing feeding on the prolific buzzer hatches. These fish can be tempted on dries and emergers. The bank anglers have also found plenty of fish from many of the same areas as the boats. Diawl Bach, Buzzers & Crunchers fished slowly on floating lines has accounted for some very good bags and big fish including a 9.00 brown for TONY BALDWIN

and a 10.04 rainbow for LEE SENINGTON (reported last week).

The South-West England Eliminator took place on Chew this weekend. Top bag on the day was MARK MILES closely followed by SIMON GURNEY, TONY BALDWIN, GLYN HOLMES and ROB HONOUR. All caught their limit of eight fish during the competition.

NB Nunnery Point stone embankment is now repaired and open for fishing but care must be taken when fishing there.

Blagdon:           Some fantastic boat fishing at Blagdon this week from the Top End of the lake. Many anglers are completing the full 16 fish limit with many more returning fish before bagging up. Nymphs fished on floating and intermediate lines is the method fished very slowly. Bank fishing is still good although a little harder than last week mainly due to the East wind has made fishing the favourite banks of North Shore and Butcombe more difficult.

 Barrow:            All three tanks continue to produce good bags of fish to the usual methods – mini lures, static buzzers, and the ‘Mouse’. Some fish now rising to the hatching buzzers.  Barrow anglers are reminded not to gut fish at the waterside, as the resulting mess is unpleasant for other anglers.

Litton:               Good sport continues to be had on both Upper and Lower lakes.

Chew:                  821 trout taken by 244 rods, average catch 3.4 per rod

Blagdon:           1202 trout taken by 254 rods, average catch 4.7 per rod                         

Barrows:           210 trout taken by 100 rods, average catch 2.1 per rod                           

Litton:   16 trout taken by 2 rods, average catch 8.0 per rod

Total catch to date: 12566 trout taken by 3052 rods, an average catch of 4.1 per rod  

WEEK ENDING Monday 21st April 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 10317

Weather:       Cool cloudy days and very cold frosty nights. Moderate to fresh northerly and north- westerly winds.

Water:               The surface water temperature remains steady at 5°C. The water clarity at all the lakes is good, and there are good daytime hatches of buzzers.

Chew :                 Anglers have caught well in many parts of the lake on a range of tactics. Boobies, Blobs, Goldheads and Tadpoles in black, white and orange continue to work well, but nymphing with the traditional Diawl Bachs, Black Buzzers and Montanas on floating lines has often been more successful, particularly when fished very slowly or static.

The Anglian Water Competition sponsored by Fulling Mill held on Saturday produced excellent catches, with 348 trout taken, including 27 limits. The team in first place was BRFFA Team Orvis with 48 trout for 127lb 6oz. Secomnd came Team Tightlines with 46 for 109lb 2oz, and Blagdon FF Bristol Water, Carbotec Kingfishers and BRFFA Itchy Feet also qualified for the next round. Top rod was Gary Haskins of BRFFA Team Orvis – his limit with time bonus came to 23lb 6oz, and second was Martin Burgess, also from BRFFA Team Orvis.

Best bank areas are North Shore, Woodford and Walley banks, and the Oak Tree end of Nunnery. Best boat areas are more or less the same: between North Shore and the Island, off Walley Bank, and Wick Green to Spring Bay. Heaviest of several good rainbows caught this week was Lee Senington’s 10lb beauty, taken off the North Shore in a boat.

N.B. The storm damage to the built- up area at Nunnery Point is being repaired, but is still out of bounds to bank anglers until further notice.

Blagdon:           Again this week good catches have been made from North Shore and Butcombe when the wind has favoured these banks, and when the wind has been the other way Cheddar Water and Green Lawns have been the best banks. The boats have caught well off these same areas, and are also taking good bags of fish up at the Top End. Methods have been much the same as at Chew with static nymphs – Diawl Bachs and Buzzers probably the favourites.

Barrow:             All three tanks continue to produce good bags of fish to the usual methods – mini lures, static buzzers, and the ‘Mouse’. Barrow anglers are reminded not to gut fish at the waterside, as the resulting mess is unpleasant for other anglers.

Litton:               Good sport continues to be had on both Upper and Lower lakes.

Chew:                  1234 trout taken by 278 rods, average catch 4.4 per rod

Blagdon:           974 trout taken by 215 rods, average catch 4.5 per rod                    

Barrows:           309 trout taken by 109 rods, average catch 2.8 per rod                    

Litton:                 87 trout taken by 16 rods, average catch 5.4 per rod

Total catch to date: 10317 trout taken by 2476 rods, an average catch of 4.2 per rod       

Bristol Water fisheries, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Nr Bristol, BS40 8XH.

WEEK ENDING Monday 14th April 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 7933

Weather:       Warm, usually sunny days, but very cold frosty nights. Mainly gentle westerly and north- westerly winds.

Water:               The surface water temperature has crept up to 5°C. The water clarity at all the lakes continues to be good, and the dense daytime hatches of small dark buzzers continue.

Chew :                 Anglers have caught well in many parts of the lake on a range of tactics. Boobies, Blobs, Goldheads and Tadpoles in black, white and orange continue to work well, but nymphing with the traditional Diawl Bachs, Black Buzzers and Montanas on floating lines has often been more successful, particularly when fished very slowly or static.

The biggest rainbow ever caught on Chew Valley lake was taken this week by Ernie Dix of Peasdown St John. As Bristol Water hasn’t stocked fish of this size for several seasons the beautiful 14lb 2oz fish must have been in the lake for more than 2 years before it grabbed Ernie’s Orange buzzer, fished from Woodford Bank. Other good fish this week: Nick Hart, 7lbs Rainbow from a boat, and Bob Jones 6lb 8oz brownie from the bank.

The BRFFA competition sponsored by Snowbee held on Saturday produced excellent catches for boat and bank with over 200 trout taken, including 1 bank and 9 boat limits. Top bank rod was Malcolm Fisher – he had caught a limit by lunchtime (although there were no time bonuses awarded) and top boat rod was Tony Baldwin.

Best bank areas are still Wick Green, North Shore, Woodford and Walley banks, and the Oak Tree end of Nunnery. Best boat areas are more or less the same: between North Shore and the Island, Villice Bay, off Woodford Bank, Heron’s Green to Moreton, and Wick Green to Spring Bay.

N.B. The storm damage to the built- up area at Nunnery Point is being repaired, but is still out of bounds to bank anglers until further notice.

Blagdon:           Again this week good catches have been made from North Shore and Butcombe when the wind has favoured these banks, and when the wind has been the other way Cheddar Water and Green Lawns have been the best banks. The boats have caught well off these same areas, and are also taking good bags of fish up at the Top End at last. Methods have been much the same as at Chew with static nymphs – Diawl Bachs and Buzzers probably the favourites. Mr Trinder of Ubley took a fine 7lb 2oz rainbow from the bank.

Barrow:             All three tanks continue to produce good bags of fish to the usual methods – mini lures, static buzzers, and the ‘Mouse’. Barrow anglers are politely reminded not to gut fish at the waterside, as the resulting mess is unpleasant for those who come later.

Litton:               Good sport continues to be had on both Upper and Lower lakes.

Chew:                  1271 trout taken by 262 rods, average catch 4.9 per rod

Blagdon:           866 trout taken by 213 rods, average catch 4.1 per rod                    

Barrows:           186 trout taken by 52 rods, average catch 3.6 per rod                     

Litton:   20 trout taken by 4 rods, average catch 5.0 per rod

Total catch to date: 7933 trout taken by 1906 rods, an average catch of 4.2 per rod         

Bristol Water fisheries, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Nr Bristol, BS40 8XH.

Just thought you might like to see a picture of a superb rainbow taken from Chew last week. The fish weighing 14.02 was taken from woodford Bank by ERNIE DIX of Peasedown St John near Bristol. It took an orange buzzer. The fish beats Chew's previous best by just one ounce. It was in superb condition having survived in the lake for at least a couple of years as Bristol Water haven't stocked any large fish for several years now. Well done Ernie!

WEEK ENDING Monday 7th April 2008

TOTAL FISH TAKEN TO DATE 5590

Weather: For most of the week the weather was benign – mild sunny days with little or no wind to worry about. The last two days saw quite a sudden change to much colder conditions with flurries of snow and gusty winds.

Water: The surface water temperature remains more or less the same as last week, a cool 4°C. The water clarity at Chew continues to improve, and it remains good at the other lakes.

Chew : Boat and bank anglers have caught well in most areas of the lake and on a range of techniques. Boobies, Blobs, Goldheads and Tadpoles in black, white and orange continue to work well, but many anglers have turned to nymphing tactics with the traditional Diawl Bachs, Black Buzzers and Montanas on floating lines to catch their fish. Best rainbow 7lb 14oz caught by Mr C. Smith from a boat. Other good rainbows came to Spencer Pugh, 7lb from a boat, Mr T. O’Neill 7lb 4oz from the bank and Len Cowley 6lb 10oz to a black Tadpole also from the bank.

Best bank areas are Wick Green, North Shore, Woodford and Walley banks, and the Oak Tree end of Nunnery. Best boat areas are in between North Shore and the Island, Villice Bay, off Woodford Bank, Heron’s Green to Moreton, and Wick Green to Spring Bay.

N.B. Following recent storm damage the built- up area at Nunnery Point and the wooden jetties at Heron’s Green are out of bounds to bank anglers until further notice.

Blagdon: Many good catches have been made on North Shore and in Butcombe when the wind has favoured these banks. When the wind has been south- westerly Cheddar Water and Green Lawns have been a better bet. The boats have caught well off these same areas.

Barrow: All three tanks continue to produce good bags of fish to the usual methods – mini lures, static buzzers, and the ‘Mouse’. Barrow anglers are politely reminded not to gut fish at the waterside, as the resulting mess is

Litton: Good sport continues to be had on both Upper and Lower lakes, particularly on nicer days.

Chew: 1329 trout taken by 251 rods, average catch 5.3 per rod
Blagdon: 985 trout taken by 222 rods, average catch 4.4 per rod
Barrows: 270 trout taken by 80 rods, average catch 3.4 per rod
Litton: 28 trout taken by 10 rods, average catch 2.8 per rod
Total catch to date: 5590 trout taken by 1375 rods, an average catch of 4.1 per rod

Bristol Water fisheries, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Nr Bristol, BS40 8XH.
Tel 01275 332339, Fax 01275 331377, email: woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk

Week Ending: Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Fish Caught so far 2008: 2978
Weather:
Southerly and south- westerly winds, strong at times, dominated the week, but on the few calmer days fish moved well – even at the surface on occasion.
Much milder this week and the good hatches of small black buzzers continue.

Water:
Surface water temperature has risen slightly to 4°C; the greenish algal bloom at Chew is now clearing.

Chew Valley:
Some excellent catches have been taken by boat and bank anglers on the less blustery days. Boobies, Blobs and mini- lures in black, white and orange continue to take fish, but increasingly anglers are taking to nymphing tactics with the traditional Diawl Bachs, Black Buzzers and Montanas on intermediate and even floating lines to catch their fish. Best brown this week 4lb 8oz; best rainbow 6lb 10oz caught by Colin Burbedge from a boat.

Best bank areas are Wick Green, North Shore, Woodford and Walley banks, and the Oak Tree end of Nunnery. Best boat areas are in Villice Bay, off Woodford Bank, Heron’s Green to Moreton, and Spring Bay.

N.B. Following recent storm damage the built- up area at Nunnery Point and the wooden jetties at Heron’s Green are out of bounds to bank anglers until further notice.

Blagdon:
Northerly and north- westerly winds have concentrated boat and bank anglers on North Shore and in Butcombe, and many good catches have been made there. When the wind has been south- westerly Cheddar Water and Green Lawns have been a better bet. The boats have caught well in these same areas, mostly at anchor on days when the wind has been stronger. Best fish so far: Malcolm Fisher took a fine brace of rainbows weighing 8lb 8oz and 6lb 6oz.
Barrow:
All three tanks continue to produce good bags of fish to the usual methods – mini lures, static buzzers, and the dreaded ‘Mouse’.

Litton:
Good sport continues to be had on both Upper and Lower lakes, particularly on gentler days. Both lakes were restocked at the start of the season, but are still producing the odd really big fish left over from last season.

Bristol Water 2008 trout & pike fishing details.

BRISTOL WATER FISHERIES
In 2007 anglers enjoyed some of the best trout and pike fishing for many years. The size and quality of the fish were second to none. The start of the trout season was for many the best ever, with many 4, 5 & 6 lb fish included in limit bags. Boat fishermen enjoyed a resurgence of dry fly fishing and many of our season permit holders had their best season ever off the shore despite very high water levels and some extreme weather conditions. Several brown trout weighing more than 10lbs were taken with the best fly caught fish estimated at 14lbs before being returned to the water. Two other fish of 16+ were caught and returned in the pike fishing sessions.
Pike anglers have come expect the best at Chew Valley and they were treated to one of the most memorable years with no less than 16 fish topping the 30lb mark, the best a whopping 38.06. Twenty-pound fish were common and fish could be taken on lures and dead baits throughout the trials. And many of these fish, including 3 over 30, came from the bank.

DETAILS FOR 2008 SEASON
SEASON DATES
Trout Fishing
Thursday 13th March Chew Valley and Barrows open
Thursday 20th March Blagdon opens
Wednesday 15th October Winter prices apply
Friday 31st October Boat fishing finishes at Blagdon
Sunday 9th November Boat fishing finishes at Chew Valley
Sunday 30th November Bank fishing finishes all lakes.
As in the past season permit holders will be given a special introductory day on the Tuseday before opening days. Brown trout will be out of season from 13/3 to 16/3 and from 15/10 to 30/11. Any caught during that period must be returned alive.
Pike Fishing
January 19th – 25th Boat and bank fishing
February 2nd – 8th Boat and bank fishing
October 15th –20th, 25th – 30th Boat and bank fishing
November 4th – 9th Boat and bank fishing
November 14th – 19th, 25th – 30th Bank fishing only.
PERMIT PRICES
All bank and boat prices have been increased by 50p per permit.
Season permits have also increased. Full prices are available on our website or by phoning Woodford Lodge.
Booking Trout and Pike Fishing
For all boats and pike bank permits advance booking is essential. Booking is by letter only and must be received before 1st January 2008. Include in your application your name, address, a daytime or mobile phone number and your booking requirements. All letters received will be entered into a draw for bookings. When all the letter bookings have been completed telephone bookings will then be accepted. Full payments or deposits will be required for all advance bookings.

Bob Handford
Fisheries & Recreations Manager
Tel 01275 332339
Email woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk
Website www.bristolwater.co.uk

See Below some of the fish caught over the past season  2007 on Bristol Waters

Hi from Chew Valley   As promised here are some pictures of our recently caught big fish.   Picture one is of a 16lb 4oz brown trout caught accidently the day after the season ended for browns. The fish was returned unharmed after weighing and photographing. This is the biggest ever brown taken from any of the Bristol water fisheries in over 100 years! The lucky angler was JOHN CHESTER

.  

The pike is the biggest so far in our autumn pike sessions. It weighed a massive 38.06 and was caught on a lure by ANDY BALDOCK when fishing from a boat. This is one of two 30+ fish taken so far.

    The third picture is another brown caught in season but returned as they didn't want to kill it. No scalea available but estimated at 14lbs+. It was taken from a boat on a white marabou lure by RAY MITCHELL.

  Today sees the first day of the second pike session and hope are high for an even bigger fish. All the b

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His 95 point total just pipped ANDREW BEATTIE 94, and MARTIN BURGESS & MARK WITHYMAN 93. A really exciting finish to a good series. Sunday saw 9 teams of 6 turn up for the Bristol Water Teams Challenge. Conditions were good if a little breezey, but this did not stop the fish feeding well. 289 fish were caught, a rod average of 5.6. Everyone caught fish and 15 anglers took the 8 fish limit. Almost all the fish were caught on or near the surface on a variety of flies and methods – dries, nymphs, boobies and lures all worked. Top team and winners of the coveted BW trophy were BLAGDON ANGLERS.

TIGHTLINES were a close second with BRFFA ITCHY FEET third. Everyone enjoyed a complimentary buffet and pint after the event.

              This week’s main story is a magnificent rainbow caught by local expert RON GRAY from Bristol. Ron went afloat on Saturday in bright, sunny conditions and found the fish difficult to tempt. But a switch to a sinking line and orange blob, fished near the cages in Villice Bay produced the biggest rainbow of the season and broke his personal best by several pounds. The fish fought well and stayed deep and at first Ron suspected that he’d hooked a large pike. But then then the fish erupted from the water trying hard to shake the hook and Ron knew he had the fish of a lifetime. After a long fight Ron netted the prime, over-wintered fish and headed straight back to the Lodge to weigh and report his catch. Ron was still shaking when we pictured his fish and was unable to continue to fish due to his excitement. Well done Ron!

Ron's fish weighed 10lbs 12ozs!

ADEL OSBORNE caught a beautiful over-wintered rainbow when fishing from the bank. It weighed in at 6.04 and is the best from Blagdon so far this month.

MALCOLM FISHER took a 9.04 fish also from Villice. A Diawl Bach was the successful fly.

Another brown of 8.08, again from Villice, was captured by MARK LAMBERT. This fish fell to a Soldier Palmer fished right on the surface. 

DAVE PAYNE  8lbs 6ozs

PHILIP BROWNE 8lbs.02ozs

Bristol Water fisheries, Woodford Lodge, Chew Stoke, Nr Bristol, BS40 8XH.

Tel 01275 332339, Fax 01275 331377, email  woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk

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