Now that Chew and Blagdon are closed for boat fishing until next March, where can you go to enjoy a bit of guided Winter fly fishing?
Well, I have 3 main suggestions:-
The River Test for Grayling
Each Winter I frequently host guided fly fishing days on the River Test for Grayling. There are several beats on England's most famous chalk stream that I utilise to teach people how to fish rivers.
You might have heard about the terms "Czech Nymphing" and "Bugging", so why not take this opportunity for some 1-to-1 tuition in how to practice these, and other, methods? I also cater for small parties, depending on how many rods are allowed on any given beat.
Quite often, when the sun shines on warmer Winter days, a hatch of olives will promote some cracking rising fish. Grayling can provide brilliant sport on the dry fly and do not always require a nymph to tempt them!
If you don't possess any river tackle then help is at hand. I will provide all tackle FOC and also some flies. Waders are not required as most beats on the River Test do not allow wading at this time of the year.
Litton Trout Lakes near Bristol
The beautiful Litton Lakes complex is owned by Bristol Water and for many years was only fished by the directors of the Company. Now, both lakes are open to the public and I regularly host small Corporate Days and other bookings here.
Upper Litton was constructed in the late 1800's and is totally surrounded by trees. Access by boat is the only effec tive way of fishing.
Lower Litton is a shallow lake and features the intimate Fishing Lodge, which is constructed on wooden stilts and stands above the water.
Both lakes are regularly stocked with home-reared rainbow and brown trout - the best my clients have caught and released was in excess of 8lbs. The limit bag is 5 fish per person and catch & release can be practiced on both lakes.
Farmoor Reservoir
If it is reservoir fishing that floats your boat, then farmoor Reservoir near Oxford is the only such venue that remains open all through the Winter months.
Each year I visit Farmoor and the quality of the rainbow trout here is fantastic. Boat fishing tactics normally feature floating lines and nymphs on even the coldest of days and if we are lucky to get a mild spell, then I would expect some rising fish. The latest I fished dry flies here was the last week in November - which is pretty extraordinary!
Farmoor is also a great place to practice your sinking line techniques in readiness for the new season.
The boats are well equipped and you can fish either on the drift or at anchor.
I will supply all boat seats and any tackle that may be required.
Simply drop me an email via the "Contact" page on this WebSite to make a booking .....
