ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 23/4 13

Warmer weather is with us now and what a difference it has made to the fishing. Over the last couple of weeks any number of over wintered specimens have been reported on a variety of methods. Buzzers are now coming off the water in good number, however with the water temperatures still a bit low, surface sport is yet to get going, however I am sure this will change soon. Those that have been fishing sub surface, with fry patterns have reported the best results.

Kayak angler Andrew Hoyle from Manchester fished a mepps spinner to take a nice brace of brownies to 5lb 9oz. Meanwhile Hawkshead Angling Club member Bill Blakeney from Bootle also employed spinner from the boats to take a fine conditioned 6lb brownie. Also using spinning tactics Christian Marsden from Halifax landed a superb over wintered specimen of 7lb 2oz. Paul Bird from York also took a 2lb 8oz brownie, plus a few back up smaller fish also on spinner.

Fly anglers that have been employing early season tactics of sunken lines and fry patterns have been recording some good catches also. Indeed 12 year old James Dixon from Buckinghamshire took a fine over wintered rainbow of 9lb 12oz from the boats on a cats whisker. Hawkshead Angling Club member Wayne Joyce from nearby Kendal had a 20 minute battle royal on his hands to land a fantastic 10lb 4oz Brown Trout also taken on sinking line and cats whisker combo’, from the boats in the North basin.(see attached photo)

The pick of the catch returns though goes to season ticket angler and venue regular John Johnstone from Surrey. John fished 6 days in a row and took 6 Pike into double figures. 12 smaller fish and over wintered Brown Trout of 6lb 4oz, 8lb 4oz and a new fishery record brownie of 12lb 8oz. All fish were taken on a mixture of gold head damsels, zonkers and cats whiskers. What a week he had! (see attached photo)

22 anglers fished the Chaplow’s cup last weekend. In third place Sam Tattershall weighed in 1 fish for 1lb 13oz. In second place Terry Potter weighed in 3 fish for 5lb 5oz and the winner Phil Hawkins weighed in 2 fish for 8lb. Once again this any method competition was well attended and a good time was had by all. The winner of the competition Phil Hawkins weighed in another over wintered specimen of 6lb 4oz, taken on spinning tactics.

Meanwhile 7 pairs fished heat 2 of the Esthwaite Open Pairs competition on Saturday. In second place Ernie Craster and Peter Crowe weighed in 2 fish for 2lb 5oz. In first place the England Youth squad members John Macintosh and James Atkinson weighed in 3 fish for 4lb 1oz. Both pairs now qualify for the grand final in September. Well done to both pairs they had to work hard on the day during testing conditions. The next heat of the competition will take place on Saturday 11^th May, please contact the fishery if you would like to enter the heat – 015394 36541.

Also for all you competition anglers out there the Esthwaite 2013 Individuals competition will take place on Sunday 19^th May. Again this is an event not to be missed, please contact the fishery for more details, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER