Latest Report

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 23/3/11

What a fantastic start to the season we have had, with many double figure bags reported throughout March so far. The weather has been generally kind, with prolonged periods of mild conditions prevailing. Buzzer hatches have been exceptional for the time of year and fish have been up in the water and feeding with gusto. Nymphing tactics have also scored heavily, as well as the usual early season favourite lures such as viva’s, cats whisker’s, tadpoles and boobies! The southern end of the lake is most productive at present, with the car park end of the lake fishing extremely well from both bank and boat. There are also good numbers of fish being reported  from Weather Bay and the swimming pool, up in the North basin.

Brothers Danny, John and Tommy Black from Wigan experienced a session to remember, landing over 50+ rainbows between them to 3lb+. All fish were taken from the car park banking on legered worm tactics. Also fishing the car park Ray Hatton from St Helen’s took 10 rainbows to 2lb 8oz, again on legered worm. Meanwhile Hawkshead Angling Club member Geoff Gregory from Barrow in Furness also took 10 fish to 3lb on a recent visit.

The season ticket anglers have also had a great start to the season with many reporting their best start for many years. Indeed Jim Miller from Keswick took 6 rainbow’s to 2lb 8oz fishing Stockie bay. Jim’s haul was taken on his old faithful cats whisker from the boats. Bill Mckenna also had a cracking day from the boats, taking 7 fine conditioned fish to a variety of different flies.

Open Day, on Sunday March 13^th was a resounding success, with a real buzz in the air as anglers ventured out for the start of the new season. The camaraderie and jokes were flying about all day and the days events were very successful. Fourteen anglers fished Heat 1 of the Masterline Walker and Pure Fishing sponsored Esthwaite 2011 Open Pairs competition. There were 82 fish weighed in for a total of 163lb 4oz. In second place Dave Morris and Alistair Beaumont weighed in 12 rainbow’s for 26lb 3oz and in first place Mike Frith and Mike Henshall weighed in 12 rainbow’s for 27lb 5oz, including time bonuses. Both pairs now go through to the final in September.

Our discounted tuition session was fully attended and it was refreshing to see people learning to fly cast on the far banking. Some of these people had never fished before and some were progressing on from bait to fly fishing. For any interested parties the next organised day will be on April 17^th, please contact the fishery for bookings and more information.

John Macintosh and James Atkinson, both England Youth Flyfishing team members and Esthwaite regulars conducted an excellent fly tying demonstration in the tackle shop that kept everybody enthused and free food and drink was available to make this an exceptional day for everyone concerned.[see attached photo ]

The 6^th annual Chaplow’s cup, any method fishing competition was held last week and saw 21 anglers weigh in 32 fish for a total weight of 56lb 8oz. This was a fantastic day, with some really good sport reported. In third place Andy Chaplow weighed in 3 fish for 5lb 7oz. In second place Mark Fellar weighed in 3 fish for 5lb 1oz and the overall winner of the 2011 Chaplow’s cup was Mike Potter who weighed in 3 fish for a total weight of 6lb 2oz. Well done that man! [ see attached photo ].

Hawkshead Anglers are now recruiting for the 2011 season. The cost to join this Esthwaite affiliated club is £125 per year and there is now NO eligibility boundary.Members benefit from a 60% discount on boat hire at the fishery. Please call the club secretary Emma Macintosh on 015394 36116 or email alex@garishglobes.co.uk.

For up to the minute information log onto our website www.hawksheadtrout.com or telephone 015394 36541.

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER