ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 30/3/12
TROUT FISHING
The fantastic sport that has been experienced throughout March continues and with the warm weather for the time of year, the buzzer hatches have been immense. Rising fish has been commonplace, even in bright sunlight and overcast days have been electric for top of the water and emerger fishing. The nymph fishing has also been good, especially on days when a cool wind is blowing and there are little signs of surface activity.
Best areas include Weather Bay, Swimming Pool and the boathouse stretch in the North basin. Whereas the ticket office frontage, Strickland bay and 4 tree bay have been the hot spots in the South basin.
The superb catch returns continue to flood in. Ian Singleton and Bill Ethrington from Barrow had a superb day in Weather Bay from the boats, taking 11 rainbows and 1 Brown Trout, all on the fly!
Season ticket holder Richard Maddox took 4 rainbows and 2 browns all on fly from the boats in the North basin. Meanwhile John Gardner took 4 rainbows on similar tactics.
Venue regular Jim Miller from Keswick fished cats whisker and Montana nymphs to record 6 rainbows to 3lb 3oz from the boats and on a subsequent visit Jim took a 4lb 8oz over wintered rainbow to similar tactics (see attached picture).
Peregrine Team Esthwaite member Adam Larbeleistier experienced a superb practice session on the lake. Fishing from a boat and employing the washing line tactics in conjunction with nymphs and buzzers fished just sub surface, Adam recorded 20+ fish!
Meanwhile Malcolm Robson a HAC member from Morecambe fished cats whisker on a slow sink line to record 10 rainbows in 2 visits to the fishery, again fishing from the boats!
The Troutmasters fish off at Esthwaite Water was won by Mike Laycock who weighed in 6 trout for a total weight of 14lb 12 oz and in second place England Youth squad member John Macintosh weighed in 6 fish for 12lb 4oz. Mike now gets to represent the fishery at the Trout Masters final to be held on Grafham Water in May. Good luck Mike, give ‘em hell!
Also the annual Chaplow’s fun match was contested last week and the day was full of the usual leg pulling and general camaraderie. The winner of the match was Phil Hawkins who weighed in his 3 trout for 5lb 5oz. In second place Ryan Morris weighed in 3 trout for 4lb 13oz and in third place Arthur Laughton weighed in 3 trout for 3lb 11oz.
PIKE FISHING
The warm weather has slowed the Pike fishing some what as they get ready for spawning, however resident Esthwaite guide Alex Barton took a fine conditioned 26 pounder which fell to a lure in the car park area of the lake ( see attached picture ).
Also another guided trip ended in Mrs Jane Shirley from Bedfordshire who took a fine brace of Pike with Esthwaite guide Dave Coleman. Jane landed a 16 pounder on a lure and followed this up with a mint 23 pounder on deadbait to finish off.
The Pike season here on Esthwaite is closed after the end of March and will resume on October 1st. Anyone interested in fishing the venue for the 2012/13 winter season should contact the fishery on 015394 36541 or email us at trout@hawkshead.demon.co.uk.
Best Regards
David Coleman M.I.F.M
FISHERY MANAGER