ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 27/12/13

TROUT FISHING

Although temperatures have been mild for the time of year, the weather has been generally unsettled which has kept angler visits down. Those that have fished for the trout , however have been encountering some good sport. Indeed George Talbot from Carlisle fished minkies on a sinking line to land 3 brownies from the boats in the North basin. Meanwhile Sam Johnson from Co Durham employed spinning tactics to take 4 brownies to 3lb+, again from the boats. Joshua Peart from Lancaster  fished legered worm from the bank to land a nice brace of brownies over the 2lb mark, as well as a surprise 19lb Pike.

Don’t forget we are on a catch and release policy for the Brown Trout until 15^th March, however any Rainbows landed may still be retained!

PIKE AND COARSE FISHING

The Pike fishing has been on top form again with a number of fish reported on deadbaits and lures. Alan Appleton from St Helens landed a 16lb predator from the car park swim on static deadbait. Meanwhile Steve Milward from Cyprus took a 12 and a 15 pounder on similar tactics from the same swim.

Dave Simpson from Penrith however landed 3 double figure Pike the best tipping the scales at 21lb 2oz. All Dave’s fish were taken on lures from the boats.

Big s club duo John Ashurst and Stuart Fazakerley from Wigan have been consistent of late taking 12 Pike over 3 visits, with the best fish weighing in at 24lb 2oz. All John’s and Stuart’s fish have fallen a combination of lures and deadbaits fished from the boats. (see attached photo).

The coarse fishing is still on top form with some cracking bags reported from the boathouse stretch and the point opposite the ticket office. Clive Charter from Wigan had a hectic session over at the boathouse last week and reported that he could not keep a rod in the water for more than a couple of minutes and took a cracking 40lb+ net of roach, perch and hybrids. Don’t forget the use of maggots is permissible and the general coarse fishing tickets are available for £10 until 14^th March!

Don’t forget to keep up with the fishing reports on a daily basis please find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for all the very lastest news and advice!

The staff at Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery hope you all had a great Christmas and wish you all a prosperous new year, tightlines!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT 21/11/13

TROUT FISHING

Autumn is now giving way to winter and water temperatures are plummeting, however the trout are still a realistic target especially if you adopt the right tactics. If you are boat fishing, try to locate the fry shoals as the trout are never far away from their desired food source at this time of year. Spinning is an obvious choice, just fish them a bit slower and deeper and the same goes for the fly fisherman. Fish sinking lines and lures such as cats whiskers, sparklers and booby patterns for the best results. If you are worm fishing then set your float deeper than usual or if you are bank fishing then leger tactics are the way forward and don’t forget although we are still open for trout fishing ALL Brown trout must be returned until 15^th March, however rainbows can still be retained!

Stuart Bell from Manchester fished boobies on a Di-7 set up from the boats to record 3 browns to 2lb+ from the boats. Also Peter Johnson from Berkshire fished a sinking line set up and various fry patterns including zonkers and floating fry and landed 4 browns to 2lb, again from the boats.

Meanwhile Jimmy Brown from Darlington had a nice brace of browns on spinners from the bank and John Dean from Carlisle also landed 3 browns to 3lb from the boathouse banking on legered worm!

PIKE AND COARSE FISHING

The Pike fishing has been a bit patchy over the last few weeks as it nearly always is during the autumn. Despite this there has been some very big fish reported indeed from both the bank and the boats!

First up Mark Carding from Barrow landed a 20lb 2oz Pike on trolled deadbait from the boats. Big s club member John Ashurst from Wigan took a 17lb Pike on a trolled replicant, again from the boats. Meanwhile Chris Oakes landed 3 Pike upto 12lb on lures from the boats. Steve Brookes from St Helens landed 4 Pike up to 23lb 4oz on deadbaits and lures from the boats.  However the best recent Pike was taken on static deadbait from the banking at 10 tree bay and was landed by Steve Logan from Barrow. The fish was immaculate and tipped the scales at 27lb 8oz (see attached photo).

Don’t forget we offer a first class guiding service. Anyone interested in having a day with our resident guides should contact Dave or Alex on 015394 36541 for more information and for daily updates please find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Our general coarse fishing is becoming very popular and regular bags of 20-30lb nets of Roach, Rudd, Perch and Bream are being caught from the boathouse banking or from the point opposite the ticket office. Tickets cost just £10 and the use of maggots is permitted. Quivertipping tactics is by far the best approach. The tickets are available until 14^th March!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 30/10/13

TROUT FISHING

Plenty of wind and rain, is just what these glacial lakes need during the autumn and boy have we had plenty over the last week or two. Anyway the trout fishing seems to be benefitting from a change of water as anglers employing all methods have been reporting fish.

Dave Griffith from Surrey fished from the boats with an intermediate line set up and a team of wets to land 3 brownies to 2lb. All Dave’s fish were taken around the weather buoys in the north basin. John Sorenson from Glasgow also took 3 brownies using traditional wets fished on a floater, again from the same area. Meanwhile Peter Johnson from Preston took 12 browns on legered worm from the boathouse banking. All fish were returned!

Prospects for back end trout fishing are looking good, there are some real lumps clearing the water in various locations throughout the lake that have not seen a hook yet, so expect good things to come over the next few weeks!

PIKE AND COARSE FISHING

The Pike fishing has once again been very good, with float trolled baits and lures out scoring the static approach. The boats are producing the best of the action, however the car park banking has been consistent too.

First up Jason Broome from Chester fished the car park banking and managed 4 pike to 20lb 2oz on static deadbaits. Also fishing from the car park John Hicks from Grange landed a fine conditioned 14 pounder to similar tactics. Richard Bradley from Preston landed a 22lb 8oz fish to a trolled lure (see attached photo).

Employing our in house guides, Alistair Rushworth and Stephen Cooper from Oldham landed 3 nice pike to 20lb 2oz on float trolled baits and lures. Anyone who fancies a days guided pike fishing should contact the ticket office to arrange a session. We charge £10 per hour on top of our permit and boat prices and the guided sessions must be booked in advance!

The general coarse fishing is going down very well with some staggering nets of fish being taken on maggot and feeder tactics. Indeed Jim Corkish from St Helens bagged 30lb+ of silver fish and perch in an afternoon session from the boathouse banking. Also fishing well is the point opposite the ticket office. The coarse fishing is now open until 14^th March and tickets for the day cost just £10!

Don’t forget for all the very latest information on the fishing you can tune into our Facebook and Twitter pages. Failing that please telephone the ticket office on 015394 36541 and ask for either Dave or Alex!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 8/10/13

The trout fishing has been testing of late, due to a recent algal bloom, however things are improving now as the water is clearing nicely and conditions are looking good for some fine back end sport. Despite conditions  though there has been some nice fish reported, on a variety of methods.

Visiting angler Kevin Cooper from Canada took 4 nice browns on float fished worm from the boats. All of which were between 1lb and 2lb. Glyn Evans fished spinner from the boats to take a fine over wintered rainbow of 6lb 4oz (see attached photo). Also employing spinning tactics season ticket holder Joe Reynolds from Barrow took 3 browns from the boats. Christian Jacobson from Liverpool latched into another fine brownie of 5lb 4oz, again on spinner. Meanwhile Will Owen from North Wales tried out fishing for his first time with his son Robin and they landed a cracker of 8lb, again on spinner, which was safely released. Its not just the boys who have been enjoying success. Indeed Kirsty Johnson from Widnes took 2 Brown Trout on float fished worm from the boats.

Fly anglers have also been getting in on the action. Hawkshead Angling Club member Dave Bell landed 2 brownies from the boats and another HAC member Bob Swann took 3 brownies in quick succession from the boats. All Bobs fish fell to orange dabbler patterns in conjunction with a Di-3 line.

The grand final of the Esthwaite Water 2013 Pairs competition was contested at the weekend. Under difficult conditions of bright sunshine, easterly winds and an algal bloom, the fishing was tough to say the least.In third place was Ben Bayliss and Adam Larbalestier. In second place was Brian Shields and Jon Turner and the winners were after many years of trying Bob Swann and Colin O’brien. Local angling guru Bob Carlson presented the £3000 worth of prizes to the top three pairs on the day.(see attached photo)

The Pike season has got off to a flier, with a number of good fish reported well into double figures, mainly falling to lure and fly tactics, however there has been one or two out on static deadbait also.Roger Byron fished static deadbait off the car park and landed 2 doubles, the best tipping the scales at 21lb 3oz. Volodymyr Chystakov from London had a day to remember when he fished lures from the boats and recorded 2 Pike over the twenty pound mark. Ross Thompson also took a brace of double figure Pike on lures and Season ticket angler Geoff Birtwistle also had a couple up to 14lb.Meanwhile Big s club members Steve Hinks and Darren Lord have landed many fish to 20lb+ on lures and fly, from the boats.

We are now open for general coarse fishing from 1^st October until 14^th March inclusive. Tickets are £10 each and the use of maggots is allowed. North East based angler Simon Ashton has fished the venue a couple of times over the last week and had some cracking sport with 90lb and 50lb bags respectively. The boathouse banking has been the favoured peg, however there are a good number of fish been coming from the point opposite the ticket office. (see attached picture).

Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook  or follow us on Twitter, for all the very latest information!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M – FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT  19/9/13

With summer now giving way to autumn, the water temperatures are cooling nicely and the trout have been back in the top ten feet of water and are now accessible to all methods. For weeks on end during the heat wave the fish disappeared into the depths and were residing just above the thermocline feeding exclusively on daphnia and making life hard for anyone employing fly or spinning tactics. Now however the fish are very active up near the surface and when they are not sipping emerging sedge and buzzers, they are feeding hard on the fry. All in all good news for trout fisherman, expect some bumper sport over the forthcoming weeks!

There have been a number of anglers enjoying the improving conditions, catching fish on all methods and from both the bank and the boat. Indeed Hawkshead Angling Club member Bob Swann took 3 nice Brown Trout fishing a Di-3 line in conjunction with his new orange dabbler patterns. Bob fished the weather buoy area of the lake from the boats. Meanwhile Richard Jones from Preston took his limit bag of 4 fish on fry patterns from the banking up at swimming pool in the north basin.

Any method anglers have also been getting some good action. Indeed visiting angler Kevin Cooper from Canada latched into 4 nice brownies from the boats on float fished worm and John Grimshaw from St Helens took 5 brownies while fishing similar tactics from the boathouse banking.

Season ticket angler Joe Reynolds took to the boats and landed 3 nice fish on spinner, all between 1lb 8oz and 2lb. Meanwhile also employing spinning tactics Glynn Evans from Blackpool took a fully finned over wintered rainbow of 6lb 4oz (see attached picture).

Don’t forget we are now open for Pike fishing with lures and fly and 1^st October see’s our predator season kick off properly with all methods allowed including deadbaits, lures and flies. We anticipate being busy during the first week of the new season, so please don’t forget to book your boat in advance by telephoning Dave or Alex on 015394 36541.

Also remember we are posting information on our social media pages of Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis. So please Find or follow us for all the very latest news and information

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 29^TH August

The weather is now cooling down nicely, Atlantic fronts are starting to push in from the west, the water temperatures are beginning to cool and there is an overall improvement in fishing  conditions, bringing a slight autumnal feel to things in general. Excellent news for the trout fishing as the fish venture back to the surface after spending weeks daphnia feeding down at depths of 20 feet or more. Fantastic news and prospects for the forthcoming weeks look excellent too. Expect the fish to start hammering the fry and watch out for the evening rise as fish surface feed with gusto on daddies, buzzer and emerging sedge!

Season ticket angler Joe Reynolds from Barrow took a nice brace of brownies  from the boats, one on fly and the other on spinner. Meanwhile bank fisherman Mike Johnson from Co Durham also had a stunning brace of browns on damsels. One fish weighed 2lb 8oz and the other a little over 3lb. Nice grown on fish in immaculate condition! John Jones from North Wales also had a cracking session taking 4 browns to 3lb on minkies fished deep on a Di-5 line combo from the boats in the North basin.

Although the fish are starting to edge closer to the surface again, and fly fishing tactics are starting to improve the any method anglers have been having some great sport fishing worm at depth. Indeed George Swift from Devon landed 3 browns to 2lb from the boats. Harry Peterson from Harrogate also landed 3 browns to 2lb+ fishing similar tactics. The boathouse stretch on the Eastern banking is also fishing well. Zak Barry from Co Durham took 4 browns in 2 hours on legered worm.

With the school holidays still in full swing , the kids are doing well, especially from the boats. Peter Tykhin aged 14 from Russia landed a brown and rainbow brace with his parents fishing worm deep ! Also Mathew Jones aged 10 from Warrington landed a nice brace of browns, again fishing the same tactics!

The fishery received another stocking of 500+ fish again last week and over the last few stockings, there have been some very nice fish stocked indeed, including 3 Brown Trout that weighed over 19 kilos that are still uncaught.I will let you do the maths, but needless to say if you fancy latching into a personal best brownie then this is the place to be over the next few weeks. Keep up to date with all the very latest on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to fish from a boat, please contact Dave or Alex to make your booking – 015394 36541.

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

Fishery Manager

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 15/8/13

Cooler more unsettled weather has kicked in recently and as the water temperature gradually comes down after the heatwave the fish have been showing closer to the surface and catch per unit effort is rising almost daily – good news for Trout anglers everywhere!

Despite the fishes movements up from the abyss there have been a few that are still lingering down there and making the most of the daphnia blooms. Worm anglers are by far and away encountering the best of the sport as presentation is much more difficult at depth with fly and spinning tactics. Venue regular S.Rabinowitz from Manchester fished worm from the boats and took 3 browns to 2lb+ and a cracking overwintered rainbow of 3lb. George Swift from Devon also landed a nice brace of brownies to 2lb+ employing similar tactics. Meanwhile Ian Orton from the West midlands landed the best recent fish on the same tactics which weighed in at 4lb and a lovely example of a proper grown on Stillwater Brown Trout it was too! (see attached photo)

Following on from his England Youth team gold win in Wales Esthwaite resident John Macintosh took 3 browns in quick succession fishing a cat booby on a Di-3 line from the boats. All John’s fish were taken from the weather buoys in the North basin, which has been the best hotspot on the lake, especially during the hot weather!

The school holidays are upon us and the kids have been having a whale of a time recently with a myriad of excited reports and tales of monster fish caught. The recent dry weather has helped angler visits and fishing here at Esthwaite has been a real family affair with mums and dads getting the fishing bug too. Long may this trend continue. It really is rewarding to see new people being introduced to the sport, especially the kids!

The 2013 Ethwaite Kayak Grand Slam was contested at the weekend and worthy winner Mike Taylor won the competition overall with a total fish length of 24 inches. Mike wins this years trophy and a purpose built fishing  kayak for his efforts, well done that man! (see attached photo)

For up to date information please contact Dave or Alex on 015394 36541. Also please find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for all the very lastest information on the fishing!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 31/7/13

Well, well, well a summer at last! The recent heatwave has been very welcome and indeed has felt like a long time in coming. Anglers have been out in their droves, however with rocketing water temperatures, the fish have been predictably pushed into deeper water, mainly 15-25 feet, just above the thermocline and feeding hard on daphnia. Late evenings have seen the fish rise to the surface and gorge on fry and hatching sedges, however these windows of opportunity have been short lived and only the thinking angler has been able to maintain any sort of consistency by fishing free lined worm at the aforementioned depth.

Bill ward from Birmingham got the tactics just right and accounted for 3 browns to 2lb fishing worm at 20 feet around the weather buoys, meanwhile James Kirkpatrick from London accounted for a nice brace of browns to similar size using the same tactics!

With the Lake District holiday season in full swing visiting angler Pier Martino from Rome managed 3 browns to 3lb+ on deep fished worm and Keric Morris from Texas also took 3 fish on worm fished from the boats. Peter Callow however from Hamburg  opted to fish spinning tactics from the boats and took a nice brace of brownies also !

The summer Pike fishing trials are still in full swing. Hawkshead Angling club member Tim Carswell from Cockermouth landed 7 in total, the best tipping the scales at 23lb 6oz. All Tim’s fish were taken on lures from the boats. Meanwhile Geoff Birtwistle from Bury took 3 nice double figure Pike to 18lb, again on lures. (see attached photo). Don’t forget that permitted methods for Pike fishing until 1^st October will be with lures and fly only!

As I write this report, we do have some cooler weather conditions prevailing. If it continues, I expect sport to improve no end and when the fish do move closer to the surface , there are masses of coarse fish fry waiting to be gorged upon, so expect sport to be electric.

Don’t forget for all the very latest information on the fishing you can find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or alternatively telephone the ticket office direct and speak to Dave or Alex on 015394 36541.

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 10/7/13

The hot weather has been very welcome after the last few wet summers we have had to endure, however it has predictably pushed the fish into deeper water. The fry on the other hand have stayed in the upper layers where warmth and fast growth rates can be achieved. During the evenings the trout have ventured up from their deep water lairs to feed hard on this plentiful food supply.  Hatches of fly have also been in abundance with buzzer, sedges and damsels coming off the water, but again evenings have been the best time for any chance of surface feeding fish!

Peter Johnson from Herts found the fish in obliging mood, taking his limit of 4 fish from the boats, employing a Di-3 line and cats whisker combo’. John Clarke from Bristol also had a brilliant session from the boats landing 5 browns to 2lb+ on a Di-5 and floating fry imitation. Season ticket rod Joe Reynolds from Barrow also took a nice brace of Brown Trout from the boats on an intermediate line and cats whisker combo’ up in the North basin.

Any method anglers have also had their share of success. Indeed visiting angler Gary Sohngen from California employed spinning tactics from the boats to record another nice brace of brownies. Meanwhile Dave Charlton from Wigan bank fished the boathouse stretch to record 4 browns to float fished worm.

Venue regular Kev Peacock from Preston found multi species feeding hard on the fry and landed his grand slam from the boats. Kev took 2 trout to 2lb, 7 perch to 2lb+ and 2 mid double figure Pike!

Since we opened for summer Pike fishing there have been numerous fish reported to the upper twenty pound mark both on lure and fly fishing tactics. John Hine from Keswick landed 12 Pike in one session to 24lb on fly from the boats. Meanwhile Geoff Birtwistle from Bury landed a nice brace of upper doubles while trolling lures from the boats. ( see attached picture 18lb)

Heat 5 of the open pairs competition was contested last weekend and the two qualifying pairs who are now through to the final are James Stephenson and Blythe Palmer and Martin Malloy and Keith Meyrick. The last heat of this competition will take place this Saturday 13^th July. Anyone interested in fishing the competition should contact the ticket office A.S.AP!

There are also 2 places remaining for the last discounted fly fishing tuition taster sessions also to be held this Saturday 13^th July. The session runs from 10am until 2pm and the cost is only £10. All participants need with them is a brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses and a valid EA licence. Please contact Dave on 015394 36541 if you would like to join in the fun and learn to fly fish!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 20/6/13

Summer is officially here and while anglers are out in numbers enjoying the sunshine, the fish have retreated to the deeps in search of cooler water. Best areas to head for as long as this weather continues are the cages and Strickland bay in the South basin and the weather buoys and Grubhole in the North basin.

Hatches, as per usual are extensive at this time of year with buzzer, olives, alders and damsels all coming off the water in numbers. Falls of daddies and beetles have also been evident, however best surface sport is being encountered in the evenings.

One angler that found the feeding depth of the fish was Hawkshead Angling Club member, Sean Whittaker from West Sussex. Sean employed a Di-7 line and black blobs to land 8 browns to 2lb+. Meanwhile Peter Wren from Liverpool fished similar tactics with appetisers and zonkers to record his limit bag of 4 fish to 1lb 8oz from the boats.

Any method anglers have also been tested to locate the fish and John Brown from Belfast certainly found great sport fishing worm at 20 feet down over the deeper water of the South basin. John landed 5  browns to 3lb and lost another 2 at the side of the boat, to record a hectic few hours sport. Venue regular Andrew Gowing from Liverpool fished from the boats and also landed 3 browns to 2lb on spinning tactics. Wayne Vander from Blackpool also took 4 trout to 3lb 12oz on spinner (see attached photo)

Heat 4 of the Esthwaite Pairs was contested last week . Esthwaite Peregrine members Adam Larbelestier and Ben Bayliss won the heat while Bob Swann and Colin O’brien finished second. Both pairs now qualify for the final in September. Well done to both teams! Heat 5 will take place on Saturday 29^th June. Please contact Dave or Alex on 015394 36541 to reserve your place.

We still have 2 places left on the last discounted fly fishing taster session of the season which takes place on Saturday 13^th July. The tutorial starts at 10am and finishes at 2pm. All participants need to bring is a pair of sunglasses and a brimmed hat as well as a current EA licence. Please ensure that you book on to this session by contacting the fishery A.S.A.P.

Our summer Pike trials are going well with numerous double figured specimens and twenty pounders reported already. Don’t forget permitted methods are lure and fly only. HAC member Tim Carswell had a session to remember taking 13 Pike from the boats on surface lures, to mid doubles. Sean and Mike Whitaker landed numerous Pike including 2 twenties that weighed in at 20lb 2oz and 21lb 8oz respectively. Alex Barton from Windermere also got in on the action landing a fin perfect 25 pounder on a Burt from the North basin. John Johnstone from Surrey had a battle royal on his hands when he landed a 20lb+ Pike on trout gear(see attached photo)

However fishery Manager Dave Coleman guided Peter Koneski to a session of a lifetime taking 14 Pike in total, including 2 twenty pounders best 21lb. All fish were nailed on fly and lure combinations from Esthwaite’s shallow but productive bays. Anyone who wishes to employ one of the Esthwaite guides should contact the fishery and reserve both the guide and their boat in advance. There’s no better way of getting to grips with this large Stillwater and it could be the best fishing session of your life. Please contact the fishery for further details!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.IF.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT- 6/6/13

The hot weather has brought anglers out in their droves and all I can say is about time too. We have not had a spring this year. Instead we have gone from winter straight into summer. Although these present conditions are not great from an angling point of view, there have been a fair few good returns handed in.

Hatches of various species including buzzer, sedges, alders, olives and damsels have been commonplace, however with the bright conditions surface sport has been restricted to early mornings and evenings! One angler that has been very successful fishing sedge dries from the bank was Derek Upton from Newbury. He fished a floating line set up and took 5 browns to 1lb 8oz from the Swimming pool.

Season ticket holder Joe Reynolds has also been successful fishing from the boats and has taken 6 fish in 2 trips, the best tipping the scales at 2lb+. Joe employed sinking line and lures to take all his trout. Meanwhile John Pearce from Derbyshire had a session to remember when he took to the North basin and landed 6 browns to 2lb+ on a sinking line set up and zonker combination from the boats.

Any method anglers have also been reporting some nice captures from both boat and bank. Indeed Ashley Rainford from Dent took a magnificent over wintered rainbow of 7lb+ on spinner from the boats(see attached photo). Wayne Vander from Blackpool landed 4 browns to 3lb 12oz on spinner , again from the boats. However H.A.C member Dave Telford from Bootle took an absolute corker of a Brown Trout at 11lb 8oz that was landed on spinning tactics from the ticket office banking and safely return to the water (see attached photo).

There are still boats available for the 5^th heat of this year’s Esthwaite Pairs competition that takes place on Saturday 29^th June. The competition is open to all fly anglers and the cost of the entry is £65 per pair. The top 2 pairs from each heat will qualify for the grand final in September, where there will be over £3000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Please contact Dave or Alex at the fishery for entry forms and further details – 015394 36541.

Also there are still a few places left for the last discounted tuition day of the 2013 season. The cost for this 4 hour fly fishing course is only £10. A small price to pay for the introduction to a lifetime of enjoyment. To book your place on this taster session please telephone us on the above number. Participants must bring with them a current EA licence and a brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses for protection.

Don’t forget we regularly post information on Facebook and Twitter, so please send a friend request or follow us for all the very latest!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 16/5/13

Spring is finally in the air and would you believe it we are only a few weeks away from the longest day of the year. However this spring like weather has certainly got the fish up and moving. Fly hatches are abundant now with buzzer, olives, alders and damsels coming off the water in numbers.

All this activity and warming temperatures has seen some great catches over the last week or so.

Simon Rogers from Anglesey took 3 browns to 2lb+ on a Di-3 and sparkler combo’ fished from the boats. Jon Turner caught and released a fabulous Brown Trout on fly from Stockie Bay.It was estimated to weigh in the region of 12lb+.

Hawkshead Angling Club member Dave Telford from Bootle has been getting stuck in amongst the big ones with a 9lb 14oz and a 12lb 4oz brownie, both caught on spinner from the bank, next to the boathouse. This fish falls just a few ounces short of the fishery record. Two very nice fish and well done to Dave , he has been putting the time in off the ticket office banking lately. (see attached picture of the 12lb 4oz fish)

Also venue regular and H.A.C member Bob Swann from the North East fished a cats whisker on a Di-3 line from the boats to take a superb 6lb 8oz brownie. That’s a personal best for Bob, well done that man. Meanwhile David Broome from Herts fished from the boats and took a fine double figure specimen of 10lb 2oz, caught on a minkie and intermediate line.

With fish starting to move a lot more in the surface layers the over wintered fish are on the move and a few nice rainbows have been showing. Shaun Whitaker had a clonker weighing  11lb 4oz fishing from a boat around the weather buoys in the North basin, on a wooly bugger and sinking line combo’. (see attached photo)

Last weekend heat 3 of the Esthwaite Open Pairs 2013 took place. In second place John Parker and Clive Parry weighed in 2 fish for 2lb 9oz and in first place Esthwaite Peregrines Brian Shields and Jon Turner weighed in 3 fish for 13lb 7oz. Both pairs now qualify for the final in September. Heat 4 of this popular competition will take place on Saturday 8^th June, please contact Dave or Alex on 015394 36541 to book your boat for the heat.

There are still places left for the discounted tuition day on Saturday 30^th June and Saturday 13^th July. Please contact the fishery to book your place. This 4 hour fly fishing tutorial costs just £10 and is a fantastic taster session for anyone who wishes to take up fly fishing. All the tackle is provided on the day. It starts at 10am and finishes at 2pm. Participants need to bring with them a current EA licence and a hat and a pair of sunglasses for protection.

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 3/5/13

Another fantastic weeks fishing here at Esthwaite with good sport from both boat and bank. Warmer weather has seen good hatches of buzzer’s coming off the water and fish have been up in the surface layers taking advantage of the feast on offer now the weather has finally warmed up. Evenings have fished the best, especially for those anglers wishing to fish naturals, however for those fishing any method and lures or fry imitations timing has been a little less crucial.

Unusually bank anglers have reported the bulk of the sport this week with Craig Bowles reporting the biggest fish and what a fish this was. Craig from St Helens latched into another one of Esthwaite’s double figure specimens while fishing worm from the car park swims and at 12lb 6oz it is certainly a fish of a lifetime and certainly a personal best brownie for Craig. The fish is also only 2 oz short of the fishery record.

Gordon Finnie from nearby Coniston also took a fine brownie of 6lb 2oz plus 7 other back up fish while fishing spinner from the boat jetty! Meanwhile Hawkshead Angling Club member Dave Bell took 4 brown’s on spinning tactics also from the boat jetty. Also fishing similar tactics local rod Jack Jameson from Windermere took 3 browns.

Boat anglers are doing well, indeed Craig Robinson from Carlisle took a nice over wintered specimen brownie of 4lb+, again on spinning tactics. Season ticket angler Joe Reynolds from Barrow took to the boats and landed 4 browns to 1lb 8oz. Also from Barrow Ryan Westwood landed a fabulous 5lb 9oz specimen on spinner from the boats.

However the biggest spinner caught fish of the week was taken by H.A.C member Vic Logan also from Barrow. He got the shock of his life when he latched into a true specimen Brown Trout of 10lb 4oz, taken next to the ticket office frontage. Well done Vic you deserved that for all the hours you put in this year!

The Esthwaite Water Tackle Shop challenge was won last week by Ray Hadwin and Neil Birkinshaw from The Fishing Hut in Grange Over Sands. They weighed in a cracking 6lb 9oz buzzer caught fish to win the competition out right!

The next discounted fly fishing day will take place on Saturday 11^th May. This 4 hour tuition session costs only £10 and is open to anyone who wishes to learn to fly fish. All participants need to do is telephone the fishery on 015394 36541 or email trout@hawkshead.demon.co.uk to book their place. Please ensure you bring with you a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Daily rod licences can be obtained at the fishery on arrival for £3.75.

The next heat of the Esthwaite Pairs 2013 fly fishing competition will also take place on Saturday 11^th May. Again contact the fishery to book your place and receive any details and entry forms you may need.

Also for all you competition anglers out there the Esthwaite Individual competition will take place on Sunday 19^th May. This boat competition is open to all fly anglers and the entry fee is £32.50 and will run from 10am until 5pm and fished to Esthwaite fishery rules. Boat partners will be allocated on the day. Come and fish this friendly event, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs and a chance to be crowned Esthwaite Individual champion 2013. Details are available by contacting the fishery and will be sent out with entry forms!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M – FISHERY MANAGER

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

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 10/4/13

Its hard to imagine that we are into the second week of April, with no buds on the trees, a water temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, fish down in the water and a minimal amount of fly life coming off the lake and a biting Easterly wind that seems to of gone on for weeks. Well if forecasts are to be believed then we should have an improvement in conditions come the weekend. Despite the poor start, weather wise to the season, there has been good sport encountered with fish getting caught on all methods and from both boat and bank anglers alike.

Peter Johnson from Glasgow fished spinner from the banking opposite the ticket office and landed 4 browns to 1lb 8oz. Meanwhile Jonathon Mitchell from Manchester also fared well with the spinner, landing 3 fish from the boat jetty!

Fly fisherman have been getting a few fish on buzzers and nymphs from the boats, however the sinking line approach with fry patterns and lures have been accounting for the best bags. Indeed Charlie Prichard from Carlisle managed half a dozen fish on black cats whiskers on a Di-3 line fishing around the weather buoys and David Sharpe from Preston also hit his limit bag on similar tactics.

There have also been some nice sized fish reported. Geoff Bourne from Stoke took a nice brace of fish from the boats, the best tipping the scales at 6lb+. Geoff fished a sink tip line and Diawl Bach combo’ at the car park end of the lake and the larger of the two fish were released to fight another day!

Stewart Fitzgerald from Wingrove in Buckinghamshire legered worm from the boathouse banking and took a fine conditioned over wintered Brown Trout of 6lb 8oz (see attached picture).

Meanwhile 10 year old Finnian Macmurray from Darlington landed a nice 5lb 2oz specimen from the boats on spinner (see attached picture).

There are a few buzzers coming off the lake despite the cold weather experienced of late, however expect hatches to improve as the weather warms. Surface feeding will then be stimulated and location of the fish will drastically improve. For daily updates please find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

There was a last minute capture to end our Pike season. Jane Shirley from Herts’ took a nice conditioned 17 pounder on a lucky strike lizard spoon from the car park area on a boat. Don’t forget our Pike season is now closed until the 1^st October.

For all you competition anglers out there heat 2 of the Esthwaite Pairs competition will take place on Saturday 20^th April. There are prizes for every contestant and heat winners and a chance to mix it with the big guns in the final, to be held on September 29^th, where there will be over £3000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Also don’t forget our individual fly fishing competiton will be held on Sunday 19^th May. Again there will be some fabulous prizes up for grabs and a chance to be crowned Esthwaite Individual champion 2013. Please contact the fishery for more details.

Our next discounted tuition day will be held on Sunday 21^st April. This 4 hour session will start at 10am and last until 2pm. The cost is £10 per person and a fantastic way of having a taster session to learn the art of flyfishing. Please book your place in advance!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M /  FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 26/3/13

Its hard to believe its nearly April , with the cold easterly winds and the significant snow fall we have had recently. However despite the artic like conditions and the freezing water temperatures the fishing has been superb. All methods have been producing and anglers have been experiencing equal levels of sport from both boat and bank.

Venue regulars and Hawkshead Angling Club members Bob Swann and Colin O’brien experienced hectic sport as they practiced for heat 1 of the Esthwaite Pairs match. The deadly duo landed 10 fish between them on intermediates and dabbler combo’s. The pair boat fished and found the fish in a taking mood at the car park end of the lake.

Meanwhile Matt Pollard from Bury also fly fished from the boats and took a giant Brown Trout of 9lb 6oz right in front of the ticket office on a Di-3 line and black cats whisker combo’ (see attached photo)

Kayaking legend Andrew Hoyle fished from his contraption with float fished worm and landed a fine conditioned brownie of 5lb 4oz, again the ticket office frontage produced the goods for this Manchester based angler. (see attached photo).

 Our open day on Sunday March 17^th was a huge success. The first heat of the Esthwaite 2013 pairs match was won by Competition regulars Tom Nelson and Jon Henderson  who weighed their 12 fish in with time to spare, with a total of 13lb 5oz. In second place Esthwaite Peregrine members Ali Beaumont and Dave Morris weighed in their 12 fish and also gained a time bonus with 12lb 1oz. Both pairs now qualify for the final in September. The next heat will take place on Saturday 20^th April. Also on open day we had a fantastic Fly tying demonstration from James Atkinson and Jon Mackintosh, members of the England Youth squad who kept everybody entertained in the tackle shop. Meanwhile Ian Jones one of our resident instructors gave a first class fly casting lesson on the far bank.

Don’t forget this week is the last chance to catch a Pike of a lifetime as our season for the Pike fishing ends on 31^st March. There have been one or two fish out. Indeed John Bullock from the midlands hired one of the Esthwaite guides and took a fine 25lb 2oz specimen on a lure at the car park area of the lake. Meanwhile John Ashurst and Stuart Fazackerley from Wigan managed 2 jacks and 2 low doubles to 14lb on a combination of lures and deadbaits. Terry Brown also managed a 14lb 5oz Pike on a lure from the boats.

Our next discounted tuition day will be on Sunday 21^st April. These sessions are not to be missed if you want to take up flyfishing. They are 4 hours in duration and they only cost £10. The sessions start at 10am and run until 2pm. All participants need to do is book in at the ticket office and turn up with a brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses for protection. Those that don’t have an EA licence can purchase one for the day for £3.75. Just ask a member of staff on arrival.

For the most up to date information please telephone the ticket office on 015394 36541 or find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 9^TH March

Trout fishing

The trout fishing season has got off to a flyer, with all methods producing well. The freshly stocked fish have been slow to disperse, because of low water temperatures and so the ticket office frontage has been the hot spot to head for. However good numbers of fish are also being caught down at the car park area of the lake and also along the reed bed and into Strickland Bay.  Both boat and bank anglers have been experiencing good sport and reports of double figure bags have been common place.

Fly anglers employing early season tactics of black and green lures on sinking lines have been highly successful. Indeed venue regulars  Bob Swann and Jon Henderson fished from the boats last week and got stuck into plenty of fish outside the ticket office. Between them they landed 24 fish.

Paul Alexander and Al Pross from York, both new to fly fishing took 6 brownies between them, again just outside the ticket office. Black and green cats whiskers on slow sink lines from the boats was the winning tactics for these boys.

Paul Cooper from Preston had a session to remember landing 23 browns and rainbows to 3lb+ from Strickland Bay. Again early season tactics of sinking lines and lures was the successful method for Paul.

Bank anglers fishing outside the ticket office have been busy, indeed Hawkshead Angling Club members Jamie Timmins and Shaun Hunter from Barrow landed 12 browns between them on spinner and float fished worm tactics. Another H.A.C member Dave Bell also landed a brace of brownies to float fished worm. Also fishing from the bank John Dawson from Wigan took a 9lb 8oz rainbow from the boathouse banking on worm and sweetcorn cocktail.

Our open day is Sunday 17^th March. The day will include heat 1 of the Esthwaite Pairs competition, discounted flyfishing tuition and general camaraderie. There will be a fly tying demonstration offering practical tips and you can learn how to tie from members of the England Youth squad. Also special offers on fishing tackle will be available on the day, so anglers can ‘try before they buy’. There will also be complimentary food and drink. Feel free to come and chat to our friendly staff, everyone is welcome. Please contact the fishery for further details.

Also don’t forget Hawkshead Angling Club are now recruiting for the 2013 season. The cost is £135 for adults and £31 for juniors and there is NO eligibility boundary. Also members benefit from a 50% discount on boat hire. For more details please contact club Secretary Dave Armstrong on 01946 691889 or email mrdarmstrong@sky.com.

Pike fishing

Its been quiet this week on the Pike fishing front, however Stuart Fazackerley and John Ashurst from Wigan have been doing very well will a succession of jacks and doubles to 20lb 8oz. All taken from the boats on deadbaits and lures. Don’t forget our Pike season finishes at the end of March, so its last chance to bag a fish of a lifetime as the Pike will be at their heaviest weights. Also find attached a picture of John Ardens 20 pounder from the car park swim . He got a mention in our last report!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 21/2/13

The lake has been partially covered with ice for the last few days, however with the stiff breeze we have out there today, it shouldn’t be too long before before its clear. However with more cold nights forecast it is wise to telephone and check conditions before making your journey. Right then, what about the fishing. Well the water temperatures at its lowest right now, so the fishes metabolism is at its lowest right now. Despite this fact there have been some very notable captures to report.

Phillip Brown from Harrogate fished the car park swim for Pike and in doing so took a fabulous double figure brownie on yes you guessed it a static deadbait again. The fish was not weighed as it had to be returned in good order. But hey, who needs to put a weight on a fish like this. What a superb specimen! ( see attached picture )

Hawkshead Angling Club member John Ardon from nearby Langdale also fished the car park swim from the bank and took a nice 20lb 3oz Pike , again on static deadbait.

Also from the productive car park swim Emil Fraczek from Grasmere took a lunker of a Pike at 29lb 12oz, on static headless Mackerel. The fish was fat as a barrel as the Pike will begin to spawn over the forthcoming weeks as the water temperatures steadily rises. (see attached photo)

Also getting in on the action from the bank was Steve Hill. He landed 4 double figure fish to 18lb. Meanwhile regular Big s club member Ian Spence boat fished the venue and landed a 21lb 4oz predator and indeed a personal best. Geoff Evans from Teeside also got in on the action with another lunker at 25lb 4oz while fishing from the boats, close to the ticket office, this time on static sardine!

For all you Trout anglers out there, the lake will receive its first stocking of the year on March 1^st, however who needs to wait until then. Over wintered fish well into double figures have been caught recently  on all methods!

Also don’t forget Hawkshead Angling Club are now recruiting for the 2013 season. The cost is £135 for adults and £31 for juniors and there is NO eligibility boundary. Also members benefit from a 50% discount on boat hire. For more details please contact club Secretary Dave Armstrong on 01946 691889 or email mrdarmstrong@sky.com.

For up to the minute information please telephone 015394 36541 or find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER

Latest Report

ESTHWAITE WATER TROUT FISHERY REPORT – 1^ST February 2013

Despite the mixed bag of weather we have experienced since the new year, especially the heavy snowfall of last week, things are starting to settle and anglers are back on the bankside and reporting some cracking fish, both Trout and Pike!

Big s club member John Ashurst from Wigan lure fished the venue from the boat and took a 14pound Pike.

Andrew Dennet also fished lures from the boats with an Esthwaite guide and took a fine conditioned 25lb Pike.

Big s club member Chris Harris from Blackburn also fished lures from the boats and took a jack and a 21 pounder from just outside the ticket office.(see attached photo)

Another Big s club member Steve Hinks from Blackpool fished static deadbait from the boats and landed 2 jacks and a 17lb 12oz fish.

Meanwhile father and son Mike and Sean Whitaker from Horsham boat fished the venue and took an 8lb Rainbow Trout, 3 jacks, a 12 pounder and a 22lb Pike on a combination of lures and deadbaits.

However star of the show at the moment Ryan Burrow aged 21 from Bowness on Windermere bank fished the car park and over 2 sessions has landed a 25 pounder and an enormous Pike weighing exactly 30lb, both to static mackerel baits. Ryan is new to Pike fishing and he seems to have all the luck. He has now had 4 Pike in his short Pike angling career. An 18, a 22, a 25 and a 30 pounder. What a lucky fellow he is, well done! (see attached picture)

Don’t forget our coarse fishing season ends on February 28^th, so this month is the last shot at the big Roach, Rudd and Perch that reside in the venue and don’t forget tickets for the coarse fishing are only £10.

For all you Trout anglers out there, the lake will receive its first stocking of the year on March 1^st, however who needs to wait until then. Over wintered fish well into double figures have been caught this winter on all methods!

Also don’t forget Hawkshead Angling Club are now recruiting for the 2013 season. The cost is £135 for adults and £31 for juniors and there is NO eligibility boundary. Also members benefit from a 50% discount on boat hire. For more details please contact club Secretary Dave Armstrong on 01946 691889 or email mrdarmstrong@sky.com.

For up to the minute information please telephone 015394 36541 or find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

Best Regards

David Coleman M.I.F.M

FISHERY MANAGER