Lynne has just put these in the pavilion. Please don’t forget to give a donation for any that you take. Also some fly tying materials available, again for a donation.
Thanks to Lynne for doing all of this and for making most of the flies with help from Luis, Adrian, Phil and Paddy.
Argulus egg collection update to end May 2023.
Norfolk Flyfishers Club lake, Swanton Morley, Norfolk.
Sixteen pipes for egg collection were put over the posts in the lake on 30th March and one more (pipe 4) added on 4th April. Water temperature at that time was 10°C when argulus were expected to begin laying. Three inspections and eggs removed have been carried out.
| Date | Approximate No. strings | Approximate No. eggs | Water temp °C | Water Clarity cms. |
| 26th April | 740 | 29,500 | 12.5 | 120 |
| 14th May | 625 | 36,200 | 14.8 | 300 |
| 30th May | 179 | 9,600 | 16.7 | 300+ |
| Totals | 1,544 | 75,300 |
Water temperature is measured by first platform on south bank below haul road. Significant numbers of caddis larvae were found on the pipes yesterday. These do predate on the argulus eggs. Large numbers of snails eggs are amongst others on the pipes.
The three weeks ending 27th May has seen some more excellent catch returns – nearly 600 fish being recorded at an average of 2.4 per visit. The last of these weeks was the least productive – possibly due to there being for most of the time a stiff NE wind making for difficult casting certainly from much of the South bank. Good to report that the water remains really clear – long may it continue.
The Eric Kett match fished on the 21st saw 27 members catch a total of 33 fish. Not perhaps the number of fish hoped for (or members) but fish were caught all around the lake, the majority being caught on or near the surface.The wind plus bright skies were not the best conditions to fish in. Trophy winner was Paddy Garratt with 6 fish weighing nearly 12 pounds, 3 of these being caught I believe whilst lifting off to recast. Equal 2nd place with 4 fish weighing 7lb 14oz went to Luke Goodin & John Mack. Stuart Marshall was 4th & Tony Nash 5th (whose catch included the heavieast fish of the day at 3lb 1oz). Lucky Dip winner was Phil Gaywood. Thanks to Andrew & David for the BBQ and to Lisa for all the cakes.
Recent reports suggest that early morning is the most productive time to fish with fish rising in numbers. Take your pick on successful methods, though it seems the smaller the fly the better. As usual, best to keep on the move until you find some fish – there’s plenty in there.
After a visit to our lake and being encouraged by his father and grandfather, who are new members to the club, 10-year-old Danny purchased his own fly-fishing equipment. His first attempts at casting with his new rod resulted in this beautiful 3.5lbs rainbow trout. Well done, Danny!
Dennis Willis gave some encouragement with his casting and noted that his Shakespeare Sigma Fly Combo included an 8ft aftm#4 rod and which proved excellent as a starter kit for the youngster.
