FISHERY REPORT 30th MAY 2020

Fishery Report at Saturday 30^th May 2020

Well the hot, sunny weather, as expected, has certainly brought catches down a bit. This last six day period has seen 76 rod visits account for 186 trout with the vast majority of fish taken being caught ‘deep down’. A further 415 trout were stocked last Tuesday and based on total stocking of 4115 put in since February 2020 and 1874  caught to date our lake should hold in the region of 2200 Trout which equates to just over 100 fish per acre. This is the top level we want to go into the summer months with particularly bearing in mind the current water temperature of 18 degrees C and with continued warm weather forecast for next few days.

So how do we go about trying to catch these remaining trout. Well I know everybody has their own ideas but based on my own experience; visual observation  and feedback from others the answer seems to be to find the deeper water spots and fish deep down almost dragging bottom. For those members not too familiar with our Lake the deep water spots are the first 5 swims up from the club hut; the two swims just to the right of the big willow on the south bank down from the club hut; the outlet on the east bank; the gravels and adjacent swims on the north bank; the top north west corner and the middle of the west bank by the willow tree. The shallower areas of the lake such as the top bay are just not producing at all in this warm weather. As to methods well I know of fish being taken on slow sink and intermediate lines with weighted damsels inched slowly along at depth. Hi-D lines with various coloured boobies although orange seems popular have also produced and the odd fish has been taken by fishing a floating line with long leader and gold head pattern fished very, very slowly at depth.   So summing up it seems you have to find yourself a deep spot , fish deep and slow and above all persevere as the fish at present are not going to give themselves up easily. Enjoy the challenge.

Roger – 30.05.20

Dear All,

It is with great relief and much pleasure that I can announce that Holkham Lake is now re-opened for fishingusing normal Club rules on timings, fish limits and fishing techniques.

It is of course very much up to individuals to decide whether or not they wish to avail themselves of the facilities down at the lake, and I have to say that you must take responsibility for your own actions. It should go without saying that if you experience any Covid-19 symptoms (fever, temperature, aches etc) you must not go to Holkham Lake and should self-isolate.

I also realise that most of us are either approaching, or are way beyond this mystical age of 70, and some therefore may prefer to remain in isolation for some time longer; particularly those with underlying health conditions.
Others, however, may be gagging to get down to the lake to take advantage of the 2,500+ fish already waiting for you. 

SUBJECT TO ADHERENCE TO THE FOLLOWING RULES LAID DOWN BY THE COMMITTEE:

1.    The Pavilion is to be considered completely closed until further notice. However, two chairs will be positioned – one at either end of the verandah – for limited use by members should they wish to ‘rest’ there; on the understanding that these chairs are not to be re-positioned during the period of use.

2.    Members should bring their own sustenance to the lake rather than using the Pavilion facilities.

3.    The Signing-in Hut will be open for members’ use, but solely for the purpose of signing in and out of the lake and recording the number of fish caught. Weights of individual fish should be estimated (rather than weighed on the scales). Time spent in the Signing-in Hut is to be kept to an absolute minimum with only one member in and around the vicinity of the Hut at any one time. A ‘collective’ pen will continue to be provided to sign-in and out, but see below regarding the use of gloves. The facilities in the Signing-in Hut are to be kept clean and tidy at all times – any further examples of the sort littering etc experienced before the lock down will not be tolerated.

4.    Similarly, the toilet will remain open for use, but members are asked to use it only in extremis, and also to keep it spotlessly clean and tidy!

5.    Disposable gloves are to be worn at all times: when locking/unlocking the Worthing Road, Car Park and Haul Road gates; when using the Signing-in Hut and/or toilet, and when using the chairs on the Pavilion verandah.  Hand gel (if available) should also be used to cleanse hands following removal of gloves and periodically throughout members’ visits to the lake, and your own antiseptic hand wipes should be used to wipe down locks and keys etc before and after use.

6.    Cars are to be positioned at least 2 metres apart within the car park and/or lakeside if permitted.

7.    Members are not to tackle up in the car park, but should do so when they arrive at their selected swim(s), having first signed in under normal procedures.

8.    A 2-metre minimum social distancing rule is to be applied at all times during members’ visits to the lake  – without exception – BUT anglers are to remain at least 5 metres apart, and (in line with Angling Trust advice) preferably 15 metres apart if at all possible, when actually fishing.  There is not sufficient room for two anglers to use the ‘ Point’ or ‘Gravels’ swims at the same time, and, if spaces permit, anglers should only use alternate swims. 

9.    Pending any notice to the contrary, guest tickets will not be allowed for fly and/or coarse fishing. This does not, of course, apply to members using such tickets and/or extension tickets once they have reached their seasonal limits.

10.    Members will still be able to bring their partners to the lake on the understanding that the partners are actually residing with the member concerned; and that they do not socialise within 2 metres with other members present.

11.    No competitions will be allowed until further notice.

These rules will remain in force until advised otherwise by the Committee, and failure to adhere to them will be met with the severest of sanctions, not only for the miscreant but also, possibly, for the Club as a whole!  Therefore, while I respect the fact that they sound draconian, and not everyone will agree with them, they are necessary if we are to continue pursuing the sport we have all missed so much.

As I have mentioned, the lake is currently ‘full’ of fish but, depending on water temperature and catch rates this week, we plan to have a further injection of fish on Friday 15th, and possibly a further two at weekly intervals during the rest of the month. All you have to do is catch them!!

PLEASE TAKE YOUR LITTER (GLOVES, WIPES ETC) HOME WITH YOU!

Tight Lines,

David S

NFC Secretary