Fishing Report on 30th December 2024
Trust you all had a lovely Christmas and have had the time to relax and chill out!
This month of December has proven to be quite a surprise in many ways, one of which is the surface to subsurface catches of trout by members who have braved the wet and windy conditions. A fine example of this was the Winter Match on 8th December, that saw 21 hardy participants catching an amazing total of about 65 trout, some of which were the “big ones” of 5lbs+. The winner this time was Stuart Marshall with 6 fish (totalling 13lbs 12oz). Phil Gaywood came second with 5 fish (totalling 11lbs 8oz), whilst also clinching the prize for the heaviest killed trout of 4lbs 4oz. Third place went to Martin Matthews with 6 fish, weighing a total of 10lbs 14oz. Fourth place went to Paddy Garrett, with 6 fish totalling 10lbs 10oz in weight, and finally, fifth place to Kevin Motherskill with 5 fish weighing a total of 8lbs 15oz. Well done everybody! Let’s not forget the wonderful and much needed refreshments provided by Fred Lines and Andrew Howes, appreciated by all!
Even with the storm flood in the second week of this month which caused a week or so of silted water and poor clarity, December 2024 has proved to provide great sport for many who have fished at the Lake. Our fishing stats show that there were127 visits producing catches totalling 159, and C&R 37. There have been a few “big ones” caught and released as well, that do not count on your weekly catch allowance. Since the cold winter days are slowly settling in, we are gradually seeing less action on the top levels of water and fish are beginning to hunker down deeper. Of course, a few warm days just might entice them to the top, reversing their sluggishness and return them to the surface layers. All banks have been doing well, with west and south banks seeing more activity. White and black lures with gold beaded heads have been popular, as well as different cormorant patterns in white or black. Water clarity has improved as well, so trying other coloured and types of flies or sinking lines might make a difference on that day!
So, for now, let me wish you all a great New Year and a successful fishing season in 2025!
Lynne
