Angling Report

Mid March to Mid April 2005

Conditions during this period have been very variable, some days have been warm with fish rising throughout the day others have been bitterly cold due to North east winds, when the fish have been deep and difficult to tempt.

The largest fish, a beautifully conditioned over-wintered Rainbow of 16lb was caught on the 20th March by Tony Daykin on a Bloodworm he tied himself.

On a day when every one else was finding conditions difficult, Chris Kelly from St Helens had 20 fish on an egg fly.

Tony Coyle from Liverpool caught 22 fish on a dry Klinkhammer special, on the 2nd of April when conditions were near perfect, with a mild South wind, and a nice ripple.

Allan Weeks from Sedbergh on his first visit to Bessy Beck kept three fish 5lb 3oz, 4lb and 3lb in a bag of eleven, they all took a small Black Pennel.

The CEFF/Airflow bank fishing competition was held at Bessy Beck Trout Fishery on Friday the 8th April. There was a strong cold North wind which made casting on some parts of the lake difficult, however the results were quite staggering, 212 trout were caught by just 12 competitors.

The winner was Scottish international David Downie with 59 fish, second was England team captain Jeremy Lucas with 35 fish, third was his England team mate Robbie Bell with 29 fish, Josh Riddell was fourth with 18 fish.

The largest fish 7lbs was caught by Jeremy Lucas and David Warwick had a Blue trout of 5lbs.

The next CEFF/Airflow heat will be held on the 20th May 2005 at Bessy Beck, any one interested should contact Bessy Beck on 01539 623303.

Looking forward to late April/May, fish will be feeding on buzzers and on the surface, and small dry flies such as Black Klinkhammers and Adams. Damsels will be hatching around the lakes and various sorts of imitation nymph will be successful.