Angling Report

Mid Febuary 2007

The wet and windy conditions have now been replaced by cold and icy days which are better for the angler but not quite so good for catching fish. Heron Lake and Mallard Lake were completely frozen over week commencing 4th Feb; but aerators kept most of the Island lake fishable. Now on the 13th Feb there has been a thaw and all lakes are free of ice, yet the lake temperatures remain at just 2'C.
Lures are now doing better than buzzers but as the water warms up then buzzers will come into their own.

Some of the best catches this month were; Frank Vaughan from Preston with 13 and 18 on two visits mostly on Cats Whisker.  Mr Greer and Mr Edwards with consistently high catches of between 14 and 20 per visit using a mixture of flies.  Mr Platt and Mr Salter from Preston had 14 and 17 one visit using green buzzers.  David Mordue from Durham a 6lb 8oz fish among a catch of 16 using blood worm.

Best flies this month; Cats Whisker, Appetizer and Blood Worm.

Competitions
The Troutmasters fish-off for 2006 winners will be held at Bessy Beck on the 17th March, those who have qualified will be informed by the Trout Fisherman Magazine.  This Island Lake will be closed to normal angling on that date.  The individual CEFF comp will be held on the 12th April, the 3rd of May is the team event.

Booking
Even in January, particularly at weekends when the weather has been reasonable the Island Lake has been fully booked.  To avoid disappointment please call Bessy Beck on 105396 23303 to book your place.

Ice
The lakes can ice over given a prolonged cold spell, so please ensure that you phone ahead to save any wasted journeys.  

Ian and Shelley