Angling Report

Mid January 2007

The weather at Bessy Beck has been terrible for the angler, very wet and gale force winds.  On most days in Jan it has been almost impossible to fish resulting in a poor turnout.

On the brighter side the temperatures have remained high for the time of year; the lakes haven been averaging 6.5C. The wind gives the trout more confidence to take and as a result there have been a number of good catches. The Island lake has been producing a lot of trout in the 4 to 5lb region, the catch and release policy on this lake ensures anglers have to work reasonably hard making it a great lake for the experienced angler.

The Mallard lake, lightly fished so far this year, yet catches have been high with rainbows and blues between 1.5 and 2lb being caught.  The catch and kill rule on this lake ensures even the inexperienced angler using a simple roll cast with his back to the wind can have a good day.

A few junior anglers have been bait fishing on the Heron lake; the high water temperatures this year have kept fish feeding and all have had reasonable catches for their efforts.

On one of the few good days in Jan Robert Hopper from Durham caught 20 trout on the Island lake using a GRHE Nymph.  One the same day Tom Clayton had 12 on blood worm.

Best flies this month
Yellow Dancer, Black Buzzer, GRHE Nymph 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.  The Island lake will be closed to normal angling on that date.

It is intended to hold the annual Airflo CEFF heat at Bessy Beck this Spring, the dates will be available next month.

Booking
Even in Jan, particularly at weekends when the weather is reasonable the Island lake if fully booked.  To avoid disappointment please call Bessy Beck on 01539623303 to book your place.

Ice
The Island lake can ice over given a prolonged cold spell, this does not seem very likely this year but if you are travelling a distance and it has been cold please call us before setting off.

Ian and Shelley