THRUNTON LONG CRAG TROUT FISHERY
The site of a former brickworks has been transformed into an elegant angling haven in the folds of the Northumberland countryside. Home to two spring-fed lakes, this is also one of the most pro-active of fisheries: the stunning, spacious lodge designed not only with anglers in mind but also with school and youth groups, as manager Steve McCann seeks to spread the fly-fishing gospel into the wider community. Rainbow, blue and brown trout await the angler (barbless hooks only) and disabled facilities include car access to the water’s edge. Fishing is mainly from the bank but a boats is available for hire, as are rods when needed. Two male and one female instructor are fully-qualified and available for tuition by prior arrangement. Perched on a hillside, the lodge provides a striking panoramic view of the lakes and Thrunton Woods, while offering anglers the warmth of a wood-burning stove, light refreshments such as sausage, egg and bacon sandwiches, tea and coffee. Thrunton is very accommodating to junior development. An established junior group at the fishery enjoys meeting up and fishing together and the venue offers fly-fishing starter sessions during school holidays for boys and girls from the age of seven upwards. See website for dates. On-site accommodation is now available in a renovated cottage, the perfect base for both angling and exploring this beautiful county.
ADDRESS: Thrunton Long Crag Trout Fishery, Thrunton, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 4SD
CONTACT: 01665 574400
WEB: www.thruntontroutfishery.co.uk
EMAIL: info@thruntontroutfishery.co.uk
OPEN: Daily from 8.30am all year round
PRICE RANGE: £11-£36. Boat hire £6-£12
DUNLICHITY TROUT FISHERY
Eight miles south of Inverness, Dunlichity comprises two lochans, the larger of which is approximately three acres, the other around one acre. Both are well stocked with quality brown, blue, and rainbow trout, varying from 2lb to 10lb-plus. All browns are to be returned. Both lochans are bank fly-fishing only and experienced anglers and beginners alike are welcome (subject to the beginners receiving qualified tuition – which can be arranged in advance. The fishery also offers rod hire). Fishing is bank only and both lochans are easily accessible from the main car park and bothy. Minimum leader strength permitted is 6lb and the fishery entertains traditional fly patterns only, with Boobies or Poppers prohibited. Barbless hooks are to be used at all times and the fishery operates a ‘zero-handling’ policy for released fish. The fully equipped bothy offers a log burning stove, microwave, fridge, television, and toilet facilities. Tea, coffee, and juice are provided for guests’ use. Outside seating is available when the weather allows, along with two large outside sinks, so you can clean your catch before you take it home. The venue also caters for corporate events and inter-club competitions. Anyone wishing to enjoy a prolonged stay at the fishery can take advantage of its four-star B&B facilities, situated close to the fishing lochs.
ADDRESS: Dunlichity House, Farr, Inverness, IV2 6XF
CONTACT: 01808 521442 WEB www.dunlichityhouse.com/fishery/
EMAIL: dunlichityhouse1@btinternet.com
PRICE RANGE: £12-34: (Cash only. C&R option available)
OPEN: All year, apart from Christmas Day, from 9am to earlier of 10.00pm or darkness.
LOYNTON TROUT FISHERY
Located in stunning countryside on the borders of Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire, a warm welcome awaits at peaceful Loynton, along with fly-fishing for rainbow, blue and brown trout weighing up to more than 20lb. Anglers will find three spring-fed lakes covering 12 acres of water, set in classic lowland terrain. A catch-and-release ticket is available. No Boobies, Wagglers or pellet flies allowed. Facilities include a modern fishing lodge as well as The Tickled Trout on-site café, which overlooks the lakes and offers excellent value breakfasts, a variety of home-made lunchtime specials and a selection of drinks and cakes. The venue’s Caravan Park (Loynton is a Caravan and Motorhome certified location) caters for caravan enthusiasts who’d like to fish for a few days or simply enjoy the surrounding area. Each pitch has a hard-standing, full electric hook-up and access to water. On-site facilities include a toilet block, showers and the cafe. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. The fishery welcomes corporate fishing groups, and offers tuition for all levels of angler. As your SatNav may send you to another part of the estate and away from the fishery, be advised that the fishery entrance is via the driveway immediately off the A519.
ADDRESS: Loynton Trout Fisheries, Nr Norbury, Staffordshire ST20 0QA
CONTACT: 01785 284261 or
WEB: www.loyntontroutfisheries.co.uk
EMAIL: admin@loyntonlakes.co.uk
OPEN: All year, from 8am
PRICE RANGE: £20-£35
INNIS FLY FISHERY
Close to The Eden Project in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Innis comprises three mature lakes (15 acres in total) stocked weekly with homegrown, double-figure rainbow trout, as well as browns. Nearly 40 years old, the fishery caters for all standards of game anglers and provides good access for both able and disabled fishermen alike. Innis Lake is the smallest of the three but offers good stalking opportunities, as trout cruise by the reeds looking for food. It is stocked with rainbow trout and is catch-and-kill only. Carbis Lake offers numerous casting points (including a jetty) from all sides and also has a picnic area. A purpose-built island offers shelter from the stronger winds and there are good depths of water right up to the lake’s banks. Catch-and-kill only. Catch-and-release Sterrick Lake provides more space for bigger casts and a shallow bay towards the eastern bank provides good dry fly sport over the underwater weed. Good spots abound around the island and along the reed-lined western bank. On-site holding tanks ensure full control of the number and quality of fish stocked in the lakes. Boat hire is available on Carbis and Sterrick lake for half or full days. Fishing tuition is also available and the fishery can be hired for corporate days. If accommodation is required, visit www.littlegreycottagebb.co.uk for details of a nearby B&B.
ADDRESS: Innis Fly Fishery, Innis Moor, Penwithick, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8YH
CONTACT: 01726 852382 www.innisflyfishery.co.uk innisfishery@aol.com
OPEN: 8.30am-dusk every day
PRICE RANGE: £15-£80. Boat hire £10-£15
