WITHERN MILL TROUT FARM
Five lakes designed specifically for fly anglers are regularly stocked with rainbows reared on-site and also brown trout. The minimum stocking weight is 1lb 8oz but fish from 5-10lb are also added monthly. The fishery record is a 14lb 8oz rainbow.
The fishery enjoys abundant insect hatches and recommended flies are Hare’s Ear, Black Gnat and Hoppers. A half-mile stretch of the Great River Eau, which feeds the lakes and has wild brownies and grayling living in its depths, is also available to fish, at no extra cost.
Some parking spaces are available beside one of the lakes for the less-mobile angler. The fishery office is stocked with some Snowbee products and also a range of flies which are tied especially for this fishery. Rod hire packages start at £20.
Two-hour lessons can be pre-booked for beginners or novices, in which they will learn about casting, fishery etiquette and general fish management and will hopefully catch their first trout, all for £30.
If you’re making a weekend of it or wanting to base yourself at the fishery while angling and exploring the area, there is now accommodation available in a two-bedroomed cottage on the farm. It sleeps five and, like the farm, is dog friendly.
A five-site caravan and camping facility is also on-site, with electric hook-up and hard standing.
ADDRESS: Church Lane, Withern, nr. Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 0NG
CONTACT: 01507 450356/ 07760 625557 WEB www.withernmilltroutfarm.co.uk
EMAIL: info@withernmilltroutfarm.co.uk
OPEN: Every day, 8am till dusk
PRICE RANGE: £10-£30 (C&R option available). Evening ticket available in summer. Under-16s fish free with an adult on a four- or six- fish permit - bag limit is shared.
ARLINGTON RESERVOIR & TROUT FISHERY
Located in East Sussex at the foot of the South Downs, 120-acre Arlington offers excellent fly-fishing from either bank or boat (Wheelyboat available) for rainbow trout that are stocked with an average size of 1lb 8oz, along with a selection of larger fish. The fishery record stands at 18lb 8oz.
Chironomid, hawthorn and crane fly are prominent among the insect life and recommended flies are nymphs, Boobies, Montanas, Hoppers, Diawl Bachs, emergers, Cat’s Whiskers and Vivas. A weekly report about how the reservoir is fishing, the best spots and the most successful flies is available on the fishery website.
There are tea- and coffee-making facilities in the lodge. During the season, tuition days are often held or can be arranged for those wanting to learn to fly fish for £15 per hour (£10 per hour under-17s). Learn the basics including how to cast, what kit you need and fly patterns.
Arlington Reservoir fly-fishing vouchers make a wonderful gift for any keen angler and can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
Its peaceful and picturesque location make Arlington Reservoir a great place for families to enjoy a day out. There is a dedicated picnic area and separate car parks for visitors and anglers, a trail leads around the reservoir with great views and opportunities for birdwatching.
ADDRESS: The Fishing Lodge, Berwick, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6TF
CONTACT: 01634 276310 WEB www.southeastwater.co.uk (search ‘Arlington’)
EMAIL: fishinglodge@southeastwater.co.uk OPEN To June 29 incl. 7.30am (bank) or 9am (boat) to dusk
PRICE RANGE: £23-£33 (No C&R), boat £12, electric engine £10 (pre-booking advisable)
SIBLYBACK LAKE
Siblyback is a scenic fly fishery situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor and regularly stocked with rainbow trout averaging between 1 and 2lb with plenty of fish in the 3-6lb range and also a large number of blue trout. The fishery’s record rainbow weighed in at 12lb 15oz only last season.
This all augments the large population of resident brown trout, although all brownies must be returned. The local insect life includes an abundance of beetle falls in May and June. Favoured flies are Viva, B&P Spider, MontaHoppers, and Diawl Bachs.
As well as bank fishing, boat anglers can take advantage of two Coulam fishing boats and a petrol engine (anglers may use their own electric motors, if preferred). There are some excellent drifts on Siblyback’s 140 acres but please note that boats must be pre-booked by 3pm the previous day.
Off the water, the fishery offers anglers a café from Easter to October, car parking, toilets and showers. There is also disabled access. Tuition can be pre-booked. The fishery also offers good walks and birdwatching opportunities.
Day permits available online, onsite at the Activity Centre or self-service out of hours. Evening permits from 3pm in April, September & October, 4pm in May & August and 5pm in June & July.
ADDRESS: Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 6ER
CONTACT: 01566 771930 WEB trout.swlakesfishing.co.uk (mouse over ‘Waters’ and ‘Rainbow Trout’)
EMAIL: info@swlakesfishing.co.uk
OPEN: To October 31
PRICE RANGE: £16-£23, C&R option available
LEDYATT FISHERY
Situated 20 minutes from Dundee City Centre, Ledyatt sits in the Sidlaw Hills.
Awarded four stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, the loch has been landscaped and planted to preserve the fishery in keeping with its natural surroundings. Managed by an experienced bailiff the fishery offers good sport in a beautiful, tranquil location.
It is stocked regularly with a good head of rainbow, brown, blue and tiger trout, and many fish run to weights in excess of 20lb. The owners claim that anglers have roughly a one in eight chance of hitting a fish between seven and 20lb. Ledyatt’s current record is 25lb.
Fishing platforms have been constructed to accommodate 39 anglers, some specially adapted to provide spaces for disabled anglers.
Facilities include a fishing lodge offering refreshments and tackle, toilets and ample parking. There is also a childrens pool where bait fishing is allowed. The maximum hook size is size 10 long shank single hook and FNF Jelly Worms are prohibited.
ADDRESS: Coupar Angus Road, Lundie, Angus DD2 5PD
CONTACT: 07494 656636 WEB www.ledyatt.com
EMAIL: enquiries@ledyatt.com
OPEN: Check website
PRICE RANGE: £15-£45 (C&R option available)
