Week 29 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Season Total stocking to date: 22,800
Weekly Rod Average: 5.2
September has well and truly arrived this week with a mixture of weather. The week started off settled and turned to more rain towards the back end. The water level has been the main topic of conversation throughout the season. We can now say we have maintained the same level for a good period and, in fact, have seen some fresh water introduced into the reservoir of late.
We’ve always been a fishery run by anglers for anglers, and we’re always open and honest about the fishing. As mentioned, we have started to see a fair amount of rain and run-off entering the fishery. This fresh water is generally coloured and has a different pH to the standing water in the reservoir. With the levels now threatening to rise, we do expect a bit of a change to the fishing.
That said, we have introduced 750 home-grown fish that have been reared in the cages to combat this and hopefully keep the residents competing for food. These fish were all in the 2–3lb bracket and are sure to test your kit
On to flies… tactics have remained similar to previous weeks, with dries still taking good numbers on the nicer, more settled days. Lures are now appearing more in reports: snakes, Cat’s Whiskers and fry patterns are now worth a shot as the temperatures cool.
We are still anticipating the fish to really switch on to the abundance of roach and perch fry if we get a cold snap.
This week has seen a fair few larger fish show! Fish in the 7–8lb bracket, up to double figures, have been caught by a number of anglers this week from both bank and boat. Again, it’s worth mentioning we have not stocked fish of this size for a long time, proving that the water not only sustains fish of this size but can actually grow fish on—a rare thing on trout waters these days!
Don’t forget it – Ladybower, home of the big Bows…….
A reminder that our fishery manager, Warren Langridge, is now set up to offer tuition and fully guided fishing trips. You can book via the office on 01433 659712 or by using the link on this page of our website: https://www.ladybowerfisheries.co.uk/tuition
Notable Catches This Week:
• Robert Wilson took advantage of what the dam and the main basin have to offer by netting 15 on dries and boobies.
• Neil Davitt also had a good session on the 11th, catching 16 on foam daddies across the main basin, proving they are still there to be had on dries!
• Top rod last week was Jamie Macleany. He caught 34 on a mix of dries and by pulling a black rabbit, again in the main basin.
Top Lines This Week:
• Floating Line
• 6ft Tip
• Slow Glass
• Fast Glass
Best Flies:
• Foam Daddies
• Snakes
• Cat’s Whiskers
• Black Rabbit
• Various Boobies
A few words about the rules…..
The new cages have a 50m exclusion zone around them (indicated by a perimeter of buoys). Please respect this perimeter and do not cross into it. This applies to everybody.
Ladybower Fisheries would once again like to remind all our boat anglers that standing up in the boat to fish or motor is strictly prohibited. We’re still seeing isolated instances of this practice, but thankfully most seem to have got the message. Safety on the water is of paramount importance to all of us. Please follow the rules (they’re there for a very good—and sadly tragic—reason which occurred at another UK reservoir). Please remain seated. Many thanks.
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