Week 30 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries

Season Total stocking to date: 24,000

Wet, wet, wet! Most days saw heavy downpours, which resulted in the water levels rising almost immediately. By the time the weekend arrived, we had seen at least 8ft of water back in the reservoir.

This fresh water, as anticipated, was much cooler, had a low pH (acidic), and brought with it some colour.

This did affect the fishing and meant anglers needed to adapt their approach accordingly. Fish still remained high in the water, but with a tinge of colour now present, black flies with a hint of flash, the bung with bright flies, or larger lures fished slowly seemed to be the go-to methods.

Proving this theory, Warren was out guiding on Thursday and netted a lovely, fin-perfect rainbow on a black hopper with a hint of flash.

Two other bigger rainbows were caught this week — one around the 12lb mark, and an absolutely cracking fish captured by Callum on Sunday. Pictures below.

Don’t forget it – Ladybower, home of the big ’Bows

We also did a large stocking up towards Raspberry Bay this week, bringing this season’s total up to 24,000. A further 1,200 fish were introduced, ready for some more settled weather

Last weekend we held a couple of matches. On Saturday, we hosted the Coppenhall Fly Fishers’ annual get-together, with members fishing to a six-kill limit. Congratulations from this match go out to Jamie Scott! You can see more information from their day on the Coppenhall Facebook group

On Sunday, we were honoured to host the England Youth National Final, where the top individuals were selected to represent their country next season.

A massive congratulations to top rod George Clark! Well done

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:
Jim and Keith shared a boat on the 19th. Together they racked up an impressive tally in tricky conditions, netting 17 fish. They fished dries tight to the dam in the sheltered areas to great effect

Another notable rod this week was John Kirk. He landed 12 fish from all over the lake on a single snake, including two good ones at 8lb and 4.5lb respectively

Top Lines This Week:
• Floating Line
• 3ft Tip
• Slow Glass
• Fast Glass

Best Flies:
• Hoppers
• Cormorants
• Snakes
• Cat’s Whiskers
• 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 everyone

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 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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