Week 9 - 2026 Fly Fishing Report – Ladybower Fisheries
Season Total stocking to date: 9,300
We seemed to have said this for the past few weeks but Ladybower really is on top, consistent form.
Although the weather is still a bit chilly in the mornings, the afternoons in general have warmed up nicely and the fish certainly respond to this. It's often a bit of a sluggish start with fish holding 2-3ft down in the morning but as the afternoon warms they are kean to stick their noses up and often take right on the surface.
Bearing this in mind, best approachs have been a washing line fished on a midge tip down to a fast glass then switch onto the floater later on in the day .
On Sunday we hosted our very first national qualifier, from this field of 20 the top 9 would qualify for the national final on Chew Valley in September. Anglers were to kill their first 3 fish then release a further 13 to a 16 limit which a time bonus would be given.
The day started off very similar to the rest as a cold morning greeted anglers. Although fish were caught steadily through the day it was early afternoon as the wind dropped at temperatures rose slightly that the action hotted up.
Many areas of the reservoir produced fish but the hot spots were in front of the Ladybower bay bridge and round into the big bay past the doctors house and Rasberry bay. 7 16 fish limits were had from these areas. Tactics across competitors were very similar with floaters down to a fast glass teamed with a mixture of FABs, boobies, Cormorants, dabblers and dries.
Well done to all the qualifiers
1st Stephen Peart 16 fish 36lb 6oz
2nd Tom Bird 16 fish 32lb 10oz
3rd Ian Gaskell 16 fish 32lb
4th Ben Race 16 fish 31lb 8oz
5th Gavin Murray 16 fish 31lb
6th Paul Angel 16 fish 30lb 14oz
7th Warren Langridge 16 fish 30lb
8th Tom Gott 14 fish 27lb 2oz
9th Richard Walker 14 fish 26lb 6oz
Top returns (away from the competition)
Duncan McLean and his boat partner went out on Monday netting 40 fish. Their best areas were the Dam and snake meadow
Another pair netting over 40 to the boat was Blaine O'donnell and his mate. They fished dries, the bung and washing line set ups to great effect. Well in lads
Top bank areas:
• Rasberry bay
• Pickles
• Grainfoot
• Millbrook
Top boat areas:
• Grainfoot
• Millbrook flats
• Basin - Roadside and dam wall
• Ladybower bay
• Rasberry Bay
Must have flies:
• Blobs
• Boobies
• Cormorants
• Buzzers
• Damsel
• Daddies
For boat bookings, you can now do this quickly and easily online using this link - https://www.ladybowerfisheries.co.uk/boat-fishing
Don't forget, when you hand a correctly filled out return in to us, its automatically entered in to the monthly draw for a free C+R ticket on your next visit so what's there to lose! Keep your eyes peeled on our page for this months winner.
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
