Tougher fishing. Better catches earlier in the week. There was no better summary of the tougher fishing we encountered at the end of the week than Heat 2 of the Eddie Brown Winter Series. The fish were not playing ball, especially in the second half and it is credit to all 8 qualifiers for their hard work and stickability. A superbly consistent performance from Ryan Matthews ensured he finished in a well deserved first place, picking up good peg points as well as ten fish. Very well done Ryan and all those who reached the final. One more heat to go on Sunday, 23rd November.
1st Ryan Matthews
2nd Gareth Tilley
3rd Brian Lillie
4th Davy Kay
5th Craig Teesdale
6th Jordan Firby
7th Owen Plamer
8th Derek Steel
At the start of the week, we welcomed a good turnout from our very own Chatton Cadence Codgers (see photo). Top rod for the day – and the week overall – was Allan Goodwill, who landed 15 fish on Egg Worms under the indicator. Allan caught a lot of his fish in the first finger of Chatton Lake at about 6ft. Also doing well were Alec Harvey, who had 12 on lures and the bung, and traditionalist Colin Spillard, who landed his 12 on nymphs.
There were plenty of mid-range catches on the day as well:
Robbie Bell landing 7 on Blobs.
David Armstrong 5 on snakes.
Stewart Younger 6 on snakes
Alan Edwards 7 on buzzers.
Hugh Kempson 5 on a fly he called a buzzer
Willie Emery 7 on mixed flies.
Peter Matthews and Brian Lillie got a little practice in before the competition, landing over 20 between them. Craig C had 10 and J McGuigan landed 9 on buzzers. J Macreth had an outstanding day on small dry flies, landing 12 fish. Perhaps the last good catch this season off the surface?
With the temperatures expected to drop it is not looking too promising on that front. Not that the fish should drop too far down. Midge Tips, Hover or Fast Intermediates and Di-3 are expected to be the dominant lines in the short term. Fishing the fly a few inches deeper or shallower can mean the difference between catching or not, so line choice and weight/size of fly is crucial. As is retrieve speed.
If its cloudy, maybe don’t go so deep and if its sunny perhaps drop a foot or two? Lets see what patterns emerge this coming week. At the moment it is a guessing game, but for sure we now revert to more winter favouring tactics. A washing line may not be the worst opening move, but time will tell.
One thing that seems apparent is the brownies have really switched on. Not just the large ones either. Some of the small ones we put in many months ago have suddenly reappeared as well. An inch or two longer now, they look like lovely lean wild river fish.
Finally, it was lovely to get what we think was a rare Snow Bunting stopping for a breather on the lakes. Whatever it was certainly seemed pretty tired, as it landed in among three people, before getting back on its way.
Forecast
A mixed bag upcoming, with the general swing towards much cooler weather as winds shift to the east. Temperatures should be single figures most days, with chances of overnight frosts. As ever with big changes in weather, we’d expect a couple of slower fishing days as the cold blooded fish adapt. Once settled, the fishing should be great.
Closing time is now 5.00pm every day. Fishing starts 8.30am.
Predicted Fly Box
Egg Flies, Apps Worms, Blobs, Mini Snakes (Black/White/ Olive), Black Bunny Leach, Diawl Bachs, Buzzers, FABs, Cormorants.
See you all soon.
David, Gemma and Owen
———> NOTICEBOARD <——–
Fly Fishing Lessons
One to one coaching for absolute beginners or existing anglers. All tackle provided.
Fully guided/tuition days available all year.
Enquire by email: stuart@cadencefishing.co.uk or telephone 07887 556693 or website : www.siff.uk
Chatton Caravan Park
Closed for winter. Re-opening Spring 2026.
Eddie Brown Winter Series – COMPETITION
Fished over 3 heats, with top 8 anglers from each heat going into final. Cash prices for top 3 places in the final.
Heat 1 – 26th October (complete)
Heat 2 – 9th November (complete)
Heat 3 – 23rd November
Final – 7th December
– £35 per entry including soup and a roll
– £20 non refundable deposit to be paid upon booking
– Call the fishery on 01668 215226 or DM the facebook page to book
Please keep an eye out in the Events section of our facebook page and future reports.