Fishing back to its best. Keep your flies high.
After a couple of sombre reports thanks to the miserable weather, things have really taken off this week. With the fishery being closed pre-Christmas we are expecting Boxing Day onwards to fish very well after the breather.
On Tuesday, we welcomed the Chatton Cadence Codgers for their Christmas bash. 27 fished a lovely sunny day netting an impressive 108 fish for a rod average of 4 fish per angler. Not bad for a flat calm day. Top rod on the day was Alec Harvey who used snakes and nymphs to land 13, mostly off Dunnydeer. Robbie Bell landed 10 on Codgers Day as well as 9 on another trip using snakes, also on Dunnydeer. Top fishing Alec and Robbie. Special mention to William Bannon who broke his own fish total PB, landing 6 fish on Snakes and Hares Ears. Absolutely brilliant William. It is all coming together nicely now. Allan Cook had 16 for his two trips, catching on snakes, nymphs and even dry fly.
At half time everyone enjoyed turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce sandwiches, served with pigs in blankets. We also had some sloe gin made from fishery berries and a selection of home brews specially flown in from Blyth and Wooler. Eric Carmichael was over the moon to win the raffle prize of an advent calendar full of fishing flies. A great day all around and lovely not having rain lashing and wind howling.
Fishing continued to be excellent all week, with Rob Frame being joint top rod, landing 14 on Blobs. Alongside on the podium was Alan Coe, who had his 14 using Lures and Nymphs. Top fishing lads. Steve McMaughan landed 18 for his two visits using lures, while Stuart Scott had 13 – also on lures. Snakes have been probably been the best overall fly, but don’t disregard nymphs as Simon Sharp and Ben Blake proved, each landing 11 on Diawl Bachs.
The main tactical point to note has been how high in the water fish have been. Certainly higher than usual. As a result, floaters, midge tips, hover lines and unweighted flies have been best covering the top foot or two of water. Don’t let your flies drop down too much. Indicator fishing hasn’t been so good and the likelihood is methods such as the washing line will continue to offer your best chance. Try a FAB on the point and a couple of Diawls on the droppers. Ross Lake hasn’t been fished as much due to its muddy colouration, so expect this to be the best lake after Christmas based on the forecast.
Christmas Opening Times
Tues 23rd Dec: Closed
Wed 24th Dec: Closed
Thur 25th Dec: Closed
Fri 26th Dec: Sign in 8.30am to 10.00am *
Sat 27th Dec: Sign in 8.30am to 10.00am *
Sun 28th Dec: Sign in 8.30am to 10.00am *
Mon 29th Dec: Sign in 8.30am to 10.00am *
Tues 30th Dec: Sign in 8.30am to 10.00am *
Wed 31st Dec: Closed
Thur 1st Jan: Closed
Fri 2nd Jan: Open as usual
* Fishing 26th to 30th Dec stops at 4pm but you must buy your ticket between 8.30am to 10.00am
Forecast
When we’re back open on Boxing Day, it is a nice settled forecast, although the winds look like being more from the E/NE. Not too much rain expected, so the lakes should have cleared up nicely.
Closing time – 4.00pm every day.
Fishing starts – 8.30am.
Predicted Fly Box
Snakes (5cm), Zonkers, Apps, Diawl Bachs, Blobs, Cats Whisker, Bunny Leech, Hothead/Blue Flash Damsel.
See you all soon and hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!
David, Gemma and Owen
———> NOTICEBOARD <——–
Fly Fishing Lessons
Suitable for anyone wanting to improve their casting, understand better fly selection for Chatton or simply start fly fishing from scratch with a taster session. All tackle provided. Permit included. Ideal Christmas or birthday present. 7 days a week. Booking essential.
Enquire by email: stuart@cadencefishing.co.uk or via website www.siff.uk
Chatton Caravan Park
Closed for winter. Re-opening Spring 2026.
Please keep an eye out in the Events section of our facebook page and future reports.