Great fishing in a shortened week. Diawl Bach top fly by a country mile.
Note: The fishery is CLOSED on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
We’ve only had 3 days open over Christmas, but the fishing has been really good – especially considering the east wind, which has also made the fish a bit nippy and tuggy.
Congratulations to Ryan Moody on being top rod, landing 14 on Diawl Bachs and Bunny Leeches. Brian Davis had a cracking day with 11 on Diawl Bachs. A. Hooper also had a great session on Diawl Bachs, landing 9 Stewart Younger had 9 on Diawl Bachs. See the pattern here?
Geoff Race landed 10 on Buzzers and Terry bucked the nymphing trend with 9 on Zonkers. Loads of catches of 4,5 and 6 with Rob Frame netting 6 and Don Davis landing 5 on guess what?
Make sure you try different sizes if you’re not getting success on the bigger stuff. Ben Blake reported size was key and regretted not having some size 18 Diawls in his box after a frustrating day of many, many takes.
Fish depth can change every day, but in the main they seem to be have been higher in the water, so midge tips, hovers and intermediates are the order of the day. Floating line if it is calmer. The cold weather might just make some go deeper though – we’ll see. Don’t rule out the usual winter lures though – snakes, apps and zonkers will serve you well. With the colder weather incoming, the fish may not want to chase or eat big flies, so small eggs under an indicator might be the way forward once the temperatures dive. Don’t be shy of dropping to 16, 18 or even 20’s. If there is partial ice, fishing as close as you can to the edges can be very worthwhile.
New Year Opening Times
Wed 31st Dec: Closed
Thur 1st Jan: Closed
Fri 2nd Jan: Open as usual (Important – See Below)
January and February Opening Times
For the next 2 months, the lodge will only be open for tickets 8.30am to 10.30am (7 days a week). Please note we will not be serving hot food during this time.
You can still buy snacks, flies and terminal tackle when purchasing your ticket. The toilet will remain available as usual – key on the hanger to the left of the main entrance. A phone number will be on the lodge door if you need to speak to a member of the fishery staff at all times.
Forecast
Getting a bit parky this week by the looks. Winds from the NW/W all week and medium strength in the main. Sunshine, snow and maybe ice – keep an eye on our facebook page or ring the fishery in the morning for updates before travelling. Proper winter fishing!
Closing time – 4.00pm every day.
Fishing starts – 8.30am.
Predicted Fly Box
Small Eggs under bung, Snakes (5cm), Zonkers, Apps, Diawl Bachs, Blobs, Bunny Leech.
See you all soon and Happy New Year to everyone who has fished at Chatton in 2025.
David, Gemma and Owen
———> NOTICEBOARD <——–
Fly Fishing Lessons
Suitable for anyone wanting to improve their casting or simply start fly fishing from scratch. All tackle provided. Permit included. 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.