Fishing expected to be very good this weekend. With a triple stocking the last 2 weeks plus the forecasted warmer weather and calm winds, we are expecting some of the best fishing of the year over the next few days.
Even before the new fish went in, the lakes were alive with rising fish at times. The past week has been a little too breezy to see prime surface action, but anglers have done very well just subsurface.
Naturals have been and will be the major players. Definitely set up a dry fly rod and also a washing line with buzzers on the droppers and maybe a foam daddy on the point. If the sun gets too high, change the daddy to a beaded nymph to help drop down away from the brightness. If there is cloud cover, we are expecting some good rises.
While all three fly lakes have the fish looking up, Dunnydeer seems to have provided the most consistent dry fly fishing. All three lakes are fishing well to buzzers. Pulling lures are still very much working too, with Zonkers, Mini Snakes and Apps doing especially well.
Reddis Lake is full of fish on the bait, but it hasn’t fished too well recently. We expect that to change as the water clears and warms up a touch. There have been even more fish introduced, but even they haven’t been taking. Some day very soon will be a bonanza.
It has been really busy this past week with our first heat of The Big One Competition. We also had the Chatton Cadence Codgers here on Tuesday after a weather enforced winter hibernation.
Codgers
A great turnout of 30 on Tuesday. All lakes fished well in tough, windy conditions. Cheeseburgers were flying out and nearly everyone caught. One member had to extend his stay in the Middle East and was notable by his absence. Craig Cowan (17), Stewart Younger (15) and Pete Davidson (12) were top rods on the day. Alec Harvey and Steve Gibson had nine each on what was a really pleasant day. Subject to confirmation from the Heed Codger, we go again on Tuesday, 21st April.
Big One Competition
103 fish were caught on the day for a very healthy rod average of 4.5. Congratulations to all the qualifiers, including young Zack Scott who has once again qualified for a big final.
Qualifiers
1st Glenn Appleby
2nd Alec Harvey
3rd Zack Scott
4th James Stephenson
5th Rob Hall
6th Jordan Firby
Darren Jacques and Barry Nicholson also did well, but had already qualified. Jordan Firbys double figure fish was the biggest of the day and was returned before the cameraman arrived.
Fish over 10lb are becoming a regular thing again, and this week has started with another bruiser off Chatton Lake – see next week’s report.
We’ve also had some outstanding catches from day ticket anglers, with Monday, 9th March a memorable day. Robbie Bell is back on top of the podium, having a great day landing 21 fish with his usual all sorts pick and mix. Simon Sharpe hit 20 using buzzers and Diawl Bach’s. Superb fishing as usual, Simon. Geoff Wragg had a busy 5hr session, returning 17 on black and red buzzers. Great angling. Richie Green had 16 off the top on dries and just subsurface to buzzers as well. Steve McMaughan had 21 over a couple of sessions, including some lovely brown trout. Finally, young anglers Zack Scott and Ryan Wilson shared 25 fish on another mixture of flies. Very well done lads.
So there we have it – another brilliant week at Chatton and the chance that things might even improve.
Fishing Weather Forecast
Very good overall. Winds expected to be from the west all week. Starting off very gentle, picking up a little later in the week. Temperatures could lift to mid teens. Sun replaced by cloud and lower temperatures after the weekend. No excuses for not catching based on that forecast!
Scroll down to Noticeboard below for extra fishery details, including the reopening of the Caravan Park.
First Cast – 8.30am.
Last Cast – 6.00pm every day. Except Saturday, which is always 5.00pm.
Predicted Fly Box
Dries – Shipmans, Top Hats, CDCs, Beetles. Black Bunny Leech, Cormorants, Buzzers, Diawl Bachs, Foam Daddy on end of a washing line if fish are high in the water.
See you all soon!
David and Gemma
———> NOTICEBOARD <——–
Fly Fishing Lessons
All tackle and permit included. 365 days a year. Book now for Easter Holidays. Fully licensed coach available 7 days a week. Booking essential. Suitable for complete beginners, or those just wanting to catch more fish or improve a technique. Have a look at the website.
Enquire by email: stuart@cadencefishing.co.uk or via website www.siff.uk
THE BIG ONE – Competition
Fly fishing competition. OPEN TO ANYONE, no matter what your level. Huge prizes.
Chatton Heat (#4): 29th March. Grand Final: 2nd May.
Dunnydeer and Ross Lake will be closed to day tickets on these dates.
Book your place in the heats here.
Chatton Lakes Weddings
Looking for a special and unique Wedding venue, why not have your big day at Chatton? Have a look at our Instagram Page .
Spring Opening Times
From 1st March, the lodge will be open 8.30am to 2.00pm every day. We will be serving food and drink during these hours. Day tickets also available to buy during these times. Fishing will remain open until the stated times.
Chatton Caravan Park
Closed for winter. Re-opening not far off now on 1st April.
Please keep an eye out in the Events section of our facebook page and future reports.