Jem visits Syon Park, Albury and other fly fishing locations for his urban fishing article published in the Spectator Magazine
As the nation obsesses over the return of Premier League football and mourns the loss of an Olympic Games, you would be forgiven for not noticing that some of the quieter sports are back.
Fishing has been allowed since the first phase of lockdown. In attics and garages across the land rods are being dug out, reels are being dusted off and fly tying vices are being oiled. Having not been on a river bank, or sampled the delights of a well stocked stillwater for several months, where to start?
Below are a few of my favourites; any one of which would be the perfect spot to feel that heartstopping tug, battle a big fish or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of a quiet bankside. With our larger reservoirs still out of action there are plenty of rivers as well as smaller, more intimate stillwaters waiting for you to winkle out a rainbow or stalk a brown trout. Who knows? You might even catch that fish of a lifetime…
Head west and you might be surprised to find a fantastic fishery less than ten miles from Marble Arch. Set in the grounds of Syon House, Syon Park Fishery is an amazing water – blink and you would think you are deep in the shires. The gin clear water makes this a perfect spot to stalk the double figure trout that lurk in its margins. Syon will be operating a season ticket system until October so this would appeal to anyone planning on a weekly trip. If you are in the market for a one-off experience then its sister venue has three lakes to choose from, and Albury Estate is offering limited day tickets.
Please note: these are all fly fishing venues. Other methods are not permitted. Payments are now being taken online, there are visitor limits and social distancing of 15 metres between anglers will be enforced. Always check fishery websites for the latest news and I would recommend making contact with the venue before travelling. For general information on fishing and the latest guidelines go to the Angling Trust.
