Albury Estate Fisheries Newsletter Spring 201

We are quickly heading towards the spring with snowdrops and daffodils in flower around the lakes and river. The standard and quality of the fishing has been exceptional over the past month with some good bags of fish having been taken. The blue trout being stocked recently have proved very popular and with the addition of the odd brown trout the variety has been welcomed by our anglers. Later in the year expect to see some tiger trout added to the list.

Tactics wise floating lines have covered most situations with an intermediate line being a handy option to have to search different water levels and change the angle of fly retrieval. Fly choice has been in favor of attractor patterns such as Cats Whisker, Blue Flash and Hot Head damsel which have taken the bulk of fish. However anglers wanting to use more imitative patterns such as PTN and buzzers have had some good sport. Locating the fish appeared to be paramount with the fish favoring certain areas of the lakes, so the best advice would be to keep on the move until you find the fish.

Syon Park News from Conor Duffy

What a start to the year we’ve had at Syon! We started off with the Brown Trout Bumper Bag competition, we were able to showcase our stunning brown trout and provide a bit of friendly competition on the bank. After two weeks we had eight entrants signed up. A modest £80 had been put into the pot that would eventually go on to make someone’s wife a very happy lady! The trout that was caught wasn’t just any run of the mill brown trout, not a chance. The capture had taken 19 years of careful development, studying the banks of Syon Park Fishery with meticulous detail. Thorough planning had gone into the correct depth to fish at, which fly to use, and most of all…the celebration. 19 years, finally, the prize. Frank Bolger had slipped the net under a beautiful brown and instantly broke into a dance that drew a lot of funny looks from other anglers. Arms flying everywhere, shouts that drowned out the planes, the ever humble Mr Bolger had succeeded! You can see the picture of Frank, the brown, and his wife’s £80 in the picture below.

Intermediate lines with a moderately fast retrieve have been taking most of the fish at Syon. The best area has tended to be the top of the lake just before the tree line however there are many fish being caught around the bridge and off the casting platform also. Blue Flash Damsels have reigned supreme over the winter but other lures such as Cats Whiskers and Orange Fritz have been steadily keeping pace. Nymphs, bloodworms, and squirmy worms have been taking good numbers under floating lines with indicators being the preferred method but they’re not a necessity as fishing without one has also taken plenty of trout.

Recently we’ve been looking at the vegetation around the lake. The common reeds were slightly unruly in the autumn so whilst we had the opportunity we cut large sections out using a digger. As I type this there’s a trailer full of Bulrush rhizomes, sedges, and dog wood which are ready for their new home at the fishery. Our goal is to create a more attractive environment for our anglers whilst at the same time increasing habitat opportunity for a wider variety of invertebrates.

We’re moving ahead with our plans for a Young Anglers day in the Easter Holidays. More details will follow once a date has been scheduled. Giving 10-16 year olds an opportunity to learn how to fly fish with their peers is an exciting prospect which we hope will be a success! Please do email us if you have any budding young anglers you’d like to add on, it is open to those of all abilities.

Our Troutmasters fish off is also nearly upon us. Rules and dates will be confirmed before the end of the week and the fish off will be taking place before the end of March. We will be entering the top three fish every month so please make sure you call the bailiff on duty if you’ve caught a slab! At the moment Jonathan Kirk tops our leader board for the second month running, but if John Tydeman can stop losing doubles at the net that may change!

Club Event

The next Albury Fishery Club Event is a tour of our fish farm on Tuesday 20th February at 11am to 12.30pm. Places are limited so please email Cameron to book a place.

Local Albury News

We also wanted to let you know that in the absence of Albury Game Angling shop we will now be selling fishing essentials such as flies, tapered leaders and spools of leaders. These will be available from the bailiff.

Looking for corporate and group packages?

We have re-launched our corporate and group packages and if you book before the end of March 2018 you will receive a 10% discount.

Albury Estate Trout Fishery and Syon Park offers up a fantastic setting for group fishing events whether that be corporate, team building, fishing club days or private parties.

We can provide all equipment and arrange professional fly fishing instruction to ensure a truly memorable experience. Whether you catch a fish or not everyone will walk away with a fresh trout. Also with a number of catering options, from bring your own picnic to a three course meal, there’s something for everyone.

Alternatively, you could have half a days fishing followed by a gin tour of the award winning Silent Pool Distillery which is also based on the Albury Estate.

Why not add extra interest to your day by running team and individual competitions like largest fish, heaviest bag or best novice. Prizes can be provided if needed.

A typical corporate day would consist of the following:

• 9am. Arrive at the fishery and meet the other guests. Enjoy tea, coffee and a selection of pastries.
• 9.30am All beginners to accompany the instructor for an introduction to the fishery and casting tuition. Those with fly fishing experience can head out onto the water.
• 12.30pm Lunch
• 2.00pm Afternoon fishing session.
• 4.00pm Afternoon tea and cake.
• 5.00pm End of a great day.

Teach in Days

Finally a reminder that Tony Hern will be running his hugely successful Teach In days again this year. These offer up a fantastic opportunity and introduction into fly fishing. The dates for these days are as follows and will take place at Albury Park Fishery, GU5 9JB. See website to book a place.

• Saturday 3rd March
• Saturday 17th March
• Saturday 7th April
• Saturday 28th April
• Saturday 12th May
• Saturday 9th June

Finally I would like to wish you all our best regards and Tight lines.

Cameron Craigs