Albury Estate Newsletter – March 2020

We have certainly had our fair share of wet weather this winter but this will definitely be an advantage as we move into spring and summer.

Please remember that we are fast approaching the end of our current season which means that all pink 2019/20 tokens will expire at the end of March 2020 with the new season commencing April 1^st 2020. The new season will see a slight day ticket price increase but buying online will still be cheaper than buying on the bank.

Season rod packages will benefit as last season with freedom to fish when you like over all waters with Powdermills remaining as last season for season rod holders only. Season rods and fish tokens for the new season (2020/21) will be available from the 18th March 2020 and season membership and tokens will remain the same price as last year.

The long range forecast for the next couple of weeks looks good and the fishing is on top form. There have been good buzzer hatches with anglers taking fish on buzzers, diawl bachs and small nymphs fished on floating lines. However first thing in the morning it is still on the cool side with the fish preferring slightly deeper water and then moving up the water column once temperatures start to rise. With this in mind an intermediate or sink tip line has its advantages. As always the ever faithful BFD has accounted for a load of fish as have Cats Whiskers in various sizes and styles. There have been some really nice large fish taken recently including some big brown trout (see pics below).

New Season

The new season that starts on the 1^st April also means the start of the river season with Vale End, Weston and Powdermills all offering some river fishing with a mixture of wild and stocked fish. Fishing these river beats is included in your membership. We have done some river restoration work this winter and the river looks really nice. Office beat at Weston offers a good chance of a wild brown trout which generally average around 6oz’s. Vale End offers the longest stretch of river fishing with a mixture of deeper water, small weir pools and enticing riffles. Early season fish will be reluctant to rise so nymphs will probably be your best bet but always keep an eye out for any surface activity.

Other news is that we will be running more of the very popular TeachIn days which offer a fantastic introduction to fly fishing. These instruction events will divide into a morning and an afternoon session, each running for three hours. Book in for the morning session, running from 9am-Noon, or the afternoon session, running from 1pm until 4pm. The price per head is £48 and includes instruction for the duration, a 1 fish ticket and tackle provision. Maximum 6 people per session. The dates are 21^st March, 25^th April and 23^rd May. Please book this through our website.

The new fishing lodge is slightly behind schedule due to the appalling winter weather. So at the moment please carry on as normal, start fishing at your chosen venue and wait for the bailiff to see you.

Syon Park News

We have had a great season at Syon, from filming ‘In The Long Run’ staring Idris Elba and Bill Bailey to major island and lake restorations through the summer.

The Environment agency has also done extensive works to the Crane River and the Duke of Northumberland River to increase water quality and control in conjunction with other major desilting works along the river. All of these combined efforts have had a huge benefit for the water quality of the river systems and lakes.

We will be beginning our planting of our wetland hemispheres and island shortly in a further attempt to increase natural insect life and more exciting fishing opportunities

At Syon we are always trying to improve the lake, fishing and personal experiences of people visiting us. We will be continually changing and adapting to the environmental challenges we are all facing.

Syon Status Change

One of the business and fisheries changes we will be making this year is to move Syon Park to a Season Rod Only format from the 1st of April until the end of September. 

On the 1st of October we will resume Day Rod Fishing as well as our winter season membership. Day rods will still have all year access to the Albury waters at Weston and Vale End.

Other News

Other news is that we have added three new Teach In days for 2020. They include 3 hours tuition with Peter Cockwill, tackle hire if needed and a 1 fish ticket. The cost is £48 per person and the dates are 21st March, 25th April and 23rd May.

These days are ideal for beginners just starting out or for novices wishing to brush up on their skills. Visit the web site to book

As usual I would like to wish you all our best regards, Happy New Year and Tight lines.

Cameron Craigs

PS Don’t forget to keep up to date on how the lakes are fishing by keeping an eye on our website, updated daily or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Links below.