What a year it was - what a year it will be!
What a 12 months we have all had through all the challenges that were thrown at us in 2020 but I think we can all see brighter days ahead as the vaccine is rolled out and the government ease restrictions. Fishing was fortunate enough to be allowed through all but the first lockdown early in 2020. Although we have been open over the last couple of months, we know that not everyone lives in the ‘local’ area and many of you have been unable to fish.
Under normal circumstances the current yellow 2020/21 tokens expire at the end of March 2021 but we have decided to extend use of these tokens until the end of April 2021. This is only an extension of fish tickets and unfortunately not membership. The new season will see a freeze in the season (£195) and day membership price (£14) but a small increase in fish ticket price due to an increase in the price of fish food coming from Europe.
Season rod packages will benefit as last season with freedom to fish when you like over all waters with Powdermills and Syon Park remaining for season rod holders only. Season rods and fish tokens for the new season (2021/22) will be available on-line from the 18th March 2021. We will continue the online reservation for Season members and online payment prior to fishing for Day members.
The new fishing lodge at Weston (above) is near to completion with just the furnishing internally to sort out. It is hoped that we will be able to open it to anglers at some point in May when government restrictions allow. As we are unable to open the new fishing lodge we will still be running the collection of frozen fish from Kingfisher Farm Shop as in previous years and if you would like to collect fresh fish please contact Richard King the fish farm manager on 07967461063 to arrange a time for collection.
This year we will also be running a series of ‘Try the Fly’ fishing lessons as an entry into the wonderful world of fly fishing. Details of this will be put up on the website and social media over the next few weeks.
How is the fishing?
The fishing at Albury has been outstanding the last few weeks.
As the temperatures increase as we push into spring, the fishing will be at its best with plentiful supplies of cool spring water feeding Weston fishery and the River Tillingbourne supplying Vale End and Powdermills.
As well as the quality rainbow trout stocked from our own fish farm we have also stocked spartic trout and we expect more to be going in at the end of the month.
Tactics going forward will see small lures such as BFD’s, Cats Whisker, Hot Head Damsels and fritz patterns take good numbers of fish but once the fish start feeding on buzzers they may switch off the lures.
So make sure you are prepared to change if conditions dictate it. Small olive or black buzzers along will diawl backs on floating lines will work.
River Beats
The river beats will open on 1st April 2021 with sections to fish at Vale End, Weston (Office Beat) and Powdermills. You will encounter a mixture of stocked and wild fish here and early season will see limited surface action so small weighted nymphs will offer the best chance of a fish.
Tight lines and hope to see you all very soon at the lakes.
Stay safe.
Cameron Craigs
