April Newsletter

Albury Estate new season update

Welcome to our new fishing season and what a difference a year makes. This time last year river levels were low and the springs barely running. However the good news is that currently we have plentiful amounts of water that will service the fisheries well into the summer months and maintain a high standard of fishing. The downside of all this wet weather is that it is extremely soft underfoot around the lakes and river, so please take care.

The fisheries has recently stocked a new trout species in the shape of some stunning tiger trout (cross between a brown trout and a brook trout). We will also be stocking some more blue trout and brown trout. We will be running the ‘SPECIES CHALLENGE’ competition. This will involve catching a tiger, blue, brown and rainbow trout in the same day to win a season rod membership (only 1 available). If achieved, this must be witnessed by a bailiff.  Note Weston and Syon Park fisheries are the only lakes where tigers roam.

The water clarity is currently good in all lakes with the best of it being at Weston’s Wood Lodge Pool and Kingfisher Pools as well as Powdermills and Belmont lake at Vale End. The fishing at the moment is superb with some fantastic buzzer hatches. Peter Cockwill gave the following advice on buzzer fishing a couple of years ago. Definitely worth another read:

Early Season at Albury means just one thing:- the buzzer hatch is going to happen and it’s the perfect time to fish small flies on a floating line. Time and again I am told that ‘I can’t catch on buzzers’ but let’s face it, this is the main food item for trout so why not give  them what they feed on instead of big fluffy stuff.

Any time you see rise forms it will be to the hatching stage so you can then confidently fish emergers or klinkhammers and cast ahead of the rise or just leave it in the area of activity. Rises are usually very positive and just tighten as soon as you see it. There’s no point in waiting.

Otherwise use a superglue or slow sink buzzer but you absolutely must fish these extremely slow. Really slow! Use at least 12 feet of 5lb leader either level or tapered. Point the rod tip down the line so that you have a chance to feel the take as you can’t possibly watch it all the time and ANY movement just raise the rod. Trout can take and reject a fly without any indication on your leader so you must react to the slightest sign. 5 or 6 weight rods are best.

Syon Park News

Spring has arrived at Syon. The buds are turning to leaf. Flies are hatching in larger numbers each day. This spring also marks the start of our new habitat improvement at the fishery, much more grass will be left uncut around the banks, around trees, and along the fence line. No we’re not turning lazier! The idea is that by providing more habitat diversity we will increase the fly life in and around the lake, creating a healthier ecosystem. This goes hand in hand with the new trees and reeds we’ve planted around the lake. A scruffy looking dogwood on the London Road bank however plagues my dreams each night; don’t expect it to still be in place on your next visit.

Young Anglers’ Day 2018

Brief: Introduce a new generation to fly fishing.

Method: Get 30 10-16 year olds down to the lake? Provide professional casting tuition? Supply all the tackle? Make sure they catch? Easy?

Result: An extremely exciting day for all. Every angler caught a fish. Nobody fell in. We’re hoping to be able to run more in the future, even though the constant action produced one of the most tiring days for our guides and the bailiffs!

Syon Park News

Spring has arrived at Syon. The buds are turning to leaf. Flies are hatching in larger numbers each day. This spring also marks the start of our new habitat improvement at the fishery, much more grass will be left uncut around the banks, around trees, and along the fence line. No we’re not turning lazier! The idea is that by providing more habitat diversity we will increase the fly life in and around the lake, creating a healthier ecosystem. This goes hand in hand with the new trees and reeds we’ve planted around the lake. A scruffy looking dogwood on the London Road bank however plagues my dreams each night; don’t expect it to still be in place on your next visit.

Young Anglers’ Day 2018

Brief: Introduce a new generation to fly fishing.

Method: Get 30 10-16 year olds down to the lake? Provide professional casting tuition? Supply all the tackle? Make sure they catch? Easy?

Result: An extremely exciting day for all. Every angler caught a fish. Nobody fell in. We’re hoping to be able to run more in the future, even though the constant action produced one of the most tiring days for our guides and the bailiffs!

Next Club Event

Early Season Trout Fishing Masterclass with Peter Cockwill

If you are interested in learning first hand from Peter these tactics why not join us for ‘An Early Season Trout Fishing Masterclass with Peter Cockwill’ on Tuesday April 24^th , 9am to 1pm at Weston. We still have some places available for this event. The cost is £20 and £15 for season and syndicate rods. To book a place email [email protected].

Troutmaster

The annual Troutmaster fish off was held at Weston on the 14thApril where 12 anglers battled it out for top spot with the winner going on to represent the fishery at this year’s final at Draycote. Fishing conditions were tricky on the day with bright sunshine throughout the day but Phil Gayford held his nerve to catch a 4 fish bag for a competition weight of 16lb 5oz and win.

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 28th April
• Saturday 12th May
• Saturday 9th June

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

Cameron Craigs