GAME ANGLING
SPORT has literally been Buzzing this week with massive catches throughout the region on these diminutive hatching insects. A Buzzer is the pupa of the Chironomid Midge.
There are four forms of this that are eaten by the trout: larva, pupa, emerger and adult. Buzzer fishing is a major technique used by the stillwater trout anglers. To be able to recognize or guess which stage the fish are feeding on is often the secret to successful catches.
The larva comes out of the mud on the lake bed and makes its way up to the surface. A head and tail rise indicates the trout are feeding in the top foot. A swirl indicates that the adult is being taken by the trout.
These diminutive angler offerings have accounted for many massive catches at our local stillwaters this week. Catches of over 50 have been made at several fisheries by anglers who know their game!
While not catching 50, angler of the week was certainly Matty Divine from Hadston, who landed a “full house” at Chatton Trout Fishery. Divine caught a total of 18 trout for his visit which included: brown trout, rainbow trout, blue trout and tiger trout. He caught a brown trout of 11lb 4oz, a rainbow of 10lb 3oz, a blue of 5lb and a 6lb tiger trout.
Well done to Sonia Dobson from Prudhoe, who won the Troutmasters Fish-off and will represent Chatton Trout Fishery in the Final. Junior angler Max Fawcus from Blyth qualified in the Junior Section.
Len Broxson qualified for the final of the Troutmasters after winning the fish-off at Aldin Grange Lakes near Durham.
Members of the Chopwell Chancers fished their Ernie Kilgour Memorial Trophy at Thrunton Trout Fishery at the weekend. 32 rods turned out and £302.50 was raised for Breast Cancer. Ross Dixon won the competition with four trout for 23lb 13oz. He also won the heaviest trout with a rainbow of 13lb 3oz. Tony Fox was runner-up with Paul Snaith third.
Sweethope Loughs are hosting the Scierra Pairs Competition on Saturday 22nd April and there are still places available. Contact Phil Dixon at www.scierrapairs.co.uk or contact Chris Slack at the fishery on 01830 540349 for further details.
On the salmon fishing scene a few fish have made their way into the North Tyne which is good news. Johnny Griffiths landed one of 12lb at Chollerton and another fish was caught further upstream.
Bywell had 23 salmon up to Tuesday while Styford was on 22 for the season so far. A fish was also caught at Dilston.
One of the most significant meetings to be held in our region will take place on 10th May 2017 at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Metro Centre, NE1 C 19XF. There are two key issues that over the next decade will have a major impact on all game anglers.