GAME ANGLING
DERWENT RESERVOIR 01207 255250 Top rod this last week was A Sherman who netted a great seven-fish bag including the biggest trout of the week weighing in at 3Ibs. One of the nicest fish of the week was a 1Ib 8oz brown caught and returned by J Johnson.
Fly anglers have caught well on the North bank along to Cronkley but if the conditions have been mild trout have been seen rising in most parts of the reservoir, flies worth a try of late have been Minkie’s, Black Fritz and Silver Humungous fished on an intermediate line. Those anglers seeing trout up top have switched to a floating line and fished with Spiders, Buzzers and Bloodworms.
Multi-bait anglers have caught well at the Oak Tree and the first fence with ledgering tactics proving to be the top fish-catcher, power-bait eggs on the hook with magic dust in a feeder has been the top bait.
This fishery is staying open all through the winter with regular stockings going in. HURY RESERVOIR 01833 641121 The very poor weather conditions this last week has kept anglers away from this water so there is nothing to report for this last week. Don’t forget this fishery is staying open all through the winter and will continue to be stocked on a regular basis.
SWEETHOPE LOUGHS
01830 540349 This fishery stays open for fly fishing all through the winter but will not see any stockings till just before the start of the new season in April next year. That said both lakes are still stuffed full of trout waiting to be caught and I cannot think of a more picturesque water to do some winter trouting.
The cost of a day ticket does come down at this time of year with a four-hour catch and release ticket only costing £8. If you would like to take three fish home with you can get a four-hour three fish ticket costing only £12.
Pike fishing is also allowed at this time of year with the cost being only £5 per rod.
CHATTON FISHERY 01668 215336 Lots of good-sized trout have been coming to the net this last week with Peter Davison from Hew Hartley leading the way landing 13 fish including the best fish of the week weighing 12Ibs. Another double-figure trout was caught and returned, this time by Belford angler John Tait – his 10Ib rainbow was caught from Dunnydeer lake using a Black & Green lure.
Most fish are staying deep so lures are the best although during milder moments a few fish are still feeding off the top.
Festive holidays: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and January 2, 2019. THRUNTON FISHERY 01665 574400 It’s been a very stormy week but those anglers braving the conditions have caught well. Notable catches went to Mick Brown from Bedlington, who caught and returned 18 fish. D Middlemast from Stanley had a very busy session landing 16 trout. John Williams from Morpeth visited the fishery twice over the week landing a total of 19 fish, his biggest was a cracking 12Ib rainbow. Alec Harvey from Cramlington and Ray Wood from West Woodburn both caught 12 trout each, Jordon Lisle from Monkseaton caught and returned a fish estimated at between 16Ib and 17Ib, Michael Gaffney from Throckley returned a personal best brown trout weighing 15Ibs and Stew Ritson from Blaydon caught and returned a rainbow weighing 10Ibs.
Many more anglers recorded returns of between five and nine trout with many trout over 4Ibs landed. Fly box for the week has included Damsels, PTN, Buzzers, Bloodworm, Dancers, Cats Whiskers and Zonkers.
LANGLEY DAM FISHERY 01434 688846 This fishery offers some of the best winter fishing around in one of the best locations so if you get the chance to visit you will not be disappointed. This time of year when the weather is cold some type if sinking line and lures are going to be the best method of attack especially morning time, if the day warms up and you can see fish moving change to a floating line and natural patterns such as Buzzers, Bloodworm, Diawl Bach, PTN, GRHE and Damsels to name but a few. For an update on what’s being caught check out the fishery’s website or do it the old-fashioned way and ring Anthony on the usual fishery number.