GAME ANGLING
Derwent Reservoir (01207 255250)
26 anglers have wet a line this last week, landing a total of 58 fish to give a rod average for the week of 2.2. Catch of the week went to Derek Hodgson, who recorded an eight-fish limit bag weighing 13Ibs, all of Derek’s fish were caught on ledgered power-bait from Murray’s point on the South shore. Fly anglers have caught well from most areas on the North shore with an intermediate line fished with lures proving to be the top fish catchers. Patterns worth a try have included Dawson’s Olive. Cats Whiskers, Dancers and Black Fritz. Multi-bait anglers have found the area around the stream on the South shore to be the hot spot, with power-bait fished hard on the bottom being the best bait. The fishery is holding a Boxing Day competition starting at 9am and finishing at 3.30pm – the cost is £25 per person with £6 being put towards a cash prize with the heaviest fish taking top prize. Ten tagged fish will also be stocked worth amounts between £5 and £150 for the lucky anglers who can catch them.
Hury Reservoir (01833 641121)
This water because of the wintry conditions and the closeness to the festive period has seen no anglers fishing this last week. However, don’t forget that this fishery is staying open throughout the winter period and will continue to be stocked on a regular basis.
Sweethope Loughs (01830 540349)
This fishery remains open all through the winter but will not be stocked again until just before the start of the 2019 season. That said, both lakes are still full of hard-fighting trout and I can’t think of a more picturesque water to enjoy some winter fishing. The cost of a winter four-hour catch & release ticket is only £8, a four-hour three-fish ticket is only £12. Pike fishing is also allowed on this water throughout the winter at a cost of £5per rod.
Aldin Grange Lakes (0191 3846090)
The cold weather is starting to bite but those anglers wrapping up warm are still recording big returns. Top rod this last week was G Appleby with 32 fish. E Carmichael netted 16 with D Park landing 12, and many anglers recorded returns of between six and 10 fish. Flies working well of late have included Beetles, Bloodworm and small Buzzers. The fishery is hosting its annual Boxing Day competition, the cost is £27 which does include a slap-up Christmas lunch. Anyone interested should contact the fishery on the usual number.
Jubilee Lakes (01388 772611)
Both lakes are fishing really well just make sure you wrap up warm as temperatures as you would expect for the time of year are wintry. The lakes have been averaging five fish per angler of late with most happy with a four-hour ticket. Flies working well have included Diawl Bach, Orange Blobs, Olive Buzzers and Snakes. Christmas and New Year times: Closed from Sunday December 23rd till Wednesday 2nd January 2019, then open the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of that week then closed until Wednesday January 30. Dave & Sandra would like to wish all and very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2019.
Thrunton Fishery (01665 574400)
The fishery held a singles qualifier for the Fritz ‘N’ Flies competition this last week. Twenty one anglers battled it out, landing a total of 66 fish, to give a rod average on the day of three. The top two spots went to John Whitenstall with 10 fish and Ross Dixon with seven. The rest of the week has seen lots of bending rods and happy anglers. Although the weather has been wintry at times, it does not seen to have stopped the trout from biting. Notable catches went to Mick Brown from Bedlington who caught and returned 20 trout; Rob Frame from West Denton landed 17; Michael Kelly from Swarland and Pete Davison from New Hartley both landed 14 fish each. Les Dinsmore from Cramlington enjoyed a great session, landing 12 fish including a 10-pounder, an 8-pounder and two 6-pounders; Ken Glenton from Ashington also netted 12 fish, while Jack Metcalf from Newbiggin caught 11 fish – his best tipped the scales at 8Ib. Flies working well have included Bloodworm, Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Cats Whiskers, Blobs and Dawson’s Olive. The fishery will be closed over the festive period on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.