DECEMBER LAKES REPORT

Hello fellow Game fishers,

It’s been a cold one this month followed by copious amounts of rain. I am sure everyone has enjoyed their Christmas, however, if you are thinking about stepping out for some fishing sessions, our lake at Winterbourne Zelston holds the best chance of a decent fishing day. The water is crystal clear and all those fishing this month have reported some excellent fighting fish.

• I fished WZ on Monday and had a most enjoyable morning.

Arriving at about 9am I was the first through the gate.  I was quickly joined by two others.  Fishing from the pontoon nearest the shed I cast a small nymph a few times with varying retrieves.  On deciding to move I started to wind on some slack line when I had a good take on the drop.  After a very spirited fight I netted a very nice fish of 3lb 10oz.

Moving to the west pontoon I changed to an intermediate line and fished a small damsel nymph with no luck.  I then changed back to the floating line and nymph.  After a few casts I had a take, on the drop again, as I let the nymph sink before retrieving.  After another good fight this fish weighed in at 2lb 12oz.

My fishing time was only a little over an hour, but was very enjoyable.  To celebrate my first outing to WZ for some months I then sat with a nice cup of tea and two cheese scones watching the other anglers trying their luck.

I would like to pass on my thanks to the volunteers who put in the work on the lake over the summer. The changes have improved it no end.

• I went rather late to Zelston today and having failed to catch on a sunk fly put on a beetle type dry fly and was rewarded with this lovely 5 3/4 pounder at dusk when there were a few rises. As usual it gave a hell of a fight and apart from broken pectoral fins is in excellent condition.

• Had a great day, Zelston looks great and good to be back there. Had two lovely rainbows. 6Ib 4oz and 4Ib 12oz.

Could I thank once again all those who attend our work parties and to all volunteers and agencies such as the Angling Trust who continue to lobby for an improvement to our water systems. All are essential in ensuring we conserve our future fishing ecosystems in an environment free from pollutants.

Best wishes and a Happy New Year,

Paul.