JULY LAKES REPORT

Hello Trout members,

Hot work this month. The fish are not easy in these conditions. I watched 4 or 5 beauties at WZ recently circling close to the bank. Probably looking for cooler conditions by the spring. We are monitoring oxygen levels and at the moment and Colin our resident scientist has concluded that the fish are not too stressed by the conditions but is concerned as temperatures increase. If you are using the catch and release lakes at Rawlsbury please ensure that the fish are returned fully recovered.

 The work parties continue at Winterborne Zelston and this has meant that the lake remains fishable. Chapmans at Rawlsbury has a good number of fish including some real specimens and has not been fished much this month. Cowleaze on the other hand needs some attention as the weed has begun its annual encirclement of the lake.

At this time of year we have dwindling numbers of volunteers for our work parties so if you have any spare time and are willing to come along for a few hours to help out it will make an enormous difference to our workload. We are all so grateful for the extra help, I know a lot of the time other circumstances may prevent you from volunteering. Just let me know by email when and where you can attend and I will do all I can to organise a convenient time. As a reminder we do hold a work party on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Rawlsbury. The next one in August I shall not be able to attend but Bob Spurgeon will be organising things which will include mostly weed clearance of Cowleaze. If you can make it please let me know and I will pass on your email to him.

Some of your reports for the month are as follows.

 ·        fished Zelston today. Conditions far from ideal, very low water and very breezy. Could not see any fish until about 1pm.persevered with shrimp imitation, but to no avail, ended up fishing under an indicator with a small black and red buzzer, with a tuft of white near eye. Fish began showing themselves, and started feeding..? Took 2.lovely fish. 1@ 4lb 2oz 1@3lb 11oz.

 ·        We went fishing yesterday afternoon/ early evening. After some persisting Leo caught a 5lb 1 and 4 lb. Was hot!!! Thanks

 ·        Couple from Friday evening. Both fish fought well and were surprisingly lively considering how warm its been.

 Two Rainbows for me from Chapmans 4.5lb and 3.5lb both caught on blue flash damsel.

My guest caught a Blue in Cowleaze 1,75lb on a Montana and a Rainbow from Chapmans 3lb on a Blue Flash.

Best wishes and tight lines!

Paul.