Fly Fishing For Chub

Fly fishing for Carp has always been on my list of angling things to do. It has however always been well down on the list, somewhere below my first double figure Rainbow, a 20lb plus Salmon and that elusive first Grayling I never seem to get the time to fish for. I can now however now chalk off the achievement of catching my first Coarse fish on the fly without ever intending to go fly fishing for Chub.

Last night I set out with hope more than expectation to the river Ribble looking for an unsuspecting Sea Trout or more than likely two hours of casting practice. Things got exciting on the second cast of the session when something took my fly with a bump and set off down the river Ribble like a steam train. Within seconds the fish had me on the backing before turning on a sixpence and heading back up stream. My heart was thumping out of my chest and my arm shaking with anticipation of landing the monster Sea Trout that had taken a size 12 Peter Ross fishing fly.

The fight went on for twenty minutes with my quarry zig-zagging the Ribble with the speed of Usain Bolt. I never saw the fish once as I kept the rod held high and a tight line. After what seemed an age the fish began to tire and I begun to reel in whilst backing up to the banks of the Ribble.

Then I saw it.

It certainly wasn’t a Brown Trout, Sea Trout or Salmon. This fish looked like nothing I had learned of whilst growing up in the North Tyne valley. Was it a Chub? Lancastrian anglers have told me of the monster Chub and Barbel that lurk in the depths of the Ribble as she meanders towards Preston. I had not intended to go fly fishing for Chub.

The mystery fish was soon landed and photograph taken before putting it safely back in the river. The fish was as wide as my fist – I estimate a weight of about six pounds. Was it a Carp? My mate told me it was a Carp after texting him a picture. Carp in the Ribble – is he having me on? I had not intended to go fly fishing for Carp either!

Another mate reckons it was a Chub due to the presence of red fins.

I still don’t know and I don’t care.

What I do know is that:

• I had a memorable fly fishing trip.
• I had a great fight for twenty minutes.
• I landed a species I have never caught before.
• I returned a beautiful fish to the river to fight again.
• I have a new angling story to tell the world

What do you think it is?

Pennine Trout Fishery - Pennine Fishery

It is plentifully stocked with both rainbow trout and brown trout in excess of 20lb. The fishery record at Pennine Trout Fishery stands at a mammoth 29lb for Rainbow Trout and 25lb 1oz for Brown Trout!The venue and is open all year round and features a well stocked tackle shop that sells a limited selection of hot food plus tea and coffee. A tip for anglers visiting Pennine Trout Fishery is to reserve a pie on arrival as stocks can be limited depending upon the day you visit.

Pennine Fishery is very well maintained and is a must visit venue for anyone fly fishing in Lancashire or fly fishermen in the Manchester area. The grounds are manicured with the precision one could expect from a championship golf course let alone a fly fishery. The venue is always litter free and the knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide advice on fly fishing tips and tactics and can provide tuition and fly fishing rod hire.

There are only two criticisms of Pennine Fishery. Firstly it is very small with two spring fed lakes covering only 2.5 acres each. The depth of these ponds is deceptive at a whopping 20 feet deep and 40 feet deep respectively. This means that a good fly caster can cover half of the water from many of the pegs that surround the gin clear lakes. I have snagged a number of fishing flies on the cages that contain soon to be stocked fish. However the venue is large enough to provide a challenge for most anglers looking for the fish of a lifetime. The second criticism is the fact that Pennine Fishery closes at 6pm sharp every day. This is no great hardship in the winter but during the summer months it is a wrench to leave this beautifully maintained venue just as the evening rise is a about to start. The benefit of the early finish however is the fact that anglers are saved from the ferocious Lancashire midge that descends on the venue from the nearby moors.

Pennine Fishery is very well stocked and one cannot fail to be impressed at the submarine sized Rainbow Trout that patrol the margins. The mammoth size of the stocked Rainbow Trout does not diminish the ferocity of the tussle one can expect from the fighting fit fish at Pennine. My best to date was a 9lb 8oz fish that was agonisingly close to my first double. The pride I felt once I had landed this fish after a fifteen minute fight that had my heart thumping was short lived. Within an hour the anglers adjacent to me had netted fish of 12lb and 17lb respectively!

Due the significant depth of the two lakes the key tactic at Pennine Fishery is finding the correct depth. To land a 20lb plus fish I am advised that one should always go deep and aim as close as one can to the cages. Monster Brown Trout in particular are believed to lie under the cages and have been known to pounce on a Damsel, Dawsons Olive, Orange Fritz or Cats Whisker that infringes on their territory in the dark cold depths of the lakes. This technique has yet to work for me and I would recommend Buzzers, Damsels, Dawl Bach, Daddies, Bloodworm, Montana, Cats Whisker and Dawsons Olive. When feeding of the surface a Kate Mclaren Snatcher works very well as does Daddies and the Muddler.

Pennine Fishery is a popular fishery in Lancashire, partly due to the fact that is it accessible from Manchester, West Yorkshire and Merseyside. If you are planning to go Fly fishing in Lancashire then Pennine Fishery is a recommended option and booking is always advised.

For more information about Pennine Fishery or to find out about fly fishing in Lancashire call 01706 378325.

Map of Pennine Trout Fishery

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Pennine Fishery, Lancashire

Address:
Pennine Fishery
Calderbrook Road
Littleborough
Lancashire
OL15 9HL
Telephone: 01706 378325

Fly Fishing at Kielder

With over 2,700 acres of water one could assume that locating the wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout in this awesome fishery is a challenge. This is not the case.

Hiring one of the excellent motor boats is a must if you are to quickly move between the renowned hot spots of Matthews Lynn, Plashetts Bay, Plashetts Incline or Belling Inlet and get close to the massive 27 miles of shoreline. The motorboats at Kielder Water are very well equipped and Wheelie boats are available for disabled anglers. An anchor is useless here, but selected areas – like Plashetts Incline – have handy mooring slots to secure your boat and prevent drifting.

Kielder Water Fishing

A Kate Mclaren generally does well at Kielder Water, and is particularly effective if ‘ginked up’ when the fish are rising or if you are stalking the brown trout. Dawsons Olive, Orange Fritz and Cat Whisker are also very useful patterns and should be in the fly box of anyone fly fishing in Northumberland. A worm is the preferred method for many anglers, just as is the case at most of the Northumbria Water fisheries.

Kielder Water is now worth a visit following extensive stocking in early 2008. Prior to this it was best avoided so hopefully Northumbria Water will keep up this proactive approach. On a good day this is the most scenic fishery in the UK due to the fact that Kielder Forest is the largest man made forest in Europe. The beautiful site that greets you when drifting in to Mathews Linn on a sunny day is akin to Scandinavia or British Columbia. In bad weather  fly fishing at Kielder Water is more like a scene from ‘The Fog’ or ‘Deadliest Catch’!

Kielder Water and Forest Park is situated at the source of the river North Tyne – England’s greatest Salmon River- some 12 miles to the north west of Bellingham and 29 miles north of Hexham. There are great facilities at Leaplish including log cabins if you really want to tackle the famous Kielder Midge. Beware, the nearest petrol station is 12 miles away. Fly fishing at Kielder Water is available from March to November each year. With a birds of Prey Centre, Kielder Castle , Mountain Biking, Walking, Sailing and even a swimming pool Kielder Water is a great location for a short break if you can find availability at a local Northumberland hotel.

For more information about Kielder Water or fly fishing in Northumberland call 01434 250294.

Center of map

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Kielder Water, Northumberland

Address:

Kielder Water

Kielder

Northumberland

NE48 1BX

Telephone:  01434 250294

Check out the bargain deals under the bargain tab. You will find quality fishing rods below other stores costs. The same fishing rod only not the same price. Put your hard earned money that you save towards something else by shopping at John Norris. Salmon and trout rods are offered as are spinning rods and fly fishing rods. Find your favorite brand such as Daiwa, Loop, Partridge, Pflueger, and Shakespeare in the bargain area. Excellent deals also on Greys, Hardy, and Sage rods.

Scoop nets and twist and lock nets that are made well are affordable to capture your big catch of the day.

Find fly selections and lures at a discounted price. When you accidentally lose a fly or lure you won’t be bothered as you saved a bundle. You now know where to shop to find discounted fishing tackle.

Discounted fly reels and spools are found to suit your fishing rod needs. Stock up now while the prices are low.

Many different sizes and types of hooks, a hook sharpener, and a hook eye threader available.

Fly line, sinking line, and floating line is available for the type of fish you are headed to catch on your fishing trip.

You will even find bargains on clothing for your fishing trip. Men and women’s vests, sweaters, waders, trousers, jackets, waistcoats, women’s outfits and men’s outfits. Keep the bug pests away with comfortable hats. You will keep your feet cozy with the wool blend stockings. For easy care all stockings are machine washable. Find water-resistant boots to suit your style.

Enjoy the knowledge of knowing you saved a bundle so you can sit back, relax, and concentrate on your much needed and wanted fishing trip.

SportfishSportfish

Sportfish

The John Norris of Penrith website matches the expectations for such a renowned fishing brand. The site is secure, easy to use, and even remembers your details. Ordering is simple and the you are updated with emails at each stage from order to dispatch so that you know exactly where your purchase is.

A visit to the John Norris of Penrith shop is a must for the fly fisher with time to kill. Next time you pass Tebay on the M6 during a journey to Scotland be sure to stop off at Junction 40. The wealth of stock on show is amazing as are the regualr bargains that one can snap up in store. If you like to feel a fishing rod in your hand before buying it this is the place to do it as you can easily compare your choice with other alternatives from brands such as Hardy, Sage, Loop, Greys or Shakespeare.

Fly Fishing Shops

John Norris of Penrith

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John Norris of Penrith, Penrith, Cumbria

Orvis Streamline Fly Rod

Orvis Streamline Fly Rod

Orvis Fly Fishing equipment is used the world over. Orvis Fly Fishing tackle and equipment is renowned for the quality of the craftsmenship, the variety of choice and its technical performance. The company was founded in Manchester, Vermont, USA in 1856. Since then outdoor enthusiasts and fly fishing exponents across the globe have been caught by the Orvis Fly Fishing bug.

Orvis Fly Fishing Tackle

The Orvis Fly Fishing collection includes more than just fishing tackle. Orvis now produces quality outdoor clothing for men and women plus a range of accessories for all who love the great outdoors. Orvis produce the following fly fishing tackle and equipment:

• Fly Rods
• Fly Reels
• Fly Lines & Backing
• Leaders & Tippet
• Flies
• Fly Boxes
• Fly Tying
• Tools & Accessories
• Vests & Packs
• Waders
• Wading Boots
• Fishing Apparel
• Sunglasses, Cameras & Binoculars
• Fishing Luggage

I have always found Orvis Fly Fishing Tackle to be of good quality. The service is good and will do the job!

fly fishing shops, fly fishing shop, orvis

Orvis Fly Fishing

fly fishing shops, fly fishing shop, orvis

Orvis Fly Fishing

The annual fee of £99 is donated in their entirety to Claire House Children’s Hospice, along with the proceeds of the annual dinner. To join Liverpool Fly Fishers visit their website.

At Chalk Springs Fishery the record Rainbow Trout stands at 20lb 8oz. The record Brown Trout is an impressive 19lb and the largest Blue Trout hit the scales at 17lb 6oz. Stocked fish range from 2lb to 20lb and are reared on site.

The owners have made an effort to encourage controlled weed growth and have been rewarded with a setting that is home to abundant natural insect life including a mayfly hatch, alder, daddy long-legs and pond olives as well as prolific hatches of damsels and sedge. Smaller weighted fishing fly patterns are recommended such as damsels, hare’s ear, PTN, buzzers and lead bugs. Lure fishing with brightly coloured flies can also be effective at Chalk Springs Fishery.

There are great facilities for anglers at Chalk Springs Fishery. The shop at Chalk Springs offers a range of fly fishing tackle and equipment. The shop also sells a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and confectionery and Environment Agency licences.

Chalk Springs Fishery is located just off the A27. Come of the Arundel roundabout on the A27 towards Chichester then take an immediate right turn between two lodge houses.

For more information about Chalk Springs Fishery or to find out about fly fishing in Sussex call 01903 883742.

Address:

Chalk Springs Fishery

Fishery Lodge

Park Bottom

Arundel

West Sussex

BN18 0AA

Telephone: 01903 883742