I read an article about trout fishing quite recently in which the author referred to the syndrome known as “Rod Rage”. I think we all experience this from time to time; everything goes wrong and the immediate temptation is to snap the rod in half, throw it into the middle of the river, throw half bricks at the fish or just stalk away from the fishery vowing never to return. Line tangles on windy days especially used to nudge me over the dividing line and into this state.
Last Thursday afternoon I fished for an hour and a half and did not have even a polite tug on my line to let me know that the fish were alive and well. I experimented with tippets, flies, depths, all the usual things. I then decided to have a brief break and laid my rod down by my bag on the bank. Whilst pouring a coffee and quite unnoticed by me the wind freshened and changed direction and my line and fly were blown gently along the bank and into the water.
A moment or two later I noticed that my leader was in the water and perfunctorily picked up my rod to retrieve the couple of yards of line and make ready to cast again. I quickly realised that in those few seconds my fly had been taken within an inch or two of the bank. I got over my surprise and, after a stubborn resistance, landed a four and a half pound rainbow. Caught without initial intent on my part.
Over at the Salmon & Trout fishery near Lancaster, a fellow angler reported that he was given the task of fishing for carp and tench with a view to removing the coarse fish from the trout lake to a neighbouring coarse lake. The ‘returns’ from the trout anglers had been very poor for many days and it looked a good time to try and catch the tench and carp that had been muddying the water.
He baited up with sweetcorn and settled in for a pleasant afternoon’s carping. The carp and tench, however, were not interested but he was soon into a succession of hungry rainbows that could not get enough of the carp bait! Odd but you can try all the orthodox methods and not get a bite; do something quite out of the ordinary and there’s a fish on your line in double quick time.
REPORTS
Loveclough Trout Fishery
The quaintly named Loveclough fishery is tucked away on a moorland hillside near to the main road that runs from Burnley to Rawtenstall in east Lancashire. The views are marvellous and this comfortable, small fishery has an excellent reputation among local anglers. This is the time of year to catch big rainbows but wrap up well. It is rather exposed and, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll soon know about it.
Buzzers and nymphs on long leaders are the key to good catches, especially if there is a bit of broken cloud and sunshine. Fry imitators and Daddies are also doing well at the moment and some good fish are being taken every day
Directions: from either Burnely or Rawtenstall look out for “The Jester” public house. It’s on the right coming from Burnley and the left when approaching from Rawtenstall. Access to the fishery is by the side road immediately next to “The Jester”. Follow this road down the hill and up the other side until you arrive at the fishery car park.
Telephone: 01706 212541
Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir
I love to visit this sheltered, peaceful fishery, actually a club water, that lies just beyond the village of Belmont to the north of Bolton. I took “a refresher” with instructor Colin Wilson at this water some years ago and it was money very well spent. Amongst other things, Coilin showed me how to cast directly into a wind and get a neat line well out – for which I thank him nearly every time I go fishing. Many of us think that we can cast efficiently enough; it’s a bit like driving, no one admits to poor technique. Try “a refresher” with a good instructor and find out just how good (or bad) you are. Then watch your fishing improve!
This water was closed for much of the year due to Foot & Mouth but is now open and fishing very well. The fish are well spread out and you should have a good session wherever you decide to try. It is regularly stocked and fishes well all the year round. Fritz Tinheads, Bibio, buzzers, Daddies and Sedges are proving very tempting and taking well conditioned fish.
Day tickets available from the “Black Dog” public house on the main road at Belmont village. Please get your day ticket before you start to fish.
Telephone: 01204 811218
Prospects and directions may also be obtained on the following number: 01204 307636
Good Luck!
Eddie Caldwell
