Good start to pike fishing trials

FISHING - BRISTOL Water Fisheries report after an amazing summer of fly-fishing for pike, hopes were high for the autumn sessions when lure and dead bait fishing would again be allowed for limited periods.

The wonderful Indian summer and low rainfall had left the lake quite low and many anglers were surprised by the many shallow areas and exposed mud banks normally well under water.

The clarity of the water had improved with the calm conditions and everything looked good for the lucky anglers who had drawn day one. And they were not disappointed.

From the off, the pike fed well and for the first four days great sport was enjoyed by most of the anglers, bank and boat. Almost before the boats went afloat several 20s were reported by bank fishermen by the jetties and this proved to be a hotspot for the boats as well.

Many boats went farther afield to the Wick Green area where fly fishermen had located some good fish previously and it was here that the most consistent sport was found. As always lures worked well at first and plenty of fish fell to replicants and spoons. As the session progressed more fish fell to smelt and mackerel dead baits.

A total of three fish over the magic thirty pounds were taken. Julian Chidgey started things off on day one with a 32.14 taken on a perch replicant. The following day Steve Rowley captured a 30.08 again on a lure and on 17th the biggest so far this autumn was caught by Steve Gould. This fish tipped the scales at 34.08. Twenties were numerous and many anglers reported PBs.

Unfortunately the weather changed for the worst for the last couple of days with falling barometer, stronger winds and rain, and this did make fishing a little harder. Even so there were still some better fish taken including the best form the shore so far, a 30.10 taken by Richard Ford.

For details of booking for 2010, please ring Woodford Lodge, 01275 332339, or email woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk.