THE start of the new trout fishing season on Bristol Water’s reservoirs is underway with the Barrows opening first, followed by Blagdon and Chew Valley.

THE start of the new trout fishing season on Bristol Water’s reservoirs is underway with the Barrows opening first, followed by Blagdon and Chew Valley.

Results so far augur well for the new season. On the Barrows (bank only),128 rods reported a total catch of 442 trout, average weight 1lb 3oz, with 28 limit bags and a rod average of 3.5 fish per angler over the first fortnight.

On Blagdon opening day, most bank rods favoured the North Shore and Butcombe Bay, where several early limits were taken. The boats spread out through a much bigger area, and most rods had limits by late afternoon.

Total reported catch for Blagdon opening day was 381 trout taken by 44 rods, average weight 2lbs, with a rod average of 8.7 and a total of 37 limit bags.

Prices - Blagdon: boats �28, bank �19. Chew: boats �34, bank �16.50. Barrow tanks (bank only): �14.50. There are reductions for senior citizens and disabled persons, and afternoon and evening permits and juniors may fish for free if accompanying a permit holding adult.

Bristol Water runs a programme of tuition courses, with a qualified instructor, for those wishing to learn from scratch or improve their fly fishing skills. The courses last five hours and take place on Saturday and some weekday afternoons. All equipment and tackle is supplied. The cost is �60 per person and places are limited.

For further information on this, and any fishing related matters, telephone Woodford Lodge on 01275 332339, email woodford.lodge@bristolwater.co.uk or visit Bristol Water’s website: www.bristolwater.co.uk/leisure