New Year

A Very Happy New Year to everyone

See you all bright eyed and bushy tailed in 2014

Sunday 29th Dec

As the year closes the fishing at Curley's continues to suprise. The fish should, by rights, be more or less living on the bottom of the lake now but not here. Almost everyday the fish have been up in the top layers and easliy reached with a floating line with some being caught on dries!!!!
Some days have not been that easy - what do you expect? - but top rods have been into 4 and 5 fish in a session.

The 4 hour permit and fish for 6 hours is being extended for the whole of January 2014.

So a 6 hour sporting ticket will cost only £15.00 and a 6 hour 1 fish only £18.00 - great value for money.

Christmas Eve

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all

Mike and Linda

Thursday 19th Dec

The trout fishing might have slowed just a little with the weather but signs are that the pike are still around.

Robert Nimmo and Chris Soulsby came to visit Curley's for the first time and got more than they had bargained for with this little lady

Sinking line, 8lbs leader and a black snake fly.

A good plump double figure fish

Sunday 15th Dec

Want a good read?
Pick up this month's Total Fly Fisher and read my mate Andy Taylor's article on deep water fishing, page 34. Curley's was used for this feature when Andy and Steve Cullen, the editor, recently visited the fishery.
Good article well written.

The fish are still relatively high in the water at present but there will be a time when you need to put Andy's tactics to the test.

Red letter Saturday 14th

Well the fish have decided it's red letter day at least for two of our clients.

Above is Denis Morgan who is visiting Curley's for the first time with his brother, Phil. Denis caught this lovely 6 pounder on an olive fritz and sinking line that he allowed to sink for a count of 30! Perfect tactics for winter conditions! Well done Denis first of many Curley's fish for you hopefully!

Above is Brother Phil, who not be be outdone caught his own decent fish again on a sinking line in the deep.

Making his Curley debut with a good fish is Les Norman although camera shy still enjoyed his catch.

Don't forget the permit offers on all December

BUY ANY 4 HOUR PERMIT AND FISH FOR 6 HOURS!!

Monday 9th Dec

Very mild conditions today and forecast for the rest of the week should make the fishing very pleasant. Certainly the fish are responding everyone on today has caught fish.
Jim McGinley had a red letter day on Saturday with 11 fish and 2 of them between 5lbs and 6lbs and one he said well over 6lbs!

So make the most of this weather before the inevitable cold snap starts.

Christmas Permit Offers

For the whole of December we are going to do special offers in different weeks:

This weeks offers till Sunday 15th inclusive

Offer 1/

 Buy a any 4 hour permit and fish for 6 hours (a saving of up to £6)

Offer 2/ 

Buy 3 permits of the same option - pay for only 2 (a saving of up to £28.00)

Sun 8th Dec

The fish are now responding to the colder water conditions and going deep, so intermediates and sinkers are the order of the day. However keep an eye on any lasting changes, today is quite mild but it needs to stay like this for a few days for it to have any effect on the fish.

Email from Phil Rees, who got one of his Xmas presents early!

Mike,

Many thanks for advising Chris the best rod for me; the Greys rod was certainly a huge surprise early Christmas present!

Although the weather was far from ideal on Monday (flat calm!), I still managed to catch 4 fish with it (so it works!), having previously had one on my original rod before you arrived. The best was well over 3 pounds. All of the fish were shallow (less than 3 feet) and in the margins. I did not get even a touch deeper or further out.

Phil Rees

Phil got the Greys XF2 rod, GX500 reel and a platinum line   What a lucky lad!!!!

Early Dec fishing

December has started off quite calm and rather pleasant but is this all about to change?
Thus far fish have been caught regularly mostly to lures, eggs and blob and not very deep but with the weather about to turn for the worse this will surely change things.
As the mercury drops then so will the fish to mid water - so dust off your intermediates and sinkers.
Top rod today was Jim McGinley with 3 fish but Nick Woodward had a fish to a dry and missed several others!

PRE CHRISTMAS OFFERS

GREYS PLATINUM WF7 CLEAR INTERMEDIATE LINES
NORMALLY £39.99 NOW ONLY £35.00 WHILE STOCKS LAST!

Sat 30th Nov

Last day of November and it's going out in style - really nice day - not as cold as the last few days and lovely in the bright sunshine.To be picky it just needs a little more breeze to put a ripple on the water but I am sure the fish will start topping around midday.

This pic of Ken with one of his 5 fish all caught on wake flies and the 4th fish was well over 5lbs!

Christmas is comming!

Tackle shop offer

Spend over £50 and get a 2 hour fishing permit free!

Spend over £100 and get a 4 hour fishing permit free!

Spend over £150 and get a full day fishing permit free!

All credit/debit cards accepted

Fishery currently fishing very well - rod ave differs each day with the weather but is between 3 and 6 fish per rod.

Today the fish were at the surface and will ing to chase almost any sort of "wake" fly. This is a really exciting way to fish as you see the bow wave hitting you fly. Got a pic of a good fish caught by Ken Sexton but having trouble uploading it - will try again tomorrow.

Nick Woodwood has finished on 5 fish just under the surface with mostly olive lures.

Jeff has had 2 fish to a dry!

Saturday 23rd Nov

Fishing well today, everyone on the water has caught!

Quite a pleasant day weather wise, very light breeze giving a gentle ripple on the water. The early frost has melted away, very nice in the intermittent sunshine.

Don't forget to take advantage of the "EXTRA" hour offer on all permits today and tomorrow!

Friday 22nd update

Jim Mcginley has just finished his session with 10 fish up to 5lbs!

WEEKEND OFFER (Sat 23rd and Sun 24th only)

Buy any 2 hour, 4 hour or 6 hour ticket and get an extra hour FREE!

Friday 22nd Nov

Still fishing well but inevitably deeper as the fish get used to the much colder conditions. Top two rods for the first couple of hours this morning have 7 fish between them.
Fairly decent day some sunshine and not too cold in the sun.

Different view from Daffodil Hill

Gift idea
Need a new fishing bag? Range of bags from top brands Greys, Wychwood and Leeda.

Like the Wychwood Bankman bag, possibly the very best in the market for only £59.99
 

Sunday 17th Nov

Latest fish from Curley's a very good looking fully finned triploid of around 8lbs at least. We didn't weigh it but got it back to the water asap.
This was the 3rd fish to Paul Knight this morning and was caught with a Di3 about 15ft deep using a black leech/zonker pattern.
Ken Sexton however has also had 3 fish up to now with an intermediate line and pink cats and has caught only about 6 ft deep.
So it seems that almost any method will work today!



Different day today quite misty but may break up as the day progresses!
This shouldn't make any difference to the fishing it just feels a bit strange

Sat 15th Nov

Quite a few fish caught over the last week - top rods managing 7 and 8 fish and most on 2 to 5 fish each. The results have varied a bit as the weather changes from day to day.

Here's Jim McGinley with just one of his many fish this week.

Sitting down on the job??

Not too long ago you would never have seen anyone sitting down fly fishing - now it seems that everyone is doing it. Is there anything wrong in sitting down? - absolutly not - anything that makes your day better is good in my books!!!

Mon 11 Nov

Mixed bag of results for the last few days - all to be expected as the weather fluctuates a lot.

Some have been up to double figures, others on 3's and 4's and other struggling a bit.

In this transition period for the climate you cannot rely on the "old tried and tested" techniques you need to be far more fluid in your approach. Try a fly you haven't used before or a method that isn't in "your go to" armoury.

Steve Cullen and Andy Taylor from Total FlyFisher are here today fishing and doing photos for a forthcoming magazine article. I'll let you know when the publishing date is later.

Thursday 7th Nov

We stocked yesterday with some very good looking rainbows and blues between 2 1/2 lbs and 6lbs. Fully finned hard fighting fish that will stir up the hundreds of residents already present in the water. With the forecast set to be pretty good over the next few days it should be good fishing.

Curley's is one of the few fisheries that is and will continue to stock regularly ALL YEAR round, maintaining a high stock level right throughout the winter!.

Nomads on tour

North West Nomads visited us yesterday for a little fishing comp between themselves. Fairly horrible start weatherwise but improved slightly as the day wore on.

Top rod was our "old" bailiff Nathan with 6 fish closely followed by the pre match favourite - Jim McGinley with 5 fish, who also had the biggest fish. Steve "young man" Moffat won the 3rd award primarily for turning up with a very village people brolly which somehow ended up in the lake.

In spite of the condition good fun all round

Sunday 3rd Nov

An horrendous night has fortunately given way to better weather, albeit still a little draughty.
Bits of showers with bits of sunshine would appear to be the format for the day.

North West Nomads are here today for a little fishing comp. Slowish start as you would expect but a few fish are now beginning to be caught.

A few fishing beginning to rise and move about as the conditions improve, floating line and long leader will possibly be the best approach all in all but maybe st\rting with a slow intermediate.
The fish are still not really in the mood to do a lot of chasing, slow a very slow retrieve or let it hang might reap rewards.

Wednesday 30th

Another month passes by and we are definitely seeing signs of "winter". It has got appreciably colder day by day but surprisingly the fish are still near the surface, Jim McGinley with 5 fish this morning all only about 2 ft deep!

Over the last few days we managed to avoid a lot of the mayhem delivered to the South but it has still been windy and with hard downpours - this inevitably effected the fishing but today it is brighter and the fish were moving about a lot earlier on.
The rest of the week a similar pattern forecasted.

Sat 26th Oct

Good fishing to be had at Curley's in spite of the up and down weather.
Top rod today is Jim McGinley with 9 fish most in top 2 ft of water on a variety of methods from dries to blobs under an indicator.

Here is an email received:

Just a quick note to say I had the best session of fishing on Thursday afternoon that I have ever had!! I had a rainbow on an olive snake very early and there appeared to be several fish fighting over it! The fish then came up with the ripple and it was really exciting. I put on a really scruffy tiny size 16 deer hair muddler which worked brilliantly. I had two fish and must have missed at least a dozen, until I contributed the fly to the Christmas decorations in the trees.

I have caught more fish, bigger fish and harder fighting fish but not with the fun I had on Thursday.

 

Ken Sexton

 

Ken is moving to Spain next week - Curley's Fisheries hope that this moves proves to be a good one for Ken and his Family, have a great time!

You will be welcome back to Curley's anytime, Ken 

Wed 23rd Oct

In spite of the general weather the fishery is still fishing well and surprisingly still at the top of the water. Daddys have been working but twitched a little not totally static. Other than that almost anything suspended under an indicator is working. Actually the fishing has been a little better in the worst of the weather, especially in a real downpour with buzzers all over the lake.

Although it's been windy Curley's is very sheltered in anything other than a Westerly, so don't let that put you off.

Top rod over the last few days is Jim McGinley with 6 fish to the indicator method.

Thurs 17th Oct

Autumn continues with winds and rain at least till today, After this mornings showers it is now quite pleasant in the broken sunshine. As the day has prgressed the fish have started to move onto the surface and become quite active. Surface fishing with daddys, lures etc is still the most effective method.

This is from an email sent in from Karl a relative beginner
Despite the windy conditions today I managed to take a couple of fish off the top with drys on a 5/6 weight and left my return in the cafe.I was pleased I could get a cast out let alone catch! Resorted to lures later on as the wind got even worse, had a couple of pulls but missed the fish.Ended up in the trees and decided to call it a day at that point but enjoyed the afternoon none the less.
Great little place and I'll see you again.
Warm Regards
Karl

And an email from Mike Lumb, who was fishing with his brother.
I enjoyed my day at Curleys yesterday and a chance to chat with you in the cafe. It was good to hear of the progress being made with the Tenkara rods even though they are a slow burner. How effective do you think they would be with a float tube. It's always good to have that bit of a competitive element to a day's fishing and my brother, Chris and myself both had a good day.....
....... As my fly that I showed you had been so successful and your comment of "the old adage of show them something they haven't seen before", was very true, I thought it deserved a name. How about "the morning after fly". Looks very green with two bloodshot eyes!
 

Friday 11th October

Blustery day today but it's not putting the fish off or down.
Jim McGinley has had 4 fish this morning up to now retrieving a blob through the surface, creating a wake and waiting for the fish to chase and take.
It's not too often that this tactic works but when it does it is really good fun.

The Muddler is a very typical fly pattern to use for this tactic, with it's deer hair head it will never sink or need gink - a perfect fly for surface lure fishing.

Prospects for the weekend at more or less the same so should be ok.

Tuesday 8th Oct

Quite a few fish caught over the last few days mostly on daddy's at the surface and blobs and buzzers suspended under indicators.

Bit of a difference today - a stronger Northerly wind with a drop in temperature have made the fish a little more difficult and a little deeper than of recent. A differnt approach is required without reliance on the tactics that have worked for you till now - think outside the box a little!

Still fish rising on occasions, buzzer feeding but certainly not a many as on previous days.

Persistance will overcome resistance!!!

Quite a few on the water today with some pupils form Smithills School learning the the basic skills of fly fishing -- good to see!

Sunday 6th October 2013

There have been plenty of fish caught here today, mostly on Daddylonglegs; black and goldhead.

There is no breeze and its sunny and a lovely crisp autumn day - perfect for a relaxing days fishing and don't forget we are still open until 8pm!

Hope to see you here soon!

Sat 5th Oct

Good conditions for both types of fishing today, fly and bait.
The exercise on coarse fishing has been a success and has reduced the numbers of mouths feeding in the trout lake as well as boosting the numbers in the small coarse lake - win, win!

Fly fishing started off well with top of the water action, lots of fish surfacing all over the lake. As the breeze has picked up the fish have gone a little deeper
Still near perfect conditions for fly fishing that should continue tomorrow.

All the coarse fishing on the trout lake has now stopped and we are back to "normal"

Friday 4th Oct

Lots of trout about this morning all topping, now the rain has come in and the wind picked up that has sent them down a little deeper. They are still in the top 3 to 4ft however.

Our coarse fishing project is well underway with lots of perch and roach being caught. Some exciting moments as well to boot. I had a perch on that was grabbed by a jack. I ended up "fighting" both fish for about 3 mins then the pike let go and I was able to land the perch.
On another pontoon a bigger pike tried to get into a keep net and help itself!!!
All good fun!

Should be good for both disciplines tomorrow and hopefully later today if the weather improves as forecasted.

3 October 2013

Easterly wind but quiet sheltered at the bottom end nearer the cafe - lots of fish caught yesterday and today, mostly to dries or blobs/egg flys and buzzers suspended 2 1/2 ft down under an indicator.

Rod average today (up to 1pm today) - 4 fish - prospects looking good for the weekend!

Just a reminder that the course fishing exercise is taking place Friday and Saturday but this will be restricted to certain areas around the lake leaving plenty of space for normal flyfishing activity.

If anyone fancies having a go at the course fishing all the equipment can be hired for just £5 - all you need do is bring your own maggots!

1st October

A new month and a fairly dramatic change in the weather but no change in the catch returns!
Strong easterlies and quite a bit cooler in the mornings have resulted in the fish being a little deeper than of recent but they are still being caught on a regular basis.

This is Phil Rees with a good loooking fully finned rainbow caught on a Okay Dokay

Notice

Only 2 remaining Greys rods left on offer.

GS2 9ft 6ins #6 and a GS2 9ft 6ins #8 both on sale for £69.99 (rrp £94.99)

Dont forget the coarse fishing extravaganza this coming Friday and Saturday

A one off opportunity to have a play on the trout lake with some maggots!!

Friday 27th Sept

Getting to the last few days of September now and the fishing has generally improved a great deal as the month has progressed.
We are seeing greater catch rates and almost back the the pre "hot" weather returns.
The average per rod over this last week has been around 3.5 per session but with the top rods getting 8 to 10 fish.
Almost all the fish have been caught in the surface down to about 2 to 3 foot.
If it has been a sunny day then the early mornings have been better but if it has been overcast then the fishing has got better as the day has gone on. This is a little bit of a change as generally speaking all stillwater/reservoir fishing is better in the mornings - but rules like this are there to be broken!!
Prospects pretty good for the weekend - come along and make the most of it!!

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER SPECIAL OFFER
Buy a 6 hour 2 fish ticket for only £20 or a 6 hour sport for only £16.00

Sunday 22nd

Quite difficult conditions yesterday and today, fish being caught on a variety of methods and mostly at the surface or thereabouts.
Top rods managing 3's and 4's to the net but a lot of fish being missed. The fish are not really in the mood to take and those that are, it is a very gentle take not an arm wrenching affair.
Sometimes you have a fish "on" and maybe not even realise, Why?

When a trout takes a fly it immediately turns left or right every time! If it turns away from  your position you will be able to "feel" the take, lift the rod and you have caught a fish - simples!
However if the fish turns towards you you may not "feel" a thing but potentially you still have a fish!!
What you need to do is watch the end of your fly line for any signs of movement - hence the reason why floating lines are mostly hi-viz colours. If you cannot see the end of your fly line then look at the little loop of line between the rod tip and the water for any signs of movement. This can be a very slow twitch but it still means you have a fish and you lift just the same.

These slow gentle takes occur lots of times when buzzer fishing or when the fish are really not in the mood or do not need to feed and you can "tempt" them with a cheeky little morsel.

So don't always rely on feel alone watch keenly as well.

Friday 20th Sept

Plenty of fish moving about all over the lake, yesterday and today particularly the bottom end nearest the cafe. I was doing a lesson ith a client who had a small piece of red wool on the leader in place of a fly and he could have caught countless fish!
Try a muddler or blobs in the surface or just below but watch out for smash takes!!
Should be a bumper weekend with a decent weather forecast and loads of fish willing to take the fly - there should be some big numbers caught over the next few days.

Wed 18th Sept

Real change in the weather over the last few days, in fact since Sunday. Strong Westerlies and rain to boot. A little better today and forecast to be better still this afternoon and tomorrow.

Hasn't really bothered the fish too much catches recorded every day even in the worst of conditions.

Lots of catches today on a mixed bag of tactics. Jim McGinley stripping a booby just under the surface seems to be one of the more interesting methods, certainly exciting when you get a smash take. Most of the fish caught are on or near the top and still coming up for dries even in the rain!

Don't forget that boobies are allowed at Curley's but only moving not static or used as an indicator only. Definitely NOT allowed static with any sinking line!!!!

Sunday 15th September 2013

Only two hardy souls, members, have braved the suggested gales and rain. They don't appear to be at the fishery as yet. There is a wind coming from the direction of the cafe but the trees are dulling its effect. Both members have landed fish on intermediate lines using snake flies.

Saturday 14th September 2013

A lovely morning, overcast with a very slight breeze from the dam wall at the minute. Fish are active on the surface but no details of catch returns as present. Judging by the forecast, today is the day to wet a line. Update later.
The wind has picked up slightly and we now have intermittent sunny periods. Fish being caught on intermediate lines with various zonkers and fritz with green being the predominant colour closely followed by black.

Friday 13th September 2013

There is a moderate breeze coming from the dam wall. A few fish showing on the surface. I have no information re catches at the minute but I will update when I know more.

Thursday 12th

Catch rates continue to grow as the weather for fishing improves. Most fish caught on top or at least near the top with floating lines and a variety of flies from Daddies to bob's bits and Klinks

Signs of the larger trout beginning to become interested in fry won't be long before this feeding fest begins

The "boat" pontoon is now back in commission after it's refurbishment.

Sunday 8th Sept

Not a bad day, started off with a blue sky and sunshine now has turned overcast with a little breeze a threat of showers but not materialised as yet and will probably hold off.
Some fish moving about at the surface but a day of mixed tactics. Everybody is catching fish some with 4's and 5's but some with a floater and others with a slow intermediate. Either approach seems to be working well.

Advance notice

4th & 5th October

Curley's coarse fish-a thon only £5.00 per rod

For the first time in 7 years we are going to allow coarse fishing on the large trout lake for these 2 days only and strictly monitored. Detailed rules available in the tackle shop. I stress that this is for coarse fishing only and not bait fishing for trout!!!
The objective is to reduce the numbers of coarse species in the large lake and stock the small coarse lake with them.
So if you want to have a bit of fun and a play with maggots then you know where to come.
It should be interesting and I estimate some very large bags of fish.

There will still be lots of room to fly fishing on these days as the coarse fishing will be limited to certain areas of the lake.

Please spread the word!

Wed 4th Sept

Quite a few fish caught this morning, Jim McGinley had 5 to a variety of methods including the now famous "Jim's Executioner fly" which we sell in the shop.
Jeremy Barton has also had 5 fish as has Jonno (I am sure he won't mind me telling you that his Father has blanked!) Everybody else has mixed in with one's, two's and three's

Might go a little quieter till later in the afternoon now the sun has begun to shine.

Tuesday 3rd September 2013

Fish continuing to be caught at the surface seemingly any black dry fly is receiving a lot of attention.

Almost perfect conditions; little breeze and cloud cover.

The water temperature has come down a lot over the last few days and as a result the fish are much more active.

Lets hope the forecast for the next few days does not ruin it again!

Monday 2nd Sept

Change in the weather and now a change in the fish, lots of them caught today and seemingly much more willing to take the fly.
Ken Sexton had 3 fish early on this morning but the afternoon saw better action with Brain Whittaker ending his short session with 6 fish ranging from 3lbs to 5lbs. Just trying to download a pic of the biggest but BT is playing up - so will post it tomorrow.
There are even leaves coming off the trees now in this wind - is Autumn really here???

Sunday 1st Sept

A new month arrives with a little change in the weather at least for today, next week back to 'normal' according to the long term forecast.
Quite a few fish caught off and on over the last few days, mostly towards the surface if not on the surface. The trout are slowly getting to know that Daddies are around and these have caught fish all week, other than that it has been a mixed selection of flies that have worked.

Here's a little bit of invention for you, how about float tubing with an engine? Defo something I want to have a go at particularly on a big water, would enable you to cover areas.

27th Aug

Mixed bag day again today - lots of fish moving about with the odd one taking from the surface.
Good anglers are picking up three's and four's mostly at or near to the surface of the water.
You need to concentrate fully as you may only get a few opportunities to lift into a taking fish and if you miss it you will have to wait a while before another chance comes your way - in other words "proper fishing"!

26th Aug

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, hopefully back to "normal" now!?

The fishery has been producing good results given the conditions. Top rods catching 4 or 5 fish others a couple. As expected in this weather getting the fish to "take" is the issue. The fishery is stocked with enough fish and you will see them swimming past your position frequently but enticing them to grab your offering is the trick. You need to be prepared to swap tactics, flies and position as often as required, going from floater to intermediate, from lures to buzzers, to dries regularly.
The majority of fish caught over the last few days at least have been nearer to top than the bottom but we have had some very changeable conditions - rain, overcast, sunny, windy, calm and most of the time these changes have been every hour!!
So come prepared and you should be rewarded but fish with the same old, same old and you may not be!

Monday 19th Aug

Another peculiar day, bit breezy, might rain, might not, might be sunny, might not. Who knows?

The fish are likewise a bit peculiar, well actually that's not true - they are simply acting as fish do in these conditions. Don't expect them to be very active, you will see lots of them swimming past you but getting them to take your fly is a different matter!

Last couple of days one of the most effective methods has been - the bung, a muddler or a blob all static at the surface!

Sunday 18th

Slowish day today for obvious reasons - the weather is just about as changeable as it gets, Overcast one minute, then rain then followed by sunny spells. A few fish have been caught with a variety of methods - worth trying almost any LEGAL method in these conditions.

PLEASE throw your discarded line into the bins provided - we had to rescue a little moorhen this week which had nylon tangled around it's leg. Fortunately we were able to sort it out and liberate it no worse for wear.

Friday 16th Aug

Is the weather changing from the height of summer more towards Autumn??
There are certainly more and more Crane Flies about or Daddy Long Legs as they are more commonly known. Also the fish are just beginning to lean towards fry feeding but only at first light and again at dusk. Both of these activities will increase in frequency provided we don't get another spell of very warm temperatures.

Curley's has always been good for fry feeders due to the numbers of roach and perch about and the fish instinctively know that these are a good form of protein to lessen the austerity of winter.

We have just received a delivery of some great epoxy fry patterns to go along with our more traditional selections

So patterns to consider adding to your fly box:
Fry patterns - 

• Epoxy fry, we have 7 different patterns to choose from.
• Appetisers
• Makuta in olive or black
• Zonkers in natural, white or black
• Mrs Simpson (a great fly from NZ)
• Snakes in black, white or pink
• Muddler Minnow in natural or white

Daddy patterns

• Detached body,
• Olive
• Black
• Natural
• Orange
• Bead head (Sunken Daddy)

All only 75p each or 10 for £6.50 (snakes are £1.25 each)

Wed 14th Aug

Mixed day weatherwise, some sun then overcast but no rain and much warmer then the last few days.
Fishing getting better with good catches being recorded albeit on fairly unusual methods.
Two members have had good success all on the top, Dave Burgess with a hand full of fish to natural sedge patterns and natural muddlers. One thing to record is that as soon as Dave did any sort of retrieve the takes dried up but if he left the fly to just swing round in the waves and breeze he got regular pulls and activity! One of the other successes was another member Mick, who had 6 fish all taking his bung!!! again static apart from the natural movement of the wind etc...
So now you know???
I was on the river today and also had a hand full of brownies and a Grayling all with Tenkara and some flies tied by me over the last few evenings - available soon at a tackle shop near you!!!

Tues 13th Aug

Heavy showers this morning have now given way to some clear spells and sunshine, who knows what will happen next or for how long??
Fish are again showing on the surface and have recently fallen to Muddler Minnows in a wake but black still the more predominant colour to match.

The weather hasn't stopped our improvement program. The stages on the embankment have been refurbished and now time for a major overhaul on the pontoons starting with the boat pontoon - see below. We will be completely renovating this pontoon replacing all the timbers so that it is nice and safe for a few more years.

Monday 12th Aug

Well, it's more like autumn everyday!!
Quite a coldish blustery Westerly over the water today with intermittent showers and the odd glimpse of the sun.
Needless to say these changeable conditions make it a little challenging as the fish are just moping around not doing anything in particular! There are still fish at the surface but not easily tempted to taking the fly.
However the good news is in the fact the the weather is changeable - so hopefully it won't last long!

Saturday 10th August 2013

A nice mild overcast day with a gentle breeze coming from the dam wall. There is the odd fish showing but it appears that they are not around the surface and it would appear that they are still a bit deeper. I will update with details of catches etc later.
After a somewhat slow morning the fish seem to have arisen from their slumber. Mr Makinson reports landing two to a white marabou lure and the fish were taken just below the surface on a floating line.  

Thursday 8th Aug

Another very pleasant day albeit bright and warm for fishing, hence "normal" summer fishing techniques still apply.
Fish still being caught almost all day but far more productive in the mornings - the fishery opens at 8am and at that time there are nearly always fish moving and feeding at the surface.

If you fish during the hotter hours of the day you will need to be deeper - try a change of plan. Instead of counting down deeper as you fish with a sinking line it is sometimes better to establish where the bottom is first!
So cast and allow the line and flies to actually hit the bottom - how do you know? If you are bringing back debris - sticks and leaves etc on your retrieves then you are on the bottom if that's not happening then you aren't on the bottom - simple as that!!!
Once you have established the bottom then count up to search differing depths.

Don't forget how long it will take your line to reach the bottom approx -----

Intermediate line sinks approx 1ins per second so it will take 7 mins to reach 35ft!!!!!!!!
A medium sink (Di3) sinks 3ins per second so that will take 2.3 mins to reach 35ft!!!!
A fast sink at say 7ins per second would take 1min to reach 35ft!!!!

how long are you leaving your line sinking for???

Do you have the right line for the job???

Tues 6th Aug

Fine day today, overcast, warm with a good ripple on the water.
Fish were moving all around the surface first thing but have gone down a little since then.
Mick, a member has had 5 five fish to a blue damsel on top and plenty of "takes" to an indicator since then!
Intermediate line is the right approach now.

Sunday 4th August 2013

The weather has been warm and pleasant today and we just had a slight downpour of rain for about 10 mins - which has made the temperature very comfortable. 

Fish are being caught today and anything black seems to still be popular with the fish!

Sat 3rd Aug

Still fishing well, Oliver Avis has had 7 fish today to date. He is using an Airflo 40+ DI3 line with anything black.

Black still being the dominant colour but still not as important as the depth as always!

Showers mixed in with periods of warm sunshine the order of the day. Don't forget if you get caught in these sharp short heavy showers look out for thunder and particularly lightening! You DO NOT want to be waving a piece of carbon around if it's lightening!!!!

Friday 2nd August 2013

It's a lovely day at the Fishery today, sunny spells, but not too hot!

Members and non-members are catching today on black montana and daddy long legs.  Geoff a non member caught 3 trout on egg fly and 3 lovely perch on buzzers.

We are open til 8pm in the evenings (the fishery and Dining Room)  - you can enjoy evening fishing  and then have a beer or cup of tea afterwards.

Thursday 1st Aug

Good start to the month with Curley's fishing very well. Fish are on the move, feeding and not that deep, highly catchable!
Ian Harwood is on 9 fish and probably lost more than that. "I should be at work" said Ian " but I can make up the time when the fishing is not as good!"

Montana's are still doing well but most things black are in with a shout!

31st July

Fishing well in the showers lots of fish coming out albeit in two's and three's. Top fly over the last few days has been the montana nymph in virtually all colours.
Jim Mc Ginley rotates the colours he using to great effect - This makes the fish still take as they  are not getting used to any one particular colour drifting past them.

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Buy any Greys GRXi, GS2 or GS rod from stock and not only get a great deal on the rod itself but I'll throw in a Greys Platinum Fly Line FREE ! ! Only while stocks last!
i.e.
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GS2 9ft 6ins  #6, #7 or #8 with fly line normally £134.98 - member's only price £82.99

GRXi 9ft 6ins #6, #7 or #8 with a fly line normally £184.98 - member's only price £129.99

Tues 30th

One more day to go till the end of July - it's been a warm one!
A few days of forecasted cooler weather with showers before it gets hotter again.

Fish being caught all the time - Ian Harwood had 6 yesterday, maybe more as he came back for a late afternoon session following on from his early start the same morning.

Jim McGinley, has had 1 fish to date only about 5 ft deep and the way he is stripping back I guess it would have been to a lure of some sort, I'll try and find out for certain.

We will be doing some needed maintainence to some of the stages along the embankment over the next few days or so but it shouldn't interupt your enjoyment unless one of us falls in!!

Sun 28th July

Well the forecasted rain fell in abundnace last night and has freshened up all of our lakes and rivers no doubt.
Should be a good day for fishing today with a slight westerly giving a good ripple on the water.
I have a corporate group of mostly complete beginners fishing today but still plenty of room all around the lake. This group will be using the embankment leaving all the pontoons free.

Sat 27th

Another warm day but with a little cloud cover. The fish are around and being caught, Steve Moffat has had 3 this morning with an orange fritz egg fly. Others caught on a whole variety of methods and flies but generally deep with sinking or intermediate lines.

It is forecast for heavy rain overnight, if it happens this could liven thing up a little by maybe reducing the water temperature a little and adding a little more oxygen into the surface layer. Could be good tomorrow!?

Wed 25th

Warm spell continues broken with the odd shower. We really need more rain to reduce the water temps.
Fish are being caught to a variety of methods some very deep and others quite deep - see the common denominator - DEEP!

When that water temps is high like this we need to look at how we unhook and release the fish.

As a rule the higher the water temperature and the larger the fish the longer it takes for the fish to fully recover before release. You must allow a longer time than normal for the fish to recover if not, it will never recover. We are beginning to get the odd dead fish and this is the main contributory factor.

Your help is greatly appreciated - I try to get the very best fish I can for your benefit please look after them!

Sunday 21st July 2013

There is a big change in the weather today. There were spots of rain when I arrived this morning. The sun is nowhere to be seen at the minute and the temperature is considerably lower than the last week or so. There is also a good breeze from the east. Mick Stuart has already had fish to a daddy on the surface.   

Saturday 20th July 2013

Well its another bright, hot and sunny day. There is a good breeze from the east at the minute. The fish still appear to be taking cover in the cooler depths although the roach and perch are still active. I suggest that you continue to fish in the lower levels with sinking lines or long leaders to get to where the fish are.

Monday 15th

A very warm muggy sort of day but at least there is some cloud cover from the bright sunlight.

Fish are obviously still very deep and inactive - sinking lines and a lot of patience required.

A lot of "coarse" species being caught at the moment - these react to warm water very different from any "salmonids" and almost come up to sunbathe.

Still it gives us a way of adding to our "different species" count with fly fishing. Over the years I have caught almost every species of coarse fish some targeted and some unintentionally!
The one species I haven't caught on the fly is a barbel - but there's still time!

Say 13th July

Another very nice day, very sunny but with a great cooling breeze from the west.

The newly stocked fish looked to have settled in well probably appreciating our deep cooler water in comparison to the stock pond they came from.

I was on the river yesterday and they're almost unfishable - I have never seen the Ribble so low and completely weeded over. Curley's is a  great place to fish in comparison!

Friday 12th July 2013

Today another delivery of Trout was carefully placed into the water, the trout are a large size and strong and will provide great sport for those who catch them!

We look forward to seeing you - there is a light breeze today so you can keep a bit cooler as you fish!

11th July

The heat is on......

Lots of fish with nowhere to go except DEEP!

Intermediates and sinkers practically essential now to reach these bottom dwellers.

You could use an indicator with a very long leader and floating line and fish static with eggs or blobs.

Top rod yesterday with 8 fish was Steve Moffat fishing with a Di3 sinker and black snakes. All caught about 17ft deep.

9th July

Another warm day on the cards, so nothing is really going to change from the last few days.

Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings maybe worth trying. Don't forget that tickets must be bought from the cafe if the tackle shop is not open and that the fishery operates from 8am till 8pm only!

Black is still the most effective lure colour presently followed by olive. Snakes and zonkers are working well. The bigger rainbows are definitely fry bashing so well worth trying appetisers, makuta or Mrs Simpsons.

Monday 8th July

Heat wave continues, bright sunshine but not quite as hot as yesterday.

Fishing conditions have not altered try a sinking line with something like blobs and strip back fast once the line has sunk to the depths! Not the purest method of fly fishing but can be very effective in these conditions.

A few fish comimg up to the surface now and again but you will need bags of patience for these!

Hot Sunday

Very strong sunlight over the fishery today but with quite a nice breeze but don't be fooled it is very hot!

The fish have now reacted to this prolonged spell of sunshine and have gone deep - intermediate or sinking lines a must!

Sometimes we have just got to hold up our hands and say "today the conditions beat me and the fish out played me"

Or alternatively you raise your game to the greater challenge!

Saturday 6th July

The fine weather continues good for us not too good for the fish.

Trout being caught all over the lake on virtually any fly and method but it's one of those days when you have to work a bit and be prepared to try anything and everything. Patience and skill will be rewarded.

Bring sun lotion!

1st day of Summer!

Fortunately the predicted warm weather spell has kicked in. It's a very pleasant day at the fishery, sunshine with enough breeze to put a ripple on the water.
Quite a few fish caught on dries up to now - particularly Klinks and sedge patterns.

The fish will still be sorting themselves out a bit with the change in the conditions but will be active and catchable on a variety of methods.

Update
Good catches being recorded with 4 anglers on 5 fish each the majority on dries with the odd zonker thrown in for good measure!

Thursday 4th July 2013

A lovely mild morning at the fishery with a westerly breeze at the minute. The fish are topping all over the lake. I will update with details of catches later.
Ken Sexton has had a couple to buzzers and the Steve Moffat was on seven the last i spoke to him using a black snake fly on an intermediate line. 

3rd July

Great weather again, just like autumn!!

Plagued with a few showers and a westerly over the last few days has effected the catch rate a little. Most people catching 2's and 3's with the exception of today that is - and now we are back to our "normal" returns

Top rods today - Jim McGinley with 7 to a variety of olive coloured flies and also we have 3 float tubers on the lake today and the best of them is also on 7 fish mostly on a home made black Elk Hair Sedge pattern.

Update
It is now looking like brightening up quite a bit - even some sunshine!
Plenty of fish being caught!

The float tubers ended up with 18 fish between them but the bank fishers probably out fished them all in all! 

FOUND
Has anyone lost the tip section of their rod? It is a very short section so would probably be for a multi sectioned rod something like an eight or nine piece.
I have it in the tackle shop held up for ransom!

Sunday 30th June

The last day of June and we are back to non summer weather! Bit blustery to day on the fishery with a Westerly coming off the sea.

Bit like yesterday I am sure almost any tactic could work and the fish are generally active and ready to chase.

Update on catches later......

Saturday 29th June

Although it it nearly July it was more like February this morning -a chilly westerly over the lake.

Slowish start on the fish front trout being caught in two's and three's on a variety of methods form dries to intermediates and lures.

Last hour or so has seen the weather vastly improve - the wind had died down a lot and it feels much warmer as a result. More fish are beginning to move about and are responding more to the fly.
Dave Cadman has had 4 fish in fairly rapid succession and I'm sure he will continue to catch more and more.

Friday 28th June

Low cloud had the fishery in a eerie gloom this morning, you could just about see from one platform to another.

Hasn't stopped the fish though - Phil Rees catching fish - one a good blue of around 4lbs chasing his cats through the surface!

Forecast for the weekend much better - all the fish in top notch condition and fighting hard!

Thursday 27th

Blustery day today with a few light showers forecast later on this afternoon.
The fish are still up in the water, Jonno, a member, has had 3 fish today in quick succession.
Hoppers fished just under the surface have been very successful for the last few days.

I have seen a few mayfly come off the water, you can't mistake them as they are our largest ephemeroptera.

Decent day yesterday with most catching 3 to 4 fish,

Just ordered another batch of rainbows for stocking next week and a batch of browns for mid July!

We don't actually NEED any more fish in terms of numbers but just want to keep this momentum going.

Tues 25th June

Busy day today at Curley's the better weather has brought out a few fly fishers. We also have a group of School children from Smithills School having a go at fly fishing - good to see.

Lots of fish caught today up to now on almost any method - dries and lures.

Monday 24th June

Bit windy and overcast today with very few light showers which lasted only minutes, fortunately.
Although fairly difficult conditions for casting, the fish are around and everybody fishing today has caught.
A wide variety of method used from dries to nymphs to lures and all have worked!

Lets see what tomorrow brings with the forecasted "back to normal" (whatever that is!) weather patterns!

Top rod today with 7 fish on lures and nymphs

Friday 21st June 2013

There is a breeze from the west at the present blowing over the damn wall. There is a slight mist at the fishery and there has been rain overnight which has also cleared the air and it is not as close as yesterday. The sun is forecast to make an appearance which should clear the mist. I will update later with details of catches.
Fish are being caught on egg flies and also the zonker. I spent some time with Steve Moffat on the dam wall and he had number of offers to dries he was fishing.

Thursday 20th June

Potentially another good day for fly fishing, warm, overcast with the odd very light shower, just the right ingredients for buzzer fishing.
Some fish are rising and Mick Stuart has had 3 fish today all to a Daddy!
I would think today is a day of extreme options:

1/ use dries - any buzzer variety, hoppers, daddies etc and keep on the move, casting to rising fish or
2/ sinking line with 2 blobs and a lure on point - let it go very deep and strip back fast! Not a subtle approach but can be effective if and when the fish go into the "summer" warm water trance!!!

wednesday 19th June

Another good looking day for us fly fishers maybe not the best weather for actually catching fish - but when is it ever perfect?

Not quite the hot temperatures that were forecast and with a Westerly but getting warmer and brighter as the day progresses.

The fish will be a little lethargic and a little deeper in these conditions so don't expect an arm wrenching affair if you do get a take.

Monday 17th June 2013

Apologies for the delay in today's entry. I have been busy with the housework !. There is very little wind and it is warm and muggy at the fishery. The fish are still very active on the surface and also chasing fry as well. Fish caught so far have been on suspender buzzers, although lures may still be useful as they are still after the fry.     

Sunday 16th June 2013

Very light wind at the fishery, coming over the dam wall. The fish are showing all over the lake with most of the activity around the last road pontoon and the first few of the dam. I can't quite see what they are taking but they are feeding hard at the minute. I will update later with details of catches and methods used. Its overcast but dry at the minute.

Update
The wind has increased slightly but the fish are still feeding on the surface and in the upper layers. To date Ken Sexton has had four on a red zonker using an intermediate line.

Saturday 15th June 2013

There is a chilly westerly over the fishery this morning and the fish are not as visible as yesterday. Despite the change Jim McGinley already has three fish to his name. Currently on a floating line and the fish have taken both Cats Whisker and Zonker.

Friday 14th June 2013

There is a nice breeze over the fishery at the minute coming from the East. The fish have awoken from their slumber and are very active on the cafe side of the water. They are rising and rolling all over the place. Fish being caught readily on floating lines and Jim McGinley was into them minurtes after arriving. He was having success on a small goldhead fritz egg fly, dark olive in colour. But having said that, they way they are feeding they appear to be taking anything in the upper layers and some appear to still be chasing fry.  

Wednesday 13th June

Another showery day but fortunately quite mild with a lightish breeze.

Prospects should be ok today and there is a good chance of some large buzzer hatches in the sunnier spells.

The fish have been a little quiet or late but as this weather pattern has been going for a few days now the fish will be getting more active and feeding heavily.

More to follow

Saturday 8th June

Another fine day, sun shinning and a little breeze. The fishing is a little different last couple of days and today.
Most of the fish caught have been to zonkers and minkies and no doubt snakes and appetisers would work as well.
Normally trout only feed on fry at the end of summer and into autumn but the coarse fish are breeding all over the lake and I think this has stirred the trouts interest, although not to feed particularly.

Depth of the fish is only about 5 foot but most very wisely using intermediates.

More to follow

Friday 7th June

Another lovely day on the cards, great to be out doors, have to make the most of it.
Sunshine a little breeze, fish rising what more do you want.

Stocking today with fully finned triploids to 6lbs! Just ready for the weekend!

NB dont forget the sun cream!

Thursday 6th June 2013

The good weather is still with us. There is a gentle easterly this morning and the sunshine has a slight haze to it. I am hoping that the light clouds out to the East move over this way. There is little showing on the surface at the minute so they are obviously avoiding the sunlight. I will update later with details of catches and methods etc.

Update
The clouds I mentioned didn't materialise and the fish are being caught deeper. The method catching at the minute are on intermediate or sinking lines with the fish taking green or black lures such as zonker and fritz.

Wednesday 5th June 2013

Another fine morning at the fishery with a gentle breeze from the east. It is a couple of degrees cooler than yesterday and there are a few fish rising around the lake. The sun is still an issue but there are a few more clouds around today which eases its strength and there is not so much of a glare today.
Fish already caught on a Tadpole but also on a home tied black foam dry which was sitting in the surface film creating a slight wake to attract them up from their cruising depth.

Tues 4th June

Slightly slower start today, a breeze is keeping the fish from rising as they were yesterday but  I am sure it's only a temporary situation.
Still plenty of Sedges coming off maybe time to try a pupae imitation just under the surface?

Very pleasant fishing conditions for us in the rare sunshine, long may it continue.

More to follow

Monday 3rd June

Arguably the very best day for ages for fishing. The cold wind has gone, temperatures are up and with cloud cover - what more can you ask for?

Fish are rising freely and most of those caught have been to dry flies - sedge, buzzer and klinkhammers have all been catching fish and lots of them.

Every single person fishing has caught with Phil Green topping the list with 10 fish and still going.

With a bit of ripple on the water the fish are rising all over then it goes a little quieter when it blows out and goes calmer for 5 minutes then starts again!

Prospects are good all week!

2nd June

Nice sunny day with an unfortunate cool breeze, still it is only June after all!

The wind is keeping the fish sub surface but not too deep, if it would just ease a little bit the fish would be rising freely, I am sure.

Steady hatch of sedges coming off. Sedges or Caddis flies can be identified by the roof shape in the wings (at rest) as shown on this picture. The females can fly low to the water and touch down every now and again to lay eggs and therefore it is one of the few "dry" flies that you can twitch about in the surface.

A G&H sedge fly pattern is a good imitation in either natural or black

Top rod today is Julie with 4 fish and a few more missed just before the net!

Last day of May

Good looking day today but quite a strong westerly over the fishery making catching a little more challenging. a combination of the wind and bright sun have caused the fish to go a little deeper and this is where the difficulties lie. How do you present and keep your flies in the fish zone? Most sinkers will take your flies down through the zone and missing the fish layer. So what do you do?

One very effective method is to use a sink tip line but this can add unnecessary cost to your days fishing so what's the alternative?

Use poly leaders

Loop to loop to your existing floating fly line and hey presto you now have a sink tip all for only £3.99. So you can hold your flies in the sub surface zone for longer. The clear intermediate only sinks at a rate of 1.5ins per second.

The fish re still turned onto naturals, buzzers mostly olive or black, daiwl bachs etc...

Tuesday 28th May

At the end of May already? All of our fishing rivers, reservoirs and stillwaters should be at their peak now but we are still suffering from the long hard winter. Insect life is way behind, yes we have plenty of chironomids about but sedges have been scarce and as for hawthorn flies?? I haven't seen any at the fishery only at the river!
Generally speaking we are getting warmer water temps so the fish are a lot more active. In fact as I type this post the water is alive with rises to buzzers all over the lake.
Could be a good day for those who fancy wetting a line!


Fish rising feeely to buzzers and sedges between light showers

Bank Holiday Monday 27th

Brisk start today for those wetting a line. Quite a few fish caught ALL on buzzers of one variety or another and ALL very shallow.
Top rod up to now is Jim McGinley on 4 fish, he will end up with double figures before the session is over!

Tip of the week 

I see quite a few people fishing buzzers in all manner of peculiar ways. A good way to fish them is to cast across the wind i.e. with the wind left to right or right to left from your position, allow your line to be blown in the direction of the wind. You'll end up with a big bow in the line with the buzzers moving exactly as the naturals would be.
Don't retrieve, just let the wind do all the work for you. Sometimes you will NOT feel any take, you must watch your line like a hawk and lift at any sign of movement - do not wait for a tug on the line - takes can be very gentle and subtle.
If you think there is a fish on, lift the rod in the general direction of the bow in the line not just vertically - there will be too much slack to hook the fish!
The normal set up with this method would be a floating line (could be any line actually) with a long leader with 3 flies (2 droppers) Initially use 3 different coloured flies and maybe even different sizes and swap about till you have located fish, what depth they are feeding in and what pattern they are interested in.
A fantastic method of fishing! Try it!

Bank Holiday Sunday

Another day of sunshine with a light breeze form the West. Maybe a day for hoppers just under the surface or even present a lure a little lower with a long leader on your floating line or with an intermediate.

Make hay while the sun shines not looking too good for tomorrow but what do they know???

Saturday 25th May 2013

It is a lovely sunny morning at the fishery and it was virtually flat calm when I arrived this morning. A little bit of a breeze has started coming over the dam wall but this is easily manageable from the pontoons all around the other parts of the water. I have no details as yet as to what's catching but there are a few fish on the surface showing themselves so they cant be that far down.  

Update, black buzzers have proved successful on the pontoons by the roadside. Fish have also shown interest to lures on intermediate lines. Despite the lovely sunny conditions, the wind has remained with us and I think the combination of both these elements have sent the fish just that little bit deeper than they were this morning.  

thursday 23rd May

Cold Westerly across the fishery today, almost back to January again!
The sun is shining but not having much effect on the temperature at present.

Just the time to try moving a muddler about in the wake, this can produces some vicious takes.

Also hoppers presented on or just under the surface can work really well, black, brown or claret can all work well.

Tuesday 21st May

Warm and damp today - ideal conditions for a good buzzer hatch. Fish rising steadily all over the lake.
Got a group of teachers here today form one of the local schools doing a fishing course with the Countryside Alliance and Mr Charles Jardine in attendance.
Last time Charles was here I had him float tubing! no chance of that today more's the pity.

Mon 20th May

Good day today for fly fishing - gentle warm breeze, cloud cover - all in all pretty near perfect.

The fish were a little quiet over the first part of the day not much rising but then as the day warmed up fish began to rise all over the lake. Some were taking buzzers inevitably but other we taking a larger insect that I didn't get a close look at to identify 100%, but would hazard a guess that they were a variety of Sedge.
Top rod today Phil Rees with 7 fish most of them Blues all on or near the surface!

Just taken delivery of some more flies 6 variations of "Daddy", some hoppers, lots of buzzers, bibios, black pennels, F flies, Okay Dokeys, Bob's bits etc etc

Still the same price 0.75p each or 10 for £6.50

Sunday 19th May 2013

Its a relatively mild day today at the fishery. There is a gentle breeze from the dam wall and every peg is easily fishable. There are plenty of fish showing on the surface. I will update with details of catches later. Its overcast but the sun is trying to poke through the clouds so fingers crossed for a warmer afternoon.

Sat 18th May

Sorry for the lack of posts the last few days, I have been teaching on the river almost all week. Back to normal now though....? whatever normal is?

It certainly isn't normal weather at present, mist and drizzle with a surprisingly chill breeze, cold on the hands.
This has sent the fish a little down maybe 3ft to 6 ft with the odd one still rising.

Fish still being caught on a variety of methods from buzzers to Zonkers. Jim Mcginley is the top rod up to now with 4 fish all on a floating line.

We have the North West Ladies Fly Fishing Group with us today, the first time they have visited Curley's, hopefully not the last.

If any of our readers are interested in joing the the group, you can contact the organiser, Vee Carlson on 07886 81770 or email b9vee@lycos.com

More details to follow

Wed May 15th

Not much happening today on the fishery for obvious reasons - constant heavy rain for those of you not in the area!
Yesterday was another good day for those fishing - Top rod was Mick with 9 fish, lots chipping in with 3's and 4's.

Tip of the Week
Casting
This is obviously an important part of fly fishing, the ability to control the fly rod and fly line.
Many a time I get the comment that, I can't do that or cast there, because of the wind, restricted back cast space or the ability to cast further out etc etc.
The aim of fly fishing is based upon having the ability to put the fly where it needs to get to not just put it where you can simply reach!
It is undeniable that the better we can cast the more fish we will catch!

A lot of fly fishers who come to Curley's are basically self taught or have had a beginner's lesson some time ago. I am sure Tiger Woods started off "having a go himself" when younger but then went onto have lessons. Since then he has practised lots and tried to learn more about technique to improve his skills. Wasn't it Gary Player who said that " the more I practise the luckier I get"
Admittedly not everyone wants to become an "expert" fly caster or indeed become an "instructor" but knowing how to do the basics to a decent standard is all that it required to become a decent fly fisher and catch more fish.

I will be happy to organise a "group" lesson for anyone wanting to re-visit their technique at £20 for a 2 hour lesson. Just let me know if you are interested and we'll try to find a suitable date and time that's good for everybody. This will be for the exclusive use of Curley's Fishery customers only!

In the meantime we have an excellent book available that shows all the basic and more advanced casting skills with very good diagrams, written by a couple of Pals of mine for only £9.99

Mon 13th

Bit of a blustery wind today from the SW but perfect conditions for buzzer fishing for a righthander on any of the roadside pontoons. This was proved today by Phil Rees who has had 5 fish to natural Daiwl Bachs.

This is a pic of a good Rainbow caught by Steve Moffat over the weekend but was only half the size of one that he caught before it.

Saturday 11th May 2013

There's a bit of rain about at the minute and a gently breeze from the dam area. A lot of fish showing all over. Mr McGinley is again leading rod at this early stage with three to a spider in the surface layers. 

Stop press ! Jim is on four now

Another update, Jim now on nine fish to what in fact is an orange rubber legged apps fly, I can see why he thought it was a spider. Plenty fish for him and there is also a broken rod as a result of some attention from one of the larger residents.

Friday 10th May 2013

It has been a morning of drizzle, gentle wind, rain, stronger wind etc etc. Basically the weather doesn't know what to do today. Thankfully nobody told the fish and they are generally still near the surface and being caught readily on buzzers and also lures. I have trimmed the bushes at the roadside and the remnants are in a pile by the wall. They still contain flies and sight indicators so that favourite fly you had and lost may be amongst it.

The following is courteous of Phil Rees.

 When I arrived at 11:30, the strong wind and rain did not bode well. However, the two anglers on pontoons 3 & 4 (the most sheltered) had both caught using cats whiskers, so obviously some potential. After a couple of hours trying various lures on both floating and sinking lines on the other pontoons, I had managed to catch one nice blue, but had no other tugs. Fortunately, the wind dropped a bit so I decided to try the dam wall stages; it was still difficult but looked as the wind may drop further. I noticed a few fish rising well out and decided to try a team of diawl bachs but avoided the temptation of using an indicator and fished with a very slow retrieve. The bites were very gentle and not easy to see (slight dip of  end of the fly line) but I caught 10 in total and lost at least 3 more. Not bad for an otherwise bad day. 

Phil Rees

9th May Thursday

As always at Curley's whenever the wind is in any direction other than a Westerly is is very sheltered. Such is the case today - strong Southerlies are hitting almost everywhere but here at the fishery it's calm and quiet!!
Lots of fish still being caught all over the lake to almost any method - top rods yesterday 7 fish with anything from zonkers to buzzers.
More later

Tuesday 7th May 2013

Its another beautiful day here with a gentle breeze coming from the South East. There are a few fish rising to the top. Fish have been caught on buzzers near the surface as well as on lures on intermediate lines. It may still only be May but don't forget the suncream today as its supposed to be our warmest day yet. 

UPDATE
Everybody has caught again today with most on around 5/6 fish.Top rod with 10 fish some to buzzers and some to would you believe "zonkers"  and mayfly nymphs??? In other words just about anything could and most proably will work!!

Bank Holiday Monday

Great looking day, the sun is up a ripple on the water.

Andy Gaskell has brought along his brother in law from America, Gary Walsh. Andy is wining this fish off currently but round two will be back in the States for Small Mouth Bass - Good luck Andy!!

Not too many fish rising as yet but they will as the day warms up more. Any natural should work best today, especially buzzers and Daiwl backs

Top rod today up to now is Bob who has had 8 fish all to a pearly PTN. Everybody have caught fish mostly to buzzers, black being the favoured colour today.

Saturday 4th May

What a difference a day makes! The weather has completely changed again, back is the cold wind that plagued us for so many recent weeks.
So far the fishing is still good with catches all around the lake but they do need a little bit more thought into the tactics. Some are being caught deep with intermediate lines and others just under the surface with floaters. Natural fly patterns are still working but then so are lures stripped back.
I am sure it will all change again over the next days of the holiday weekend when hopefully better weather returns.

Everybody fishing has caught no blanks at all. Top rod on 6 fish today up to now with half the day left.

Friday Bank Hol Weekend

The bank holiday weekend off to a bumper start with fish being caught all round the lake. Great conditions for buzzer fishing, overcast, warm and a little breeze. If the forecasted showers appear later in the day they should only improve things even more!

 

Good looking rainbow just returned to the water
This customer finished his 4hour ticket with 6 fish two of which were over 5lbs

Jonnie below and Steve Moffat both finished on 11 fish each!

Johnnie Stuart with his 7th fish of the day

The majority of fish are now in the upper water levels and this makes your presentation even more critical - Can I emphasis this important issue once more and if you haven't read my last post on this subject you can access it by looking for the post dated 18th April

Thursday May 2nd

Another good day at Curley's
Top rod yesterday was 10 fish by Mick Stuart who followed it up today with another 5.
Everyone caught today rod ave was 4 fish per angler.

Weather set for most of the week so don't expect the tactics to change much - floating lines with dries or wets slow retrieves although the best fly today was an Okay Dokey under an indicator.

Tightlines

PS don't forget the sun tan lotion but don't get it on your fly lines it ruins them big style!

1st May

May has started with a bang, the first fish to the net today was caught by John Burrow (pic below) who now had had 3 fish all on buzzers.

A fully finned "silver" fish of 2lbs

Look to the right to see the latest bargain in the tackle shop!

Update

Top rod today so far is Mick Stuart with 7 fish and going strong. He should beat his own record today of 11 fish in one session achieved last week. All of his fish have been in the top  2ft of water

Tues 30th Apr

Great morning for fishing, the sun is shining and with a very mild gentle wind. Swarms of midges all over the banks, the buzzer fest continues. Everybody on the water thus far has caught with a variety of methods from lures and sinkers to floaters and dries with honors even.
I would think that the top rod today will be well over double figures and probably 20+ fish.

Update later......

The day ended as it had begun with lots of fish rising to buzzers.
Top rod today was Nick Woodward with 10 fish. A very good showing from the many Blues now stocked at Curley's- the largest today was well over 3lbs. Rod average today was 3 fish.
Conditions looking set for the week so should be good catch rates each day.

Sunday 28th April

Consistent good fishing continues........

After yesterdays results Rick and Andy with over 35 fish between them, you might think that things wouldn't get any better but today will prove that conclusion wrong, I think.
Steve Hardman has just started and has 3 fish to the net already and missed 3 more at least. He is fishing with floating line and a CDC buzzer and a Daiwl Bach on a dropper.
more to follow.....

Saturday 27th April

As May slowly comes to an end we are at last beginning to get some consistently good fishing here at Curley's.  Buzzer hatches are happening daily and in more quantities, great if you want a more natural approach to your fishing. Two guys on today, have had over 20 fish between them on predominantly black buzzers, floating line and refreshingly without the use of an indicator!
This will continue if this particular weather pattern continues, let's see what tomorrow brings!

Friday 26th April 2013

There is a bit of a stronger colder breeze on today from the direction of the dam wall. Jim McGinley has had 5 on various lures, cats whisker, nomad and zonker. Steve Moffat was on 2 when I last spoke to him using a cats whisker. The fish are not down deep and floating line is adequate at present.  

Thursday 25th April 2013

There is virtually no wind on the lake at present. It's overcast, mild with the odd spot of rain now and again. As I write this there are fish feeding off the top virtually all over the lake. Perfect.