End of January

At the end of January the weather continues to be a bit Topsy turvey. Winter hasn't really kicked in yet, at least not as we know it. As a result some days when the climate is better produces some very good fishing days but it becomes more difficult on the worse days.
Just the last couple of days or so the fishing has been good, most notably on Tuesday when Nick Winward managed 7 good Rainbows on an intermediate line and an olive lure. Interestingly Jeff on the next platform using the same fly pattern but on a floating line only got a couple of 'knocks' Why is this??

A good intermediate line should sink uniformly on the level and when you retrieve the fly should come back almost in a straight line. With a floating line when you retreive you 'lift' the fly, then it sinks again, so you create a rolling profile with the retreive. This in itself can be a reason for catching or not as the case maybe!

Yesterday a couple of my new clients had their first go a fly fishing ever and caught a couple of decent fish each, however this was with an olive lure under an indicator!

So the fish are there and if you experimant to find the best method and you have a little bit of encouragement from the weather you should have a good enjoyable session.

Sat 25th Jan

If the forecast is anything to go by then we could be in for some colder weather that's after the torrential rain and high wind that's due tomorrow,
But then again the forecasts are never wrong are they?

So what's your opinion, if you have one?  Do you want to see Curley's become a "Trout Master" water again? We used to be part of this set up years ago, probably when it was first set up.
Recently there has been "noises" about the integrity of the results - what's your experience of this?
I would be grateful if you could let me know what you think by commenting below

Too much rain!

Not much fishing activity over the last 2 days far too wet and windy but I suppose we have to experience days like these it is winter after all!
Looking forward I am thinking of making Curley's a Troutmaster Water again. What do you think? Good Idea or not bothered - your veiws would be appreciated. Please comment below.
Cheers

Came across this UTube video  shot for Trout Fisherman in 2007 - not seen it for years!!
Do you recognise where it was taken outside the old, old mark 1 version hut at Curley's??
Anyway have a ganders and maybe a laugh!
http://www.gofishing.co.uk/trout-and-salmon/Section/Videos/Game-Videos/Game-Video-Search-Results/Techniques/Mike-Roden-on-fly-tackle-for-reservoirs/

Change on the mood

There has been a big change in the mood and activity of the fish over the last few days. Lures are very much taking second place to natural patterns. Bloodworm and buzzers fished static under an indicator, or with a very slow retrieve have been catching fish. Generally the fish have been around 10ft deep but obviously this will vary dependant upon water temps.
Tightlines

Weekend prospects

The water temperature has been steadily falling over the last couple of weeks. It is still unseasonably mild and a lot warmer then this time last year. Up to now the fish have been reachable, in the main, with a floater and long ish leader but as the temp drops more, as inevitably it will, you will need to use sinkers.
Another consequence of lower water temps is that the fish slow down. They don't feed as often or as long and basically mope about almost in hibernation. So don't expect them to chase about after your flies. As you go deep you also slow the receive down, a slow or very slow figure of eight retrieve can be the way to go.

This week the fishing has still been good with top rods getting 3,4 or 5 fish per session but you need to adjust your approach to match winter conditions. I am still seeing some fly fishers using the same tactics and methods that they have used over the last summer and autumn - it is highly likely that this just won't work! So if you want to catch fish then you must change to the fish catching methods!
Tightlines

Friday 10th Jan

Hi all, firstly sorry for the lack of updates thus far this year,  note to self belated New Year's resolution to improve!!
The fishing has varied just as much as the weather - some days very good and some a little bit harder work. Generally I have to say that for the time of year it is fishing more like late autumn rather than deep winter. On the better days there a lots of fish moving at the surface and can be caught without the use of any sinking line. The trick is to plan your visit around the better forecasts and I am sure you will be into fish.
No particular fly is working at present just a large array of lures predominantly.

A shout out to Ken Sexton long time member at Curley's who has "emigrated" to Spain. During our frequent chats he has said that he will miss the fishing and banter at Curley's but I am sure there are many compensating factors not least a bit of sunshine - all the best to you and your family, Ken see you when you visit "home"

Into 2014

Hi all
I guess for a lot of you it's back to work now and into the daily grind yet again. However I hope you all had a good break and it was good to see a lot of you doing some fishing over the festive period.
On the better weather days I has been good with the fish nearer to the surface than normal in December and even taking dries.
Some decent results with anything up to 5 fish for the top rods per session.

With some more stormy weather forecast it may give you an opportunity to do some "maintenance" on your fishing gear.

Rods just really need a wipe over with a damp cloth and then maybe a bit of a polish off with a dry towel. Pay particular attention to the rod rings to make sure they are particularly clean and also check for grooves especially on the top ring. You can also give the handle a good clean using warm water and a plastic pan scourer (not wire), this can get a lot of the in ground dirt and muck off the cork giving better grip. Don't use any detergent!

Lines need a good amount of attention. Floaters can be deep cleaned using a proprietary line cleaner (line Whiz, sold in our shop is as good as any). Intermediates and sinkers can be washed in warm water and then pull through some clean kitchen towel to polish off.

Reels - take them apart  wash out with warm water, dry off and if you want use a drop of reel oil but very, very sparingly.

As the saying goes look after your gear and it will look after you!