There had allegedly been over two inches of rain overnight so it was not surprising to find that the lake had a murky hue for this friendly mid summer match at prolific Blakewell Fishery. I was fortunate to draw a peg in the bay that had not yet completely colored up and it was from this bay that the majority of fish were tempted.
My first few casts with a damsel nymph brought a couple of pulls but no hook ups. I decided to go visual and tied on a white and green goldhead within a couple of casts the first trout is in the net and at over five pounds it’s a good start. After the first hour I have three trout. The competition allows an hour before rotating to the next peg.
The next three pegs are away from the hot spot and tempting trout proves difficult. A leisurely barbecue lunch is provided lakeside by Richard Nickel. A time to talk of fish and fishing as the sun shines for once and it feels like summer at last.
A return to my hot peg of the morning where a Montana nymph and black buzzer approach brings three more trout to complete the limit. As we wait for the weigh in it’s a delight to sit by the lakeside watching other anglers trying to catch their limit bags. Swallows swoop over the lake and tiny ducklings tweet as they flounder around looking for mother, such tiny bundles of fluff in big world full of dangers.
Its good to sit back and watch others fish
Dave Richards wins the match with 30lb 14oz, Dave Lewis a close second on 28lb and Les Cleavelly third with 26lb 13oz. My six fish totaling 25lb 8oz is fourth.
Dave Richards winning bag of 30lb 14oz
Six trout for 25lb 8oz – Quality fishing
