THAMES VALLEY

FLY DRESSERS

BRANCH OF FLY DRESSERS GUILD

Featuring John Alcock, Richard Bird and John Watkins.

Clatworthy Reservoir April 14th.

As is the usual practice we meet at the services on the M5 for a good breakfast, then continued in convoy to Clatworthy Reservoir arriving just after noon.

A cold overcast day with a threat of rain and Clatworthy was brim full of water. When the lake is this full it can be difficult owing to the restricted back cast but there are usually a few obliging fish and it was stocked the day before.

Having tackled up we set about our business, Richard taking the car park swim and the 2 Johns walking a little further down. As is so often the case within a few minutes Richard cries out ‘Fish on’ and is first off the mark thus setting the scene for the next couple of days. On this occasion this was his only fish, John A caught a single fish as well. John W admired the scenery, drank tea and took a few photographs.

Lake Wimbleball April 15th & 16th.

Lake Wimbleball is under new management. There had been a feeling amongst regular anglers that the emphasis was moving away from angling and on to the water sports. The new management appear to understand that there is room for all and that anglers can add significantly to the lake economy.

Friday was a cold, wet and gloomy day but did dry out a little in the afternoon; Saturday was a cold frosty start that stayed cold in broken sunshine. Although we had a spell of fishing by the farm on Cowmoor we fished predominantly at Ruggs Bay, a known hot spot for boat and bank anglers alike. There were fish in front of us on both days, Richard capitalising on this fact by catching (and releasing) 9 fish on Friday and 8 on Saturday. John A caught 2 on Friday and one on Saturday, John W admired the scenery, drank tea and took a few photographs. Hot fly of the weekend, Richard’s Cut Throat Cat’s Whisker.

Accommodation at Holworthy Farm B&B, landlady Gillian Payne.

Thursday evening. Avocado salad, Roast chicken with bacon, stuffing and a selection of vegetables, Cheesecake followed by cheese and biscuits. 2 bottles of plonk and coffee in the lounge.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings Full English. + Afternoon tea & biscuits.

Friday evening. Homemade soup, Roast pork with apple sauce, a selection of vegetables, Meringue followed by cheese and biscuits. 2 bottles of plonk a glass of scotch and coffee in the lounge.

Saturday evening, Melon slices, Beef casserole, a selection of vegetables, homemade apple pie with cream, followed by cheese and biscuits. 2 bottles of plonk and coffee in the lounge.

Gillian looks after us very well, supplying everything except the booze! And all for £50:00 per night.

Congratulations to Richard for superb steady fishing, a masterclass in perseverance. It was also a very enjoyable and sociable weekend break. We didn’t have the telly on once!

John Watkins