Fly Fishing Sussex

I was lucky to be the first angler on the water at Duncton Mill Fishery this morning. Being mid summer and water temperatures rising I decided to try Birch lake. Being very deep it tends to fish  well through the summer months. I tackled up with a fast sink line with weighted a black and white wooly bugger fly. First cast I was into a good fish which took the fly about 6-8ft down in the water but lost it at the net. The next cast and another hit the fly and got away. I checked the hook and saw it was barbless so that’s why they were shaking the hook and getting away. I persevered with the fly only this time when a fish took I really kept the pressure on so the hook did not slip out and landed my first fish. It was not long before I had 2 more hard fighting rainbows to the net. The total weight was 11 and a half pound for 3 fish. What lovely condition too. If you ever get the chance, Duncton Mill is a fabulous fishery with another 3 lakes to explore. Also a comfortable lodge with hot coffee and cake on the go. Check before going as this is a club water and not always open to none members. http://www.dunctonmillfishery.co.uk/

Congratulations Paul. After a short casting session we tried our luck at Chalk Springs fishery. On the hottest day of year we were not expecting great results. Then it started to really heat up and the damsels began to hatch which got the trout feeding off the top. The first fish took a dry daddy then two more trout went crazy for a home tied damsel. Well done Paul.

Just back from a trip to Dorset on the river Frome with an old fishing buddy. Being mid summer and warm we did not expect to catch much. It was a bit of a reconnaissance trip and have a short break. However the first day was good fishing catching browns up to 2lb. We stayed at a delightful bnb also with trout lakes at Tolpuddle a really lovely old English town. Thatched cottages and all.  The remaining 2 days where hard fishing but still had a few small browns and grayling. Defiantly planning a return next spring.

In spite of initial boat engine problems a fabulous day was had on beautiful Arlington reservoir with the guys from the Sussex Fly Dressers.  http://sussexflydressers.org.uk/ A very bright day put the fish well down and hardly any fish showing. Eventually found a shoal about 5mtr down near one of the aerators and ended the day with 6 fish totaling 13.5 lb. Biggest one (pictured) ready for filleting.

The best of 6 fish today including 2 brownies. And as many fish lost too. Buzzers working their magic again. I’m finding that 2 buzzers, 1 metre apart, hung from the bend of a big bushy dry fly really gets their attention. Specially when given a long, slow pull on the retrieve.

Witnessed an incredible rise yesterday morning and found that the trout were gorging on waterboatman. Did not have a pattern in my fly box but still managed to tempt 2 browns and 4 rainbows on a black buzzer. Will be tying a few boatman patterns today ready for later.

Ever wanted to try your hand at fly fishing or know someone who keeps threatening to give it a go? I’m now taking bookings for 2019. Gift vouchers also available for that someone special. Everything supplied. Just bring wellies. Click on the Tuition page for more info.

Well. It’s been another good year for flyfishingsussex.com Although It’s been full on with other projects there has still been time to meet and introduce many keen anglers to the world of fly fishing. The season is coming to a close now and I’ll soon be finishing tuition sessions until March 2019. I plan to introduce a new half day session to include all the usual casting techniques, about tackle flies etc. but to be carried out at my new trout venue, So there will be an excellent chance to catch a brown or rainbow trout on your first lesson. Over the winter I will put up a new page on the website offering this new half day session. The cost will be around £130 inclusive one to one tuition, permits and use of quality fly fishing gear and good chance of a fish or two. Also what a great gift it would make for someone. Already interested? Contact me: howie@flyfishingsussex.com