Fly Fishing at Bessy Beck Trout Farm

Fly Fishing, Island Lake

The Island Lake is the lake for the experienced angler, it is our largest lake at 2 acres and is strictly fly fishing only, the depth of the lake varies from 4ft to 11ft and the water being spring fed is always clear. The  lake is restricted to a maximum of 12 anglers at any one time. There are 12 fishing positions or pegs around the lake which give the angler a clean and firm standing place, anglers are requested to move positions at regular intervals giving all anglers the fair chance at 'hot spots'.

The Island Lake is the only lake where catch and release is allowed however anglers may take up to 3 fish per session then catch and release up to their permited hours.

The lake is stocked with Rainbow trout, Blue trout and there are a number of wild Brown trout which are all returned when caught.The majority of fish are between 2lb to 5lb but 10lbto 15lb trout are regularly caught. No fish above 10lb may be killed.

An aerator is positioned in the centre of the lake which oxygenates the water in the summer giving better sport when temperatures are high and in the winter it prevents most of the lake from freezing over.

Paul Proctor with a nice Rainbow from the Island Lake in December 2009.

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Best flies

In winter fish are generally caught on lures or static buzzers yet on warmer days dry flies can be successful. The best winter flies are cats whisker, humungus, yellow dancer, bloodworm and black buzzer. 

Spring is normally the best time for fly fishing when hatches of hawthorn fly and midge have fish feeding from dawn till dusk. The best spring flies are dry hawthorn, black klinkhammer, hares ear nymph and pheasant tailed nymph.

Summer is weather dependant, mornings and evenings are generally best. Drys, Cdc's and small buzzers down as small as 18's do well and in the evening sedges.

Then in autumn; daddies fish well into October. Buzzers of various colours and small lures start to catch fish.

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Mallard Lake - Fly Fishing

The Mallard Lake is slightly smaller than the Island at 1.5 acres with a depth of around 10ft the banks are flat and easily accessable.

The lake is fly fishing only with a catch and kill policy; this ensures easier fly fishing for the less experienced fly fisherman or woman. 

This is the perfect venue for tuition, fun days and corporate events, or for those who just want to take a few fish home.

The fish are stocked at between 1.25lb and 2lb, a good eating size, extra fish above the ticket number can be taken and paid for at the going rate.

 

Ross Bailey who is 9 years old caught this 4lb 12oz Rainbow from the Mallard Lake using a    No 14 Black Buzzer