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Angling Report - February 2006

Mid February 2006

Sport during the middle of January was very good at Bessy Beck but towards the end of the month as temperatures dropped and fish became difficult to tempt. The lakes froze over completely on the 29th, 30th and 31st of January. Wind and rain brought a thaw on 2nd of February and the fish started to take, some days being very productive but others moderate.

One of the most successful flies over this period has been the Apps bloodworm; this may be due to the fact that since its exposure in Trout Fisherman Magazine, everyone is using it. The fish have generally been unpredictable; a successful fly one day will be of no use the next. Anglers must experiment to find what is best.

The most notable catches this month were;

On the 18th January T Clayton returned 32 including two large fish 10lb 1oz and 9lb 6oz on bloodworm and Zonkers. The same day R Hopper had 32 fish on the same flies.

The largest fish of the month 12lb 1oz was caught on the 25th January by Mr Moorhead on a green buzzer.

Steve Pearson from Fleetwood caught 26 fish on the 3rd of February using buzzers.

The most productive day was the 9th of February when 9 anglers caught 93 fish, the largest 9lb 1oz.

Competitions

Tebay Angling Association held their winter competition at Bessy Beck on Saturday 18th February when in difficult conditions 11 anglers caught 17 fish, the largest was 9lb 0oz by Arthur Lawton. The winner was Martin Smith with 4 fish.

There will be three CEFF/Airflow competition heats at Bessy Beck during 2006 on the following dates; Friday 24th March , Friday 21st April and Tuesday 23rd May. Anglers who are interested should phone Bessy Beck on 01539 623303 as soon as possible, more than one heat can be entered.

The past few weeks have been getting busy here at Bessy Beck, the Island lake in particular being very popular. Booking is essential if you wish to avoid disappointment.

Tackle and Farm shops

We have just finished the refurbishment of our shop area. We have a dedicated game fish tackle shop (Beckside Tackle) and a farm shop (Old Trout Farm Shop). In the tackle shop you can buy everything for the game angler. We stock a full range of fly fishing equipment for both trout and salmon, spinning tackle for rivers and still water, nets, waders, clothing and all ancillary items. In the farm shop we have a range of our own products, fresh trout, smoked trout, trout fish cakes and pies and smoked trout pate. We also stock other locally produced foods, for example venison, dexter beef, goats cheese cakes and fudge.