Flies are not the lure at Sharpley

May 15 2008 by George Macintyre, The Journal

THE long-awaited awaited Hawthorn flies have finally put in an appearance at Sharpley Springs, but not yet in large enough numbers to interest the fish.

However, the daddy longlegs have brought the fish to the surface and suitable imitative patterns will take fish for the rest of the season.

England Youth team member Matthew Holroyd had a good day’s catch and release bringing 24 trout to 8lb to the net.

Sharpley regulars were among the double-figure fish this week with D Ferry, Mark Thwaites, Steve Maquire and Ian McIntosh all taking fish in the 12lb to 13lb range.

Anglers at Jubilee Lakes were able to switch from winter to summer tactics in a space of a few days with Buzzers – particularly the Wicked White – CdC patterns and a whole range of dry flies taking fish.

This week’s only double-figure rainbow weighed in at 16lb 6oz and was caught by David White from Consett on a Black Vibrating Daddy.

It has been another good week’s fishing at Hadrian Fisheries, Haydon Bridge, with Kevin Hunter from Ellington, taking 22 for 45lb while Alan Macintyre, also from Ellington, had a good introduction to fly fishing bringing nine rainbows for 25lb to the net.

Billy Lowther from Gosforth and Roger Taylor from South West Denton caught two brown trout each for a total weight of 10lb.

Caistron Lakes have fished well this week with catch and release anglers enjoying good sport.

L Downes had four, the best at 5lb; Brian Kerr safely returned 11, the best at 7lb 8oz and R Lansbury returned seven.

Sweethope regular Neil Irwin of Barrasford safely returned 12, Newcastle angler Paul Maynard took three for 18lb 8oz, Trevor Wadds safely put back 12 fish and Morpeth’s Ray Armstrong had 12.

The best fish at Langley Dam last this week was a 9lb rainbow brought to the net by J Ford with Ronnie Bramwell weighing in four for 15lb.

The fishery will be closed from 5pm on Thursday, May 22, for a club booking.

The 39 anglers who visited Knitsley Mill this week brought 168 fish from 3lb 8oz to 8lb to the net with M Civil landing 12, the best at 7lb, Howard Robinson also had 12, the best at 6lb 8oz while B Webster had nine, the best at 8lb.

FLY BOX

CAISTRON: Klinkhammers, Hoppers, Bibio, Buzzers.

HADRIAN: Black and Green Fritz, Black Zonker, Black Nomad.

JUBILEE: Wicked White Buzzer, Buzzers, CdC Shuttlecocks, CdC Shipmans Spinner, Pheasant Tail, Carnhill’s Foam Beetle, Olive Zonker, Dawson’s, Damsel Nymphs.

KNITSLEY: Damsel Nymph, Buzzers, Bloodworm, Cat’s Whisker, Sedge, Pond Olive, White Mayfly.

LANGLEY: Brown Beetle, Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Black Fritz, CdC Beetles, Damsel Nymphs, Black Hoppers.

SHARPLEY: Olive/Black Buzzers, Black F Fly, Rainbow Buzzer, Olive Shuttlecock/Palomino, Yellow Bloodworm, Cat’s Whisker with Knotted Midge and Hawthorn patterns worth a try.

SWEETHOPE: Silver Invicta, Black Buzzers, Sedges, Daddies, Hoppers, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Olive Nymphs, Damsels, Ace of Spades, Okey Dokey, Vivas, Montanas.