The magnificent seven fly-fishers
The dedicated members of the PICT Fly Fishing group convened on Tuesday 10th May at Frensham Trout Fishery, Churt, Surrey, for our second meeting of the year. Unfortunately, our numbers were reduced to just seven fly-fishers, a little disappointing being down from the 11 who attended our first outing at Coltsford Mill in March this year. The weather was not as warm as forecast, somewhat chilly and rather more overcast than predicted, with a little light rain to start proceedings.
Our magnificent seven started to arrive from 08:00hrs onwards, everyone eager to test their skills at what is, from personal experience, not only one of the most challenging but undoubtedly one of the prettiest locations we are fortunate to cast a line. Our host, Jillian Twite, has spent a great deal of time and effort, been very busy throughout lockdown, improving many of the pitches and surrounding grounds. The facilities must now be considered amongst the best available in the south.
The morning session started with much optimism with several fish being visible near to the surface on each of the lakes. However, Frensham was again proving to be a testing venue, with fish totally ignoring anything on the surface with only the exceptional rise, taking heavens knows what? But, it was not long before some beautiful trout were netted utilising a wide selection of buzzers, nymphs, and the odd dry fly, all eventually proving successful in the morning session, prior to a break for lunch.
As lunch concluded the weather started to improve and everyone was keen to try their luck, especially as a new delivery was made with several fresh fish being released into each of the six lakes available at Frensham. The increase in temperature increased fly activity with some good hatches but still the lures and nymphs proved the order of the day.
The afternoon session proved successful for everyone landing some very fine fish with a total of 12 Tiger Trout, 3 Brown Trout, 5 Blue Trout and 15 Rainbow Trout. These were landed on a variety of different flies/lures; Montana’s, gold head Blue Flash Damsel’s, mini Cats Whisker’s, GRHE’s, gold head black nymph, red epoxy buzzer and brown swimming shrimps. It was great to see that all fly-fishers tried such a variety of attractors, which emphasises exactly why the sport is not only challenging but most rewarding when you find what works. To finalise the afternoon session the sun made a well-timed appearance completing a great day of sport in enjoyable fun company of friends and colleagues with the last fly-fisher departing at 17:30hrs. Everyone has stated how enjoyable and challenging the fishing had been capping yet another superb day at Frensham.
We are always keen to welcome new members to try this fascinating and challenging sport. Even if you are not a fisherman you must give it a try, all you need is a little patience and a willingness to accept a challenge. It really is rewarding and simply great fun!
Prior to our annual visit to The Test in October, we are all looking forward to our next meeting at Aldbury in the Autumn.
Alan Badcock