Trout idyll tests anglers' stealth (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Trout idyll tests anglers' stealth

GOOD-SIZED brown trout swimming in crystal clear spring waters amid picturesque surroundings - nice if you can get it, well you can.

Opening next week for its second full season is the Chalke Valley Fly Fishery at Bishopstone, run by Norman Barter.

Run on a catch-and-release system, the two lakes are former watercress beds and contain pure chalk-filtered water.

This is a stalking fishery demanding patience and stealth as the waters are crystal clear and fly choice and presentation is paramount, but the rewards are worth the effort with plenty of plump brown trout around the 3lb mark.

The fishery has lodge facilities, can supply equipment and tuition and can cater for corporate clients or groups as well as individuals.

Chalke Valley Fly Fishery's season gets underway next Thursday, April 15 and runs through until October 16.

It is well worth a visit and is a fishery that is likely to attract the angler back for repeat visits.

Some very good coarse fish have been caught over the last week from Waldens Farm Fishery with all lakes producing good bags of fish and good-sized individual fish.

Bream to 5lb and decent chub have been taken from Bishops Lake while Dave Porton, from Amesbury, banked two ghost carp of 14lb and 12lb using hair-rigged pellet fished against the lily pads.

Fishery bailiff, Stuart Greer, used his favourite chum mixer on the top to take four carp from Abbots Lake, the best a 14lb mirror.

Monks Lake continues to yield big bags with 25lb catches from most pegs made up on tench, crucians with chub and carp from around the bridge and island. Michael Trott took 55lb of roach, rudd and tench on float-fished worm while James Walker, from Tisbury, caught an 11lb 2oz common carp on paste.

Mixed bags from Popes Lake while Sunday's match on Deacons Lake was won by Dave Parvin with 52lb 12oz, Mark Canning was runner-up with 22lb 4oz and Mark Blake was third with 19lb 4oz.