Witton Castle Lakes welcomed 72 anglers who enjoyed some challenging sport on the fly in between the unseasonal June weather. The rod average is 3.65 which we expect to increase as the weeds are now being cut on a daily basis, alongside the introduction of the anytime 4 hour ticket
Fishery officer John Renshaw reports: ‘Fish are feeding on and just below the surface. The West lake has continued to fish well, Mr W Batemen landed a fine specimen of 5 3/4lb. Mr N Irwin had the largest bag with 3 fish at 8lb. Talented junior angler Ben Morris landed his catch limit of 15 in record time on Saturday.
Must-have flies in your box this week: CDC Shuttlecocks, hares ear, diawl bach, buzzers and damsels. Best method used is a floating line, long leader with a buzzer on the dropper.
Junior Head Coach Cliff Johnston reports: ‘As well as the activities of the day-ticket anglers there were several interesting other activities over the weekend. On Friday a group of juniors from the ‘drop-in’ at West Cornforth, with some of their fathers, tried their hands at bait fishing for trout. The group is supported by the Cornforth Partnership, a charity that is endeavouring to develop good eating habits in the local community. Over four Friday evenings they will learn to catch fish, to gut and clean them, and to cook them in various ways. The first evening saw them catch and prepare over 21lb. of rainbow trout, helped by Junior Club Coach Cliff Johnston and membership secretary Keith Robson. Next Friday they will be shown how to barbecue the fish they catch with assistance from junior coach Anne Woodcock.
On Saturday and Sunday Mike Marshall, one of the best long-distance trout casters in the country, visited the lakes and passed some of his skills onto members of Bishop Auckland District Angling Club. Everyone who took part in the coaching was pleased with the progress that they made.
Sunday saw eleven anglers take part in the Northern Heat of the trials for the England bank-fishing team. Prizes were provided by Greys of Alnwick. Following the deluge on Thursday, and strong winds on the day, fishing was never easy. However, there were fish rising and the winner, Kevin Carr, managed to net five. Second, with four fish, was Robbie Bell and Jonathan Howe was third – landing two fish – as did many others, but his first fish, at over three pounds, was the biggest of the day. The team event was won by the ‘Goonies’ – Dave McKinnon, Anthony Meadows and Colin Harris.
The tagged fish still remains elusive and the prize total stands at £200, for the lucky angler who slips his net underneath it.
Anglers can purchase day tickets for Bishop Auckland and District Angling club water on the River Wear from the fishery officers. Day tickets for July & August £30. Day tickets for September & October £40.
Fishery officers John and Stewart can be contacted on the following Tel: 01388 48869
