Fly Fishing Reports

Fly fishing reports appear monthly, simply scroll down through the page to read them. We also send out the fly fishing reports by email each month, all you need to do is join the list and you won't need to keep coming back to this page. Links to more fly fishing information appear at the very bottom of this page.

June 2000

Well the weather's looking a bit more promising. Early on a few huge caenis hatches had the fish in a feeding frenzy and the anglers in a frenzy of frustration trying to fish sufficiently small patterns. The damsels are out in force now, providing excellent sport for everyone on both dry fly and damsel nymph patterns. Female damsel dry fly patterns seem to outperfom the male blue but nobody is quite sure why.

If you're thinking about visiting Amherst, arm yourself with some big dry flies this month (or buy some when you get here). Daddies, damsels and wulffs are the order of the day!

The fishery record fell to a visiting angler from Weybridge, who also took a 9lb fish at the same time just for good measure! See the full story and a huge brace of fish here.

May 2000

Highlight of the month was an extraordinary catch - not only was it a big fish but it was caught twice in the weirdest way imaginable! Read the full story here.

It's been a month of changeable weather. Sometimes it drizzled, sometimes it rained and sometimes there was a real old storm! This had an adverse affect on the fishing, there were few consistent hatches so anglers have been busy working their way through their fly boxes with varying degrees of success. There's not a lot more to say about May, except that you should read the story of the weird catch if you haven't already done so.

April 2000

During fine weather there is plenty of activity both on and in the surface. Small olive patterns are proving deadly sub-surface and buzzers are also a popular choice with the regulars.

One lucky regular has landed three braces of doubles in the last fortnight (but don't panic, there are still plenty left!).

Looking ahead we're expecting plenty of "Damsels in distress" as the nymphs emerge and the trout start the annual damsel nymph banquet. Large quantities of tadpoles are also presently in their infancy so expect this imitative patterns to perform well over the weeks ahead.

March 2000 

OK apologies everyone, I have been neglecting my duties on this page. Well it's been pretty stinky weather and not too many anglers have braved the conditions. Those that have turned out have benefited from the occasional early season hatch on milder, sunnier days but by and large the action has been down deep. We have seen some weird and wonderful creations being used to lure the trout lately but it's the old favourites that have been doing the business.

The annual troutmaster's fish-off competiton was won by Tom Nutter who goes on to represent Amherst in the national finals. If he doesn't win we never want to see him again. Good luck Tom.

September / October 1999 (posted on 7th October 1999)

September reviewed: Hurricane Floyd’s transatlantic backlash produced unusually heavy rain across much of Europe through September and we knew all about it at Amherst Lodge! The normally clear waters of the Amherst lakes failed to resist the downpours and for a week in mid September the lakes looked as though someone had dropped a thousand Oxo cubes into them. Yuk! Thankfully the rains have now receded and surely we’re now due for a month dominated by glorious autumn sunshine and great fishing……

Axminster youngster Tristan Wakeley (age 12) took a superb 11lb 8oz rainbow on his second cast using a damsel nymph fished on a floating line and won a feature and a free reel from Trout Fisherman magazine to add to his joy. Way to go boy!

What's catching?: Terrestial flies blown onto the water by the winds accompanying the recent rain have stimulated the most visible feeding activity amongst the trout and matching patterns have proved highly effective. However as more settled conditions take hold once more, we are seeing a number of hatches of smaller flies (try sizes 16 – 20 to match on surface), as well as good responses from the fish to hoppers, pond olives and numerous small “river nymph” patterns.

August / September 1999 (posted on 30th August 1999)

The mixed weather conditions of the last month have produced varied and exciting fly fishing with the trout chopping and changing their feeding habits on a seemingly hourly basis. The fish have undoubtedly been a little more wary than usual which has led to slightly lower average catch rates than might have been hoped for. However averages aside, there have been some quite exceptional hatches of flying ants which have provided outstanding sport.

The most successful flies of the month have been damsels and daddy longlegs although at the timing of writing, the damsels are fast disappearing. Looking ahead to September, fry feeding is starting to dominate proceedings on the old coarse fishing lakes (Heron and Mink lakes) - obviously we didn't net them as well as we had hoped! Meanwhile elsewhere there is a lot of activity just below the surface and finer, longer leaders in combination with smaller fly patterns are likely to deliver best results over the coming weeks.

Amherst Lodge won't win too many headlines for specimen fish taken in August 1999, it's been a bit quiet on that front with only a very few large trout being landed and none worthy of special mention. However one surprised angler did manage to land a carp too big for the scales (estimated at 20lbs) which caused a bit of a stir!!!

July / August 1999 (posted on 1st August 1999)

June / July 1999 (posted on 4th July 1999)

It's been a great month at Amherst Lodge for dry fly fishermen. An abundance of hatches have produced freely rising fish that have provided excellent top-of-the-water sport for anglers of all abilities.

The mayfly hatch (which at Amherst Lodge should be called the junefly hatch) triggered it all at the end of the first week in June. Anyone drifting a may fly across the ripple could reasonably expect numerous takes although a huge number of bites were missed by novices and intermediates, usually because of timing problems. The widely adopted solution was to take a three point approach - (1) See the fish take the fly then (2)say "God save the Queen" and finally (3) strike into the fish. The small delay created by "God save the Queen" allows just the right amount of time to ensure a successful strike.

Following the mayfly has come a wealth of prolific hatches which has seen the lakes "boiling" at times with feasting trout. It simply doesn't get much better than it is at the moment.

The best fish of the month went to Mr. Woollen, at 12lbs and 8oz it was a really super, fully finned fish that in his own words "went off like the QE2". It was devoured at a party soon afterwards and was reported to "taste like nectar" (maybe it had been eating bees?!). The fish has been captured on camera and can be seen at the hall of fame:

Lots of other good fish have been landed and the consensus is that is that they are in outstanding condition at present. Particularly successful flies at the moment are damsels (especially fished near the reed beds), daddy longlegs (fished in the ripple - they're not much use on flat still water), hawthornes and hoppers (claret seems to be the favoured hopper pattern).

May / June 1999 (posted on 30th May)

Some lovely fish have been banked at Amherst Lodge this month and our own "catch of the month" was undoubtedly a super rainbow of 10lbs 2oz that went to Sam Williams. He had an incredible battle to get it into the net - but it set the scene wonderfully for the next day - his twelfth birthday! (You can see him in action at http://www.amherstlodge.com/memories/sam_williams/index.htm )

Best fish of the month, estimated at 14lbs was returned but regulars Nigel Sharp and Tom Nutter both had nice specimens around the 7 - 8 pound mark, you can see them and others at http://www.amherstlodge.com/memories/index.htm

Just about everything has been hatching at Amherst Lodge this month which has kept the trout fat and happy and the anglers changing their flies at a terrific rate. The tiny midge pupae have remained a popular snack for the fish and a couple of anglers have been fishing size 24 home-tied flies in the surface, producing staggering catch rates. Most anglers have not taken such a delicate approach and have been catching well on buzzers, damsels and damsel nymphs, daddies, black gnats and red sedges.

We have been doing some work on Dry Lake and found the lake is holding enormous populations of caddis and damsel nymphs so we expect that strong hatches will follow in early June. The annual excitement of "duffer's week" (the mayfly hatch) is building and the first mayflies are out and about around the fishery. As ever, Amherst Lodge mayflies are smaller than some of there counterparts elsewhere so avoid those giant mayflies they display in the tackle stores and remember that small is beautiful (if you're a trout that is).

April / May 1999 (posted at 30th April)

It's been a month of varied conditions, from an unexpected blizzard at the beginning of the month (which failed to deter anglers from fishing) on to floods in mid April and then finally, a few gloriously warm days lately that have seen the fishery at its best. Successful flies have varied with the weather but lately it's been a mixture of buzzers, sedges and black gnats that have been accounting for the lion's share of banked fish. We expect these patterns to continue to be deadly for a while, likely to give way to daddies and damsels around the middle of May.

A number of decent fish have emerged from the lakes this month, notably an 8lb rainbow to young local angler David Glibbery and a 9lb to visiting Scottish champion Kevin Neri. See the albums  for photos.

A fly fishing club has been formed at the fishery and its first meeting is being held on Sunday 2nd May. There's a free BBQ to entice you along, for further details please get in touch.

This month also saw the opening of a well stocked tackle cabinet in the Rod Room in response to angler's requests.

March / April 1999 (posted at 30th March)

The trout have been busy this month, most recently gorging themselves on tiny olive pupae just below the surface. Matching the pupae has been tricky but those who have got it right have had some tremendous days and enormous bags.

Best fish of the month was taken early on by Mark Leaper who landed an 11lb 4oz rainbow on 6th March. There are larger fish still lurking in the lakes and that fishery record   is just waiting to be smashed! In the meantime you can find pictures of Mark's rainbow here.

The first large crane fly was spotted flying over the fishery yesterday and this could well herald productive days using the much favoured Daddy Longlegs patterns. We are also expecting the annual explosion of Damsel nymphs to start within the next couple of weeks.

This month saw the Troutmasters fish-off at Amherst Lodge which was won by Darren Herbert of Uplyme. Some pictures of his winning performance have been posted here.

We are now offering a free service to anglers who want to take it up....we will photograph you with a digital camera whilst you are fishing here and then post the pictures on our web site for you. You can view them, copy them, send them to friends and all sorts - just ask when you're next here.

March 1999

The month started well for Mark Leaper who landed an 11lb 4oz rainbow on 6th March, his first double. You can see his specimen fish here. Although this particular fish was taken on a wet fly, prolific early season hatches on the surface have seen the Amherst Lodge lakes bubbling with activity. Very small patterns are needed, size 18 daddy longlegs proving the killer fly at present.

New lodge proving popular with regulars and the newly renovated rod room now provides free tea and coffee.

No specimen fish have been landed so far this month but several fish larger than the existing fishery record are there to be caught.

February 1999

Best fish of the month looks like going to Danny Sullivan of Wyoming, USA who described his first double as an "ugly fella that fought like unbroken steer". Yee-ha! The fish weighed in at 12lbs exactly.

Bags have varied in size but very few people are blanking at present. Good dry fly sport in the ripple (only!), otherwise GRHE is as good a starting point as any. New lodge, loo and lakes will be open by the end of the month.

January 1999

Winter weather has caused the waters to cloud a little and brighter patterns have tended to fare better as a result. The best rainbow of the month went to Richard Kemp of Yeovil who twitched a goldhead damsel over the bottom to tempt a 7lb 9oz specimen. Feeding patterns have proved hard to read but the usual suspects such as PTN, Montanas, Damsels and GRHE have performed fairly consistently. In particular the fish have been taking GRHE on the drop and although the bites are extremely difficult to feel, it has been highly productive for those that have mastered the technique.

December 1998

The best fish of a slow month went to Benedict Fear of Bristol who used a gold ribbed hare's ear to seduce a near perfect rainbow of 8lbs 7oz.

The fish are now considerably lower in the water and can only be taken from the surface on milder blustery days. The water remains clear however so lighted tackle continues to perform well.

Best patterns are currently montanas, PTN, GRHE and goldhead nymphs.

Plans are afoot to open two new lakes in early 1999 and the new season tickets are now available, please contact Amherst Lodge for details, prices etc.

Late September / Early October 1998

Changeable conditions have produced some interesting and varied fishing at Amherst Lodge lately. The most productive approach has been to fish gold ribbed hare's ear which rainbows have been taking on the drop so light gear is best to detect the pulls.

Buzzers and daddies have been taking their share and Paul Butcher of Yeovil presented a shipman's to produce this month's best fish - a rainbow of 11lb 8oz.

Expect the fish to go lower over the coming weeks and succumb to PTN, bloodworm, montanas etc.

New season tickets will be available shortly.

September 1998

Good dry fly fishing is being enjoyed at Amherst Lodge. Some particularly impressive rises have been experienced in the last half hour before nightfall but the fish have been taking off the top all day, especially when the autumnal breezes provide a good ripple. Buzzers have proved a popular and productive pattern this month and have accounted for some of the larger fish landed. For nymph enthusiasts, the rainbows have been taking hare's ears (gold ribbed best) and pheasant tails  on the drop but bites have been much scarcer whilst these flies are being retrieved.

August 1998

The full time team of "weed busters" are proving to be worth their weight in gold as the lakes are in peak condition. The August doldrums experienced in other fisheries have been well and truly escaped at Amherst Lodge and large fish can be seen cruising at all times. Daytime fishing is producing reasonable bags but the best action is definitely to be had early morning and late evening.

July 1998

A good number of larger fish have been landed at Amherst Lodge this month. Daniel Smith from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham thought he had scooped his first ever double but was disappointed when it weighed in at 9lbs 15.5oz! No such problems for M. Falconer from Crewkerne who took the best bag of the month at 15lbs 4oz  including a 10lb 1oz rainbow. Best fish of the month was claimed by the narrowest of margins by N. Rudley from Hayling Island who used an Orange Whiskey to tempt a 10lb 2oz rainbow.

Average catch rates are running at 3 fish per rod with an average weight of 2lbs per fish.

Very high concentrations of damsels, crane flies and daphnia are present in the lakes and the best flies have been daddies, damsels, PTN and Butchers.

Water clarity is at its best and anglers should be especially careful to minimize movement on the banks and take advantage of available cover to avoid spooking the fish. Try twitching a daddy across the margins for hard, committed takes.

June 1998

The best fish this month was a rainbow weighing over 4lb caught by Scott Cooper of Colyton, Devon. It has been a frustrating month for anglers with very large fish visible but failing to take. Best patterns have been grey dusters and tiny white moths. Make use of quieter patches of water and probe the margins for best results.

May 1998

The best rainbow was taken by Bert Bridges from Lyme Regis who used a mayfly to tempt a 9lb 2oz specimen in Dry Lake. The best brace weighed in at 10lb 4oz for West Bay tackle dealer Hugh Rathbone who used a leadhead damsel and a black gnat respectively.

The lakes have been fishing well with large hatches of damsels and mayfly providing considerable activity. History suggests that sedge and crane fly will be the dominant foodstuffs in the weeks ahead. Tactically dry fly is outperforming other methods on most occasions.

A team of "weedbusters" have been taken on to keep the lakes in top condition for fishing over the summer months and it is hoped that anglers will make the most of these beneficial conditions.

April 1998

The fish have been feeding voraciously on buzzers, caenis and sedges with unusually large hatches occurring. From hereon productive dries should be daddies and black gnat whilst for wets expect GRHE to be taken on the drop whilst olives will do well deeper down.

Tim "Iron Fist" Weldman from London landed a 13lb 10oz rainbow after an epic battle that stripped him to the backing seven times. Best bag went to John Hamilton of Crewkerne, 14 fish (sporting ticket).

Superb dry fly fishing most mornings and evenings with Connemara. A stealthy approach with minimal water disturbance and lightweight leaders is by far the best general strategy.

March 1998

The season is ahead of itself at Amherst this year. Catch rates have been high (only three anglers have blanked so far this year!!) and plenty of fish in the 4 to 6lb range have been showing. The fishery looks set to have a record breaking season ahead.

The rainbows are in full condition and are giving tremendous fights. They are best taken off the surface, floating line, fine leader, grey duster, daddy or early brown (especially those with legs).

The browns are still deep and proving  elusive. They should be moving higher in the water about now. Emergers are probably going to prove the best tactic for them.

Mr. J. Brown had the most fun with a wrist numbing 45 minute fight before landing a superbly conditioned rainbow of 6lbs 9oz. Best fish was claimed by Darren Lim of Exeter, a rainbow at 9lbs 5oz who used an as-yet-unnamed home made fly. Best bag to Rick Barker of Taunton who took six fish for 25lbs 2oz.

February 1998

A series of sensational days at Amherst have seen some terrific combined weights recorded and the aggressive new restocking policy is setting the tone for an action packed season ahead.

Small daddies and early browns are the killer dry flies and hawthornes and grey dusters should be in the fly box on stand by. Wet flies are proving less productive but the usual Pheasant tail and Hare's Ear are doing the business for the aficionados.

The fish are moving up in the water and water clarity is good.Floating lines and light leaders are recommended. Many fish seem unusually sensitive to activity on the banks so a semi-concealed or crouch position is particularly beneficial at present.

No individual fish worthy of mention this report but a high number of bags in the 14-18lb range have led to smiles all round.

January 1998

Early stirrings of spring have brought Amherst out of the winter doldrums and the fishing has been brisk. Nothing over five pounds has been landed this month although big fish are definitely there to be had. Early browns and PTN buzzers are doing the business with the inescapable Cat's Whisker claiming its share too.

Julian Manson of Dorchester took a 4lb 11oz rainbow narrowly winning fish of the month from several others. Best bag is unconfirmed but claimed by Chris de la Hunty of Winchester at about 12lbs.

A major restocking programme is underway and anglers can anticipate high rod averages over the coming months. Dry fly rules have been reintroduced for first lake and there are still a couple of season tickets up for grabs.

December 1997

Indistinct feeding patterns have provided plenty of conundrums for anglers recently and we expect this trend to continue whilst the cold weather persists. Goldheads on a floating line with long leaders are proving reasonably consistent whilst on clearer days takes can be generated from the surface with daddies etc. A good number of fish continue to forage the margins which are duly well worth
exploring.

Best fish went to Amherst regular James Elliot who fished a weighted pheasant tail and after
an epic 25 minute, reel screaming tussle, landed a 5lb 4oz rainbow in outstanding condition.

The newly launched season ticket is proving popular and tickets can be purchased up
to mid-March.

November 1997

The temperature is sending the fish deeper whilst winter rainfall is clouding the normally clear lakes. The result is that brighter patterns fished deep are presently doing the business. Other successful tactics include provocation - passing a fly in front of fish several times to prompt a response.

Feeding is opportunistic and there is no single "killer" fly at present. However Fritz patterns, green montanas and GRHE are favoured by many here.

Best Fish:
4lb Brown on weighted buzzer to Sam Paynter of Beaminster.
9lb 7oz Rainbow on an Invicta fished just below the surface with a fast retrieve succumbed to Geoffrey Stimpson of Sidmouth. Geoffrey also got the heaviest bag of the month.

October 1997

Black is the order of the day at Amherst but there is no mourning the fish that are being caught. Montana are the two most productive patterns at present with the unseasonal Daddy Longlegs also provoking good takes.

Mr. P Sims from Surrey took a brace of rainbows for nine pounds using green montana. Matthew Price of Exeter claims the biggest recent bag four fish for twelve pounds.

Water clarity at Amherst is very good at the moment, requiring lightweight tippets and a delicate touch. Retrieves should be low and slow or just sub surface and fast. Fish are presently scattered all over the lakes with little to choose between the margins and open water.

September 1997

Best Fish:
Simon Ayers from Charmouth took a superbly conditioned 9lb rainbow on a Hare's Ear.
Robin Oakes from Axminster took an eight pound three ounce rainbow on a daddy.

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