31 August 2015 CHANGING TIMES!!

Commencing tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September 2015, our opening time is changing to 7.30am every day to reflect the shortening days.  Sorry everyone - I would love to keep the light mornings and beautiful Summer evenings but nature is against us!!

So please don't get caught out - The Lodge and the Fishery open at 7.30 am and close at dusk (or on a Monday and a Tuesday at 7.00 pm if that is earlier than dusk!)

We will continue to stock weekly and to stock a range of sizes with some much larger fish coming just as soon as the supplier will bring them along.

All the best to everyone for a really bountiful Autumn and Winter season - Annie :)

Friday 14th August 2015 - And what a good month this is!

The aerators are here and installed in Brick and Stag Lakes to great effect.  It is really good to see them here and to have them available should we get an 'Indian Summer'!?!?  

We are continuing to rid Well Lake of its pesky weed with the help of a wonderful handful of volunteers, which now includes Michael Carden.  Michael has been our human weed rake!  In his dry suit he has been swimming in the Lake and pulling weed by hand.  But our thanks go out to the regular team of Lee Hart, Bob French, Tony Mepham, Mike 'The Weed' Richardson and Derek Hill and Gavin Welch.  Without all your efforts on behalf of all our anglers we would certainly be well and truly weed-logged in Well Lake!!  Big thanks to all.

We continue to stock on a weekly basis and there have been some good full bags recently.  10 year old David Carden is our keenest young angler and he was thrilled to catch a 4.5 lb Blue; Gavin Welch is enjoying catching both Blues and Golden Trout as well as the usual Rainbows and our regular anglers are also pleased that August is proving to be better than July this year.  Please see photos.

Caroline's September report will follow soon, but until then we look forward to keeping our trout in top form for your fun!  Tight lines everyone.........  Annie :)

Weed clearing at Well Lake and more ...........................

JULY - AT LONG LAST AN UPDATE!!!

The first thing to tell you all this month is the fact that we are definitely remaining OPEN throughout the summer this year. Other years we have closed for a few weeks for hot weather holidays, but this year it is still all systems go as normal! The recent hot weather has definitely made a difference to the fishing as you would expect but the Lakes are still fishing surprisingly well and we are still stocking on a weekly basis, also … don’t forget it is the perfect time to bring a novice for some casting practice, encourage a non-fishing partner to come along and enjoy the scenery or just bring a picnic and chill! This time of year forces us to change our ways; to think outside the box and try something new thus expanding our knowledge and learning even more from this wonderful sport.

To give our customers a helping hand and fair crack of the rod through August we will be offering an “up-grade” of ticket at a cost of £5 per fish if you catch your bag too quickly, (yes it is still possible!) We hope you will appreciate this offer is not normally allowed but in this “feast or famine” time of the summer we want to play fair.

A review of each Lake…

WELL LAKE… This lake is still proving popular with anglers at the moment. The fish are clearly visible in the clear, spring water and have been at or just below the surface and feeding actively throughout the day and well into the twilight. The recent weed clearing does not appear to have put the fish off the fly, in fact the opposite would seem to be the case! Ever the opportunists the trout are picking their way through the food stirred up by weed removing activity and the coots with their chicks are having a field day! Looking through the returns book the flies working are buzzers (small black), dry flies such as sedges, daddies and small blue damsels. Down deeper definitely black and green nymphs, cats or flash backs are catching fish.

STAG LAKE… Our “new” lake is starting to come into its own now! The water is remaining clear and clean and a recent check showed good oxygen levels in spite of the heat. We have fixed a syphoning system from Well Lake to keep the level from dropping too low and the plants put in recently are doing well. The fish are feeding right through the day, even in the full sun on emerging insects, (generally black) taking them just below the surface and often at your feet! Don’t forget to cover every inch of the water in front of you and to each side along the banks! Many anglers lift their lines off the water much too early and thus miss a large target area to hook a fish. Small, natural flies are best on this lake at the moment and the dam end of the lake is the deepest area and has been the best spot, even in the wind, but this obviously can change day to day so just remember to ask us in the Lodge for the latest info and fly of the moment.

brick lake this month

BRICK LAKE… The shallowest of our lakes, fed by the small stream at the top Lodge end of the lake is proving tricky at the moment and has been for a while now. The fish are down deep, feeding no doubt on a huge range of natural food and surfacing in the evening. Early morning is the best time to fish this lake at the moment and then you can have take after tug after pull down deep as the fish feed enthusiastically at the start of the day. Damsels and small Montanas hit the spot and then the odd orange fly has been thrown into the mix. One chap caught his four fish bag in a couple of hours on an orange hotspot the other day when others had been struggling, he handed his fly to a friend who caught almost straight away. It’s good to share! Sometimes it is all about being in the right place at the right time so do keep on the move in the true hunter gatherer style. Dave (Woody) Wood caught a six fish bag before lunchtime the other day, fishing a black and white Boobie on a sinking line (normally this is a floating line lake) but not left static, still with a retrieve about half way down. We have no fly restrictions here at Brick Farm Lakes so you really can experiment! This Lake showed it had the coolest water temperature on a recent check.

Just tome to remind all you ladies out there of the next B.L.T’s meeting on the 10th August.  This is extremely informal so don’t be afraid to just turn up and share a coffee and some angling info.

Tight lines everyone!

June is definitely bursting out all over!!

What a joy it is to see all the young Moorhens, Cootes and Dab Chicks flourishing on the lakes, particularly on Well Lake.  Go away Crows and Magpies!!!

We celebrated the Almost Midsummer Night on Saturday in style with Chili con Carne and Eton Mess and fishing into the darkness. I believe everyone had a really good evening - I had forgotten how good it is to be among a group of easygoing friends. In fact we decided to invent a good reason to get together for a bite to eat in the evening on a more frequent basis so we are trying to come up with an excuse to meet again in August perhaps on the 8th or 15th - can anyone think of a good 'title'...? Woodstock was 46 years ago on 15th August but that probably only suits an old rock fan like me!!!

We are still stocking weekly with all sizes and again this Thursday, 25th June, with some extra Blues.

The haymaking was in full swing last week and I had the opportunity to walk around at sunset and take a few pictures of the lakes and orchids, which are in full bloom. Although the weekends are generally very busy there is still room for our anglers to catch a full bag, particularly in the early morning or evening. We have also added, and will continue to add, some rustic oak seats until we run out of the wood which resulted from the sad demise of one of Brick Lakes' fine oak trees (mentioned in earlier dispatches!)

We do carry out some grounds maintenance on a Saturday morning but this is only from 8am to about 12.15pm and the guys try to move about so as not to be too much of a nuisance.

We now have the new rake and so work to remove much of the weed on Well Lake will start in the next few days, thanks to our band of volunteers. Well Lake is still fishing really 'well' - no pun intended (!) but it should be even better and even easier to see the fish in its beautiful clear water when the weed is reduced. We will be able to keep on top of its removal more easily with the new rake.

And we will then remove the small amount of weed in Brick Lake thereafter, although this is thankfully only in relatively small areas and generally between the swims.

Tight lines, everyone! Tricky fishing on these bright days, but Damsels, Emerger flys, Buzzers, Nymphs, Flashback Hares Ears and the old faithfuls of Black and Green Montanas and Cats Whiskers continue to be the most successful choices. And there are still some big browns out there to tempt you all.

All best wishes, and hope to see you soon, Annie :)

May is definitely the month for the May Fly at Brick Farm Lakes! Here is our most recent report:

There is a beautiful show of bluebells where the brambles used to thrive, the wild orchids are blooming in the wood, the cuckoo arrived at the weekend and the lakes have all been fishing very well indeed. Well Lake in particular has seen the fish actively hunting the hatching sedges on the very top of the water and my word what FUN!  The fish have been circling on the surface, picking off the struggling insects with frantic flashes of speed and “aquabatics”! We are now opening at 6am Wednesday-Sunday so there is every reason to arise with the birds and come fishing.  When the mist is lifting off the water at daybreak, the air is still and the fishery is at its most peaceful, it is a truly magical time to fish and be at one with nature. If you haven’t fished at this time of day before, you must make an effort soon. It is, unfortunately, an all-too-short period of time in our fishing year and one to be seized upon whenever possible! (Please note the lodge opens at 7.30, so please sign-in in the shed).

NEWS ITEM:

We happily launched on Monday 4th May, the first meeting of the B.L.T.’s! This being the Brick farm Ladies Team (social). Our aim is simple; we intend to meet once a month and put together a team of ladies who, each month, will fish a two fish ticket (or more if desired) with a view to help and encourage and support each other. Perhaps there are some of you out there who would like to have a try for the first time, ones who have already fished but would like to improve and others who are already confident anglers but, perhaps would like to hold some FRIENDLY competitions in the future. There is no joining fee, just come along for a social get-together and let’s see what happens! Our first one was very successful with several ladies coming along and I’m sure this number will grow over the coming year. Next B.L.T’s meeting is 8th June, then 6th July starting at 10.30am. Just contact Annie at the Lodge for any more info (01323 832 615).

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES:

JUNE 20th (Saturday) … Come along and enjoy an evening of Mid-Summer fishing fun. Fish until dark to celebrate the Summer Solstice and enjoy a homemade supper of chili, rice, salad and crusty bread washed down perhaps with a beer, wine or cider from the bar. Wives, husbands and partners are welcome to join in the fun. If you would like to come just let us know ASAP to help with the catering arrangements.

JUNE 21st…. Father’s Day… Why not buy the Father in your life a Brick Farm Lakes fishing voucher? These can be a godsend for those difficult-to-buy-for chaps! They can be purchased from the Lodge or over the phone and posted on to you for convenience with the help of the wonderful card machine! No need to even leave your sofa! Call 01323 832615 today.

SEPTEMBER 26th … St. Michael’s Hospice Event… The annual Allan Keats Memorial Fly Fishing Day. Enjoy a glorious autumn day of fly fishing here at Brick Farm Lakes and support a very worthy cause. The cost is £52 for a four fish ticket with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and cake.  A wonderful trophy will be awarded at the end of the day and there will be, as always, a very generous raffle with countless prizes. To register contact Marcia Dart on 01424 456381 or email fundraising@stmichaelshospice.com

STOCKING… We continue to stock regularly with top class fish! Rainbow, Brown, Blue and now Golden trout to a good size are filling each of our three, very different, lakes. The stocking dates are clearly posted on our Website and Facebook page and also in the book in the signing-in shed. This Returns Book we would like to encourage our anglers to fill in on their departure.  It is a vital tool to maintain a consistent level of fish in the lakes. Many thanks.

To have a look at some of the beautiful fish caught over the last few weeks why not go to the Web/Facebook sites and see the lovely photos posted and the very happy faces of the lucky anglers.

FLIES…

Definitely Damsels! Certainly Sedges! Black is back! Maybe a Muddler?  Go to work on an Egg! Fast-tracked Cats! Oh-So-Slow below Buzzers!

Tight lines for flaming June.

APRIL NEWS FROM BRICK FARM LAKES!

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Cuckoo any day now here at Brick Farm Lakes and we are hoping he will bring a favourable wind with him! It seems that whichever direction it has been blowing from this month, it has been blooming parky! Yes, the sun has been shining down but you have still needed to wrap up tight and the log burner has still been roaring away. The fish have, consequently been tricky little devils to pin down at times and you have needed to keep moving to find the right spot. However, when you take the time to rove the lakes to find the shoaling fish it can pay off big time, resulting with a fast, furious, fun- packed and adrenaline filled session.

NEWS ITEMS…

We have extended our opening times with the changing season:  Commening on 29 April and for Weds to Sun inclusive (7.30am Mon and Tues) we will open the gate at  6am (signing-in in the shed please, Lodge open at 7.30am) and close at 8pm (last cast 7.45pm).  This will give you time to fit in a fishing session before or after work, sometimes these beginning or end-of-the-day hours can be the best times to fish!

The oak tree leaning at an increasingly precarious angle over Brick Lake has been felled carefully. It was found to be rotten at the base and would have left a legacy of snags for lines and flies. The timber will provide the wood to make some bench seating around the banks for your comfort. We have also added some new picnic benches near the Lodge for friends and family to enjoy the warmer weather.

We must tell you about our Summer Solstice fishing night to be held this year on Saturday 20th June (Sunday 21st being Father’s Day). We will be serving a good plateful of homemade chili with rice and salad. The bar in the Lodge will, of course, be open for those wanting a glass or two of beer, wine or cider and there will be tea and coffee available. We will be open for fishing until dark! Friends and families are welcome to come and join in with the fun. If you think you would like to come then just let us know ASAP so we can have a rough idea of numbers to cater for.

Recent stocking…

We are regularly stocking all three lakes with 2lb to 8lb rainbows, blues from 1lb 8oz up to 3lb plus and Browns from 2lb to 12lb!!! And of course there are those Golden Trout too.  Just have a look at our Facebook page or Web site for details of all the most recent good catches, stocking dates and all the latest photos. For fun we have added a Golden trout into Brick Lake this month. There is a two fish bounty on his nose for the person to catch him! More LARGE Blue trout to follow soon!

Flies of the moment…

Even with this wretched chilly wind the Sedges have begun to hatch on Well Lake this month bringing the fish to the surface.  Dry daddies have proved a good bet and CDC’s and similar have landed good fish. Brick Lake has seen the trout staying stubbornly deep and inters have been the best bet, or at least a good length leader and a weighted fly. Black and green “anything” has by far produced the most fish. The water on Stag Lake is crystal clear at the moment and flies such as damsels, tadpoles and cats whiskers have proved successful. Hope that helps but always ask us at the Lodge for the latest tip on the hot fly of the moment.

Tight lines for a lovely, warm visit in May.

Peter Verity - what a difference a day makes!!

Well this is certainly how to end a day!  Peter was disappointed not to catch during the Troutmasters on Sunday 12 April 2015, as might be imagined.  However, and as it turned out very fortuitously, Mary Carden was on hand to come to the rescue.  With a few words of fishing wisdom and encouragement he soon had a prize catch and what a consolation it turned out to be - a 3lb 3oz Blue trout caught on Brick Lake on a floating line using a black and green gold-head Montana.  The best fish of the day.  Congratulations, Peter and a big thank you to Mary on his and our behalf.  Smiles all round!!  Peter, as promised you are on my wall!!  All best wishes, Annie :)

Our Troutmasters finals held Sunday 12 April 2015 - really great day!!

Juniors and the Junior Troutmaster Winner Cerys Rogers and the Seniors with the Senior Troutmaster Winner Brian Wood - Congratulations to you both!

There were tricky conditions on the day - it was very bright and rather windy - but everyone persevered and in the end winners emerged.  It was a really great day thanks to all our competitors and I believe everyone really enjoyed the day.  Thank you to everyone who took part.  Well done!  More on our Junior runner up in the following news item!

Blues and Browns: Saturday 28 March 2015

We have just stocked some truly beautiful Blue Trout in all three Lakes - please see the Stocking section of our Home Page.  The Blues were at 1.5lbs but these are just a tantalizing taste of what is still to come!  The remaining Blues due for Brick Farm Lakes are being brought on to enable us to stock 2-3lb Blues in the coming months.  Some big Browns to join the ones already in our Lakes will also be stocked in the next few weeks.

Here are some of our anglers recent successes .........