Angling Report
The latest news from the banks and boats
| Report for week ending: 19th April, 2026 |
| Rod average : 4.01 |
| Best fish : 3lb 10ozs rainbow |
| Caught by : Mr. P. Walker |
| From : the bank |
| Fly used : black buzzer |
| Best Dry Flies : Hawthorn ; black hopper ; Bibio (fished as a dry fly) |
| Best Wet Flies/Nymphs : black buzzer ; Hare’s Ear ; Diawl Bach ; pheasant tail nymph |
| Best Lures : Cat’s Whisker ; goldhead Montana ; black & green tadpole ; orange fritz ; weighted white & green minkie |
| Best Areas : Rainbow Corner (Mon, Tues, Fri only for bank) ; Old Man’s ; Watery Lane ; Mary Lou’s ; Dougie’s ; Mickledale Bay ; Boathouse Bay ; Ten Acre Bay |
Summary Report
Boats, banks and buzzers …
Despite the changeable conditions continuing until the end of the week there have been some excellent returns again. Both the banks and the boats have provided great sport with many fish being still to be found feeding nearer to the margins.
Experienced anglers have fished across the wind with great results, especially where the wind has been blowing across the mouths of bays or prominent points such as Mickledale Bay, Mary Lou’s and Dougie’s. Nature is now starting to dictate the trout’s dietary choices with buzzers, nymphs and very small lures producing some great results. Boat anglers fishing the edges of the wind lanes or ‘slicks’ have found these to be very productive at between 2 and 4 feet deep. Two bank matches at the weekend produced steady sport for both Coppenhall Fly Fishers and the Northwest Fly Fishers on Saturday and Sunday respectively and it was a pleasure to host them. Winner of the Coppenhall match was Mr. Phil Dixon; 2nd place went to Mr. Ian Buckley and 3rd place went to Mr. Mark Morris. Meanwhile, Northwest Fly Fishers returned 40 fish between them on what was a great day out with plenty of laughter and sporting banter.
Creditworthy returns this week include – on the 13th, the week got off to a good start for Permit holder Mr. David Beswick with 8 fish from the banks on green and black lures, black buzzers and montana patterns ; on the following day Season Permit holder Dr. Ian Davison recorded a total of 22 fish from the banks of the South Lake with Green Pea and Cat’s Whisker proving to be very productive patterns, while Permit holder Mr. Paul Wade returned 8 fish from the banks on olive lures and visiting rod Mr. Peter Roberts netted 12 fish from the banks, all tempted by buzzers. Great returns continued on the 15th for Permit holder Mr. Phil Roper with 12 fish returned and visiting rod Mr. Darren Dodd recorded 11 fish during his session with Pitsford Pea and black buzzers working very well. On the 16th Permit holder Mr. Stacey Savage returned a total of 24 fish from the South Lake banks with his trusted goldhead Diawl Bach pattern proving to be a hit once again while on the same day, visiting boat rods Mr. Andrew Esplin and Mr. Dave Smalley recorded 14 fish to their boat, mainly to nymph imitations and Diawl Bach. Visiting rods Mr. Paul Cooper and Mr. Glyn Cooper enjoyed some brotherly competition on the 18th returning 15 fish between them from the banks – Paul just pipped Glyn and took the victory with Black Pennell, damsels and various nymph patterns. Rounding off the very much improved week of sport on the 19th were visiting boat pair Mr. Davies and Mr. Thistleton with 22 fish to their boat ; visiting rod Mr. Chris Taylor recorded 18 fish to his boat on orange lures and visiting bank angler Mr. David Morris returned 11 from the banks on buzzer patterns.
Northwest Fly Fishers weighing-in after a great day on the banks, 19th April 2026
Photo courtesy of NWFF
A clarification is required this week to all anglers regarding the Rules on boats and their proximity to the banks. As our Rules state, boat anglers must not motor or drift within 100 meters of the banks when bank anglers are already present . However (and we ask bank anglers to also note this), if no bank anglers are present, a boat may drift in to the margins and fish the full drift before moving out again. Bank anglers arriving at that part of the bank AFTER the boat drift has started must wait until the boat has finished the drift and moved out again before starting to fish.
Please remember to submit a fully completed return at the end of your session – once again this year we will be continuing the popular Lucky Draw, where 2 winners each month will win either a 4 hour permit or a 4 hour boat ticket. The first draw takes place at the end of April.
Vehicle tracks remain open giving full access around the South Lake. The prospects for the week ahead look excellent with settled high pressure and rising temperatures. Black buzzers, hare’s ear nymphs and Diawl Bach continue to produce great results as are Cat’s Whisker, white & green minkie, green pea, Yellow Dancer and black & green lure patterns. Weekly stocking continues and the North Lake is open to Permit holders only, until 1st May.
For the latest information on conditions and track access please call our Duty Bailiffs on 07974 263338.
We look forward to seeing you soon.