I decided it was time to pay Ladybower a visit for a day’s fly fishing. For one reason and another, I had not fished this water for some time, but on arrival I quickly noticed that the fishery had undergone a few changes. For starters, Mr Alan Parnell, who was fishery manager for as long as I can remember, has now retired and there is now a new lease owner with new ideas and a generous stocking policy. Dave Smith is fishery Manager; he was very friendly and helpful, eagerly pointing out the areas that were producing fish, so expectations were high.
We opted to fish from the boat and set off across the reservoir heading up the North arm towards Millbrook Bay. There were quite a few olive dunns coming off and the fish were taking them close to the bank, so I put a gold headed hare’s ear nymph on the point and an olive nymph on the dropper. It was not long before I was into a lively rainbow that fought well.
Ladybower Rainbow Trout taken on nymph
The scenery really is stunning at Ladybower and the fishing was good. I had landed six rainbows, even hooking two at once, which was a challenge, but I eventually managed to net them both! We then drifted right up to the aquaduct, searching for a resident brownie, but to no avail. However, I did manage to catch a few greedy perch, so having had some great sport we called it a day but Ladybower will definitely be getting another visit sometime soon.
Brace of full finned Ladybower Rainbow Trout
The stocking programme for the season is 5000 fish with 15% of these being brown trout, which is approximately 600 fish a week. There are a multitude of day ticket options to suit everyone. If you want to book a boat, call Dave at fishery office on 01433 659712 or visit their website at www.ladybowerfisheries.co.uk.
