Wimbleball Fly Fishing Through The Seasons

Wimbleball Reservoir is a centre for many activities. Some seek the thrill of water sports, while others enjoy a relaxing walk and there are few better places to enjoy a picnic with the family. But there is much more to Wimbleball than meets the eye. As sailing boats skim merrily across the surface and day trippers chatter between mouthfuls of cheese and pickle, shoals of hungry Rainbow Trout hunt down their prey. Watch carefully and every now and again a flash of silver, followed by a splash, signals the presence of this much-admired game fish. Exploding from their crystal-clear world, the trout are in pursuit of various insects; behaviour that renders them vulnerable to fly-fishing tactics. Throughout the year from late March to November anglers travel far and wide in the hope that they may tempt a trout to accept their lure. But if success is to be theirs an understanding of the seasons, the fly life and the moods of this varied venue are paramount to success.

Kicking off with a chilly early-season session there is little point in trying to meticulously match the hatch as this high altitude lake offers little in the way of natural food. Instead head for the deep water and take advantage of newly-introduced stock fish with brightly-coloured lures. Blobs and Boobys are favourite patterns fished on fast-sinking lines, although a large black lure such as a Tadpole may well prove the demise of resident ‘overwintered’ fish that remain uncaught from the previous season. Long and lean, these quality trout sport a mercury-silver livery and are a highly-prized catch.

Decent windproof clothing will keep out the bitter north-easterlies and I never head to Wimbleball without a warm drink. Even during the height of summer the weather can take a turn for the worse as a weather system rolls in over Haddon Hill and it is no place to be caught unprepared. Comfortable anglers definitely catch more fish and although I am no fairweather fisherman I must admit to yearning for late April and the month of May. These are exciting times on the reservoir as midge larvae (Bloodworm) transform into pupa (commonly referred to as ‘buzzers’ by fly anglers), swim to the surface and hatch. The resulting banquet does not go unnoticed for long and soon the eager trout throw caution to the wind as these helpless insects are subjected to wave after wave of attack. Morning and evening provide anglers with the greatest opportunity to capitalise on the feast, although an overcast day with high air temperatures spells consistent sport for the lucky fly fisher timing their trip to coincide with these conditions. Try a floating line with a Black Hopper fished dry to imitate the hatching pupa.

The Black Hopper is also a brilliant imitation of another insect preyed upon by Wimbleball trout; the Hawthorn fly. This large terrestrial insect is blown from the safety of the waterside vegetation on to the lake and can entice fish to feed within feet of the shoreline. Drift a boat along the margins (taking care to steer clear of bank anglers) looking for rising fish or travel light with a box of Black dry flies and ambush fish from the bank. The water is so clear that often fish can be seen sipping the naturals from the surface before succumbing to a well-presented dry artificial, exciting sport that sets the pulse racing and more than justifies a long walk. Besides, Wimbleball is surrounded by stunning countryside and offers the chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy some solitary fishing. Pack a rucksack with some sandwiches and a fly box and head for the tranquillity of Cowmoor. You won’t regret it!

beautiful wimbleball Shortly after the Hawthorn hatch, another fly begins to emerge that offers perhaps the most substantial meal a Wimbleball trout can hope to encounter. Mayflies are generally associated with river fishing and particularly the Southern Chalk streams. However, Wimbleball is home to its very own hatch of this elegant insect. Travel along the bank from Valentine’s Bay below the woodland and head towards the neck of the Upton Arm keeping your eyes peeled for signs of life. A boat is the most convenient way to target the trout feasting on the emerging mays and well worth the extra expense, especially if one of the resident wild Brown Trout puts in an appearance. Row to the picturesque Upton Arm by all means, it will keep you fit, but personally I like to sit back and enjoy the extravagance of an engine. Boats and engines are available for hire through South West Lakes Trust who manage and sell the permits for fishing on Wimbleball.

The last few years have delivered heavy summer rain, but the air temperatures have remained consistently high; conditions that can result in hard fishing. Dip your hand in the lake during the summer and you may be surprised to find that the surface feels tepid. These circumstances are not relished by trout and so, using the great depths that Wimbleball has to offer, they head down, searching for cool layers of water known as thermoclines. Try the deep water available around Farm Bay, in the middle of Cowmoor or lapping at the stanchions of Bessom Bridge and look out for cormorants – these big black birds always know where the fish are! Even an experienced Wimbleball angler can become frustrated during the dog days of summer, although there is a solution. Set the alarm clock to time your arrival and first casts just as the sun begins to dawn. I have had spectacular sport at this time of day, fishing imitative tactics from the shoreline as the trout take advantage of the cooler water and lower light levels. By 9am it can all be over.

fly fisherman holding a troutHeading into autumn the fishing can be mixed, but this is where a little experience can help. Never concentrate on just one area of water, instead divide the lake into lots of small lakes and devote time to sections such as Bessoms, Ruggs Bay, the Sailing Club and Cowmoor, for example. When you find the fish, stick with them! Wimbleball trout can become tightly packed and it is quite possible to move a drifting boat just a few yards to the right or left and suddenly begin to enjoy some action. If you are totally new to the venue then employing the services of a fly-fishing guide is money well spent, reducing many months of trial and error. The lake closes in October although occasionally the season extends to November. This can be a brilliant time as the water layers cool and the resident fish begin feeding in earnest ready for the long winter ahead. Many and varied tactics will account for fish during this period which is perhaps Wimbleball’s greatest attraction. It’s like ten different venues all rolled into one and it is for this reason that I urge you to pack your tackle and try it out for yourself.

From Issue 51, Summer 2010