Chew Valley Lake | Somerset Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

Yet again the wind has been too strong to allow many days with boats out. Yesterday (Sunday 17th March) was an exception as the wind moved round to the north and that is a pretty safe wind on Chew. So, those who braved the cold were well rewarded. Plenty of hard fighting well conditioned fish were caught.

Fishing Report Last Updated:

3 / 18 / 2019

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Blagdon Lake

Fishing Conditions

Fly Fishing Chew Valley Lake is currently Excellent

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:

Water flow:

Visibility: 30 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 44 Degrees F

Water condition: Stained

Best time of day to fish: bank - early and late, boats all day if cloudy, eve otherwise

Best stretch: Heron's Green Bay, North Shore, Woodford, Sailing Club frontage

Best access point: From Woodford Lodge

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

Midge - these are the predominant species from start to end of season. Corixae - all season but more important as weather warms. Fry patterns - especially late in season. Ants - for a couple of "hot" weeks in summer Terrestrials - all year

Fish species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, perch and pike

Fishing season: 8th March to end of October

Nearest airport: Bristol International Airport (about six miles away)

Recommended fly fishing leader: 15 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 3X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Clear Sink Tip Fly Line

Fly Name:	Fly Color:	Fly Size(s):
Midge	black	10, 12, 14
Birchell's Hatching Midge	claret/fiery brown	12, 14
Midge	red	12, 14
Birchell's Hatching Midge	natural	10, 12
March Brown Wet	natural	10, 12
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Wet	black or red	12, 14

Diawl Bach	natural	10, 12
Bob's Bits	claret, fiery brown,	12, 14
fry patterns	white, silver	8, 10
booby lure	black, orange	10

Chew Valley Lake Description

Chew Valley Lake at around 1400 acres is one of the largest reservoirs in the south of England. Construction work began on the lake in 1953 and in June 1956 it was officially opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Since then it has provided wonderful trout fishing for both local and visiting anglers.

Found to the south of Bristol and handily placed for flights into Bristol Airport, Chew ...

Techniques & Tips

For nymph fishing, long leaders and team of three flies - "buzzer" pupae in various colours. It is important to move the flies VERY slowly if at all! With dry fly, best to use two flies on a 10 - 12 foot leader spaced about five feet apart. 12 on the point and 14 on the dropper. For the pike a wire trace is compulsory, and as there are some very large fish in the lake, a minimum tippet strength of 25lbs is required. Large (2/0 and 3/0) bait immitations are best.

7-Day Forecast

Woodford, Walley and Villice all produced fish, and for bank men anywhere sheltered has been good. No report next week as I am out of internet connection whilst fishing abroad.