Bill Morris Shares His Thoughts on Fishing Early in the Season

‘The fishing season for 2022 has kicked off and things are stirring on the riverbanks down in Brokenborough. The two beats are running clear and low with some blanket weed on the bottom because of the winter nitrate release from the fields. A wet April would improve things greatly, rather like last year’s wet spring which, was a delight for the anglers. Major showers just before the Mayfly kicked-off resulting in the best fishing ever experienced by the season rods – long may it continue.

‘I took a walk on opening day and saw fish rising to olives, but they will prove difficult to catch until the undergrowth gives anglers the cover they need. The path down to the hut on beat one is slippery now, please take care and use the rope provided. A large pike was seen at the bottom of beat two and there seems to be the usual number of Herons about. Hopefully this shows there is a healthy stock of trout. My advice would be that gold heads work at this time of year and be sure to cast into all the likely holes. Give it a go for an early fish and I look forward to seeing you on the bank.’

To read Bill Morris’ review of 2021 please click here.

To find out more about the fishing syndicate or to apply for the syndicate here at Charlton Park Estate please click here.

Mayfly Heaven at Charlton Park Estate’s Brown Trout Fly Fishery

A Review by Bill Morris

Welcome to fly fishing at Charlton Park, a unique trout fishery along a delicate small wild Cotswolds stream with a great Mayfly hatch for natural brown trout located between the Gloucestershire town of Tetbury and the Wiltshire town of Malmesbury.

Last year 2021 was the best with fantastic high clear water at peak mayfly time, the fishing being better than the best stretches of the river. Unfortunately, that is becoming a rare experience with water extraction and nitrate pollution affecting even this small stream on a year-by-year basis. The fishing is therefore best in May and June with other months regarded as shoulder months for the odd fish.

The river is small and has its fair share of brambles and overhanging trees. There are open areas and stretches covered by trees, perfect for all tastes. The fish are wild, with stocking having ceased over 8 years ago. Spawning beds were put in by the Environment Agency some 20 years ago and there is no need to introduce stocked alien fish which frighten the local river residents! Stock are mainly half pound beautifully marked fish with a fair smattering of fish to 2lb, mainly at Mayfly time.

Brown trout are the primary fish but there has been an increasing amount of chub also caught   to large sizes. Flies include black and grey klinkhammers at the start of the year with the grey wulff reigning supreme at mayfly time

Long rods are best to reach over the reed beds 3 wt or 4 wt with long handled landing nets to reach the fish and even more importantly safe recovery and release of the fish. Please take special care of this precious resource. I know of one 4lb fish that was caught over 6 times last year and was seen spawning at the end of the year so the benefits of catch and careful release are enormous. Nymph is allowed but dry fly is best, barbless only with mandatory catch and release unless the fish has been damaged. Emergers are also very effective.

The syndicate is limited to a maximum of 15 rods on a unique any day basis it’s rare to meet anyone else, perfect for a few hours after work. I hope to welcome you to the river and offer a few hours guiding to cast you off on our idyllic river. To apply for the fishing syndicate please click here to visit our online application form.

For more information about Charlton Park Estate, any other events facilities at the Estate please contact the Estate Office; events@charltonparkestate.com