Fishing Reports
Report to 24th July
The lakes continue to fish well with the South lake still the pick of the bunch. Afternoon fishing has been dominated by damsel nymph twitched along slowly and fairly deep while everything changes heading towards evening when daddy long legs and Klinkhammer patterns have been rising the fish. The new bait lake has been attracting interest now that the annual 6 weeks holidays has begun and rods are averaging 6 fish per visit.
Darlingtons S Adamson(age 14) had a day to remember when he took 2 fish of 13lb and 8lb on his black and green fritz although he was helped along by Witton regular Bernie Mcewon to secure to second fish, we still think this as a great achievement.
Congratulations to Durham rod W Everitt who managed to pick up a tagged fish from the West lake. He left the fishery a happy man with a bottle of whiskey under his arm for his efforts.
On now to the unluckiest angler of the week. Bishop Auckland’s Steve Allinson was delighted to double hook up on buzzers until the fish fought in opposite directions and snapped him in a flash. Steve returned a couple of days later sporting a brand new(and expensive)fly line to try his luck again. This time he hit into one of Wittons "big fish" estimated at easily 20+lb.The fish run off across the big East lake and worked poor Steve's reel right down to the backing before they parted company. When he reeled in the slack line he was horrified to find his new fly line completely missing. At the time of writing neither the fish nor the line have been seen again.
Report to 11th July
This week has seen the second of our all night specials with Bishop Aucklands Lee Wilkinson leading the way with 14 fish (best 5lb) mostly on zonkers and fritz patterns, while Mr D Carnell wasn't far behind with a haul of 11(best 7lb) again on lures. Another all night special is arranged for Friday 23rd July 2010.
Now that the South Lake has returned to fly only, it continues to produce the goods with Durham rods J Bradley and A King returning 18 and 15 respectively without leaving the South lake. Meadowfields Bernie McKewon had a fantastic day returning 17(again on the South Lake),his day started on cats whisker and finished with CDC shuttlecocks. Meanwhile Bernie's long time fishing pal, Johnnie "no fish “Bean was over on the West lake having trouble landing 2 fish at the same time. It's the first time Johnnie has ever had a double hook up and he left the fishery delighted.
This Saturday(17th July) Witton Castle Lakes will host the Help The Heroes Day,so if you've ever wondered about fishing and want to learn or if you fancy just popping in for a cuppa and see what the lakes are all about then feel free to come along and you can help support a great cause at the same time. There will be fun and games with prizes large and small to be won (including a holiday), and don't forget that 3 times world champion Scott Mackenzie will be issuing advise, tips and tuition.
Many Thanks
Report to 5th July
The big news down at Witton Castle Lakes this week is the addition of a 4th lake.So that means that the bait fishing has now been moved on to the new lake and the South lake has become fly only again.This is bound to please many of the anglers who regard the South lake as one of our best.
Bishop Aucklands Alan Ross returned the best fish this week,estimated at 15 1/2lb on a damsel variant,while returning a further 6 in a great 4 hour session.Father and daughter team Paul and Sophie Coyle managed a lovely fish of 11lb ,fishing lures on an adult and junior ticket.Small dries have also come up trumps with Newcastle regular John Sharp returning a beauty of 14lb+ on a small black and white dry, which John has nicknamed "the magpie special".There has been a healthy smattering of fish in the 4-8lb range as the bigger fish start to come to the net again after the sweltering heat of the last few weeks.
This Friday(9th July) will see another all night session at the lakes(all details on our website).
Tagged fish kitty is now up to £120.
For more info please call (01388)488691 or www.wittoncastlelakes.co.uk
Reports - 21st June to 27th June
The evenings have continued to produce the best of the sport down at Witton Castle Lakes this week due to the roasting hot days and bright skies.Best flies and methods have been buzzer fishing for the evening rise and damsel nymph for through the middle of the day.
The Hoy and Hope Angling club braved the baking temperatures and were handsomely rewarded with Steve Cochrane bagging fine rainbows of 11lb 12oz,9lb 13oz and 2lb 6oz for his 3 bag limit and 1st prize thanks to his damsel nymph,Steve also released another 6 fish.Willingtons Terry Ross was top of the sport tickets releasing 15 rainbows by fishing the damsel close to the reed beds while Pontelands John Sharp wasn't far behind with 12 which included 2 cracking fish of 7lb mostly on the okey-dokey and sedgehog patterns.
The tag fish prize fund is now up to £90+ and all tickets can now enter the competition (£1 entry fee on signing in).
Due to the staggering rod average(13 fish per rod),Witton Castle Lakes are holding another all night session on Friday the 9th of July and this time the ticket prices will remain the same as normal opening times.So if you fancy just 4 hours of night time angling or if your going to be up all night then get booked in by calling (01388)488691
Report upto 20th June
A blistering hot week at Witton started with a bang for Consett rod E M Guis who caught and returned a beauty of a rainbow estimated at 14 lb.Crooks G Brown tricked a lovely fish of 7 1/2lb with that old Witton faithful the Dawsons Olive while fellow Crook angler Brian Conway returned 7 which included a nice 9lber returned to the East Lake.Now that the West and South lakes have been declared "weed free",work has now started to cut the big East lake and by the time you read this the lake will have achieved the same high standard and good sport should lay ahead.
Due to the high demand,Witton's "tagged" fish competition has been extended to include all sport and 1 fish tickets.All you have to do is pay an extra £1 on signing in and hope to catch the taggy.As an extra bonus,the tagged fish kitty will be paid to the next angler to catch it(regardless of your bag limit or ticket status).
Thank you to those who supported the night time solstice session and we are glad that you enjoyed the hospitality and exceptional sport.Mr D Holmes coming out on top keeping 3 and releasing a further 24 fish,While Rookhope's Adam Collinson kept 3 and released the same again on yellow zonker but we're sure he won't forget the huge double figure rainbow that was lost right at the net.
All the details for the Help The Heroes day are really starting to come together and we at Witton Castle Lakes are honoured to give you a sneak preview of what is to come.The lakes will welcome 3 time World Champion distance Spey caster Scott Mackenzie for tuition and advice to all us mortals in the art of the double handed fly rod, also thanks to our partners at Witton Castle Country Park there will be some major prizes on offer in our Help The Heroes fly fishing competition.I hope this wets your appetite for what will be a special day at the lakes on the 17th July.Proceeds to 3 rifles ,the North East Regiment.Watch this space more details to follow.
Report upto 14th June
It has been a bit of a mixed bag for weather this last week at Witton but those geared up for whatever was thrown at them have had some excellent sport with lots of top of the water action keeping rods bending through out the day.Gareth Tilley from Lanchester returned 19 fish on a sporting ticket,Durham rod W Ormison also on a sporting ticket returned 11 rainbows,Stanhope angler B Irwin took a 3 fish bag limit including a nice fish of 6lb 4ozs.
Top flies have included Hoppers,Daddies,PTN,CDC and buzzers in black and olive.
Report upto 6th June
Blistering hot weather and warm water temperature has made the afternoons difficult at Witton Castle Lakes. However, early mornings and evenings are coming into their own and continue to fish well with small diawl bach patterns working best.
Newton Aycliffe's Ron Hutton was this weeks top rod, banking 13 rainbows and 4 cracking brownies while Crook's Brian Conway wasn't too far behind with 12, which included a brown trout estimated at 8lb.Most of these fish fell to diawl bachs fished very slowly.
The big fish are keeping their heads down at the moment but plenty of top quality rainbows in the 4-8lb range coming off the water. One or two Mayfly starting to show and although the fish haven't quite switched on to them yet, they will soon.
Remember the all night special on Saturday 19th June is coming up fast; this gives you the rare opportunity to fish the Lakes all through the night so if you want to take up this opportunity ring the lakes on 01388 488691 and book your place.
Report upto 16th May
The sporting tickets have had the best of the action this week at Witton Castle Lakes with many anglers getting heavy bags. At the moment Large olives, Alder and Hawthorn fly are hatching in abundance means that the top of the water sport is at its best right now. Durham’s Stevie Freak's haul of 28 included 2 doubles that were fooled by his floating hare's ear, on his second visit this week Stevie managed 32 best being a good fish of 9 lb. Visiting angler Brian Mulholland struck into 30 mostly on nymph patterns while Durham's Paul Embleton kept up his good average with a return of 22 on CDC and diawl bach.
Two big fish were taken from the water this week, the best of which fell to visiting angler Mr R lake with a good rainbow of 12lb 2oz and Sunderland rod K Clark with a fin perfect 10lber.
The bait lake continues to entertain with rods averaging between 4 and 5 fish per visit.
A special mention must go to regular rod John "no fish" Bean who after casting out, put his rod down to get a sandwich and turned back in time to see his rod disappear out into the middle of the lake. After launching the boat and retrieving the rod, John found a very nice brown trout of about 6lb was the culprit. His long time friend and fishing partner Bernie Mckewon's laughter could be heard all over the fishery.
Report upto 9th May
On to the big fish now and Darlington's Mr S McBean returned a beauty estimated at 20lb plus and Staindrop's Lee Thompson took home a lovely rainbow of 11lb on black buzzer.
Back to Paul Embleton and today i had the pleasure of seeing a fish playing an angler instead of the other way round. Paul (as we all know is a dab hand with a fly rod) struck into a modest fish of around 2lb on the big East Lake. He then promptly tripped over his bag and took a nose dive into the lake, somehow managing to keep in touch with the fish and as he rose to his feet, he calmly scooped the fish into the net, despite all his laughter
Report up to 4th May
We were all set this week to mention the swifts returning to the lakes and how summer is just around the corner when that dreaded North wind came back with a vengeance.Don't cast your clout till May is out has never seemed so apt.Newton Aycliffes Ron Hutton along with Durham rod Stevie Freak enjoyed a lovely days fishing.The day finished in an amicable draw with both releasing 11 on a wide variety of flies.The Holmes family from Darlington left the fishery happy,Mr S Holmes with a nice 5 lber,Mr T Holmes with a 4 lber and best of the bunch Mr D Holmes with a cracking fish of 10 1/4lb that fell to his cats whisker.Spennymoors Geoff Wharton and West Aucklands Fred Walton also feature heavily in this weeks returns releasing 14 and 11 respectively on CDC and nymph patterns.
Witton Castle Lakes played host to the rotary clubs annual fishing competition won by Mr C Richardson with 3 nice rainbows of 6 1/2,2 3/4 and 2lb.
Fishing has certainly improved over the last few weeks with steady hatches of olives most days and the occasional appearance of alder fly in good numbers.
Tight lines
Report up to 25th April
Despite freezing cold winds and cloudless skies there has still been some cracking action down at Witton Castle Lakes.Top of the opinion polls is Kevin Blackwood of Leadgate who hit in to a big rainbow of 14 1/2lbs(fly unknown).While Chopwell rod Ian Purvis had his string pulled by a beauty of 11 1/2lb on a black fritz.Crook's Brian Conway left the fishery a happy man with a nice 6lb fish in the bag that fell to his cats whisker.
Tony and Jenny Ward of Wearhead braved the North wind for their first outing of the season and managed a nice bag of 4lb,3 3/4lb and 2 1/2lb on the ever popular husband and wife ticket.
On to the one fish tickets(formerly the catch and release permits) and Durham's Paul Embleton showed what can be done with buzzers returning 24 on a memorable day.
Report up to 18th April
Another nice sunny week down at Witton castle lakes and although the fishing has been testing at times, the anglers fishing nymphs, spiders and dries have still been producing the goods bags.
Visiting angler Mr S Peart returned a staggering 28 fish including a nice rainbow estimated at 12lb.He was fishing a team of 2 diawl bach's very slowly just sub surface.
Ray Anderson of Hunwick is without doubt the star of the week, taking a superb looking 10 1/2lb blue trout from the big East lake. Ray was drifting a black buzzer around in Stronach Bay when the blue monster struck.
The bait lake continues to fish well with rods averaging around 6 fish per visit with worm 2 foot down giving the best results.
Report to 11th April
A beautiful spring week down at Witton Castle Lakes can mean only one thing. That's right folks, It's buzzer time as proved by Cockfields Ryan Mathews. Ryan is a regular rod at the lakes and his switch from lures to buzzers this week has given him returns of 15,14,12,5 and 14.Most impressive of all is his rod average for the year so far, hovering around the 16 mark per visit.
The Troutmasters final "fish off" took place on Saturday 10th April and was won by Crook rod Brian Conway with Consetts Sophie Coyle winning the junior section.
The best of the big fish fell to Evenwood's Mr G Dawson, whose lovely rainbow pulled the scales down to 12 3/4lb.Mr C Burnicle and J Goldsbrough also made it to double figures with 10 1/2lb and 10lb respectively.
Report to 4th April
Heavy squally showers and cold winds have dominated this week at Witton Castle Lakes. Despite the poor conditions the lakes have continued to produce the goods with small nymph patterns fishing best. The fish are showing on the top but don't be fooled, best method has been a small hare's ear and pheasant tail nymph patterns fished slowly just under the surface.
A superb double fell to Mr S Hassell of Richmond. It tipped the scales at 18lb and was outwitted by Mr Hassles own creation fly nicknamed "the haemorrhoid"(a sort of damsel imitation with a gold body and black hair-wing).Newton Aycliffes Ron Hutton had a day to remember returning 27 fish and taking home a beauty of 10 1/2lb.Crook's Mr H Haughan also weighed in with a nice double of 10lb 2 oz. Durham rod Andy Viney enjoyed his visit returning 12 including a very nice rainbow of 9 1/2 lb.
Report until 28th March
Spring is in the air at Witton castle Lakes with house martins returning to the lakes after their winter migration.
Durham Angler Mr S Campbell took the fish of the week award with a beauty rainbow of 11lb with his diawl bach. Pelton rod Mr H Vaughan just managed to make double figures with his 10lb rainbow and Andrew Viney from Consett almost made it to a double, just falling short but with a splendid fish of 9 1/2 lb.
Sport anglers are enjoying good bags with Cockfields Ryan Mathews continuing his fine form releasing 10 to a variety of flies.
Good Friday will see the opening of the Witton Castle Lakes Bait pond as the South Lake gives way to bait anglers. Anglers will be allowed to fish worm and sweet corn under a float for the 1st time at Witton and I’m sure there will be a few surprises as despite our best efforts there are still big rainbows in the lake. Pegs are limited and I urge you to book your place from Friday onward, call Tom or John on (01388)488691
Tight lines and happy Easter
Up to 21st March
Witton Castle Lakes continues to fish well with over 140 fish caught this week alone. The pick of the bunch found its way to Rob Frame's net and tipped the scales at 10lb 4oz. This fine fish was released back to the water unharmed and will thrill another angler another day. Rob was fishing as part of a 30 rod outing by the newly formed madabouttrout.co.uk, Everybody enjoyed the fishery and we wish these lads and lassies well in both their angling and their charity fund raising. The biggest of this weeks fish, a beauty of 17lbs went to Leadgate angler Joe Myers and a 15lb specimen fell to Darlington rod Graham Robson using that old Witton faithful the Dawson's Olive.
On to the big bags and Bishop Auckland’s Anthony Brough logged a fantastic 16 fish haul which included a nice 4 1/2 lb rainbow. Not far behind was Durham rod Andrew George and Dan Sefton who returned 14 each, Andrew recording a nice 5lb brown trout.
It was a clean sweep for the Appleby family in the final of this year’s Winter League with dad Peter taking 1st place with sons Dean and Glen finishing 2nd and 3rd. Thank you to everyone who took part and for supporting the Lakes through a really tough winter.
Tom and John
Report until 15th March
Through the week the fishing has continued to be tough at times at Witton Castle Lakes, with just a small window of opportunity as the afternoon sun heats things up. However, just like throwing a switch, everything changed on Friday. This week’s new stock of fish coupled with some warmer days really turned the fishing from tough to tremendous. Sparse damsel nymph patterns and small black fritz patterns are also producing the goods along with red blood worm patterns. Staindrop rod Lee Thompson had a field day returning 11 on a 4 hour ticket, the best being a brownie of around the 3lb mark.
The quality fishing continued through Saturday with Meadowfield's Bernie McEwan losing count of fish he released by dinner time. Bishop Auckland junior member Ryan Mathews found his form again releasing 14 and Newton Aycliffe's Dean Appleby putting back 11 on his 4 hour outing.
The final of the Winter competition will take place on Sunday 21st March commencing at 10.00am gook luck to all the anglers participating.
Report up to 7th March
Crisp cold mornings followed by beautiful spring afternoons have re-awoken Witton Castle Lakes from its winter slumber. The fishing at times has been testing as the water temperature remains very cold however, there is usually that window of opportunity in the afternoon as things heat up a bit.
The star of the show this week was no doubt the 8lb overwintered brown trout that Mr M Connerton managed to fool with his small black fritz mini lure. This fine specimen really did put up a cracking battle and was truly fin perfect, a fine fish. Mr and Mrs Ward from Wearhead took advantage of the husband and wife ticket to bag a nice brace of 3lb each, While Newton Aycliffe rod Ron Hutton secured a nice rainbow in the 4lb range. Witton regular Alan Ross of Bishop Auckland bagged up in 3 hours and returned a lovely brown trout of 4lb.Mr Huey Martin of Chopwell left the fishery a happy man with a nice 4lb fish.
A very special mention now for Mr Norman Midgley of Leadgate who went through all last year without catching a brownie. He was getting so desperate to catch one that it became a bit of a running joke down at the lakes. Norman on his first visit of this season managed to catch not one but two brownies estimated at 2lb each. Well done at last Norman.
As you can see from this week’s report, the brown trout are featuring heavily. It is well worth changing your tactics a little just now to get some quality sport from these fine fighting fish. As the temperatures rise (that's optimism for you), these fish will become harder and harder to catch.
Tom and John
Up to March 1st
The 3rd heat of the Witton Castle Lakes Winter League took place on Sunday 28th Feb.8 anglers battled it out in a tightly fought match with Newton Aycliffe's Dean Appleby in 1st place, Peter Mathews of Cockfield in 2nd and Peter Appleby in 3rd place. Westgate’s Paul Tennick qualified for the final in 4th position.
The lakes opened for the 2010 season on Saturday the 27th of Feb with lots of fish caught. Top flies were zonkers, cats whiskers, Dawsons olive and black fritz. Best fish of the day was a lovely 12 3/4lb overwintered rainbow of superb quality caught by Mr D. Smales. Another nice rainbow of 10lb 8oz was caught by Mr P. long. Still a few positions left in the winter competition if you fancy giving it a go (and maybe winning some cash),then phone Tom or John on 01388 488691.
Mr John Ord has started as the new fishery officer at Witton Castle Lakes and i'm sure you'll join me in wishing him well. John has always been a regular fixture at the lakes and will be known to most of you already. However, it has often been said that John “can” catch a fish in a coal shed" and his advice to visiting anglers is already in hot demand.
Tight lines for the season
Tom and John
Witton Castle Lakes report week-ending 21/2/2010
Again the weather got the upper hand on Sunday regarding the winter competition with ice affecting the lakes again. Although ice was on the water lakes staff broke up the ice and there was open water available for the few hardy anglers who braved the weather.
C. Bradman returned 8 fish up to 5lb, Paul Tenwick returned 6 fish with other anglers over the opening period of Thursday, Friday and Saturday catching fish every day. Although the winter period has been severe the fish caught have been in good condition which should bode well for the opening day of the new season which is Saturday 27th February 2010.
Bookings are still being taken for the opening day so if you wish to book your place please ring Witton Castle lakes on 01388 488691 or Keith Robson on 01388 818720. The lakes are now closed for maintenance work until Saturday 27th February.
We still intend to complete the winter competition over the next few Sundays so if you still wish to enter the remaining competition heats please ring the above numbers leaving your name and tel number and we will contact you regarding the heats.
Planned dates (subject to change)
· Sunday 28th February
· Sunday 7th March
· Sunday 14th March
· Final day 21st March
FISHERY REPORT - 17th. FEBRUARY 2009
Witton castle Lakes continue to 'produce the goods'. Now that the ice and snow have gone the three lakes have been in perfect condition all week and anglers have been out in force to enjoy the excellent fishing. Fish have been taken on a great variety of flies but Cat's Whisker, Blue Zonker and Pink Bloodworm have proved to be the most successful patterns.
In addition to the many over-wintered fish the lakes have been fully restocked with excellent fully-finned fish ranging from a minimum of two pounds to over twenty pounds in weight. As the temperature rises it should not be long before the usual top-of-the-water action begins.
Ryan Barron of Coxhoe, fishing a Cat's Whisker, took a cracking fish of 12lb. 8oz. whilst his friend and fishing companion, Joe Forster of Birtley, reeled in a superb 9lb. specimen. The name on everyone's lips this last week has been that of 14 year-old Ryan Matthews of Cockfield. Now known as 'The Wizard of Witton' he spent three days of his half-term showing the adults how to catch fish. With daily catches of 21, 32 and 15 fish, the best weighing an estimated fifteen and a half pounds, this is probably one of the best-ever three-day catches from the lakes.
Other large fish caught included one of around 15lb. returned by Middlesbrough rod Derek Grabham whilst another Teesside angler, Terry Sharp, returned eleven fish taken on a Cat's Whisker.
Witton Castle Lakes Report Weekending 14/2/2010
The lakes have been fishing well with fish being caught on floating lines and Sinking/intermediate lines. Patterns that have been catching fish include Bloodworm patterns, Black buzzers, Dawson’s olives, Spider patterns and Black Zonkers. Fish have been showing on the top of the water at times during the day.
Father and son regulars Peter and Ryan Matthews returned 6 fish on Saturday between them. John Mcgarrell who fished on Friday enjoyed good sport on the floating line returning 8 fish for the day.
Response from anglers towards the new ticket pricing structure has been very positive.
It was hoped to run one of the heats for the winter competition on Sunday 14th February, but again a hard frost overnight iced up the West Lake causing the competition heat to be cancelled.
Heats for the competition are still planned for
· Sunday 21st February
· Sunday 28th February
· Sunday 7th March
· Sunday 14th March
· Final day 21st March
Please ring Witton Castle Lakes on 01388 488691 or Keith Robson on 01388 818720 and reserve your place leaving your Name and Tel no.
There were parts of the East and South lakes available for the pleasure anglers to fish and those who ventured out enjoyed sport. Mr Tennick fishing on a full ticket enjoyed an excellent days fishing using spider patterns and a Dawson’s olive with a red tail.
We will be open on Thursday 18th February, Friday 19th February, Saturday 20th February and Sunday 21st February (competition heat day) we will then be closed until the Official opening day of the new season which is Saturday 27th February.
Remember you can book your place for the opening day by ringing Witton Castle Lakes 01388 488691 or Keith Robson on 01388 818720 to reserve your place. FULL TICKETS ONLY THAT DAY.
Places are being booked already so don’t delay too long or you just might miss out.
Report Weekending 7th February
The ice age is over!!! After nearly 5 weeks of the harshest winter weather, Witton Castle Lakes has come back with a bang. A heavy stock of fish was introduced to the lakes just before the icing over of all the lakes. Now that the ice has retreated, these fish are in a cracking condition and most of them have never seen a fly before, which promises some exciting days ahead.
Top of the pile was Mr J Ord of Bishop Auckland who caught and released 7 beauties ,including 8lb , 3lb and 3lb. Visiting angler Mr Bob Hollis had a lovely day on the Sedge Hog releasing 6 with the best going to 6lb.
The fish can be found on the top for a short period in the afternoon, but a small black buzzer dropped below the dry seems to be producing the more consistent results.
Report for Weekending 31st January
The lakes are now open again after the ice and anglers are catching fish, husband and wife anglers Peter and Ann MacLean were successful with floating lines and bloodworm patterns. Also successful was John McGarrell who hooked and landed fish, again with floating line and bloodworm patterns. Sinking lines with lures and damsel Nymphs were also proving successful.