ST MICHAEL FLY FISHERS

Scorching heat, crystal-clear waters, and a test of skill—our day at Chalk Springs was one to remember.

Coming to Rockbourne to celebrate the anniversary was an easy call to make - such a beautiful fishery and very much a members' favourite. 

The weather was kind for our first meet of 2025 and it did not take long before rods were bending, and fish being taken on a variety of fly’s. 

It was a little challenging, but most people had caught at least one fish by lunchtime.

This was the clubs second visit to Holbury Lane Lakes, and if there was ever a day for wellies, this was it!

A very wet start to the day, resulted in our AGM taking place ahead of our final fish of 2023, when we competed for the George Wilding Memorial Trophy. 

We had sole use of the fishery, this visit so we only had one rule which was free roaming but change lakes on catching a fish. 

A return to this Trout Fishery in the New Forest. The club’s previous visit was in April 2022, which set a record in 2022 for the largest total weight caught in a day 

Most visible fish in the main lake were shoaling in a figure of eight in the center. As we had heavy frosts, most people opted for intermediates or sinking tips. 

It was a pleasure to support the Fishing For Schools Charity Match Event along with some very familiar celebrities 

Fish were caught quite quickly in zones 1 and 2. The usual flies proved successful and by lunch all but three members had at least one or two fish. 

The weather was kind and the fishery was been well stocked, with 3 big fish recently added. 

Probably the prettiest venue we attend as a club. All 4 lakes just for us. Happy Days! 

Generally a good fishing day with the odd pike and perch landed due to recent flooding!

The forecast had looked good and the early mist was lending a very atmospheric quality to proceedings. 

This was the clubs first visit to this picturesque fishery, with four lakes, crystal clear water, and different challenges for fishing. 

Fed by the pristine waters of the Hampshire Avon, Manningford was a new group experience for St Michael Fly Fishers. 

The fishing was demanding as a result of the strong winds, however the newly stocked fish fought well and provided a great challenge. 

On this bright and crisp morning, it didn’t take long for the first fish to be in the nets - actually, before some of us got a fly anywhere near the water!

Back to JOG for our Pairs Competition -a good day’s fishing with a total of 66 fish recorded 

The sun came out and it was a beautiful warm day. There were 21 anglers and ample room around each lake. 

Having negotiated exclusive use, despite low numbers, Albury proved to be great start to the 2024 season.

We return to John O Gaunt for our Pairs Competition which we had to abandon last June due to to the weather.

This return to the stunning Lakedown turned out to be one of the best fishing days our club has experienced for some time.

Everyone got off to a good start at this new venue, with most catching early on the faithful damsel patterns and then smaller flies as the day progressed.