Barrow Angling Association Summer 25 Newsletter

Hello again.

Well, we hope you have all managed to get onto the waters as the fishing has been really good so far this year.  A dry spring and warm days have concocted to provide more fly life than in recent years and consequently some really good dry fly sport with fish coming in close to the banks.  The lack of rain in May means the reservoir levels are well down; however, this does provide more access and improved back casting distance.  Some areas, that in normal water levels are not accessible and prove challenging for back casting, have now opened up.  It’s also easier to walk the banks but take care not to slip.

Weed has grown on Poaka but is not causing and serious issues with plenty of open areas.  Ireleth has a fair amount of weed but our trusty helpers are looking to keep plenty of swims clear.  We haven’t seen the need to call a work party yet but there is one planned for Ireleth for Saturday 12 July to paint notice boards fences and benches.  Your help will be appreciated. If you can make it can you please let Jim Ireland know by text to 07904 191581.

There have been isolated incidents of poaching but these have been minimised due to birdwatchers bringing suspicious behaviour to our attention.  However, United Utilities have just informed us that youngsters are being mischievous and fishing illegally in the late evenings on Pennington overflow area, by the dam. If you do see or suspect poaching is taking place, can you please call our enforcement Officer Allen Cooke on 07830 169949.  Allen or one of the Executives/Committee will attend and investigate all incidents.  The other poachers, the ospreys, are still around and are now feeding chicks.  One of the birdwatchers tells me there are 12 pairs in the area that visit our waters.  It’s quite a sight to see them catch and struggle to carry off that 2 lb trout.  They always seem to go for the big ones!

The Open Evening competition in May went off well with the winner landing 11 fish in the 2.5-hour session and the junior winner had 5.  The date unfortunately clashed with the Man Utd v Spurs Europa league final so we may have lost some participants because of the game.  Our Events Manager, Jim Ireland, is looking to organise another open competition on the evening of Wednesday 16 July.  Jim may also provide a few burgers.  So please come along, but better still, bring a friend or relation and introduce them to fly fishing.  You don’t have to be a member for this competition and it is free. Catch and release only on the night.

Please continue to provide catch return details in the signing in books as this helps us monitor the fishing on the waters.  Also please note you can only take one fish from Harlock per visit.  This year’s catch averages in May and June were:

Poaka – 3.1 fish per visit in May and 1.4 in June

Pennington – 2.1 in May and 2.0 in June

Ireleth – 2.0 fish per visit in May and 1.25 in June

Harlock – 2.1 in May and 1.1 in June

The remaining stocking dates for 2025 are:

8^th July

2^nd September

30^th September, Ireleth only

In total we will stock over 7,000 fish across the season.

Please note, we also have exchange tickets with Appleby on the river Eden and Millom Angling.

If you have anything you would like to raise regarding the club then please contact a Committee member or our Club Secretary,  George Teasdale on georgeteasdale@btinternet.com or call him on 07801790978.  Jim Cannell is our Membership Secretary in addition to his Treasurer responsibilities.  Jim can be contacted for membership issues by email at jimcl@hotmail.com or on 07759148995.

The Executives and Committee hope you will enjoy your fishing on one of the most picturesque and idyllic set of club waters in Britain.  Well-stocked, private car parks, not overfished and compared to other clubs, excellent value.  Please spread the word as we need a healthy membership to maintain our waters and stocking levels.

Chairmans tips for summer fishing:

Flies for summer. Nymphs size 10 12 14 especially damsel pattern with a blue flash is good. If fish are moving then try hoppers, small black snatchers, suspenders, spiders and beetles sizes 14 16 & 18s. And don’t forget the old faithful Shipman’s buzzers 14, 16 and smaller if you prefer. Lures, not too big with a bit of flash and marabou. Try the washing line technique if the fish are just under the surface and your nymph is going below them.  Hope this helps if you’re new to flyfishing.

Alec Boughey catches a nice Tiger on an emerger (Ireleth 2 July 25).