Fishing Report

Frog Hall Lake - Catch limit 3 fish per day

Old Hall Lake - Catch limit 3 fish per day

New Reservoir - NO FISHING

Top Crabtree Lake - Take or C&R

"Recent frost and gales have really improved the fishing. Colder water and improved oxygen levels now see trout feeding actively in all areas of the lakes. Stock rainbows are fighting well, and the first of our large brown trout have been caught and returned. Water clarity has improved further in all lakes allowing trout to be stalked in the right conditions. The banks of the main lakes have been mown to help line control in windy weather and aid casting distance. Expect more large browns to show in December and through the new year.

We are open throughout Christmas and New year for those seeking a break from tinsel and turkey. Our cosy Fisherman's hut has a log burner to warm you up, bring your own port and mince pies! "

Questions

Q. How far in advance do I need to book my ticket?

A. You may purchase a permit from our website at any time up to arrival at the fishery. You must pay for a permit before you enter. See Buy Day Permit.

Q. What are the opening times?

A. We are open from dawn to dusk, as this is often when the fish feed best. If you cannot see to thread your fly, it's time to go. Strictly no night fishing, if you can see bats then go home!

Q. Can I bring a non-fishing friend?

A. Yes, we welcome non-fishing companions but if they use a rod they will need to buy a permit. The fishermans hut is available to them with tea and coffee included.

Q. Do you discount day tickets for children/beginners?

A. Yes. Under 18s - half price, with one fish to take.

Q. Do I really have to unhook C&R trout in the water?

A. Yes! Large Brown trout are extremely fragile in all but the coldest of conditions. You may unhook and revive your specimen fish and see it swim away - you don't see us bury it three days later when it floats to the surface. Keep all Browns in the water at all times. Photos only when water is cold with frost.

Q. Do I have to take my limit of stock Rainbows, I don't want to eat them, I would rather release them alive?

A. If you would prefer to return your bag limit you can fish catch and release instead. However, you can only land three fish from each of Frog Hall & Old Hall Lakes each visit whether you kill or return them.

Q. Which lakes can I take fish from to meet my bag limit?

A. You can take stock sized Rainbows from any open lake to meet your bag limit. All Brown trout are catch and release.

Q. Can I bring a dog?

A. Ideally not - unless under constant close supervision and not disturbing wildlife.

Q. Are any particular flies banned?

A. We ask fishermen to exercise sporting good judgement. To catch twenty recent stockies on a boobie fly is inconsiderate to those people fishing another day when conditions may not be so easy because the fish are shy. There is a catch limit of 3 fish per day on Old Hall & Frog Hall Lakes, whether killed or released.

Q. Why is the Fishery closed during the summer?

A. We are closing the fishery during summer as it has become impossible to provide consistent fishing when our trout are stressed by the heat.

Q. Is there a toilet?

A. Yes, we have a disabled access toilet.

Q. Can I use coarse fishing gear?

A. No you cannot. We are a fly fishery for trout. We recommend other lakes locally for coarse fishing.