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Blagdon ...
Let the
School of Fishing
show you Blagdon Lake.
Over 100 years of first class fishing - Are there many fly fishermen in
the world who haven't heard of Blagdon? The name stirs emotions for
thousands of anglers as the home of still water trout fishing. Not the
first but certainly the most famous. Its history over the last century
is well documented, but unlike many that live on their reputation,
Blagdon goes from strength to strength.
Blagdon Lake
covers 440 acres. The long, narrow shape makes it ideal for both boat
and bank fishing. There are deep basins and long banks to drift over,
plenty of points and promontories for access to deeper water as well as
shallow, sheltered bays of quieter water. Most of the seven mile
perimeter has easy bank access but to explore the more remote areas a
boat is the answer - no noisy petrol engines - just peace, quiet and
screaming reels!
The lake is
relatively shallow, with an average depth of 14 feet and only 42 feet at
its deepest point near the dam (west end of the lake). Travel along its
narrow length to the east and you come to the shallowest end of the lake
where the River Yeo enters. In between there are many superb fishing
areas - Bells Bush, Pegs Point, Rainbow Point, Ash Trees, Rugmoor, Green
Lawn, all waiting for you to cast your flies and tempt that waiting
specimen. All methods work on the lake but many locals and experts stick
to small flies and nymphs fished slowly on or near the surface. Early
season and in the dying days of the year lures and sinking lines can be
effective, but it is the patterns that imitate the naturals which
command most attention.
On the south shore
of the Lake below Blagdon village is the Fishing Lodge. This beautiful,
timber framed building epitomizes the old world charm of Blagdon Lake.
There is an office and small tackle shop on site selling all the
essential flies and requirements of anglers fishing the lake. There is a
fleet of 18 rowing boats for hire at Blagdon. Electric motors may be
used but are not supplied by Bristol Water. There is also a specially
designed boat for wheelchair anglers.
Lifejackets must
be worn by all boat anglers, and can be loaned on request. Anchoring is
not permitted in the area marked between the dam and the yellow flag
buoys. |
