15 March-31 May 2006
There have been very few anglers on Aspatria A. C. water throughout this period. In the week prior to the opening of the new season on 15 March, one or two brown trout were observed rising to a trickle of Large Dark Olives near Ellenhall Bridge, but the encouragement this offered was cancelled out by far-from-ideal water and weather conditions on opening day. Rain over the headwaters of the Ellen produced more than a little colour, which had not fully cleared even by mid-afternoon. Upstream fishing was rendered difficult by a chilly downstream wind, and perseverance with down-and-across spider tactics met with no result. Despite the cold northeasterly wind, Large Darks continued to hatch sporadically over the following few days, but the trout remained aloof, and few anglers were hardy or optimistic enough to venture out after them! On 20 March a decent fish of around 1-2lbs was spotted in a deep, slow pool below Ellen Villa Bridge, just above where the river becomes tree lined on both banks. Either a very good wild brownie or an escapee rainbow, it shot off downstream before a positive identification could be made.
With spinning prohibited on Aspatria's water until 1 June, anglers have been restricted to fly and worm fishing, but conditions for the fly have largely been unsuitable due to that seemingly ever-present gusting breeze and bright sunlight. Searching pools with methods such as a floating line, fast sinking poly leader and teams of spiders and traditional wets proved unsuccessful for Clark Colman, and no-one appears to have experienced better luck with the worm. However, as this month draws to a close there are signs that the weather is improving, and it is normally around this time of year that our water really starts to come into its own. A recent spate has brought some sea trout into the system; Dr Colman hooked and lost a small herling on 26 May, but this was some way above the upstream limit of Aspatria A. C. water, in an area where spinning is permitted throughout the season! However, there is no reason where there should not be one or two sea trout further downstream within our boundaries. Hopefully with a little more 'good water' we should have reports of some being caught over June and July, along with some quality brown trout. If previous years are anything to go by, put your money on club chairman Arthur Dixon to grass the first sea trout on our water, but do get in touch and let us know if and when you catch one!
On 8 May Aspatria A. C. water on the Ellen was stocked with 100 mixed-sex browns from the Solway Fishery near Dumfries. Transported down by fishery owner Rob Mackie, these superb quality fish were introduced into various pools between the Arkleby Mill and Ellenhall bridges. Club president Dr Archie Rankin, chairman Arthur Dixon, secretary Stewart Beattie, and treasurer Dr David Gardner were on hand to welcome the trout into their new home south of the Border! All around fifteen inches in length and 1lb in weight, they will certainly provide good sport for anyone fortunate enough to hook one. It is also hoped that many will spawn successfully at the end of the year and supplement out native wild brownies.
Report compiled by Dr Clark Colman (Vice-Chairman), 31 May 2006
Fishery Report 15th March to 31st May 2006 2006
