Fishing with Wessex Water

A guide to fishing with wessex water

wessexwater.co.ukwessexwater.co.uk Where to find us Welcome to Wessex Water fisheries Wessex Water offers some of the for a small additional fee, or you can best value-for-money fishing in bring your own electric engine free the country set within beautiful of charge. We also have Wheelyboats landscapes and immersed in nature. at Sutton Bingham and Clatworthy, enabling people with lower mobility We pride ourselves on ensuring our Bath or wheelchair users to fish from a boat reservoirs are well stocked with high safely. quality fish and ensuring everyone Tucking Mill can take part by offering accessibility, Tucking Mill is a smaller site dedicated competitive prices plus support and to anglers with disabilities, located on Hawkridge tuition from our expert team of rangers. the outskirts of Bath. Here there are Bridgwater several accessible swims, an accessible Clatworthy Our fisheries are well equipped to toilet and angler’s car park for the sole Durleigh ensure you enjoy your time with us. use of people with disabilities and This includes fishing lodges, toilets, Yeovil those supporting them. coffee machines, boats, engines, lifejackets, fish preparation areas and We offer many day ticket options for you Sutton Bingham beautifully maintained grounds. We to choose from including day, evening and West Pond can also host events, competitions or and concession, as well as books of six Game shing corporate days by prior arrangement. tickets or season tickets for regular Christchurch anglers. For up to date information As well as miles of bank fishing, Coarse shing Bournemouth on seasons, prices and forthcoming boats are available for hire at the events, please visit our website: trout fisheries and these are ideal for Weymouth www.wessexwater.co.uk/ exploring the bays and arms around community/fishing the reservoirs. Engines can be hired features and facilities We look forward to welcoming you to our reservoirs soon. The Wessex Water fisheries team Car Fishing Level access Wheelie Toilets Boats Engines park lodge to lodge boats Clatworthy Ask the experts Durleigh Our team of rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Hawkridge angling and happy to help wherever possible. It’s best to contact them by calling the fishing lodge, if they are not available there is an answerphone Sutton Bingham so you can always leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. All the relevant contact numbers are on the back of this leaflet. West Pond Use of Sutton Bingham facilities Alternatively, get in touch via our Facebook page: Tucking Mill www.facebook.com/WessexWaterFisheries or email [email protected] If you would like assistance accessing any of our sheries please call the lodge in advance for advice. 1 Meet the Wessex Water fisheries team

Paul Martin Gary Howe Paul has been a ranger for more than 30 years Gary has been a ranger for more than 35 years and including 25 years establishing Durleigh as one originally started as a volunteer at Durleigh and of the best day ticket coarse waters in the south Hawkridge. He has been lucky enough to turn his west. Originally a carp angler he has also turned passion for fly fishing into a career and his most his hand to fly fishing. memorable catch was a 5lb rainbow.

Ivan Tinsley Les Carter Ivan has been fishing Sutton Bingham from the Les started working for Wessex Water in 2004 and age of 13 and responsible for running the fishery joined the rangers’ team at Clatworthy reservoir since 1988. His close connection to the reservoir in 2016. He has fished in the Wessex Water fly has resulted in the highest standards, traditional fishing team for the last 10 years and became values and ensuring peace and tranquillity can be water industry champion in 2014. He also has enjoyed by all. a passion for wildlife and photography, making Clatworthy the perfect place to work!

Jake Belgium Danny Ford Jake has been with Wessex Water since 2016 and Danny joined the rangers in 2016 and has been a can often be found lure fishing the Dorset coast keen angler all his life, catching his first trout at as well. Competing in a number of teams he has the age of 4! His favourite part of the job is helping been lucky enough to fish across the UK, Europe others to get into the sport and particularly when and Asia. His biggest catch was a Siamese carp of a first timer hooks a trout. He loves fly fishing and 106lb from Thailand. his personal best catch is a 22lb chum salmon from the River Squamish, British Columbia, Canada.

2 3 Durleigh reservoir Sutton bingham reservoir Durleigh Reservoir, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2AW Coarse Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9QL Game Lead ranger Paul Martin Contact 01278 424 786 fishing Lead ranger Ivan Tinsley Contact 01935 872389 fishing

Durleigh is an 80-acre reservoir with many fish coming at longer This reservoir is set on the fishes very well, while midseason located to the west of Bridgwater range. In spring and early summer, Somerset and Dorset border, the onwards loch style boat fishing is in Somerset. Set in undulating the shallow end can be very good, 125-acre reservoir has the shape good, particularly in the southern Somerset hills, this reservoir offers but as the season progresses and of an upright hammer and sits in arm. some of the best day coarse fishing the levels drop, they move into the a shallow valley running north to The facilities include a spacious in the south west. deeper water towards the dam. south. fishing lodge, complete with a large The fishery is ideal for anglers Pike fishing is also very good. Since Fly fishing for rainbow and brown veranda overlooking the water. seeking to catch carp, pike, bream the recent restocking programme, trout, either from the boat or the An added feature of the lodge is and roach as the water boasts anglers have reported a lot of bank, is available at this site. It the fish preparation room, where an abundance of these species. activity in the margins with pike offers some excellent top water anglers can gut and clean their Anglers can enjoy some excellent gorging on fry. In the spring pike trout fishing both early and late catch before setting off for home. sport at Durleigh, where a 100+lb are often found at the far end next season and is one reservoir where Among the most popular flies net is not uncommon, and carp to the reed beds. Sea baits seem to anglers have the option of fishing are damsels, gold ribbed hare’s can be caught in excess of 36lb! get the best results. most of the season with a floating ears and montanas, fished on the Between 10 and 20 doubles can be line. The reservoir is well regarded point, with smaller nymphs such as taken in the right conditions. With for its bream fishing with good The venue is very well stocked crunchers, pheasant tails, buzzers depths of up to 26ft, you can fish average-sized fish. Although most with rainbows and brown trout and diawl bachs and the itsa nymph from both banks, although there is bream fall into the 2lb to 5lb range, averaging 2lb, with some surprise fished as droppers. There’s also a no fishing from the dam wall itself. there are many larger specimens double figure specimens. Early selection of the most popular fly Durleigh is renowned as a superb with 7lb and 8lb fish landed on season the main body of water patterns and leaders for sale on carp water with a lot of common a regular basis. There is also an at the dam end of the reservoir site. carp and also a good number of abundance of skimmers and vast mirror carp. Carp here love boilies, shoals of roach which can make up responding to accurate baiting, bags of 50lb to 80lb on their own.

For prices and events please visit: For prices, season dates and events please visit: www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/activities/fishing-at-durleigh www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/fishing/fishing-at-sutton-bingham

4 5 west pond hawkridge reservoir Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9QL Game Hawkridge Reservoir, Spaxton, Somerset, TA5 1AL Game Lead ranger Ivan Tinsley Contact 01935 872389 fishing Lead ranger Gary Howe Contact 01278 671840 fishing

West Pond is a seven-acre part of rising monsters in the middle. Adjoining the Quantocks Area of new species in the sport. These the reservoir at Sutton Bingham, Anglers can access Sutton Outstanding Natural Beauty and are in addition to the other trout on the right-hand side as you drive Bingham fishing lodge and all designated as a County Wildlife already being stocked in this towards the village of Halstock. It’s associated benefits such as a large Site, Hawkridge is a 32-acre hidden reservoir which provides a variety separated from the main reservoir veranda, fish preparation room and gem for trout fishing in the south of rainbows, browns, tigers, golden by a causeway and therefore offers knowledgeable rangers. west, offering a peaceful setting and blue trout and there are quieter fishing away from other immersed in nature. even some surprise double figure Most of your fishing will be with a water users. There is a small model specimens. You really don’t know floating line except on windier days Despite its smaller size, Hawkridge boat club operating on West Pond, what you will catch next. where an intermediate will suffice. Reservoir provides a level and otherwise it is exclusive to anglers. A seven to 10lb fluorocarbon variety of sport to rival the best The venue responds well to With an enhanced stocking fishing line is recommended as in the UK. If you favour smaller floating lines and intermediates, programme to provide larger this seems to take control of the waters, then this place is for you. with a variety of flies successful, specimens, West Pond offers a large doubles. Be prepared for This trout reservoir, situated on the including damsels, hare’s ears and different experience to the main those long fast runs as the fish edge of the Quantock Hills, offers montana, plus nymphs, including reservoir and other local fisheries. shoot towards the middle taking depths of up to 70ft. The lodge buzzers and diawl bach. Many people who have fished here you down to your backing more bank slopes steeply towards the The ticket office and returns keep coming back to catch those than on your average smaller water line and a short distance out facilities are also housed in the large double rainbows and browns water. Popular patterns are black is a weed bank with a lot of fish lodge and just outside are scales to that are frequently stocked. tadpole, blue flash damsel, buzzer, located just beyond it. weigh your catch. crunchers, pheasant tails and diawl The bank fishing is superb and In 2018 we were the first UK bachs. there’s also a boat to reach those water to stock Sparctic trout, a

For prices, season dates and events please visit For prices, season dates and events please visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/fishing/fishing-at-sutton-bingham www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/fishing/fishing-at-hawkridge

6 7 clatworthy reservoir Tucking mill reservoir Clatworthy Reservoir, Clatworthy, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 2EJ Game Tucking Mill is located between Midford and Coarse fishing Lead rangers Danny Ford and Les Carter fishing Monkton Coombe, BA2 7DB (disabled Contact 01984 624658 Lead ranger Jake Belgium Bailiff Tony Packer anglers only) Contact 07795 305989 Situated on the edge of Exmoor to cover the fish and explore the National Park, Clatworthy many bays and arms on offer. Tucking Mill, a small water storage Fishing is allowed Reservoir lies in the Brendon Hills, Clatworthy has 10 fishing boats lake near Bath, offers free coarse from 8am until west Somerset. Undulating hills plus a Wheelyboat for anglers fishing to disabled anglers. It’s sunset all year, surround the 130 acres of water, with disabilities and their helpers, set between Monkton Combe and except over which offer some of the best fly- engines are available for hire or Midford underneath the popular the Christmas fishing the West Country has to you can bring your own electric Two Tunnels Circuit Sustrans route. period. Parking Tony Packer offer. As an upland reservoir with outboard. The dam area is popular The woodland surrounds create an is available with depths of up to 96ft, Clatworthy with boat anglers, especially in the idyllic environment in which to fish. easy access to the wheelchair swims and the accessible toilet water temperatures can stay low summer as the destratification line There are a range of swims on facilities. into early summer and it continues provides plenty of oxygen in that site including several specially to fish well throughout the season. area. designed as wheelchair accessible The fishing lake is stocked with The reservoir is well stocked The fishing is traditional fly platforms, large enough to provide roach, rudd, bream, perch, with rainbow and brown trout techniques early season, space for two wheelchairs. Each carp, tench and gudgeon. Perch sourced from two local fish farms. intermediate lines are popular disabled angler can have one approaching 4lb have been caught Clatworthy also benefits from with blue flash damsels and cat’s assistant who can fish from the There’s also a decent number of tanks where our rangers can bring whiskers. In the summer months same platform. The automatic gate chub with the better fish weighing on fish ahead of the season to offer the coch-y-bonddu beetles and can be operated by holders of a 3lb 8oz to 4lb. Common and mirror some larger catches. hopper patterns can provide some Radar key. carp are popular targets with fish excellent surface action. The lake is well into double figures caught Fishing from a boat is popular renowned for its hard-fighting fish. each year. There are also a couple on this reservoir – an ideal way of white and orange coloured koi carp weighing around 5lb. The lake is known to have zebra mussels and therefore all anglers must take note of “Clean, Check, Dry” to prevent the spread of this invasive non-native species. Keep nets are only permitted for matches. Landing nets must be dipped and if you are targeting carp unhooking mats are preferred.

For prices, season dates and events please visit For more information about Tucking Mill, please visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/fishing/fishing-at-clatworthy www.wessexwater.co.uk/community/fishing/fishing-at-tucking-mill

8 9 Opportunities to... Check, clean and dry Some of our reservoirs contain non-native invasive plant or Getting into a sport or improving your technique is critical to animal species and there is an increased threat from a range Learn success. We’re pleased to have several angling coaches in the of such invasive species which live and breed in water. ranger team as well as external contacts we can use to provide tuition at We want to prevent the spread of these invaders and avoid Wessex Water fisheries. other invasive species being introduced to our sites. Angling For more information please contact your local fishing lodge and the is a key introduction route for many invasive species as ranger will be able to discuss options with you. anglers may have recently (and unknowingly) visited other contaminated sites. Please note, advanced booking is required to ensure a coach is available. Please follow the Check, Clean and Dry guidance.

Check your gear after leaving the water for mud, Our fisheries offer some of the best competition waters in aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything compete the south west. We host many small competitions, often CHECK organised by the local clubs, as well as some larger competitions and you find and leave it at the site. events. For up to date information about forthcoming competitions and events, Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, please visit the Wessex Water website. clean paying attention to nets, waders and areas that are damp and hard to access. Use hot water if possible.

In addition to competitions, we pride ourselves on Dry everything for as long as possible before using take part holding events that encourage participation in angling. dry elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can These include working with the Angling Trust to hold family fishing days survive for two weeks in damp conditions. and supporting charities such as Fishing For Life. We also hold community events and non-angling activities, so for more information visit the website.

The size of our fisheries and their quality facilities get together make them the ideal place for a visiting club, group of friends or even corporate event. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to bring a large group to one of the fisheries and we can work with you to develop a Signal crayfish bespoke package that meets your needs. photo: GBNNSS

Zebra mussel photo: GBNNSS

If you’re interested in holding a competition or event at one of our fisheries, For further information, please visit then contact the relevant lodge and we will do our best to help. www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry

10 11 Something for everyone - community clubs

Durleigh Sailing Club Sutton Bingham Sailing Club A small, friendly sailing club on Durleigh Reservoir, near Bridgwater, Sutton Bingham Sailing Club is a with a sailing area of around 60 acres. Most regular sailing is on the friendly club based at Sutton Bingham well-attended, year-round racing series. We also have pleasure Reservoir, near Yeovil. We have a sailors who just want to get out on the water, racing or not! Our varied programme, with competitive, sailing is on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and Wednesday close racing opportunities for the evenings, from late March to early December. confident sailor, a vibrant youth sailing programme, plenty of space and freedom to sail recreationally, and a www.durleighsc.org regular programme of RYA training courses to develop your sailing and get you confidently out on the water. Somerset Youth and Community Sailing Association www.suttonbinghamsc.net Based at Durleigh Reservoir, a volunteer-led association and a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) teaching establishment with both Championship and Sailability Foundation status. We give up our time Sutton Bingham and District Canoe Club and energy to deliver courses and sessions for adults and children. We aim to promote the sport and recreation of canoeing in a safe and enjoyable way, to provide opportunities for those wishing to try the www.sycsa.org.uk sport for the first time and encourage those already taking part in the sport, to achieve their full potential.

Yeovil and District www.suttonbingham.wixsite.com/canoeclub Model Boat Club The well-established club supports a wide range of model boating from radio-controlled Sutton Bingham Fly Fishers Association yacht racing and cruising to scale modelling. Situated on the western causeway of Sutton www.facebook.com/SuttonBinghamFFA Bingham Reservoir our location offers excellent all year round sailing from most wind directions and is rarely troubled by weed. Hawkridge Fly Fishing Club (via lodge)

www.yeovilmodelboatclub.wordpress.com Bert Sone Telephone 01278 787465 Email [email protected]

12 13 Code of conduct ✔ Take responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure you’ve read the

relevant ‘staying safe’ information, familiarise yourself with the layout of the site and note any local hazards. ✔ Anglers must purchase a permit and read the rules and safety

information provided before fishing. The Life for a Life scheme involves planting ✔ It’s a legal requirement to have an Environment Agency (EA) rod a memorial tree or trees, installing memorial benches and memorial plaques to licence to fish at our reservoirs, this is available from most post offices commemorate loved ones. or online at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence ✔ Remember the reservoirs are for public water supply.

The scheme has been specifically a living memorial to someone they 4 Please keep to permitted areas designed to benefit individuals and have lost and to contribute to the families who are grieving over the conservation of wildlife. 4 No fishing from dams, structures or within the boomed areas loss of a loved one, regardless of their Every tree has its own individual 4 No dogs, except assistance dogs age, status or religious beliefs. plaque and name plate and is 4 No fires Wessex Water has donated land in recorded as an individual plot number Somerset to create three memorial in the Life for a Life record register. 4 Please use toilets provided forests which will in turn help benefit A proportion of the money generated St Margaret’s Somerset Hospices in ✔ Share the space with other users – be considerate. by the scheme will go to the hospices. Taunton and Yeovil. ✔ Take litter home with you. Life for a Life has also established The picturesque settings of memorial gardens in north east ✔ Respect the wildlife and leave habitats as you find them, please do Clatworthy, Durleigh and Sutton England. The scheme can be Bingham reservoirs provide beautiful contacted on 0161 624 2299. not pick wildflowers. sites for those wishing both to plant ✔ Help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species by making sure all

equipment is checked, cleaned and dried before entering and leaving Find out more at www.lifeforalife.org.uk the site. ✔ Co-operate at all times with staff, this is essential for both your safety

and enjoyment. ✔ Full regulations and information about any relevant bylaws can be South West Fishing for Life found in the fishing lodges – if you have any questions please speak to Our organisation provides fly fishing sessions for one of the ranger team. people with or who have had breast cancer, will be holding monthly meetings throughout 2020 and welcome new members to join them.

Find out more at www.southwestfishingforlife.org.uk

14 15 Staying safe

All visitors are responsible for their own safety at all times. 4 Be aware that waders and boots can become heavy when Our rangers and other staff will assist wherever possible but filled with water and can impede your ability to swim or exit cannot be relied upon as they will not always be immediately the water. Do you need to wear them? available. 4 Lifejackets can be borrowed from the fishing lodge and In the event of an emergency (risk to life) call 999. returned daily. In non-emergency situations, or if you require general assistance, please contact the lodge or locate a ranger. If this is not possible, you can call Wessex Water on: 0345 600 4 600 Boat angling 4 Lifejackets must be worn at ALL TIMES when on the Essential to all anglers pontoons or boats, these can be borrowed from the fishing lodge and returned daily. 4 Stay within your ability. 4 Appropriate clothing must be worn. 4 Check the weather before heading out. 4 The engine killcord must be secured around the driver’s leg 4 Make yourself aware of local hazards. at ALL TIMES when the engine is running. 4 Let someone know where you will be and when you expect 4 Ensure you have alternative means of propulsion – oars or to return. paddle. 4 Ensure you have means of summoning assistance. 4 All boats must be returned to the pontoon before dusk 4 Make sure you have the lodge phone number. 4 Keep clear of other users of the reservoir – propellers are 4 Fish in pairs wherever possible. dangerous. 4 Children must always be under direct supervision by a 4 In the event of a man overboard, approach slowly from responsible adult. downwind and turn off the engine upon making contact 4 Report any incidents or safety concerns to a ranger as soon with the person. as possible. 4 People who fall in the water get cold quickly – ensure you 4 Take care when casting and check all around you for other return to the lodge as soon as possible to warm up and people or hazards such as power lines. avoid hypothermia. Please also inform a ranger as soon as possible. 4 The water and surrounding area may contain: ticks, Weil’s disease, legionella, blue green algae or similar. Please cover any open wounds and maintain good personal hygiene. Further advice 4 Consider wearing eye protection. Bank angling 4 Learn how to perform CPR and other basic lifesaving skills. 4 When you arrive at a spot, consider what you would do if 4 Take a throw line and learn how to use it. you were to fall in the water – how to get out again! 4 Visit www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-advice-for-anglers 4 Ensure you set up in a safe place with even ground. 4 Visit www.rospa.com/lets-talk-about/2018/october/angling-safety 4 Know where you are so that help can find you in an 4 Visit rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/angling emergency. 16 17 8189 Designed by wessex water design services January 2020 Printed on recycled paper 01935 872 389 07795 305989 01984 624658 786 01278 424 840 01278 671 Phone number Phone Find out latest news TA4 2EJ TA4 2AW TA5 1AL TA5 9QL BA22 7DB BA2 Postcode

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