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Skippy
United Kingdom
41 Posts |
 Posted - 31 May 2009 : 09:44:34
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Pete
I'm sorry but I dont think I'm being unfair at all.There is a difference between "algae about" and what F1 was like on Friday and the ranger was as surprised by how much and how thick it was as I [and I suspect you] were too.It was unfishable first thing and all I'm saying is that for the sake of a quick wizz round the bank first thing anglers arriving could be given an up to date situation and make their minds up then whether to fish or not or indeed which reservoir to fish.I drive a not inconsiderable distance to Farmoor and I dont think what I'm suggesting is unreasonable.
As I said I was more than content with 8 fish in what I considered very difficult conditions and I would probably have had more had I moved to clearer water sooner.My point is that if I'd known or been told how bad it was on the Thames bank side I'd never have gone up there in the first place.
I'm not knocking the fishing.F1 remains IMO one of the best trout fisheries anywhere and the quality of the fish is simply stunning BUT I remain disappointed by my experience on Friday....and I accept that part of that is disappopintment with myself.I know I am a better angler than I was on Friday.
And IMO you are as good an angler on F1 as anybody I've ever seen so your 13 fish has to be viewed in context.
Skippy
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Skippy |
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Pete
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Posted - 31 May 2009 : 19:52:16
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Skippy,
OK, I understand where you're coming from - I guess I'm just a bit touchy about any criticism regarding what must be one of the best fisheries in the country at the moment!
I must admit my heart sank a little when I saw how much algae there was. Based on the fact that an easterly breeze was forecast, I walked along the first bank down to the corner and decided that there was too much algae. So I went back to the car and drove round to the far car park, and started walking down the far bank, only to end up on the first bank again as it turned out to be the least affected by the algae. Fortunately, this turned out to be a good move, as the water cleared very quickly as the breeze strengthened.
There were a lot of fish about, including plenty cruising the margins, although these were very difficult to tempt. I got two fish to take a very skinny buzzer fished about two feet from the concrete - I managed to miss one, and the other (the bigger of the two, of course!, probably getting on for 8 lbs I would have thought) tore off into the reservoir, jumped and threw the hook!
Anyway, forgive my rant, and I'm sure I'll see you at F1 again soon.
Pete |
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Angler
United Kingdom
135 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2009 : 18:13:35
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| I suppose it might be possible to walk along and have a look at the water BEFORE you buy your ticket. After all, it's only about a hundred yards from the fishery office. Alternatively you could always call the rangers on the phone before leaving home and ask the question outright which is something I often do. That way if you don't like the sound of it you can save yourself the drive. |
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2009 : 19:45:00
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Hi all, latest update from Farmoor:
Farmoor Report w/e 31/5/09
Water level almost full, due to the hot spell there is an algal bloom on both reservoirs on the windward banks. Rest of bank fairly clear of algae with marginal weed growth starting to appear which should soon encourage the fish to move in closer to feed on snails and hoglice.
Farmoor I
Rod Average 6.6 Fish to over 8lbs coming mainly to buzzers and small nymphs. A small rise later in evenings. Lots of very large fish cruising in the margins on windward bank, being caught on small nymphs and weighted bugs literally a few feet out from the bank.
Farmoor II
Rod average 2.9. Graham Dudley had two fish of 6lb 8oz and 4lb 8oz on small blob. Fish still feeding on daphnia mainly with some also on buzzers. Best flies buzzers, nymphs such as diawl bachs, orange boobies and blobs. Plenty of grown on fish around 4lb coming out to both bank and boat but the fish have been fasirly deep down. There’s not much of a rise at the moment but some cloud cover later in the week should encourage the fish up.
Farmoor Ranger
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Thames Water
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Skippy
United Kingdom
41 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jun 2009 : 22:27:50
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Peter
Absolutely no criticism of the fishing.These are the fittest,best conditioned and hardest fighting trout I've ever caught.I've given up going elsewhere and will do so long as its like this.I wish I'd followed your lead on Friday instead of persevering on the causeway.I got 3 of those margin cruisers in the last hour.....wish I'd targetted them sooner.
Angler
On Thursday it was clear so had I phoned that's what the ranger would have told me and I'd have been even more fed up.Yes I could walk up and have a look but I had a particular are in mind to fish [far side] so even if I'd driven I would have wasted a lot of time.My free time is limited and I dont want to spend it finding out information which IMO should be on hand and up to date.Most people will ask if its fishing,where the fish are and what they are taking & they expectthe rangers to know.All I'm saying is that I also expect the rangers to know what state the water is in and to be told if its full of algae,6 foot down,6 foot up or full of bloody feathers before I am relieved of my money.I think that is an entirely reasonable expectation.
But I've had my say and I refuse to fall out with anyone over this.I will be back later this week...assuming its clear ! |
Skippy |
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2009 : 10:46:33
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Farmoor Report w/e 7th June 2009-06-08
Water level - both reservoirs are still full.
Conditions – Water temp 16oC, no algal blooms to report but plenty of marginal weed growth present.
Outlook – With the weed growth now in the margins on both reservoirs the fish have moved in very close to the bank and are feeding heavily on buzzers and hoglice. Floating lines, buzzers and small nymphs such as diawl bachs and PTNs are now catching plenty of fish. There is still little surface activity, probably due to the masses of food in the weed.
Farmoor 1
Fishing is exceptional. Rod average is 9 with many fish in the 4-8lb range. Most fish falling to floating lines with buzzers and nymphs fished in very close. If it’s sunny try a DI3 with a small blob.
Farmoor 2
Fishing has improved steadily over the week with the rod average now 4.4. Fish are averaging 3lbs with larger fish to 6lb being taken. Same tactics as for F1 but boobies also working well with a buzzer on the dropper. Boats fishing well with most taking their limits.
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Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2009 : 10:23:08
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Farmoor Report w/e 14/6/09
Water Conditions
Both reservoirs are still full. There is no algal bloom present with some marginal weed growth. TW have changed the way they are pumping water into the reservoirs with water now entering very close to the bank rather than the boils. This is bringing cooler, coloured river water into the NW corner of F2 and the SW corner of F1 and should prove a hotspot for some grown on fish, especially if we get a spell of hot weather.
Farmoor 1
Rod average 9.1 so still fishing exceptionally well. Large trout are still cruising in the margins and the fish are being caught incredibly close in. Fish small buzzers or nymphs such as diawl bachs and crunchers, don’t be surprised if you get takes when your flyline is on the concrete! Some fish now being taken on emerger patterns such as Bob’s Bits and hoppers. Average size fish being caught is 4lbs with larger fish to 9lbs.
Farmoor 2
Rod average 3.3. Plenty of fish to 6lbs on floating lines and buzzers/nymphs. Fish still aren’t rising much, probably because there is just so much food under the surface at the moment. On hot days try a buzzer on a dropper and a black booby on the point with a very slow retrieve. Boats are picking up some fish on the surface later into the evening.
Damien
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Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2009 : 11:06:52
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Farmoor fishing report w/e 21/06/09
Water Conditions
Water is fairly warm at 16oC. There is no algal bloom and both reservoirs are being constantly topped up with fresh water so are full. There is a good covering of marginal weed growth on both.
Farmoor I
Still fishing exceptionally well with a rod average of 6. Fish to 7lbs coming on small nymphs and buzzers within a few feet of the wall.
Farmoor II
Fishing is good with an average of 2.4. Mike Huggins had the week’s best fish with a 5.5lb rainbow. There is a small evening rise on the warmer evenings. Lots of fish being stocked at the moment so if you hit the stockies it pays to move as they are shoaled up quite tightly. Also lots of browns coming out averaging 2-3 lbs. Please remember all brownies MUST be returned!
Prospects
With the warmer weather forecast the fish should start to rise more readily. Try emerger patterns later on in the evening or during the day when it is cloudy. Buzzers fished under an indicator are also working very well. On brighter days a slow sinking line fished ‘washing line’ style could be a killer method.
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Thames Water
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Admin
304 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2009 : 16:03:26
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Fishing Update - posted on behalf of Farmoor Rangers:
Due to extreme temperature, bright sunshine and a rapid rise in water temperature fishing has slowed somewhat this week. The rod average has hovered around 1. Water clarity and levels remain excellent and the marginal weed growth is flourishing and is full of hoglice and other waterlife, consequently fish are coming to long line nymph tactics with the most successful patterns being pheasant tails, damsel nymphs and hares ears. A lot of fry are showing around the structures and we anticipate some good surface action shortly when the weather cools down.
Our stocking policy continues with 2800 Rainbows stocked in the last two weeks and many of the 1000 Browns stocked recently are showing, these must be released.
Superb fish are still providing great visual excitement on Farmoor I as they continue to patrol the margins. The fishing has slowed though angler numbers have dropped this week in the hot weather.
Pontoon Update - temporary access arrangements
Construction work on a new pontoon for disabled sailors is commencing on Monday 6th July and will take three weeks to complete. During this period anglers cars will not be able to turn left at the top of the entrance ramp. Anglers can drive up the ramp to the Rangers Office as normal and then they will be allowed to across the causeway to get to Farmoor II. Directions on site may change on a day to day basis. If you are in any doubt please call the Rangers on 07747 640707 for the access arrangements on that day. |
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Admin
304 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jul 2009 : 14:58:36
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TEMPORARY ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALL ANGLERS:
Following a safety review of the onsite construction work at Farmoor Reservoir we have had to close the access ramp at Gate 3. All anglers must access the reservoir via Gate 2.
Please sign in/out as normal in the fishing lodge, which can be accessed at the top of the access road via Gate 2.
Please drive with extreme care whilst on site and access to Farmoor II will be across the causeway. If you are in any doubt please call the Rangers on 07747 640707 for the access arrangements on that day.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Posted on behalf of
Matt Prior
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2009 : 12:07:41
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Latest fishing report.....
Farmoor Report w/e 12th July
Water Conditions
Water is very warm, 21C, with some colour although no algal bloom. Both reservoirs are full.
Farmoor 1
Few anglers have fished it this week. There are still fish being caught with a rod average of 4. Fish averaging 4lbs in weight are coming to nymphs or small lures. Some fish are now rising.
Farmoor II
Was very slow earlier in the week with few fish being taken. The fishing picked up considerably towards the end of the week with lots of fish being caught on floating lines and nymphs. Odd fish are also being taken on daddies. The weed is stuffed with hoglice at the moment so there’s plenty of food for the fish! Try a PTN or GRHE on a 12’ leader just over the weed bed fairly close in. Bob Eccles took a lovely rainbow of 6lb 7oz from a boat.
Access is still limited around the reservoir as construction work on the new pontoon continues. At present entry is via Gate 2 with anglers being permitted to drive along the causeway for access to the reservoirs. This may change on a daily basis so if in doubt contact the Rangers on the day on 07747 640707.
Damien
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Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2009 : 18:49:15
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Farmoor Report w/e 19th July
Both reservoirs are still full. Water temp is now approx 20oC. Water has some colour to it but still no algal bloom.
Farmoor II
Rod average 2.3 and fishing is steadily improving with the more unsettled weather. Fish are being taken a couple of rod lengths out on nymph patterns such as damsels, diawl bachs and GRHE. Lots of pin fry about so a pearly PTN well worth a go for a larger fish. Brian Hall had the week’s best fish with a 7lb 2oz cracker of a rainbow on a buzzer just a few inches below the surface. Brian has fished Farmoor for about 30 years and this is his biggest fish yet!
Farmoor I
Rod average 4 although few people are fishing it at present. Still some good fish being taken but please remember that, as a catch and release fishery, the warmer water means that fish will tire easily so please get any hooked fish in as quickly as possible, do not remove from water and make sure they recover well before releasing them.
Damien |
Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2009 : 11:13:44
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Farmoor Fishery Report w/e 26/7/09
Both reservoirs are still topped up. The water has a tinge of colour to it and has cooled slightly from last week at 18oC. We have had a fairly strong SW for a while now so this may have pushed many of the fish onto the east bank where most people are not fishing.
Farmoor I
This has again been very quiet this week with few anglers fishing. Those that do have had some excellent sport with a rod average of 4.5. Fish to 7lbs have been taken on the usual nymphs, buzzers and blobs/lures.
Farmoor II
The fish have moved into the margins and are feasting on hoglice. Because of this the bank is outfishing the boats by a long way. Floating lines and small nymphs fished under an indicator is the best method at the moment. Many anglers are ‘anchoring’ their flies in the weed for good fishing with fish to 5lbs being taken. Late on the fish have finally started to rise.
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Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 10 Aug 2009 : 10:04:47
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Farmoor Report w/e 9/8/09
Both reservoirs have been lowered by half a metre to allow further construction on the new pontoon. Both have now developed an algal bloom, with F2 being worst hit. At the moment F1 is slightly clearer with a few fish coming out. F2 is fishing very hard with the odd fish being taken on the boats, usually to large boobies. Earlier in the week the boats were fishing ok, Bob Eccles managing 6 on diawl bachs and a long leader before the bloom started. If we get some wet/cooler weather the bloom should deplete and the fishing should then improve.
There are lots of 1” fry in F1 at the moment so the fish will start to hit these very soon. A small lure pattern fished close in may be the method for these fish, expect some very large fish once they do crash into the fry.
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Thames Water
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Farmoor Ranger
United Kingdom
162 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2009 : 09:55:33
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Farmoor Report w/e 16th Aug 2009
Farmoor I
The water is fairly clear with no significant algal bloom. Fish to 6lbs are being caught on various flies such as daddies, buzzers and small nymphs. Rod average 5.
Farmoor II
There is still a heavy algal bloom on the reservoir but with the recent breezy weather it is mainly on the east bank. The west bank is fairly clear and fishing in this area has improved a lot over the week with a rod average now of 2.1. Fish are being taken from the bank on buzzers and nymphs on a floating line within a couple of rod lengths of the bank. Some are also falling to small emerger patterns. Large, brightly coloured or black boobies on a sinker or intermediate are also working. Boats are catching fish drifting with a booby, some fish are being taken on dries later in the day. Dave Evans had the week’s best fish with a cracking looking 4.5 pounder on a yellow buzzer.
We are holding an individual bank match on Sunday 27th Sept. Cost will be £25 (£10 for season ticket holders) including post match buffet. Please call the Rangers on 07747 640707 to book your place.
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Thames Water
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