Fly fishing in Sussex. Your guide to. trout fishing. at Arlington reservoir

Transcription

1 Fly fishing in Sussex Your guide to trout fishing at Arlington reservoir

2 South East Water s Arlington Reservoir Fishery Welcome to South East Water s guide to trout fishing at Arlington Reservoir. Located in a tranquil position in the Weald and at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the 120 acre Arlington Reservoir provides an idyllic place to fish as fly fishing, together with wildlife conservation, are the only activities allowed. With a reputation for excellent sport using dry flies and Nymphs, anglers at Arlington can expect quality fly fishing with hard fighting, superbly conditioned and great tasting trout. While fishing in the peace and quiet of the reservoir, fishermen have a front row seat to witness the abundant and often-rare wildlife such as visiting Ospreys. The reservoir s Fishery Rangers are passionate about fly fishing and are on hand to give fishermen up-to-the-minute advice on successful fishing methods, flies and hotspots. On sale at the Fishing Lodge are bank and boat fishing permits, flies, tackle and light refreshments. Tuition can also be arranged in advance by visiting by phone on or by ing fishinglodge@southeastwater.co.uk Boat fishing is available from 1 April and as demand is often high, anglers are advised to book boats in advance by using the contact details above. Fishery Rangers are always happy to give advice on the current favourite flies and methods. 2

3 Recommended Methods For sporting success at the reservoir, fishing with imitative patterns is recommended for much of the season. Checking a trout s stomach contents with a marrow spoon will give a clear indication of the type of food the fish are feeding on in the reservoir, as will observation of hatching fly life and invertebrates in the margins. Early in the season, many anglers have success with fishing on intermediate to fast sinking lines with lures such as Tadpoles, Cats Whisker and Viva. When fishing in deeper water it is recommend to use sinking lines with Leaded or Gold Head Nymphs and Damsels. Spring and early Summer usually provide an abundance of natural food such as Daphnia, Bloodworm, Buzzer and Hawthorn. During this period, the methods recommended are the use of a floating line and small Nymph, Hopper, Emerger, Shipman s or Epoxy Buzzer in red, claret, green, black or orange. In Summer, many fish can be found feeding on fry in the margins and because they are closer to the shore Appetisers, Floating Fry and Wet Fly patterns such as Silver Invicta can be successfully used. Damsels. Nymphs and Gold Heads can still do well. 3

4 Arlington Reservoir. Berwick, Nr. Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6TF Arlington Reservoir is a key site for South East Water as the Company draws water from the River Cuckmere, stores it in the reservoir, before treating and supplying approximately 82,000 customers each day with 23 million litres of top quality drinking water in the Eastbourne, Hailsham, Polegate and Heathfield areas. Wildlife Natural England has designated the reservoir and the surrounding land as a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This accolade follows years of proactive environmental management by South East Water since the reservoir was completed and filled in Fishing As fly fishing is the only form of recreation allowed on the reservoir, fishermen can enjoy excellent and productive trout fishing in beautiful, peaceful, surroundings. 4

5 Boats available It is the opportunity to fish for trout with imitative patterns in the upper water layers that many anglers find exciting and absorbing at Arlington. Fishing is available from both boat and bank. A fleet of boats with electric outboard engines are available but as demand for boats can at times be high, it is advisable to book boats in advance to avoid disappointment. For disabled anglers there is one wheely boat available for hire but prior booking is essential. Bookings can be made by going to or by phone on or ing fishinglodge@southeastwater.co.uk Permits and accessories Permits, tackle and flies can all be purchased at Arlington Fishing Lodge with fishing tackle available for purchase and/or hire when the Fishery Ranger is in residence. The Fishing Lodge also provides anglers with a comfortable meeting area where, alongside the restroom facilities, there is a well equipped kitchen for light refreshments including tea and coffee. Gift vouchers Arlington Reservoir Fly Fishing Gift Vouchers make a wonderful gift for the angler with a wide range of experiences to choose from for all levels, including beginners. Visit or fishinglodge@southeastwater.co.uk for details. The Arlington Experience Many anglers comment on how wonderful the Arlington Experience is. Dedicated enthusiasts use Nymphs right from the beginning of the season and often start catching on Dries in March when the weather is mild. Just imagine drifting down the wind lanes on a warm day, casting to free rising trout with the Long Man of Wilmington and the South Downs as a backdrop. All of this is guaranteed to lift the spirits. 5

6 Guidelines South East Water s Code of Conduct and Safety For the safety of all please follow the South East Water code of conduct: > Anglers must purchase a permit to fish and read the rules of the fishery before fishing > Remember that the primary use of the reservoir is for public water supply > Do not enter the water unless fishing > Chest wading is prohibited > Anglers must check behind them before back casting especially on the dam wall > Wear head and eye protection particularly when casting in windy conditions > Keep rods and lines away from overhead electric power lines > In the event of an electric storm, cease fishing, put the rod down and move well away from it > You must wear a life jacket while boat fishing. These are loaned free of charge from the Fishing Lodge > Children must be kept safe at all times > Always be prepared to help anyone in difficulty > Respect the wildlife and do not pick wildflowers. The reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve > All litter should be taken home - especially leader material. Alternatively litter can be disposed of in the bins provided at the Fishing Lodge Please co-operate at all times with the Fishery Ranger and enjoy your visit 6

7 Rules To ensure fair and enjoyable fishing, we ask all anglers to abide by the following regulations. Supplementary regulations may be introduced from time to time and these will be displayed in the Fishing Lodge. Fishing is under the control of the Conservation Manager, with daily management by Fishery Rangers. Ticket holders must comply with any instructions given by the Fishery Rangers or any other authorised officer of the Company. Principle Regulations 1. A permit must be purchased before fishing commences. 2. All anglers must read and comply with the rules and regulations displayed in the Fishing Lodge. 3. Each permit is valid for one rod and line only and is not transferable. 4. Fly fishing only is permitted at the reservoir and only one rod may be fished at any one time. The possession and use of baits, use of more than three flies in a team and trolling are prohibited. There is strictly a no catch and release policy meaning that under no circumstances should trout be put back into the water after being caught. 5. Any angler having caught the bag limit stated on their permit must cease fishing. 6. People contravening any regulation in force at the time will have all fish in their possession confiscated and will be required to leave the reservoir/fishery. 7. Bank anglers must be 30 meters from each other. Rod Licences 8. Anglers are not permitted to fish without being in possession of a current Environment Agency rod licence. Season Permits 9. A range of season and member permits are available; these permits give anglers the opportunity to purchase discounted fishing permits. Day Permits 10. Self-service day permits are available at the Fishing Lodge. 11. Fishing is permitted from all banks at Arlington Reservoir with the exception of: > The area on the East side of the reservoir which has been developed as a nature reserve > The concrete dam and wave wall in front of Polhills Farm between the fences, although people can walk in this area. When the water level falls below the level of the concrete, then bank fishing is allowed. Catch Returns 12. All anglers are required to complete a catch return for each visit to the Arlington Fishery so that adequate stocks of fish can be maintained. The catch return book is located in the Fishing Lodge and should be completed before leaving the reservoir. Use of boats (available from 1 April) 13. Fishing boats are available from 9.00a.m. The wearing of life jackets is compulsory and can be obtained free of charge from the Fishing Lodge. 14. Small boats may carry up to two people, including children 10 years and over, with a minimum of one person fishing. 15. Large boats may carry up to three people, including children 10 years and over, with a minimum of two fishing. 16. Boats must be returned to the jetty in a clean and tidy condition before the time displayed on the jetty. 17. The wheely boat must be booked in advance by contacting the fishery 18. Lifejackets must be worn when using the wheely boat. 19. Boats must not be fastened to any buoy or landed on the shoreline. 20. No person under the age of 16 years can hire boats. 21. Boats are not transferable and must not be handed to other anglers without the prior approval of the Fishery Ranger. 22. Boat anglers must fish at least 50 metres away from bank anglers. 23. Members only are permitted to attach their own electric outboards to boats. All other engines must be prebooked. Non-Members must hire one from the Fishery. 24. Evening boats at a reduced price are available from 3pm. Other Conditions 25. Anglers are advised that random bag checks are carried out. 26. People visiting Arlington Reservoir do so entirely at their own risk and only on the understanding that the Company accepts no liability whatsoever for inconvenience, loss, damage, accident, or injury to persons or property including third parties, howsoever or wheresoever caused. 27. In these regulations the Company means South East Water Ltd, officer means an employee of the Company, licence means a valid Environment Agency rod and line licence for trout and permit means a valid permit of any type issued by the Company for use at the Reservoir. 28. The use of chest waders is prohibited. 7

8 How to get here Situated approximately half a mile off the A27 Lewes to Eastbourne Road, sign posted to Berwick. Arlington Fishing Lodge, Berwick, Nr. Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6TF Tel: fishinglodge@southeastwater.co.uk Arlington Reservoir To London Bird Sanctuary B2108 Fishing Lodge Old Course of River Osprey Bird Hide River Cuckmere Fisherman s Car Park Willow Point Valve Tower Dam Wall Polhills Farm Berwick Station Pumping Station Arlington Weir N South East Water Ltd, Rocfort Road, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5AH Telephone