Pike Fly Fishing

[Pross]

Does anyone know where I can fly fish for pike in south east Wales or Bristol area? Another species that sounds like fun on the fly. Also, can anyone give me advice on tackle and tactics for catching pike on the fly? Smoothy???

[Old Smoothound]

Yup Hi Pross,

I have been Fly Fishing for Pike for the past ...years. You can use a standard weight #7 or 8 rod for the smaller flies, but as soon as you get up past 4 inches in length you may have job casting them.

Llandegfedd holds the British record for Pike and could be a good place too start as they have a large head of "Jacks" that can be caught from the shore...but is best fished from a boat.

I fish Chew Valley Lake...best 38lbs 3 seasons ago but loads of just into double figure fish.

Other places to try, River Axe, River Brue Kingsedgemoor Drain.

You can even catch them in the upper reaches of the Bristol Avon.

Try smallish white, black flies size 4 - 1/0 and if coloured water Orange works well. Depending on the time of year you have to "match the hatch" i.e. the prevailing food source, so if they are 3 inch roach then that's what you have to try and imitate.

Use 10-12lb leader and If there are possible near double figure fish use a fine wire trace circa 10-12" long, other wise when you hook one they will bite straight through it!

I hope this helps.

Shaun

[Pross]

Thanks Shaun, knew I could rely on you. Not sure if Llandegfedd is open for fishing this time of year but if so I will try there, probably from the shore as I'm useless at rowing! Always wondered if Kingsedgmoor Drain fished well as often drive over it at it looks like a good course river. Is Chew fishable from the shore or is a boat a must there?

[Old Smoothound]

Chew is best fished from a boat, so you can get into the inaccessable places where the Pike are

They have engines so you don't have to row. But the season dosen't start until March 23rd and the best Pike fishing is in May through June, then September through to November.

But it does change from season to season depending on water temp and food availability.

Kingsedgemoor drain is excellent but mostly jacks with a few big doubles. Fly fish it close to the weeds beds or lily pads at the fringes of the river.....awesome!