Hanningfield

Ranger's tips

Most methods early in the season will produce fish, Lodge Bay, School Bay and Middlemead Bay bay are early season favourites from the boats. Try the section of dam wall between the Middlemead car park and the valve tower from the bank, the Mole by the lodge is another favourite hot spot. If you want to get away from it all and have a good chance, the section of dam between the Inlet and Peninsular can be excellent. Especially in an easterly breeze.

The spring time seems to be getting warmer, don't assume that all the fish are in the deep water or nailed to the bottom! Often they are right in the margins and can often be caught from the boats under the overhanging trees in Lodge Bay. This can be a terrific sport on the floater with a team of buzzers or imitative patterns such as the Diawl Bach.

A great early season drift is across the shallow water from the lollipop marker, marking the entrance to the bird sanctuary, to the bird hide in Lodge Bay. Start the first drift 150 yards out then move closer in by about 20 yards each drift, until of course you find the depth of water that the fish are in and feeding at. When the wind is in the north and light it is not uncommon to catch your limit in one or two drifts. So try different areas after a few fish or it might be home early!

Flies and lines

Floating lines with goldheads or epoxy buzzers will work right from the start, especially if it is a nice warm day. You may need to fish them very slow on a 20ft leader to get down to the fish. If the bites are a bit short fish them under an indicator, you will be surprised how many bites you get but never feel.

Intermediate lines are most anglers first choice, team it up with with small black and green lures such as Montanas, Vivas and Tadpoles. Fish them as a team or on there own on a 10-15ft leader. As for leader materials, 6lb breaking strain is a good starter, but you may need 8lb if there are a few better fish around. The green lines or clear fluorocarbon is a must for Hanningfield. If the fish are down in over 8-15ft of water use a sinking line like a wet cell 2. Especially if it has been a frosty night or the wind is cold! Combine this with a green bead Viva on the dropper with a slim black tapole on the point, fish a slow figure of eight retrieve and you won't go far wrong.

If Boobies are your thing or the fish are right on the bottom, use a Hi D or Di 7. Have a 10ft leader with the first fly 3 feet from the fly line. The favorite combination early season is a black and green booby on the dropper and a coral and white on the point. Top Tip If the sun is out try a sparkler boobie! Let the line go right to the bottom and figure of eight it back, but every now and them give the line a smooth long pull, then pause to let the flies rise in the water. But keep in touch the whole time because you will get a surprise!

Fishing clubs at Hanningfield

There are two fishing clubs based at the fishery. These provide a programme of activities throughout the season which are suitable for both novices and experienced fishermen.

Friends of Hanningfield - contact Peter Yeoman on 01279 777 979.

Hanningfield Fly Fishers Association - contact Peter Spencer on 01375 672 778.