News

Anglers challenged to tackle trout in Somerset

30 March 2010

Anglers have been taking to the waters of Somerset in a bid to net a good catch during the new fishing season.

Wessex Water’s reservoirs at Clatworthy, near Taunton, Hawkridge close to Bridgwater and Sutton Bingham, on the outskirts of Yeovil, are now open for rainbow and trout fishing.

Last year thousands of anglers netted a total of almost 22,000 fish and each person caught a rod average of two or more fish per visit.

John Clasby, fishing and sources manager at Wessex Water, said: “All of our reservoirs fished extremely well last year and we hope anglers will achieve similar results in 2010.

“Our reservoirs offer fishing from banks and boats for anglers of all abilities and rangers are always on hand to provide help and advice.”

Wessex Water stocks its reservoirs with good quality trout from local fish farms.

It said fish which anglers catch should be ‘full fined’, meaning their tails and fins are intact. People should also notice that rainbow trout are covered with silver bars and brown trout are a golden colour with red spots.

The reservoirs vary in size and depth which gives anglers the opportunity to use different fishing techniques.

Sutton Bingham is a shallow lowland reservoir where traditional methods such as natural floating lines often work well where as anglers fishing at Clatworthy often use lures fished deep.

Wessex Water’s reservoirs are all located in picturesque areas of Somerset and receive many visits from birdwatchers, walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Clatworthy is on the edge of Exmoor National Park and offers walkers a short route as well as a five mile trail round the reservoir’s perimeter.

Birdwatchers can capture some spectacular sights at Sutton Bingham, which has gained a reputation as a site of national importance for overwintering wildfowl and passage migrants.

Mr Clasby added: “Whether you’re an angler waiting for a tug on your line or a birdwatcher poised with binoculars, everyone can enjoy our reservoirs which are surrounded by picturesque scenery that frames nature trails, picnic sites and viewing areas.”

Call 0845 600 4 600 for more information or to request a fishing brochure. You can also view the recreation pages and fishing brochure online.

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