Visitors should note that Ghyll Head is not stocked during July and August but there are well over 1,000 in the fishery from earlier stockings. As summer progresses they will become increasingly educated and anglers fishing imitative methods are more likely to enjoy success. Mornings and evenings will be the best times to fish and day permit holders are more than welcome to split their visit and avoid the more unproductive periods of the day.
Even in an area where beautiful scenery is commonplace Ghyll Head stands out from the crowd. Hardly surprising that this is WADAA’s most popular fishery. Ghyll Head nestles in a small elevated valley overlooking Windermere and is the perfect place for a day’s trout fishing. The fishery runs to eleven acres, narrow in places, with numerous bays, points and inlets – all of which add variety and interest to the fishing. Nearly all the water can be covered from the shore – from the deeper sections by the dam, through the narrows and up into the shallower top end.
Trout move around as the season develops but at first most will hold in the deeper holes and respond well to mini lures on sinking lines. Early April sees a movement into the shallows to take advantage of the huge daytime buzzer hatches. During May and June fish can be all over the fishery but return to the deeps as the water temperatures rise in mid summer, returning to forage in the shallows as autumn brings cooler conditions. When fish are topping dry fly can be the killing method but above all this is great nymph water. It is important to find the holding depth and three nymphs on a long leader will give you a decided advantage when few fish are showing on top. Seasonal highlights include falls of Hawthorn Fly, the Bracken clock, (a small beetle that can induce spectacular action in early June), and huge Caenis (Mayfly) hatches in late June and early July.
The Association stocks fortnightly with top quality rainbow trout averaging 2lbs but with plenty of fish in the 4lb – 6lb bracket. Occasional wild browns up to 3lbs are also encountered. Or alternatively, if you really want to test your reflexes, put on a size 18 or 20 dry and go for the Rudd! Please note that there is no winter stocking November to February Inc.
