Fernworthy Reservoir.

Fernworthy is a budget brown trout only fishery.
At the beginning of the season in April, conditions can still be cold and wet on the high moor, fishing Fernworthy can be a real test of endurance. But given a day or two of fine spring weather the fish will be up and there is no finer start to the season. Most local anglers wait for a dry spell before starting the season at Fernworthy.

Small dark wet flies will work then and will continue to work right through the season. Try flies such as buzzer, blae & black, black and peacock, black pennel and bibio.

During the hot clear conditions of high summer (wishful thinking), the fishing can be difficult during the middle of the day.

Very early mornings and again in the cool of the evening sedge related patterns can be deadly, but be prepared for the man eating midges which live at Fernworthy, a "roll on" tube of Jungle Formula works for me.

Toward the end of August the daddies start to fall and this is undoubtedly, the best of the fishing at Fernworthy. Fishing a dry daddy as the sun dips toward Fernworthy forest is a sensory experience which takes me back to the high moor year after year.

The fly which works well most years is the dry Black Gnat, which is no more than a hackled Blae & black in about 12's, 14's and even down to 16's.
The best tactic is not to take root in one place, it is best to fish and walk, keep on the move. Brown trout do not swim past in shoals like rainbows. Browns are territorial and it is you that must do the moving.
Fish the natural features, the line of an old wall, stream inlets, promontories and wind lanes. Dry flies such as the daddy, black gnat and sedge will take fish off the top from June onward.
Nymphs such as the gold ribbed hares ear, pheasant tail, buzzer and damsel fished very slowly near the features will often winkle out a fish or two. Lures such as the montana and viva will also work on the dour windy days.

FERNWORTHY RESERVOIR.

Nr. Chagford,

Devon.

Season. 1st April till 12th October.
Prices. £9.25, 4 fish. New prices Spring 2003.

Travel Tips.
From the B3212 Princetown to Moretonhampstead road, take a left at Green Combe or Beetor Farm(look for a fingerboard marked Jurston 1.25 miles) and head for Corndon. At the Collihole intersection the reservoir is signposted. Drive carefully in these very narrow lanes.

Recommended Pub/eatery.
Warren House Inn. Nr Postbridge.

Special note. There are bird watching hides at the south west end of the reservoir near the protected area. Fernworthy is an important staging post for migratory birds and some of the rare species to be seen, in season, include Crossbills, Redstarts, Siskins and Hobbies.
At the north western side of the reservoir there are two specially managed Butterfly meadows to provide a haven for species such as the Marsh Fritillary and Marbled White.