The Christmas Fishing Report

Sharpley had 10 people fly fishing on Xmas Day on Complementary fishing tickets. Sharpley was one of very few fishing venues to open in the North East. We extended this Complementary Offer to the Golf this Year that saw Anglers and Golfers enjoy a relaxed morning at the Sharpley Outdoor Venue before tucking into the 'Turkey'.
Tactics
Breezy,dull, but comparatively mild conditions have kept activity at,or near,the surface. Angler satisfaction has been correspondingly high as rising fish maintained interest. With daytime figures approaching double figures midges have hatched so the occasional black buzzer has tempted trout-especially at the downwind pegs.Casting into the eye of the wind has been a distinct advantage at times though actual takes were within 3 or 4 metres of the bank.
Pulled "dancer" lures or leggy bloodworms were very effective at times-as were the latter, or blobs under indicators.
Enjoy these conditions until the next big freeze arrives!

fly box;
black buzzer
daiwl bach
pinky
red devil
yellow/black dancer
black wooly bugger
cats whisker
pink/yellw blob

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report to 23 rd Dec

Plenty of wind and just a touch of water too! Fortunately the rain and breeze that greeted us from mid-week onwards was comparatively mild-especially at the weekend so the fish were to be seen a little higher in the water than of late.They were keen to feed on swiftly pulled worms and lures at the downwind pegs and temperatures were mild enough for black midge to hatch. Lightly weighted pupae with white or orange cheeks did the trick- on floaters and leaders that weren't too long!
Given another cold snap anglers need to slow things right down and possibly head back to the calm water at the top of the wind-where fish can often be tempted from the top with tiny emergers and f's.
Fly box;
black buzzer
bloodworm variants
black zonker
black/green nomad
cats whisker
goldhead GRHE
daiwl bach

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report ending 17th Dec

How to catch at Sharpley

Welcome relief from the recent cold arrived at the end of the week when midge could again be seen dancing in still,warm spots. Pupal patterns did their stuff-provided they were black!
Otherwise the bloodworm imitations of old have continued to do their stuff-with pinkies and blood red rubber legs the pick of the bunch.
Lures in black or white took trout reliably too-occasionally an intermediate or slow sinker was required though,and a dead slow retrieve.The Doxford lake has fished the best,its greater depth and volume ensuring a greater comfort zone for the fish when temperatures elsewhere can be sub-zero.
Results of Fritz and Fly Series Qualifier.
First Paul Fenny from Hartlepool with 10 fish.
Second James Stephenson from Middlesbrough with 9 fish.
Third Glen Appleby from Peter-lee with 8 fish.
Total Fish Caught
79
Fly box;

pinky
red devil
black buzzer
black zonker/nomad
black/green mini nomad
goldhead hare's ear
cats whisker
okey dokey
Rod average
4.1

We are open everyday over the Xmas holidays.
Come on Xmas Day and fish on a complementary Sporting Ticket. Everyone welcome.

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report 9/12/2012

Sharpley Springs near Seaham/Durham/Sunderland
How's it Fishing.
Despite the freezing temperatures Sharpley again proved why its maritime influences make it a popular angling venue by remaining ice-free,at least on the largest, Doxford lake.
This lake fished well and gave up good bags to anglers prepared to react to the conditions and fish a little deeper-and dead slowly!Bloodwormy imitations were again first-choicers,though slowly twitched white or grey lures with plenty of natural movement proved their worth too.
Given warmer temperatures next week anglers would do well to head to the "difficult" bottom-of-the-wind pegs where the warmer water congregates.Pinkies and biggish black buzzer pupae swung around on the breeze have got to be worth a cast.

Fly box;
bloodworm
black buzzer
natural rabbit zonker
black nomad
cats whisker
yellow blob
copper wire buzzer
Warm centrally heated Fishing Lodge
Rod average 3.7
Still a tagged fish, £500 on the Tag

Fly Fishing Report week ending 1st Dec

The mid-week temperature drop meant that most surface activity was concentrated around the midday period as midges hatched.Indeed,even the coldest of winter days will see hatches of some description so there is no need to pull worms or lures all day.Given surface feeding/hare's ear emergers or tiny black Waddams should secure a trout or two throughout.
Black nymphs were scoring well prior to the cold snap,but as soon as the taking speed slowed,pinkies and other bloodworm imitations proved victorious-with white or black lures pipping the summery olives.

fly box;
PTN
Diawl bach
black buzzer
pinky
cats
hare's ear emerger
black zonker/wooly bugger
close-copy bloodworm

Sharpley Springs Fishery latest Fishing Report

Sharpley Springs Fishery week ending November 27th
Black buzzers are, again,the mainstay and a figure-of-eighted pupal pattern on a floating line has been a reliable go-to.The lee of the island on the Doxford lake has provided consistently good pegs.
Anglers fishing just prior to or post-hatch should opt for a bloodworm.Pinkiies and traditional single-strand floss imitations were excellent.
In a good blow,move the flies quicker,but slow things right down or perhaps suspend beneath an indicator if things are cool.
Dark nymphs and the usual lures still account for good trout too.Black wooly buggers and cats whiskers are the pick of the latter.

fly box;
black buzzer
pinky
bloodworm
PTN
black wooly bugger
cats whisker
black/olive zonker
dawson's olive

This week fishing report 'The monster was caught'

Hows it Fishing
The Catch of the week was returned by Ross Middleton a Massive 20 lb plus Rainbow that Ross from Sunderland gentle returned. A fine specimen fish that was fully finned and despite its size gave a good fight.
Other Doubles caught this week was a 11lb 8oz rainbow that Ian Ritchardson from Langley Park released and Jim Hall from Birtley took a 10lb 20z Trout. Dave Cardwell from Darlington netted a bag of 12 fish including a 10lb 9oz Blue. Dave Renshaw from Coundon, Bishop Auckland netted 14 Trout.
Rod average
3.8

Tactics
There are still plenty of rising trout at Sharpley at present and they can be tempted with hare,s ear emergers. Late mornings and afternoons have seen midge hatches at their peak and the upwind -ripple pegs have
been the best vantage points. Targeting the risers has afforded excellent sport. Dark nymphs like PTN,s and diawl bachs have taken fish both on the drift and washing-lined whilst damsel nymphs and black lures have
enticed willing chasers at other times.
Bloodworm patterns are excellent pre and post hatch.
Still a £500 tag lurking in the depth! >
Fly box:
Hare,s ear
Brown waddam's
Black buzzer
Diawl Bach
damsel
Daddy

Sharpley Springs Fishing Tips

There are still plenty of rising trout at sharpley at present and they
can be tempted with hare,s ear emerges.
Late mornings and afternoon
have seen midge hatches at their peak and the upwind -ripple pegs have
been the best vantage points. Targeting the risers has afforded
excellent sport.
Dark nymphs like PTN,s and diawl bachs have taken fish both on the
drift and washing-lined whilst damsel nymphs and black lures have
enticed willing chasers at other times.
Bloodworm patterns are excellent pre and post hatch.

Fly box:
Hare,s ear emerger
Brown waddam's
Black buzzer
Daiwl Bach
Damsels
Daddy
Pinky
Black zonker

The latest weekly Fishing Report

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report

The cold snap on the North East Coast simply meant the best buzzer hatches were to be had later in the day and that there was an increased need to fish bloodworm imitations and well-sunk lures.
Afternoon sun at Sharpley though, encouraged huge cinnamon sedge to put in an appearance and the smattering of late olives resulted in plenty of dry fly action. The cool weather saw sport on the upwind pegs giving the best evening sport and emergent hare's ears and black midge patterns proved their worth-giving superb late-season fishing in the sunshine!

Fly Box.
Black buzzer
Hare's ear emerger
Black shuttlecock midge
Gold head damsel nymph
Daddy longlegs
Black white fritz
Bloodworm variants
Tag Fish Money Pot £500

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report

The usual buzzer techniques proved effective until the cold snap, when things turned decidedly bloodwormy.
Both olive and black midge pupae imitations fooled fish prior to the mid-week coolness whilst during it blacks and traditional blood-red worms and pinkies were the answer. A static or dead-slow retrieve approach was the best.
With the exception of those couple of days olives and cinnamon sedge were again in evidence during afternons with olive shuttlecocks and slimly-dressed green f's good at fooling the wind drifting adults-though it was usually essential to move them down-wind at the correct speed using careful line management.

fly box;
black buzzer
olive shuttlecock
hare's ear nymph
bloodworm
pinky
damsel nymph
daddy
green f
cats whisker

Monster fish stocked at Sharpley

A monster 22 pound Rainbow Trout was placed carefully in the Doxford Fishing Lake today. Simon the owner placed the fish carefully and gently into the lake and it swam away gracefully.

Fishing at Sharpley Springs Report

How's it fishing
Tempting trout with artificial s remains futile until dusk, using small Olive Buzzers is more dependable.
Howard Robinson from Ryton used a Blood worm to catch a fine fish at over 10 lbs. Glen Coldwell from Durham returned 4 the biggest at 6lbs 9ozs. Edd Dunbars best fish of the week was a 8 pounder from a bag of 6 trout.
The two tagged fish are still still not caught, both now at £500 a piece.
Rod average
3.1

Tactics
There are still plenty of olive uprights hatching after lunch so nearly all of the hare's ear family can be used as imitations. Waddam's and Shipman's buzzers are some of the most reliable.All need to be no larger than size 18 -and often preferably smaller.
Cinnamon sedge are showing at similar times,though tempting trout with artificial remains largely futile-until dusk that is!
Small olive buzzers,however,remain the most dependable net-fillers and these should be go-to patterns for anyone trying their hand at Sharpley.
Daddies and Hoppers will bring up fish when all seems quiet and the usual damsel nymphs are similarly reliable.
Cold snaps will see more lures and blood wormy activity!

How's it fishing
Tempting trout with artificial s remains futile until dusk, using small Olive Buzzers is more dependable.
Howard Robinson from Ryton used a Blood worm to catch a fine fish at over 10 lbs. Glen Coldwell from Durham returned 4 the biggest at 6lbs 9ozs. Edd Dunbars best fish of the week was a 8 pounder from a bag of 6 trout.
The two tagged fish are still still not caught, both now at £500 a piece.
Rod average
3.1

Tight lines

Fishing Report to 14th October

Hows it Fishing this week
With a bonanza stocking of fish and the cooler weather there has been easy fishing this week. Sharpley Springs hosted the Jack Charlton Disabled Children s Fishing Day for the 14th year. Despite a few heavy downpours in between sun the day was enjoyed by all and the fishing excellent with some big catches. A big thank you to all the volunteers.
Peter Appleby from Bishop Auckland returned the biggest fish this week a whopping blue trout at 16lbs 8oz from netting 9 fish.Andy Grabham also returned 2 doubles a 10 and 14 pounder from the biggest bag netted this week of 23 trout, a mixture of hard fighting blues and rainbows.Both Conner Dodds and Paul Hughes used a Zonker to net a Trout of 7lbs and 7lbs 8ozs. P Weathering from Prudoe used a cats whisker to 27 fish.
www.sharpleyspring.co.uk is now up and running again!
Tagged fish stake has reach over £1000 divided between two tags
Rod average
4.1

Tactics
More excellent buzzer hatches this week though the cold mornings meant that most activity was confined to the early afternoon. Small Shipmans and cdc f's in medium olive tempted those trout taking the adult midges in the calm water.Others fell for small,green pupae and traditional nymphs like PTN.
There were plenty of sedge around in the afternoons too though artificials proved largely ineffective unless a warm evening ensued.
The upwinged olives that also make afternoon appearances provide superb opportunities to hone dry fly techniques.A down-wind drifted hackled olive,f fly or hare's ear emerger are all worth a try-but don't expect it to be easy!

Fly box;
green shipmans
black buzzer
brown mini f
PTN
cdc sedge
hackled olive
daddy
damsel nymph
goldhead GRHE
montana

Wizardora at the Jack Charlton Disabled Children's Angling Event

Jackie Charlton Children's Day at Sharpley Springs...":

Thank you very much for have me (Wizardora) and Mr Bunny at your special day, it was a lovely atmosphere and all the kids were great x
Thank you Wizardora for giving the children such a great fun experience.
The best children's entertainer.

Jackie Charlton Children's Day at Sharpley Springs

The day went really well despite the occasional downpour. A big thank you to all that came to make the day special. Results and more pictures to follow in the next few days.

Fishing Report weekend ending 7th October

How's it fishing at Sharpley Springs
Buzzers and Midge are the main dietary items at present on all lakes. Andy Warring from Whitburn, Sunderland took an eleven pounder using mainly buzzers. Peter Kirkhole from Sunderland tryed a Olive Dun Dry Fly to bring to the net a hard fighting Blue of 14 pounds. A Murray from Newcastle also took a 14lb 2 oz trout using a Hares ear. Egvin Dodds from Bedlington took fish of 7lbs and 6lbs 8oz. T Sharp released 14 using mainly bloodworms.

Tactics
Plenty of different buzzer species were in evidence this week and this was reflected in the fly patterns that proved effective.These ranged from dry olive shipman's buzzers during an obvious hatch to larger,black pupae fished in standard" drifted figure-of-eight "style. Also those hung under small indicators This latter method proved deadly on several afternoons,especially in the lee of the island on the Doxford lake.
On the Hangman's lake tiny adult midge were the main dietary item so tiny hackle spiders and f flies were the way forward. This was primarily during flat calms so utmost care needed to degrease tippets-and these needed to be as fine as the kit would allow.
Large lures continue to show on returns too.

Fly box;
black buzzer
olive shipmans
diawl bach
PTN
brown f
black grizzle spider
bloodworm
cats
black fritz

Fishing report for week ending 31st September

Hows it Fishing
An Indian Summer has begun, giving, going fishing a little warmth before winter. The warmer weather has kept Buzzers hatching this week,with anglers fishing with dry's and emerging patterns.
Terry Sharp from Middlesbrough released 17 for over 36 lbs and David Todd from Gateshead used an Olive Nymph to net a 10lb 8oz Trout. Andy Grabham from Longbenton released 15 for over 32 lbs, also Derrick Grabham from Middlesbrough released the same. John Knox from Burnmoor took a 6lb 7 oz Trout with a Hair sup.

Tactics
The excellent buzzer hatches continued this week so anglers fishing dry,emergent patterns did well. Green Shipman's buzzers were unbeatable at times-so long as they were no larger than size 18!
Upright olives are still about to liven up the afternoons and still moments found cinnamon sedge mating in the surrounding vegetation. It was hard to decide whether splashy rises were to olives,sedge or adult midge.
Daddies,damsels and large lures have taken their share too.

Fly box;
green shipmans
olive f
olive waddam's
black buzzer
cdc sedge
invicta
daddy
damsel nymph
cats
black nomad

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report

Weekending 9th September
How's it fishing
Cool mornings have brought a change of fortune as the Trout came up to feed in earnest last week. Andrew Cambell from Blackworth used a Black Fritz to bring a hard fighting Trout to the net weighing 12 lbs.
Bob O'Connar from Gateshead took a fine 9 pounder on a white Fluffy Cat with trout to a total of 16lbs.Jeff Darwin from Haswell netted the biggest bag of the week with 12 Rainbows.
Tactics
Cool mornings brought a change of fortune as the trout came onto the feed in earnest,taking buzzers with gusto.As the same days warmed ,sport tailed off a little and the strong sun concentrate the feeding zone at four or five feet.Tinnies and blobs suspended under indicators then saved the day.
Excellent hatches of olive buzzers have been a feature of the hangman's lake in particular and the dry fly sport was consequently excellent with small,pale olive shuttlecocks and shipmans the winning patterns.The latter were especially effective fished high in the water during the throes of the hatch.
Sedge patterns remain go-to's at other times and a pupal imitation pulled through a wave could often be relied upon.Daddies abound at present and shouldn't be ignored either.
Fly box;
olive shipmans
hare's ear emerger
GRHE nymph
damsel
daddy/hopper
black buzzer
cdc sedge
invicta
whickham's fancy
Best Wishes
Carole

'Saying of the day'

A woman who has never seen her husband fishing,

doesn’t know what a patient man she married !

~~~
Tight lines

Sharpley Springs Weekly Fishing Report

Hows it Fishing
Plenty of Midge of all sizes abound with Angler,

Michael Turner from Bishop Auckland netted a catch of fish to over 30lbs with 18 being released. Anthony Brough also from Bishop Auckland released 17, ten from the Doxford.Tom Hope returned a naturalised Browny from the Doxford.Paul Metcalf from Gateshead caught the catch of the month with a whopping 17 pounder taken on an Olive emerger . Plenty of good quality stock with the Tagged fish up to £500x 2.


Tactics
Plenty of midge of all sizes abound though the massive buzzers of early summer are long gone and there are plenty of tiny species around that are very difficult to imitate.many of these are light green and equivalent to a size 30 or so!
Afternoons again saw sedges hatching-along with the now ubiquitous damsels.During a sedge hatch a ginked-up invicta was hard to beat-though brown foam emerges we're a close second.
Large daddies are still good go-to patterns

Fly box:
Invicta
Daddylonglegs
Damsel nymph/adult
Black buzzer
Green f/shuttlecock
Sedge hog
Hares ear foam head

Fly Fishing the latest report from our Blooger

Olive hoppers and daddies , the fishing is really good at the moment .

Fly Fishing 'the latest report'

Olive hoppers and daddies , the fishing is really good at the moment

Thanks Blogger

Fly Fishing, the latest Report

hi does anybody no how sharply is fishing and what flies are best there at the moment many thanks

The Latest tactic for fishing at Sharpley

Plenty of fish stocked and some doubles up to 15 pounds.
Plenty in the mid range 5/8 lbs went in on fish stocking day.
The tagged fish is at £500 x 2
Rod average 4.1

Damsels and sedge have abounded in the warm weather,the former during the warmest part of the day and the sedges paticularly evident during the last hour of daylight.These evening sessions have provided excellent dry fly angling with emergent buzzers in their usual guises(shipmans and shuttlecocks) and the sedges in theirs.CDC dries,invictas sedge and halfhogs,g and h sedge and hare's ear emergers have all taken sedge-feeders.
Unusually for this time of year, black buzzers have fished well and size 14 pupae have seen nets wetted.
There were a few black gnats around last week as well so black spiders and knotted midge fished.
The odd daddy and beetle are still bringing up trout but bigger bags can be had by taking advantage of the pond olive hatch.Hare's ear shuttlecocks in small sizes and light olive f's are the way forward at this time.

Fly box;
hare's ear shuttlecock/shipman's
olive f
black buzzer
sedge patterns(see above)
black gnat
damsel nymph
daddylonglegs
black spider
worms

Great day at Sharpley

Gary Smith from Gateshead, Tyne & Wear pictured outside the Sharpley Springs Lodge used a Oliver Hopper today to catch a 8lb 8oz Rainbow trout on the Doxford fly fishing lake.

Children's Worm lake

Amirah, Zac and Saul are ready to BQ their catch at home after fishing at Sharpley Springs Fishing Lakes just off the A 19 near Sunderland/Durham on the B1404.They caught 5 fish in total.

"Flying Fish at Sharpley"

"Flying Fish at Sharpley":

I'm a regular at Sharpley Springs as it's very local, but it's the quality of these fish and the quality of the fishing that keeps me coming back.
You will find my personal recommendation at www.practicalfly.co.uk

Practicalfly

Flying Fish at Sharpley

Sharpley Springs close to Durham/Sunderland/Newcastle, saw Simon stock with a bumper stock of Rainbows this week from 2 plus pounds to 14 lbs.
The children's fishing ponds also saw bumper stock.
Tagged fish up to £500

Latest Fishing Report and the Fly Box

Sharpley Springs Fishing Report
Hows it Fishing
The mixed warmer more Tropical weather has driven fish down to cooler depths.
Top of the water action begins at 6.30 am till about 10 am and then best again from 6.00pm until dusk.
Local Lee Dodds from Haswell caught a fine 10lb 8oz Rainbow trout on an Olive Buzzer.
John Hartland from Billingham netted 13 fish for 30lbs. Colin Pearson took a 7 pounder.
Rod Average
3.5


Tactics
There have been some good hatches of Caenis some evenings giving great sport to those wiling to fish dun,spinner or cluster patterns on long,fine leaders.For anglers not keen on fishing such small flies,sedges tend to be about at the same time,so cdc sedges or perhaps a pulled invicta should secure a trout or two.
Morning midge hatches were consistent-on all but the stormiest days-with olive remaining the main colour and the afternoon pond olive emergences resulted in more splashy rises close to the margins.Upwinged imitations and pale olive shuttlecocks fared well.
There are more and more damsels about too so a pulled nymph is a good go-to bet.It won't be long till the marginal brownies are hurling themselves at the adults.
Fly box;
Nymph/Olive Buzzers
Olive shuttlecock
Hare's ear emerger
gold-ribbed hare's ear nymph
foam beetle
Daddy
Caenis dun/spinner
Invicta
cdc sedge
Damsel
Sedge
Gnat

Weather sayings-:

Wind from the West, fish bite the best.
Wind from the East, fish bite the least.
Wind from the North, do not go forth.
Wind from the South blows bait in their mouth.

Evening at Sharpley Lakes

A dry evening after tropical weather,warm and a few heavy showers. Five Anglers are still fishing this evening about to experience the best evening rise of the week!

Fish till dusk

Ken evening fishing on the Cuthbert after some great hatching! Swallows dipping.

Evening at Sharpley

Sharpley Springs fishing report

Sharpley Springs Fishing report
24 th July
Hows it Fishing
Warmer weather has seen plenty of black and brown sedge and damsels at Sharpley Springs especially prolific around the 'Hangman'.
Daniel Forbes from Winlaton took fish home with a bag weighing 17 lbs caught mainly with Hares Ear and daddy long-legs. His biggest on the day was a 10 pounder.
Dicky Lawson from Newcastle just missed out on a double at 9lbs 5oz it made up its weight with fight!
Tagged fish once again has reached £500
Rod Average 3.1
Tactics
Warmer weather has seen plenty of black and brown sedge and damsels. Still plenty of Olives Buzzers around and afternoon upright Olives.
Fly Box
Hares Ear
Daddy Long-legs
Olive/Black Buzzers
Sedge
Damsel
CDCs
Yellow B.M.S.F.
Dawsons Olive
Green Stalking Bug
Daiwl Bach
Blue Bottle

Catch of the day at Sharpley Springs

Junior Troutmaster Winner recieves trophy

Recent catch at Sharpley Springs

View over Sharpley Springs from Vision Hill

On a clear day looking southeast from Vision Hill, the Scarborough coastline is visible in the distance.

It is rumoured that the naturally wet ground fed by ancient aquifers at the foot of Vision Hill (Now Sharpley Springs Fly Fishery may have been the location that St Cuthbert's coffin cart became stuck in the mud at Warden Law. 

"The legend follows the journey of a group of Lindisfarnemonks carrying the body of Saint Cuthbert in 995 AD. It is told that while they were wandering in the north, Saint Cuthbert’s bier came to a halt on the hill at Warden Law and the monks could not move it any further, no matter how hard they tried. The Bishop of Chester-le-Street (where Saint Cuthbert had previously lain) called a three day holy fast and prayers for the Saint. Saint Bede recalled that during this time, Saint Cuthbert appeared before one of the monks, Eadmer, and told him that his coffin must be taken to “Dun Holm”. After this revelation, the coffin was able to be moved again but none of the monks had heard of Dun Holm or knew where to find it. But by chance, they met a milkmaid on Mount Joy, south east of the site of Durham, who was wandering, searching for her lost Dun Cow, which she had last seen at Dun Holm. Yes! Taking this as a sign from Saint Cuthbert, the monks followed the milkmaid who guided them to a "wooded hill-island formed by a tight gorge-like meander of the River Wear", Dun Holm. When they arrived they built first a wooden and then a stone, structure of Durham Cathedral and around this the settlement grew. Dun Cow Lane follows from the East to the Cathedral in the current city, perhaps this marks the direction the monks first arrived from with the milkmaid?" - courtesy of www.historic-uk.com