Ghyll Head Reservoir

A 11-acre sheltered reservoir fishery situated a few miles south of Bowness on Windermere, accessed from the A592 that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. Due to its location, this a good option in poor weather conditions. Fishing is from one hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset, with roadside parking alongside the fishery.

Even in an area where beautiful scenery is commonplace Ghyll Head stands out from the crowd, and it is 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, around 11 acres in size, is 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 early on 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 deep 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 Brackencock, (a small beetle that can induce spectacular action in early June), and huge Caenis hatches in late June and early July.

The Association stocks regularly with top quality rainbow trout averaging over 2 lbs but with plenty of fish in the 4lb – 8lb bracket. Occasional brown trout up to 4lbs 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!