It’s been a strange few months at Millbrook Lakes. First, it’s been unusually dry – not bone-dry, but enough for us to grateful for the ‘bank’ of storage and groundwater accumulated over the last few wet years. This ‘credit’ has meant that, while some lakes are low for this time of year, many are full or close to it. And temperatures have been topsy-turvy.
August saw maximums significantly above average for the end of winter, and late in the month, we had big dragonfly numbers – a rarity this early in the season. There were even enough for the trout to be leaping for them, and although dragonfly leapers aren’t easy to catch, it was great fun trying, and some beauties were fooled.
Come September, and the temperature switch flicked. It’s been cool to cold, and we even had snowfalls mid-month.
Through it all, the fishing headline has been midge (chironomid). There have been lots – big, small; daytime as well as evening. Trout love midge (they contain three times the protein of steak after all!) and these little bugs have provided endless sight-fishing opportunities. Cockchafer beetles have made a bit of an appearance too, although rarely enough to out-compete the midge action.
Regulars will know that we’re also on the cusp of mayfly season. A few early duns have appeared, but so far just short of what we would call a proper hatch. Historically, late September is the earliest we have hatches worthy of the name, and early to mid-October is a more typical start to mayfly season. There are lots of nymphs under the rocks, so it looks promising – although as always, it’s anyone’s guess how big the hatches will be, and how long they will last. Fingers crossed, but meanwhile, the midge are a good backup.
August saw maximums significantly above average for the end of winter, and late in the month, we had big dragonfly numbers – a rarity this early in the season. There were even enough for the trout to be leaping for them, and although dragonfly leapers aren’t easy to catch, it was great fun trying, and some beauties were fooled.
Come September, and the temperature switch flicked. It’s been cool to cold, and we even had snowfalls mid-month.
Through it all, the fishing headline has been midge (chironomid). There have been lots – big, small; daytime as well as evening. Trout love midge (they contain three times the protein of steak after all!) and these little bugs have provided endless sight-fishing opportunities. Cockchafer beetles have made a bit of an appearance too, although rarely enough to out-compete the midge action.
Regulars will know that we’re also on the cusp of mayfly season. A few early duns have appeared, but so far just short of what we would call a proper hatch. Historically, late September is the earliest we have hatches worthy of the name, and early to mid-October is a more typical start to mayfly season. There are lots of nymphs under the rocks, so it looks promising – although as always, it’s anyone’s guess how big the hatches will be, and how long they will last. Fingers crossed, but meanwhile, the midge are a good backup.
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