Turrall Top Tips: Fishery Spotlight - Bank House - Lancashire

FISHERY SPOTLIGHT: BANK HOUSE, LANCASHIRE

For anyone looking for excellent, year-round stillwater fly fishing in the North West, Bank House Fishery in Lancaster (www.bankhouseflyfishery.co.uk) offers stunning trout in an intimate setting. All-round fly angler Jamie Sandford is your guide to one of Lancashire’s very best day ticket fly fisheries.

It’s always great when a family fishing spot is passed on. I was told of this "small, wild and mysterious little venue" by my own father several years ago, who fished it himself when I most likely wasn't even born! And what a venue it is, boasting various strains of trout, impressive in both condition and size.

Opened in 1974 by the late David Dobson and wife, the fishery and surrounding area have since been lovingly nurtured by David's Son and wife, Ben & Charlotte Dobson. Fast forward to the present and Bank House has become an absolute 'go-to' winter water for me, and I particularly enjoy fishing here from December through to March.

Bank House IS “Jurassic Park

I've been lucky enough to have some fabulous success at the fishery- not just in terms of pounds and ounces, but the beauty of the fish. I’ve had chestnut coloured, double-figure brown trout, stunning 'sparctics' with flanks reminiscent of James Webb's telescope imagery. Then again, there are also opaque shiny 'blues', prehistoric striped 'tigers' and the spottiest 'bows I've EVER seen.

It goes without saying that Ben and the team grow some absolutely gorgeous fish on site- and it is these epic creatures that keep me coming back. In short, there are truly unique looking fish here and always the chance of a genuine surprise.

Favourite tactics for Bank House

My favoured tactics for Bank House given the time of year I fish it are as follows: two rods- one with an intermediate line, and a floater/indicator set-up on the other. Simple!

I've never found the need for a faster sinking line as the fishery is relatively shallow in comparison to other venues I fish, hence why I personally have found the above methods to have sufficed to date.

One word of slight caution when you tackle up, however. Due to the potential of a leviathan, I rarely fish much less than 10lb b/s. Not an issue if you opt for top quality modern tippets and leaders, which have a fantastic diameter to breaking strain ratio. A real blessing, because unlike anglers of decades ago, we can now fish with both strength AND finesse when changing from lures to buzzers, for example.

Fly choices

Like any fishery 'every fly has its day', and Bank House is no exception. I've had some fantastic days sport in the past landing over 20+ fish on modern stillwater staples like eggs, worms, blobs and lures to name but a few.

Simple and natural will work… as will the infamous squirmie!

However in stark contrast to the bold and brash offerings within my boxes some sessions have seen me catching only a handful of particularly hard earned fish that would only succumb to tiny dries, slim buzzers and suggestive natural nymphs! It really isn’t just a “numbers game” at this rewarding fishery.

One of Jamie’s own Hothead Dancers

For the record, I'm often frustrated when people talk of 'stockies' as being "stupid fish" that'll "eat anything!" Such a statement couldn't be further from the truth in my eyes, especially at Bank House! There are some wily and legendary near 20lb browns here, for instance, that are often seen or even hooked but seldom caught.

Do keep those fish wet on a catch and release ticket.

It’s great to have the option of catch and release fishing here- but it’s also worth mentioning that this depends on the care of the anglers. So, if you do take this option, please, please, please do keep your catch wet and handling to a minimum. It’s easy enough to remove the hook and carefully slip back fish without having them touch the bank. “Grip and grin” is going out of fashion, and these days if I want the odd picture it tends to be done instantly and over the water as the fish goes back.

Talking about live and let live, did I mention the setting itself? As well as the fishing, the scenery is pretty good too, and the wildlife second to none. The variety and mix of flora and fauna is rich, with a plethora of bird species including treecreepers, goldcrests, nuthatches and bullfinches all taking the blame for my indicator 'popping back up' over the years!

So, what more could you want? If you've never been to Bank House I implore you to tackle up for a session soon. You'll love it!

Fishery details:

Bank House Fly Fishery, Low Mill Caton, Nr Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 9HX

http://www.bankhouseflyfishery.co.uk / FB: https://www.facebook.com/bendobson.flyfishing