Events

Due to popular demand this is the 1st permitted backdrifting day of 2020. Special back drift days at Chew Valley are subject to a trial period of 2 months. This offering will be reviewed by fishery management on 30th April 2020. Backdrifting will be valid on any offered fly fishing permit at Chew Valley lake on permitted days. There is no additional cost for anglers choosing to backdrift.

A specific set of rules apply to backdrifting at Chew Valley, see below:

Rules:

• Backdrifting permitted at Chew Valley lake only.
• Only one rod to be fished at one time by an angler.
• Rod to be held at all time using conventional fly fishing tackle.
• Backdrifting to take place only from a wind assisted boat (engines not to be used for backdrifting)
• Anglers to backdrift from the windwardside of the boat only.
• Barbless or debarbed flies to be used at all times.
• Anglers back drifting must pay particular attention to other lake users and should not back drift in heavily congested areas.
• Backdrifting by sinking lines only.
• All lines to be retrieved fully from the water before engine is started for new drift.
• No doubles or trebles to be used when backdrifting.
• All other fishery rules and byelaws apply.

Backdrifting has been known to produce consistent catches of bigger fish than some conventional fly fishing techniques. The population of large trout found in the lakes are particularly special to the fishery. Should you be lucky enough to encounter one of our famous big trout, please always have fish welfare at the front of your mind when intending to release. Anglers should be equipped with sufficient C+R tools and practice good C+R techniques as shown in THIS excellent article.