The Perfect Afternoon …
Total FlyFisher|September 2017

England international Simon Kidd visits Exmoor’s Clatworthy Reservoir during beetle mania…

Simon Kidd
The Perfect Afternoon …

For a few weeks of the year in midsummer the beetles at Clatworthy Reservoir, on the edge of Exmoor National Park, literally invade the place like a plague and the fish can go mad for them. The same occurs elsewhere as the summer months yield the Coch-y-Bonddu beetle and they take to the wing and provide the fish of many lakes with a summer feast to gorge upon.

There have been many patterns for this little beastie and colourful member of the Coleoptera beetle family and known widely as the garden chafer beetle (Phyllopertha horticola). It often appears sat on the fronds of bracken and the most traditional pattern is a simple hackled fly with a peacock herl body, red cock hackle and small gold butt at the bend of the hook. The name Coch-y-Bonddu itself has a Welsh origin and translates roughly as ‘red of the back’, which describes perfectly this characteristic and distinctive creature that tends to visit our bankside and lakes after the hawthorn flies have largely departed.

Already At Lunch

As I arrived, Danny confirmed the timing was good. It had been sunny on the drive up but cloud had started to appear and the air temperature was noticeably cooler. There were not many insects hitting the windscreen on the drive up, as there can be on good summer days, so I was a bit sceptical but still hopeful. With the threat of rain showers later in the afternoon we didn’t want to be too late getting onto the water.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Total FlyFisher.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Total FlyFisher.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TOTAL FLYFISHERView All
A Truly Unique Item
Total FlyFisher

A Truly Unique Item

In the world of mass production it is reassuring to know that there is still a place for something a little different. That is exactly what the TFF team felt when it came across the Banana Rods range.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Total FlyFisher

Not The Last Of The Mohicans!

Clark Colman explores the origins and development of the Marsden’s Mohican, a mini lure whose availability and effectiveness is a fitting tribute to the larger-than-life character after whom it’s named.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2017
Diary Of An Everyday Angler Ninja Fishing
Total FlyFisher

Diary Of An Everyday Angler Ninja Fishing

Jem Packer makes a lightning-strike trip to Raith Lake as he fishes like a ninja in a short, sharp session while at the in-laws…

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2017
Autumn Sport In The Beacons
Total FlyFisher

Autumn Sport In The Beacons

Airflo’s Ceri Thomas and Tim Hughes sample back-end fishing in a Brecon Beacons stillwater, where the resident rainbows are simply the best looking in Wales.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2017
Make Mine A Double
Total FlyFisher

Make Mine A Double

GAIA instructor John Boon targets the wild trout of the River Taw, using a technique that is often overlooked.

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2017
Used & Abused
Total FlyFisher

Used & Abused

John Boon takes a look at the tackle setup used for trout Spey fishing. Americans are fully aware of this method, which just might be the next big thing in this country.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2017
One Last Cast Bin It!
Total FlyFisher

One Last Cast Bin It!

Jem Packer makes a plea to the litter crowd to please BIN IT!

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2017
Flies Of The Year
Total FlyFisher

Flies Of The Year

Top competition angler and sales manager at Yorkshire Game Angling Warren Langridge shares the flies that have served him well on the UK’s stillwaters.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2017
Fly Fishing The Other Side Of The World
Total FlyFisher

Fly Fishing The Other Side Of The World

Greys Pro Team member Lisa Isles describes the beautiful locations and magical fishing to be had in New Zealand.

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2017
Diary Of An Everyday Angler
Total FlyFisher

Diary Of An Everyday Angler

Our Everyday Angler Jem Packer meets the resident expert at Rib Valley and dreams that one day that will be him…

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2017