Westlow Mere Trout Fishing Guide – Cheshire
Overview of Westlow Mere
Westlow Mere is a premier trout fishery nestled in the Cheshire countryside near Congleton. Its 20-acre spring-fed waters are known for clear water, varied depths, and excellent insect hatches, making it a favorite among anglers seeking both challenge and reward.
- Shoreline: Sloping banks with easy access; boat fishing ideal for open-water coverage.
- Depths: Shallow margins early season, dropping to deep basins up to 40 ft.
- Clarity: Clear spring-fed water requiring careful fly selection and presentation.
- Stocking & Wildlife: Regular rainbow trout stocking; strong buzzer, olive, and sedge hatches.
At a Glance – Why Westlow Mere Stands Out
Westlow is a technical water rewarding anglers who match hatches and refine presentation.
- Spring: Sub-surface buzzer/nymph fishing from the bank.
- Summer: Dry-fly sport during surface activity; versatile lure fishing on dull days.
- Core Flies: Diawl Bach, Black Buzzers, Crunchers, GRHE, PTN, Shipman’s, Bob’s Bits, Cat’s Whisker, Muskin-style soft-hackle.
- Leader Lengths: 9–12 ft for nymphs, 12–16 ft for dries/emerger work, up to 18 ft for buzzers or washing-line rigs.
Seasonal Fishing Guide
Early Spring (March–April)
- Depth: 4–10 ft
- Flies: Diawl Bach, Black Buzzer, Cruncher, PTN/GRHE
- Lines: Slow/fast intermediate, sink 3–5
- Methods: Straight-line buzzers, washing-line, count-down retrieves
Late Spring – Early Summer (May–June)
- Depth: 0–3 ft (floating/midge-tip), 2–5 ft (intermediate)
- Flies: Shipman’s Buzzer, Bob’s Bits, Diawl Bach, Cruncher
- Methods: Dries/emerger greased leader, static/micro-twitch
High Summer (July–August)
- Depth: Top 12–24 inches at dawn/dusk; deeper at midday
- Flies: Shipman’s, Bob’s Bits, Diawl Bach, Cruncher, PTN, Cat’s Whisker
- Methods: Dry-fly sippers, washing-line, lure count-downs
Autumn (September–November)
- Depth: 3–8 ft
- Flies: GRHE, PTN, Diawl Bach, Cruncher, Black Buzzer, Cat’s Whisker
- Methods: Nymph teams, buzzer drifts, lure tactics on dour days
Depth & Line Quick Matrix
| Situation | Best Line | Target Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm, overcast, buzzer hatch | Floating / Midge-tip | 0–3 ft | Dries/emersers, washing-line just under film |
| Bright, clear, wary fish | Slow Intermediate | 3–5 ft | Sparse nymphs, long leaders |
| Hot midday lull | Fast Intermediate / Sink 3 | 6–10 ft | Count down; steady figure-8 |
| Wind on your bank | Floating / Intermediate | Top 2–6 ft | Dries on lee side; washing-line across slicks |
| Dour, post-front | Sink 3–5 | 8–12 ft | Small lures/streamers; vary pace |
Core Methods
- Figure‑Eight Retrieve: Smooth, constant, with pauses
- Straight-Line Buzzers: Three-fly team, long leaders
- Washing-Line Rig: Buoyant point fly suspending buzzers/DBachs
Fly Patterns – Step-by-Step Guides
- Diawl Bach
- Black Buzzer
- Cruncher
- Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (GRHE)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN)
- Shipman’s Buzzer
- Bob’s Bits
- Cat’s Whisker
- Muskin-style Soft-Hackle