Members of Farmoor Fly Fishing Club are enjoying a great start to the new trout fishing season on Darlow Water at Hardwick.

Early returns show that this could be the beginning of a fantastic year, with catches beyond expectations and not a dry net in sight.

Amongst the catches were four rainbows over 4lb, while several large browns up to 7.8.0 were returned.

All the fish caught were in prime condition, with many taken on dry flies, grey patterns proving the most successful.

This is unusual so early in the year, even more so taking into account the extremely variable weather.

Pheasant-tail nymphs and buzzers were also most effective, fished near the surface.

All this is fantastic news for members because at the end of last season there was serious concern over what legacy would be left by the devastating floods of last summer when carp and pike were washed into Darlow from nearby Linear Fisheries.

Major damage was also caused to the road and banksides.

Despite all that, membership remains healthy and there are only afew vacancies left to fill.

The club have issued a statement thanking those members who assisted in the repairs to the lake surrounds and waterways, and also in the intensive winter feeding which has returned the retained fish to full fitness.

Recent stocking has replaced any losses, with all freshly stocked fish being 2lb-plus. This policy will continue throughout the season.

The club have also expressed their appreciation to Linear Fisheries for their help in clearing many of the carp in the water, and for helping to repair bank damage.

Darlow's annual free training course for members and non-members begins on May 14 and anyone wishing to attend should contact Ken Day, the club's instructor, on 01235 554618 or any committee member.

LINCH Hill's Willow Pool is still producing some huge roach from its depths.

The latest angler to get amongst the redfins is Jerry Hammond, a Nash Tackle consultant, who fished the water with local rod Alan Storey and landed fish weighing 3.3.0 and 3.4.0. The fish took double maggot on a helecopter rig.

Another unnamed Oxfordshire pit is also producing not only large roach, but also some decent rudd.

Stafford angler Dai Gribble netted a roach of 3lb, plus a brace of rudd weighing 2.8.0 over a two-day session.

He was using a maggot-feeder with a short hooklink and maggot on the hook. For the rudd, he lenghened the hooklink, so it took longer to sink through the water.