Introduction

Siblyback Lake was created in the late sixties, it stands at 850 feet above sea level on the edge of Bodmin Moor, near the market town of Liskeard. When driving into Siblyback you will be greeted by the fantastic views over the lake. This very popular fly fishery is 140 acres in size and is also a Troutmasters water. For the more energetic, you can walk around the lake on the 5km circular path taking advantage of all the numerous fishing spots available. This is a peaceful and relaxing place to spend a day fishing and there is also a cafe available to cater for all your refreshment needs, while enjoying the scenic views across the lake.

The Fishing

We have both boat and bank fishing available, also float-tubes are allowed if paired up. Siblyback lends itself to some fantastic boat fishing with great drifts possible. We have two Coulam fishing boats and a petrol engine and you can also take your own electric engine. Boats must be booked by 3.00pm the previous day.

You can buy your day tickets online. Don’t forget to put your catch returns into the box after your day's fishing. Take the opportunity while in the hut to look at the site map of the lake and also the display case containing flies that work very well at Siblyback.

Siblyback is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout averaging between 1.04lb to 2lb with lots of fish over 2lb and the largest usually between 4lb and 6lb. We also stock a number of Blue Trout, that always fight well above their weight. We have a large population of resident Brown Trout too, which are catch and release only with some fish recorded to around 3lbs in size. A ‘catch and release’ Rainbow/Blue Trout option is available (barbless hooks must be used).

You’ll find the bank fishing can be just as rewarding as the boat. The places to start fishing that tend to hold the most fish are Two Meadows, Crylla Bay, Stocky Bay, and North Shore although you will catch fish all-round the lake.

Tackle

The most popular size of rod is 9.6/10ft – 6/7 weight, although some fishermen prefer to use a lighter weight rod for dry fly fishing and for a more responsive feel.

Floating lines are a firm favourite, however in the right conditions, sink tip and intermediate lines can take their fair share of fish. A team of three flies on an 18ft leader is the normal for the more experienced angler. If you are not so experienced or the wind starts to pick up, as it does at Siblyback, we would strongly suggest you use two or better still, one fly, you will certainly save all that frustrating time trying to untangle line.

Fly Patterns & Techniques

Best Flies: Montana, Hoppers, CDC, Diawl Bach, Daddy’s, Crunchers, Buzzers dressed on size 12 & 14. Cat’s Whiskers, Siblyback Sizzler, Damsel, Blobs, Boobies. Black & Green lures. There is a very useful display of flies that work very well at Siblyback, sited on the wall in the permit hut.

When you start fishing, stand back and fish the margins before you wade in and chase the fish out into deeper water. So many fish are caught close in, so it’s well worth taking the time to fish the margins first.

Great and Little Marsh and North Shore are at the shallower end of the lake averaging around eight-foot depth. You will find the deeper water around the Dam and West Shore. Look out for the wind/scum lanes, remember fish will be feeding along the edges and accurate casting will help improve your chances.

Early season Lures work very well and a Cat’s Whisker will always catch fish, along with the Siblyback Sizzler and orange blobs. Black & Green is always one of the best colours, however try different colours as it depends on what their taking that day. A fast retrieve usually works well, roly-poly, long strips/short strips, strip with pauses, again it all depends on what speed they are taking on that day so keep trying different techniques until you catch.

Towards the end of April will see the start of the buzzer hatches and evenings can be very productive. The month of May sees the arrival of the Hawthorn Fly and the start of some of the best dry fishing of the season, try a cast with two flies, a Hawthorn on the point with a beetle pattern on the dropper. Watch out for the black beetles being blown across the water in May and June time. Late evenings can prove to be very rewarding this time of year, look out for any rising fish.

A choice of area is not very important, although Two Meadows always holds fish. July and August depends very much on the weather and water levels. Fishing can be very challenging this time of year, but the fish are there and it’s very rewarding when you’re successful. In early autumn, try a Daddy Longlegs as it can bring a good response. September and October will see the water levels start to return to normal and the temperature drop, so now is the time to revert to the tactics you used at the start of the season.

Fishing Map

The fishery map, which has all commonly used names referred to in this guide, can be found in the permit room at Siblyback or on our website.

Click here to expand the map

Weekly catch reports

During the season weekly catch reports are produced for Siblyback so you can see how its fishing, what flies are working and which locations have produced fish. The locations on the weekly catch report also correspond to the fishery map and this guide. The weekly catch report is posted in the permit room, on the Siblyback page of the website and on our Facebook page ‘Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust’.

Safety

Wading is permitted but only recommended up to thigh depth. Take extra care around Little Marsh especially where the stream comes in. Both Little and Great Marsh, as the name suggests are very boggy areas so take care if you do decide to wade. The rest of the lake is ok, but watch out as there are lots of rocks and some holes scattered around on the lake bed.

SFFA Fishing Club

Siblyback Fly Fishers Association (details can be found in the permit hut). The SFFA hold monthly club meetings in the lecture room, with fly tying sessions and various talks. There will be a warm and friendly welcome to all new members, from complete novices to the more experience anglers. You do not have to be a season ticket holder to be a member of the club. Competitions are held on a regular basis, most are fun events with a social afterwards. We have also successfully held, The Best of the Best qualifiers, The Snowbee 4 man team competition for the last few years and an England Bank fishing qualifier last year. If you would like more information on the SFFA please contact the Chairman Ron Wilday on: [email protected]

Summary

We hope this information gives you a good insight into the fishing. All additional information can be found on our website. We have wardens and seasonal staff on site and also any SFFA members would be more than happy to offer advice on where to fish and what flies to use. We hope you have a great and enjoyable time fishing at Siblyback.