Kingfisher Trout Lake is also the home to the famous 'Kingfisher Killer' trout fly which was designed at the fishery and of which more than 500 have already been sold by mail order to anglers all over the world. The Kingfisher Killer has been featured in 'Trout Fisherman' and 'Stillwater Trout Angler'and has proved to be a popular and effective lure in waters up and down the country. Available in 24 different colour schemes on Size 12 hook standard shank, the flies cost 60p each and can be purchased by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Dennis Wall. Further information about the dreaded Kingfisher Killer can be obtained from Dennis on 01885 488464.

Patterns normally reliable include Montanas, Viva, Cat's Whisker and, of course, the deadly Kingfisher Killer particularly in olive or black.

Because Kingfisher Trout Lake is much deeper than many lakes of its size, averaging between 12 feet and 14 feet but up to 20 feet in places, this enables the water to stocked to a ratio of about 140-150 fish per acre with the majority of the fish being in the 2lb 3oz range. However, rainbows of 10lbs are caught fairly frequently. Since the lake opened in May 1992 the total number of recorded fish killed is currently about 38,000 whilst last season an average of 3.2 fish were taken per angler visit and a further 4.18 fish per angler were taken on a catch and release basis.

The water depth also means that the fish can keep cool in the summer months by going deep whilst in winter the reverse is the case with the fish staying down where the water is warmer.

Conditions throughout the lake are kept at optimum levels by the use of silt traps, bypass ditches, regular weed control and a powerful aeration system, all of which combine to maintain the correct ecoplogical balance. This ensures clear water of even temperature all year round, promoting healthy insect life and fish.

Because trout are more active than most coarse fish and patrol greater distances there are no 'hot spots' on the lake with anglers standing an equal chance of catching in all parts of the lake. Where the fish are will tend to be determined by the direction of the prevailing wind and water temperatures but as the water is normally gin clear, first-time visitors to the fishery are advised to approach the waters edge with caution and start by fishing close to the bank as many fish tend to congregate by the bankside. Only after anglers have explored to shallower water should they gradually work their way further out.

Working the water like this will prevent a mistake commonly made at Kingfisher, which is that anglers often march straight up to the waters edge and fish up to 20 yards out on their first cast, thus scaring away any fish between the bank and where they are fishing.

In addition, there are plenty of ledges around the lake edge where the trout patrol and feed, and it is always worth trying these before heading for deeper water near the islands.

Having said that, there is deep water close to the bank in places for those who prefer to fish further down.

Whether fishing shallow or deep, however, a slow retrieve is recommended after having cast your fly. Most Kingfisher trout Lake regulars use a steady figure of eight to tease the fly slowly through the water.

For anglers with a more competitive spirit, Kingfisher Trout Lake is a Troutmasters venue and each month the anglers who catch the three best fish receive a Troutmasters badge and qualify to fish Kingfisher's Individual Water Final, the winner of which goes forward to compete in the prestigious Troutmasters annual final.

In addition, the lake holds two major competitions around Christmas each year. The 'Christmas Pairs' event is run along the lines of a Christmas Fayre and every competitor receives a prize which ranges from bottles of spirits, pheasants and other game fayre to a booby-prize of a brace of rabbits.

A singles event, the Seer Rod Competition, is held the day after Boxing Day. In this competition the angler who catches the largest fish wins a locally-made hand-built rod worth in the region of £250.

Whether you are an individual angler who enjoys the tranquility of the countryside or looking for a Corporate event with a difference, Kingfisher Trout Lake porovides an inexpensive way to entertain friends, clients and colleagues. An added attraction of Kingfisher Trout Lake is that families are welcome and non-anglers can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

From the M5 follow the signs for Leominster and Green Lane is about three-quarters of a mile out of Bromyard on the left hand side. The entrance to Kingfisher Trout Lake is on the right about a mile down Green Lane and is clearly signed.

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