Jacklands Trout Lake, at Tickenham, reopened under new management four weeks ago and is already attracting both old and new anglers alike.

On a warm August morning that varied from overcast to bright sunshine, fly-fishers at all stages of development, from the raw beginner to the very experienced, could be seen hunting the huge stock of fighting fit trout that cruised within easy casting distance.

Lures, traditional wets, nymphs and dry flies all took their fair share of the fin perfect rainbows. Seven anglers who opted for a five-fish limit bagged up and were gone by lunchtime, while as many completed a four-fish limit along with plenty of three and two trout tickets. One of the many fly fishermen renewing an acquaintance with Jacklands was Alastair Hutton from Clevedon.

The 27-year-old painter and decorator, who has been fishing since the age of eight, had been a regular customer up until two years ago when previous owner, the popular Harry Waygood, passed away.

Hutton said: "When Harry passed away the fishery went downhill fast. Thankfully, the new owners have restored the fishery to tip-top condition and its future looks bright.

"I arrived just before 9am and after weighing up the conditions decided to fish from Road Bank with my back to a moderate west wind."

"I tackled up with a No 7 floating line and a size 12 orange and green Goldhead. Long casts towards the centre of the lake combined with a 15 second count down and a very slow figure of eight retrieve produced several pulls and my first fish on the half-hour."

"After netting my third trout, the fish backed off and moved out of range towards the opposite Lodge Bank. As soon as I realised where they had gone I followed.

"I had so much success with the orange and green goldhead that I decided to keep the same pattern. I just changed the existing size 12 for a heavier size eight and within 30 minutes had started catching again."

Caroline Eastwood, of the Jacklands partnership, said: "We have been open for four weeks and business is better than expected. Our aim is to provide a top quality service and so far everyone seems to be satisfied."

Jacklands Trout Lake is well stocked with superbly conditioned table-sized Exmoor Fisheries bred rainbow trout.

Two options of payment are offered to the fly fisher. Option One is available until 4.30pm each day: Pay £6 to fish plus £5 per kilogram of trout caught. Option Two is per fish and payment must be made in advance. The minimum number of fish is two, which will cost £15. A three-fish limit costs £19, while a four-fish limit costs £22 and a five-fish catch £25. To fish Jacklands Coarse Lake costs £6 per rod between October 1 and March 31, and £7 between April 1 and September 30. Concessions are £5 all year.