Beating the Heat at Broad Oak Trout Lakes

July 19th 2025

When Summer Scorches the Water

Although the heatwave is welcomed by many, it makes for extremely tough fishing conditions. Once the water warms up, fish go deep, feed less, and become increasingly stressed. Many trout lakes across the UK are temporarily closing their doors for the summer or until the weather breaks. Rain is desperately needed across much of the country.

Still, with my wife strongly encouraging me to get back on the water (she's eager to practice her newly learned casting skills), we packed up the rods and headed 50 minutes up the road for a morning session at Broad Oak Trout Lakes, just outside Malvern.

An Early Start and Hopeful Expectations

The drive up was quiet and as soon as we were off the M5, the scenery was beautiful, if a little dry—the countryside already showing signs of drought. We arrived at the lakes just after 8 am, greeted by warm air overcast conditions with a little moisture in the air. The stillness was perfect. The lakes are run by Chris and Charlotte. Chris greeted us in the carpark and immediately told us how difficult the conditions have been and that we are welcome to try our luck all the same.

The 2 Lakes were like glass, not a ripple or any movement at all, it was clear to see that the fish were keeping themselves cool in the deeper parts.

Tania chose to set up on the far bank, where the shadows stretched invitingly over the water. She’s still a beginner, but already showing a great feel for casting, especially roll casts. I left her to it and set myself up a little further away with a small buzzer, slow retrieve.

Fishing Deep and Slow

As expected, the action was slow. With the top layers of the lake warmed by the sun, I switched to a weighted nymph and let it sink deep before retrieving slowly. After about 40 minutes, I finally felt a proper take. But that was quicky followed by a harsh rejection, and the fish was never to see the net.

Tania fared only slightly better by hooking a nice rainbow close in the margins on an olive damsel nymph, however, the soft take returned the same outcome as I had just received. No fish was landed.

That was about all the action we had for the morning. I could see the odd fish cruising in the margins, but they were not interested in playing at all.

Final Thoughts

Broad Oak Trout Lakes is a lovely, peaceful spot, beautifully manicured, set in the shadows of the Malvern Hills and despite the challenging conditions, it gave us a morning together outdoors, practicing patience, casting, and sharing a new part of our lives.

We’ll keep a close eye on the weather in the coming weeks. Until the temperatures drop and the rain finally returns, shorter morning sessions and mindful fishing are the way to go

Location

Broad Oak Trout Lakes

Malvern, Worcestershire

Spring-fed, fly-only.

No catch and release options available

www.broadoaktroutlakes.co.uk