Home|
News|
News Stories

Fly angler stunned after landing perch of a lifetime

Fly fishing guide Andy Cheetham was left in awe after banking his biggest fly-caught perch ever!

by Aidan Bordiuk |

Published on2nd October 2025 at 1.41pm

While fly fishing was once considered a method reserved for game species like trout, many coarse anglers have since discovered just how effective it can be for other species, particularly predators such as pike, perch, and even catfish.

Across the UK, fly fishing enthusiasts have unlocked a whole new branch of angling with some very exciting results, and it’s not just a method for small fish either, with incredible specimens being landed as techniques continue to evolve.

Well-respected fly fishing guide Andy Cheetham is one such angler who has championed the use of the fly to target coarse species and over the past few seasons, he has landed some very impressive fish for both himself and his clients. On his most recent trip to Grafham Reservoir, he banked one of the biggest perch reported this season, an incredible 5lb 2oz fish, tempted on the fly.

IF YOU WANT TO FISH WITH ANDY, HEAD TO HIS WEBSITE HERE...

The fly the perch inhaled

“Fate’s a funny thing. While unpacking the car boot at Grafham this week, I found a tiny perch fly tucked away in the dust,” Andy told us.

“For whatever reason, instead of leaving it in the car, I quickly popped it into my phone holder as I rushed to load the boat."

“The perch fishing had been slow, and as we motored over to a new area, I got a phone call. As I pulled my phone from my pocket, the little fly from the car dropped into the hull of the boat, almost in desperation to be used."

The fly in question that Andy used

Andy couldn't ignore it any longer, removing the fly he had on the end to replace it with the new one. Noticing some lure anglers fishing in a similar area, he made a cast towards that zone, knowing they could probably see fish on their sounders. He allowed his fast sinking fly line to descend to the area he hoped the perch might be sat, before he started his retrieve. After a couple of fast strips, Andy felt a solid thump on the rod, and he was in.

“The fish gave me a great scrap in the deep water, as they so often do on fly tackle. When it finally surfaced, I knew it was something special. Thankfully, despite a few heart-stopping headshakes, I managed to scoop it safely into the net."

“On the scales, the magnificent fish went 5lb 2oz, which coincidentally is a new fly-caught PB. An incredibly satisfying way to catch such a stunning fish.”

Andy rightly overjoyed with the monster perch!

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us