Update: Dam Fishing at Grafham Water 11.8.2022
Following an incident where a pedestrian walking across the dam was struck and injured on the face by an Anglers fly, our investigation found the root cause to be that neither the angler nor the pedestrian can see each other and therefore cannot take evasive action.
On the occasion of this incident, we found that the water level in the reservoir was high, forcing anglers further up the dam face which subsequently increased the likelihood that lines would come over the wall during their back cast and that the park was busy with weekend visitors, increasing the likelihood of the contact.
As a result, fishing from the dam was closed to anglers between 9am and dusk with this closure extended to a total closure during public holidays, weekends and school holiday periods.
In our meetings with anglers, we agreed that as water levels fall the risk of line extending over the top of the dam decreases, eventually reaching a point where it is not possible for the fly to ‘over top’ the wall when an angler fishes from the water’s edge. We also committed to opening the dam when the water decreased to that that point.
Following onsite testing with park rangers, managers and a qualified Fly-Fishing coach and guide, we are happy to announce that fishing from the dam at Grafham can resume, with out restrictions from Saturday 13th August 2022.
The testing revealed that the level of which the fly no longer passes the top of the wall is when the water is on the join of the 4th concrete slab of which the dam is constructed.
Park rangers have painted yellow marks along the dam wall on the join of the 4th slab from the wall base. These marks indicate the level which the water must recede to for us to consider opening unrestricted access to the dam. As the reservoir fills and the water rises, angling on the dam will revert to the restricted access detailed above as soon as the water touches these marks. For subsequent seasons we will consider opening access to the dam as the water reaches the 4th slab from the wall base/the yellow marks (assuming they haven’t washed away)
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all anglers to continue to fish responsibly, no matter where on the reservoirs you are fishing.
Please remember to always
1 – Check you back cast
2 – Close and lock gates behind you where you open them
3 – Practice good biosecurity and ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ your kit after each visit
4 – When driving around the tracks please stick to 10mph, drive with your hazard lights on, give way to walkers and cyclists and park only in designated parking places, or where permitted, adjacent to the track
5 – Please follow all safety advice and signage displayed on site
6 – ‘Share with care’ our fisheries and parks are here for all to enjoy so please treat others with respect and kindness
The team and I wish you all good luck and tight lines and we look forward to seeing you on the water over the remainder of this season.
Regards,
Will Kirstein - General Manager Rutland and Grafham