Fish 322 (Season 11,863) Returns 89 (2,744) Rod average 3.61 (4.32)
The trout fishing at Grafham has been of a high standard this week. However, it has been dependent on favourable weather conditions. The greatest challenge came at the beginning of the week, with both boat and bank anglers struggling with the hot, bright and calm conditions that are unusual for Grafham, particularly at this time of year. However, when the wind allows bank anglers have been catching consistently close in at Gaynes Cove and the Willows, using the ubiquitous shrimp pattern to great effect. Deep Water Point has been fishing well along with G marker when the wind has been in the north, again this has been most effective when using the shrimp patterns
In a change to recent weeks the dam has turned and become rather inconsistent with reports that it is brilliant one day and extremely hard the next. Evening bank fishing has been good from the car park area at Mander by the fishing lodge, again with the shrimp patterns.
The best boat areas are again Gaynes Cove along Plummers past A buoy and across to G mark. With the predominantly west winds a drift from the aeration tower across to Hedge End has also been producing. Washing line is the most consistent method with the tequila fab or blobs on the point with two diawl bachs up the line. Craig Barr did well on Saturday during flat, calm conditions utilising this method, bringing 10 good fish to the boat.
2019 Youth International – Grafham Water 15 September
Congratulations to Harrison Douds the winner of the 2019 Youth International at Grafham Water.
Despite the bright and breezy conditions Grafham fished well with the young anglers catching 80 trout for a rod average of four fish. There were 12 fish caught over 50cm.
The competition was full catch and release, fished over two sessions with the boatmen measuring each fish caught.
Harrison Douds had 10 trout for a length of 478.9cm giving him 4 place points and first place.
Runner-Up was Isaac Slack who caught 8 trout for 368.8cm and 6 place points. Third was Albert Coales who caught 7 trout for 321.8cm and 8 place points.
Albert also took the prize for the longest fish with a superb trout of 55.5cm
Well done to all those young anglers who took part. The event was sponsored by Greys and supported by Anglian Water and Invicta FF.
Predator angling is in full swing, perch fishing has been fantastic for those who are willing to stick it out by the north tower. Two 4lb perch were caught by the same angler in the week along with an 8lb zander. Many zander have been caught during windy weather using cast and retrieve methods, but remember to use barbless hooks as they have a tendency to swallow any size lure right to the back of the throat. There have been many reports of decent sized Pike being caught not just by the tower; we have had two separate reports of decent pike over 20lb being taken along the north shore towards Pylon Point. We must emphasise the need to use barbless hooks for these wonderful fish to look after them to keep a healthy stock for us to catch.
Commencing 18 September, and on Wednesdays only, we will be opening the pontoon at 6.30am for all our anglers who are happy to make an early start. This is available for pre-booked and pre paid boats (both trout and predator) only. Please be sure to call or visit the tackle shop well in advance to secure a place as this is proving extremely popular and places are limited.
Fish stocked: 1,000.
Forthcoming events
Grafham Water Championship 21 September
B C Hall 3 October
Fry Feeders Match 19 October
Anglian Water Fur & Feather (bank) 24 November
Beginners courses: 20 & 25 September; 6,12 & 27 October; 1 & 9 November; 7 December; 5 January 2020.
Boat handling courses: 22 & 29 October; 5 November.