Fish 89 (Season 10,003) Returns 48 (2,249) Rod average 1.79 (4.45)
It’s been a fantastic week at Grafham. First we hosted the Inter Service on Monday and Tuesday – this was a great success despite some challenging weather conditions. This was closely followed by anglers preparing for the Angling Trust’s English National Final which we are delighted to be hosting this year. Full results will be published next week.
We have seen some good results this week with Mr Deacon managing a colossal 18 fish in a day. This was a sterling effort and way above the last few weeks’ rod average. Others fishing well include Dennis Cooper, landing 8 fish, and David Portman who landed a cracking rainbow of 3lb 8oz – the best of the week – well done David.
Anglers are reporting fish up in the surface layers of water, particularly when the conditions are overcast, with most finding success on the washing line coupled with a floating line or midge tip. Traditional flies such as muddlers, diawl bach and hares ears are the most effective patterns.
Boat fishing is mainly up in the water, though some will still be catching deep on a di5 or an 8 coupled with a lure. Those fishing up in the water on diawl bachs are suggesting a very slow retrieve whilst those on sinking lines are pulling as fast as they can! There are a lot of coarse fish fry on the move currently, particularly perch, so do try a pattern with a bit of black and green over the coming days. Drifting will catch you more fish than on the anchor at the moment, so if you are unsure on the techniques, feel free to ask a ranger for set up advice or guidance of best areas to trial.
Bank fishing is improving too with the fish beginning to follow the shrimp into the shallow water. Wading will certainly increase your chances of bagging up, fishing the edge of the coloured water where the visibility is better. The north shore has shown some good results this week, when using shrimp or hares ear. If you are bank fishing you will need to be active during the middle of the day, looking for feeding fish, although you can set out your stall for the morning and evenings still.
Fishing stats
Best boat areas: Hedge End, Pylon Point, Deep Water Point, G marker, open water drifting, Sanctuary Bay, wind lanes and drifting off West bank.
Best bank areas: Deep Water Point, G bank, Hedge End, Hill Farm.
Midweek boat winner: Steve moss of Peterborough.
Forthcoming events
Predator lure fishing 1-30 September
Fly fishing for Pike 16 May to 31 January 2019
Grafham Water Championship by invitation 22 September
BC Hall 4 October
Beginners courses: See our page for full details.