Fish 58 (Season 12,422) Returns 26 (2,933) Rod average 2.23 (4.24)
There are fish feeding all across the reservoir, although the banks and boats have been particularly quiet. A rod average of 2.2 is much lower than many anglers are reporting to the rangers.
Depending on conditions, you will want to fish hares ears up in the water on a floating line, although keeping the line tight rather than an active retrieve is more likely to succeed. On the complete opposite scale a lure pulled through quickly, whether it be a minky, snake or humungous, will see you land a few on your day. Many anglers are struggling to find the fish although you can be sure to find them on heavier areas of substrate, so come along and visit the banks and plan your day in advance.
Whilst water levels are down collecting valuable information on areas of mussel beds, gravel or heavy stone will certainly increase your chances over the next few months. There has been an explosion in small perch numbers this year and the trout will be feeding on them readily, tie a few patterns to mimic perch fry or pop into the lodge to collect some of the current patterns we carry.
Please remember to re-familiarise yourselves with the wading regulations across Anglian Water. Due to the soft silt and clay you can slowly sink or become trapped. The best way to avoid this is to wade no deeper than your thighs.
Due to the receding water all boat anglers will require at the very least wellies or waders. The pontoon is no longer accessible so please ask in the shop or a ranger for directions to temporary measures. This sadly means the wheelie boat is unavailable until further notice. Boat times may vary from those specified so that we can get everybody in safely. Rangers will be around to assist you on and off the boats and we advise contacting the duty ranger before you return to the shore. Please do not leave any boats unattended.
Fishing Stats
Best boat areas: Willows, south dam, G marker, in front of lodge, Perry Point, Hill Farm, the bowl.
Best bank areas: The Seat, Sludge bank, the dam, Willows, G bank area, Hill Farm.
Midweek boat winner: Mr Skipsey.
Forthcoming events
Shrimpmasters bank league: Sundays 16 December; 6 and 20 January.