Fish 610 (Season 10,782) Returns 117 (2,462) Rod average 5.21(4.37)
Normally at this time of year trout fishing becomes more of a challenge – but not at Grafham! With a rod average of 5.21 for the week our returns reflect some very worth while sessions for both bank and boat anglers. Recent stocking has contributed to the success along with some quality fish in excellent condition and anglers are enjoying fantastic sport.
A lot of bank anglers are fishing off the Dam and the tried and tested shrimp patterns continue to produce.
Grafham Water Fly Fishers’ Association (GWFFA) held a two day event over the bank holiday weekend, inviting all comers to try their hand at fly casting under the supervision of qualified instructors, followed by a short session out on a boat under the guidance of experienced GWFFA members.
Given the excellent (almost too hot!) weather conditions, not surprisingly, the demand for casting tuition was extremely high on both days, as was the opportunity to try and catch a trout from a boat, which fortunately most novices were successful in doing.
The club also had the benefit of Fly Dressers’ Guild gold member Ian Ruff demonstrating the art of fly tying in the fishing lodge, which attracted a large number of interested fishermen and non fishermen.
John Batter, writing on behalf of GWFFA, says “We had 12 or more members present for casting, guiding and fly tying and all were kept very busy for the two days. Thanks once again to Anglian Water and their staff for all their support over the weekend. We hope that participants will have enjoyed the experience sufficiently to want to take up the sport.”
For further information about the club and future events, visit WWW.GWFFA.CO.UK
Competition news
World Predator Classic qualifier 17 & 18 August
This prestigious event enables the winners to represent England at the World Predator Classic in Holland with the chance to win some serious prizes! Ninety boat anglers and twenty kayak anglers took to the water following a hearty breakfast on site and a lot of preparation. The weather conditions were good (if a little breezy) allowing for some great catches. On Sunday evening the results were in. Janek Maciejewski and Justin Hitchcock have won places to represent England in Holland in the World Predator Classic Boat Event and Shaun Milner did the same in the kayak section. Everybody involved had a great time, especially our very own ranger Andy Moat who stood in for a competitor at the last minute and caught a 20lb 2oz Pike. This was the biggest pike of the competition and Andy’s first pike at Grafham.
Anglian Water Rudder Match 24 August
Twenty anglers fished in this popular pairs match. Ziggy Lesiakowski took the best fish at 3lb 14oz and the best bag went to G Pearson who weighed in for 19lb 10oz.
1st G Pearson & M Haycock 16 fish for 36lb 15oz
2nd S Lehane & J Castledine 16 fish for 35lb 15oz
3rd M Bennett & I Dalby 11 fish for 24lb 10oz
Grafham Water will be hosting the England Youth Fly Fishing National Championship on Sunday 15 September. This is open to anglers aged 12-17 years. For more information visit www.anglingtrustevents.net
Fishing Stats
Best boat areas: All along the north shore. Plummers along to Gaynes Cove and straight down the middle, particularly between M and J buoy.
Best bank areas: The dam, Plummers, Gaynes Cove and G mark when the wind allows.
Mid week boat winner: M C Stanton.
Fish stocked: 1,500.
Forthcoming events
Scierra Pairs final 7-8 September
England Youth Flyfishing National Championship 15 September.
Grafham Water Championship 21 September
Beginners courses: 15,20 & 25 September and other dates throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 2 September; 14,22 & 29 October; 5 November.