Fish 341 (Season 5,563) Returns 100 (1,029) Rod average 3.41 (5.4)
Fishing at Grafham steadied this week with fish spread out along the north shore and out in the middle with a few in the south corner of the dam and in front of the seat. A mobile approach has accounted for the best boat bags with lots of areas producing a few fish and no real hot spots. However, Valley Creek has come alive in the late evening in calm conditions with fish showing all the way across to L buoy and the lodge and up to the nature reserve. Imitative patterns work well with small olive or black buzzer fished deep and static, also diawl bach and crunchers fished slow as the fish move up in the water. On days with big winds snakes and mini snakes on a Di5 or Di7 have worked well.
The predator fly fishers have had a very good start to their season with perch to over 3lb, numerous zander in the 4lb to 8lb range and a few decent pike. Savages and the mouth of Savages as well as in front of the nature reserve and the lodge have produced fish as well as the usual Tower hotspots.
Bank fishing continues to be an early or late affair with the dam being the most consistent. The harbour arms are well worth trying in the evening and for anglers prepared to wade the lodge bank in front of the car park is well worth a try in favourable winds. Similar tactics to the boat anglers with buzzer, diawl bach or snakes are all taking fish. Shrimp patterns and hares ear will pick out the better fish.
Competition news
Invicta Pilgrimage 24 May
25 anglers represented Invicta, Leslie Llanilar and Llanilar. Top rod was Bill Patrick (Leslie Llanilar) with 7 fish for 15lb 9oz (including bonus). John Cowan (Llanilar) took second place with 6 fish for 12lb 7oz.
6 anglers represented Llanilar for a total bag weight of 35lb 12oz; whilst Invicta fielded 10 anglers for a total bag weight of 43lb 15oz. Leslie Llanilar came out on top with their nine anglers recording 56lb 2oz.
Fishing Stats
Best boat areas: Bays and points along the north shore; 80-100 yards off the dam and Valley Creek to the fishing lodge in the evening.
Best bank areas: The dam into clear water and the jetties.
Mid week boat winner: Mr Minty of Luton.
Forthcoming events
Invicta Tuesday Night Boat League
Open to all and a great way to enjoy the summer evenings. Boat draw approx. 5.15 with fishing commencing at 5.30pm. The evening concludes at the Wheatsheaf in Perry for a drink and sandwiches and chips.
EFFA ProAm 20 June
Anglian Water Airflo International Midland Heat 22 June
Anglian Water Airflo International – Southern Final 8 July
Anglian Water Airflo International – Midland Final 22 July
Beginners courses: 31 May; 6,15,23 & 30 June;6,19 & 28 July and other dates throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 4 & 11 June; 2 & 24 July and other dates throughout the season.