Rod average - 6.0
Grafham Water’s great form continues with some excellent returns recorded from both the boats & the banks. Anglers are not only catching in good numbers but there has also been some exceptional overwintered fish caught. Whether it has been fishing small Shrimp patterns & Hares Ears in the margins, Foam Daddies in or under the surface or large fry patterns in very deep water, there has been a good number of fish caught in the 3-5lb bracket & also some exceptional specimens from 7lb into double figures.
The cooler water temperatures driven by the recent autumnal weather, coupled with the amount of aquatic food items present means that naturally feeding fish have plenty of options. The Shrimp feeding fish can be found in the margins, sometimes feeding in very shallow water which is great news for the bank anglers who have truly benefitted over this past week with some great returns. From Hedge End to the Willows, the whole of the North Shore has fished very well with Deep Water Point, G Point & the Willows still holding a lot of fish as previously reported. Other notable bank areas include the Dam (before 9am) where good fish can be caught right under your rod tip. Those fishing the early mornings on the Dam have been rewarded with some great fishing.
Grafham’s fry feeding fish continue to feed hard on the abundant Perch Fry, sometimes at great depth, with some excellent returns of overwintered, hard fighting fish reported. The deeper laying fish have been caught out in the open water, in the deeper water off the Dam & around the Limnological Tower on Heavy sinking lines (Di8 & Booby Basher) with Snakes, Minkies or Tubes. Fry feeders can also be found around most weed beds, where lighter sinking lines can be used to present the same fly patterns in shallower water.
Another fly that has featured high on the catch returns this week has been the Foam Daddie due no doubt, to the ever-increasing number of Crane Flies around. Whether that has been as a Dry Fly or on a Washing Line as a point fly, both bank & boat anglers have caught very well with this truly versatile fly pattern; a firm favourite this time of year.
It was great to see the England Youth Fly Fishers out on the water this past week. A massive congratulations to all who fished, they caught some great fish over their time here & recorded a great rod average of 6 for competition day. Well done all.
In summary, the most productive bank area remains the entirety of the North Shore & the Dam (before 9am) & the most productive boat areas are as previously reported, the Dam, N & G buoys, the Willows through Marlow & down to Deep Water Point.
The forthcoming weather suggests that the rich vein of form we are currently enjoying, looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.