Grafham Water week ending 8 March
The opening weekend at Grafham has provided anglers with some fantastic sport and thrown up some bumper catches. The annual New Lodge trophy which is awarded for the biggest fish on opening day took place on Friday, and was won with a cracking rainbow of 4lb 15oz. The fish was caught by Danny Peet and was part of a 30 fish catch taken along the north shore.
Bright blobs and black snakes fished a few feet under the surface are still producing the goods at the moment, but as the sun comes out and the water warms up we fully expect the fish to switch on to the buzzers that hatch in abundance all around the fishery. If you are planning a visit make sure you have buzzer imitations and other small nymphs in the tackle box, especially small green and black patterns.
Bank fishing has been steady with plenty of fish getting caught at the Dam and along the north shore but please be aware the banks surrounding the fishery at this time of year can be very slippery so good non slip footwear is essential, especially along the Dam.
This week’s catch returns show that a lot of over wintered fish are getting caught with plenty of fish between 3-5lb being reported. The rod average at the moment is a very respectable 7.4 and we believe this number will continue to rise as the buzzers hatch and the fish begin to gorge themselves on this natural larder.
If you are planning a trip to Grafham give the lodge a call first to get further advice on best boat areas and methods as this can change daily and is often weather dependent; or you can always speak to one of the rangers when you arrive.
Fishing Stats
Best Rainbow: 5lb 3oz.
Best Brown: 3lb 4oz.
Best boat areas: Wind dependent – G buoy, the Dam, the Seat.
Best bank areas: G Buoy, the Willows, the Dam.
Forthcoming events
Scierra Pairs 12 March
Perch Mania 28 & 29 March
Anglian Water Rudder Match 11 April
England Qualifier 24 April
Snowbee Floating Line 2 May
Invicta Pilgrimage 21 May
Beginners courses: 15, 20 & 25 March; 4,8,17 & 26 April; 3,10,17,23 & 29 May and other dates throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 28 April; 5,18 & 26 May; 8,16 & 23 June and other dates throughout the season.