Fish Fish 422 (Season 11,541) Returns 85 (2,655) Rod average 4.96 (4.34)
It’s been a fantastic week at Grafham with a rod average of 4.96 and some excellent sport. In particular the change in fortune for bank anglers is really welcome. A large number of fish are being taken from the Willows on the north end of the dam using shrimp patterns and hares ear. One bank angler caught 13 fish from the bank, arriving early and casting into the wind his struggles more than paid off.
Encouraging reports have been reaching us regarding the corner at Gaynes Cove; bank anglers are once again catching their limit with the hares ear and shrimp pattern. One angler said it had been the best sport he had enjoyed in years.
Boat fishing is also good, rewarding those who are willing to keep changing their approach and methods. Sixteen fish were caught by one boat in just three hours.
The weekend has been exceptional and included some great match action as Grafham Water hosted the prestigious Scierra Pairs.
Competition news
Scierra Pairs final 7-8 September (including time bonus)
63 boats containing 126 anglers headed out on to the water. Paul Kitchen and David Hoppe were the first pair to bag up at 13.30pm (with each angler catching their 8 fish limit). With a 10am start they enjoyed an incredible morning! The pair were placed third overall. Sixteen pairs recorded bag limits with Rob Edmunds and Matthew Griffiths winning the match with a total weight of 44lb 1oz including time bonus (they weighed in at 14.00). Christian Jadouille and Geert Janssens recorded the best fish at 4lb 3oz.
1st Rob Edmunds & Matthew Griffiths 16 fish for 44lb 1oz
2nd Gareth Jones & Wayne Jones 16 fish for 43lb
3rd Paul Kitchen & David Hoppe 16 fish for 42lb 3oz
4th James Simpson & Toby Bracey 16 fish for 41lb 2oz
5th Christian Jadouille & Geert Janssens 16 fish for 40lb 14oz
6th Mike Kayes & Phil Cotton 16 fish for 40lb 5oz
7th Fen Oakley & Malcolm Hunt 16 fish for 39lb 6oz
8th Carl Williams & Sion Davenport 16 fish for 38lb 11oz
9th Alex Johnstone & Dave Johns 16 fish for 38lb 4oz
10th Steven Peart & Stephen Smalley 16 fish for 38lb
The predator anglers have been enjoying continued success. During the past week plenty of good perch have been caught, one angler had travelled from Kent and left with the happy memory of a 4lb Perch and a massive smile on his face. The Zander are being caught but they seemed to have slowed with reports suggesting that they seem to have moved from their usual haunts or it’s possible that they are also just being awkward to catch. We suggest trying by the tower late on in the afternoon with pink jigs.
We have some good news for both our trout and predator anglers with a new deal for those anglers willing to set their alarm clocks early. Starting on Wednesday 18 September we will be opening the gates at 6.30am on four consecutive Wednesdays ending on Wednesday 9 October. For more details contact Grafham Water Fishing Lodge on 01480 810531. This will be a prepaid and pre-booked arrangement so please contact us to ensure you secure a place.
Forthcoming events
England Youth Flyfishing National Championship 15 September.This is open to anglers aged 12-17 years. For more information visit www.anglingtrustevents.net
Grafham Water Championship 21 September
Beginners courses: 15, 20 & 25 September and other dates throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 14, 22 & 29 October; 5 November.