Fish 400 (Season 9,917) Returns 107 (2,201) Rod average 3.73 (4.51)
The fish have certainly begun to switch on at Grafham this week with some anglers returning their limit and much more!
Some good results this week, with Mr Deacon managing a colossal 18 fish in a day – this was a sterling effort and way above the last few weeks’ rod average, well done. Others fishing well include Dennis Cooper, who landed 8 fish and David Portman, who recorded a cracking rainbow of 3lb 8oz – the best fish of the week.
Anglers are reporting fish up in the surface layers of water, particularly when the conditions are overcast, with most finding success on the washing line coupled with a floating line or midge tip. Muddlers, diawl bach and hares ears are the more common flies anglers are using, although lures on an intermediate line, particularly snakes, are seeing good results too.
Boat fishing is mainly up in the water although some will still be catching deep on a di5 or an 8 coupled with a lure. Those fishing up in the water on diawl bachs are opting for a very slow retrieve, whilst those on sinking lines are pulling as fast as they can. There are a lot of coarse fish fry on the move at the moment, particularly perch, so do try a pattern with a bit of black and green over the coming days. Drifting will catch you more fish than on the anchor at the moment, so if you are unsure on the techniques, feel free to approach a ranger for set up advice or guidance of best areas to target.
Bank fishing is improving too with the fish beginning to follow the shrimp into the shallow water. Wading will certainly increase your chances of bagging up, fishing the edge of the coloured water where the visibility is better. Grafham ranger Stuart, hooked plenty from Deep Water Point during the week, reporting shrimp or hares ears are the way to go. If you are bank fishing you will need to be active during the middle of the day, looking for feeding fish, although you can set out your stall for the mornings and evenings still!
Fishing Stats
Best Rainbow: 3lb 8oz taken by David Portman.
Best boat areas: Hedge End, Pylon Point, Deep Water Point, G marker, open water drifting, Sanctuary Bay, wind lanes and drifting off west bank.
Best bank areas: The dam, Deep Water Point, G bank, Hedge End, Hill Farm.
Midweek boat winner: Steve Moss of Peterborough.
Forthcoming events
Predator lure fishing 1-30 September
Fly fishing for Pike 16 May to 31 January 2019
English National 15 & 16 September
Grafham Water Championship by invitation 22 September
BC Hall 4 October
Beginners courses See our page for full details.