fish 137 (Season 33,072) Returns 71 (7,586) Rod average 1.92 (4.42)
With the temperatures finally dropping, this year’s fry are now shoaling up in huge numbers close to the banks, most noticeably in and around the fishing lodge harbour.
Large numbers of quality trout can be seen herding the vast roach shoals, amongst the melee of gulls and ducks that are also making the most of the banquet. Fishing on the edge or underneath the bait ball is key, as visibility to the fly is hampered by the dense shoals of Roach if fished above or amongst it.
Early in the week a cool easterly wind saw bank anglers heading to the Dam, Whitwell Creek and Stockie Bay. These particular areas produced some good sport, fished with fry patterns on floating and intermediate lines.
When the weekend arrived, with it came a bitterly cold wind and our first sharp frost of the winter. One particular bank angler had the Normanton shore all to himself on Saturday, and spent the day making his way from the lodge towards the blue pipes area, managing to net nine quality fish. Late on that evening large numbers of hard feeding fish were seen working the bait fish along the shore line in the same area.
Not many trout anglers have been out on the boats this week but there have been a couple of double figure bags reported from half way down the south arm on both shores.
Day boat prices are now reduced for the winter – the Winter boat is available from 9am to sunset £21, single man £15.
Tackle shop opening hours are 8am to 2pm from 1 November.
Don’t miss Rutland’s Fur and Feather bank match on Sunday 2 December. Call 01780 686441 for details.
Forthcoming events
Anglian Water Rudder Match 16 November
Anglian Water Fur & Feather (bank) 1 December
Beginners courses: 8 December; 4 January 2020.