Rod Average - 11.0
Rutland opened with tremendous early season sport on offer. A cold easterly wind did not stop a very good start to the season on the reservoir, both bank and boat anglers reporting excellent sport and numbers of fish. Floaters to DI5 have been used, with fish responding to a rise in temperature during the afternoon and rising in the water column.
Whitwell creek was the top spot for the bank angler where double figure numbers of fish were recorded, elsewhere Whitwell frontage and Sykes lane saw fish caught. The opposite shore line, especially either side of Normanton church also produced well. Amongst the stock fish there were grown on Rainbows to over 5lb, and at least 4/5 over wintered Browns estimated between 4 & 8lbs, These were all taken in very shallow water, with nymphs working well, and even reports of a couple of fish falling to dries!
On the Peninsula, fish were caught from Yellowstone and down towards the Old hall, one angler managed eight rainbows there.
Boat wise, fish were caught from the Main basin, Spud bay down to the Old hall, Barnsdale and Yellowstone.
Flies used were varied as normal for early season ranging from big and small lures, Snakes, Boobies and FAB's/Blobs. There were good reports of fish moving on top in many areas. Nymphs ranging from Hares ear, Diawl bach, Cruncher (Pheasant tail), Damsel nymphs, and small buzzers all taking fish. Actual stomach contents of some of the fish in the gutting room at the fishing lodge revealed good numbers of Shrimp which is fantastic to see fish feeding well.
Prospects
Looking very good already, water clarity is excellent, fish feeding well and also showing on top in sheltered areas despite the cold wind.