Fish 1,038 (Season 5,104) Returns 157 (890) Rod average 6.61 (5.75)
Specimen Browns have been playing ball this week with the best fish recorded as 9lb 8oz, with plenty reported in the 5-7lb range. Incidentally the 9lb 8oz Brown was backed up with a 6lb 4oz Rainbow; certainly a brace to remember. A lot of anglers have commented on the quality of the Rainbows with 3lb plus fish commonplace. Rudder anglers have also been having fantastic sport with the well spread fish in open water lending themselves perfectly to this style of fishing, Di3 has been popular but anglers have also reported using intermediates with tubes and snakes.
The main basin has sprung into life this week with vast numbers of daphnia feeding fish to be found in open water along the Normanton bank from the Church to Fantasy Island, following the ‘slicks’ off the boils and from the lim tower to the dam wall. Best lines have varied depending on the conditions but in general nothing faster than Di3, showing these fish are not lying deep. Again, plenty of ‘colour’ is the way to go with a tequila FAB/booby a popular choice. Pulling tactics have been employed to great effect but those fishing slower on a washing line set have encountered plenty of sport. Yellowstone and Hambleton wood have also produced for anglers this week as has the Sailing Club Bay and C/D buoy area. Manton, Cattle Trough, Lax Hill and Browns Island have all produced quality fish with dries a popular choice and a patient approach required. As last week, long open water drifts are the way to go and keep those flies high in the water with FAB’s/boobies.
Bank anglers have reported sport at Old Hall Bay, Yellowstone and Tim Appleton’s down the North Arm with snail and shrimp the main food of choice Although clearly feeding on snail an orange sugar cube or fiery brown shipman’s has worked well of an evening for some anglers.
Don’t forget our sunset ticket option for an evening on the bank - £12 (1fish+c&r) from 6pm. Available from the ranger’s office (cash only).
Beginners Courses: 26 July; 1,16,22 & 30 August and other dates throughout the season. Please call lodge on 01780 686441.