Weekly rod average 7.02 (season 9.45), killed & released 1573 (season 18147), total catch returns 224 (season 1919), season stocked 37,483
The margins of the reservoir are still producing the bulk of sport, as per previous weeks these fish are feeding very well on shrimp, small buzzer and damsels. Also particularly noted down the south arm, hatches of olives have taken place in the last week with the fish switching on to them when hatching. Fishing in shallow water it will of no surprise that a floater or tip line has been the best option. Washing line style with size 12 and even 14 hare’s ear, black crunchers, or foam backed shrimp have scored well. Arguably the most important thing to think about is keeping those flies high in the water, shortening leaders, switching to co polymer, greasing leaders and using lighter weight patterns should all be considered. Bank anglers continue to have a fantastic season with fish literally feet from the bank! Dries have been working well - foam daddies, orange Shipman’s, grunters all featuring. Quality overwintered rainbows and browns up to 8lb have been reported, again from these marginal areas.
It was a busy weekend at the fishery as 63 boats took to the water competing for the Airflo Spring Invitational. The top competition teams battled it out over 2 days with bright and breezy conditions somewhat changing the methods that had worked well for anglers in practice. Congratulations to the RAF Fish Hawks, a tremendous performance on day 2 took them from 9th place on day 1 to winning the overall competition! Taking second spot were Fly shop Welsh Hawks A and FNF Nymphomaniacs. Well done to all the anglers who took part in what was a fantastic competition fished in the right spirit.
This week we have 3000 rainbows scheduled to ensure the sport continues, the forecast looks good for the week with relatively light winds to target those shrimp feeders in the margins.
Best areas for boat and bank -
Hideaway bay, Old Hall, Yellowstone, Normanton bank, Church Bay, The Mound - Whitwell front and Armley Wood.
Tuesday Night Boat Club - a social evening for all anglers. It's fished to a 1 fish kill and up to 7 fish released, each released fish is worth 2lb. there will be a midweek boat prize for the best fish of the night. Non season Ticket Holders: £14 1 fish catch & Release Permit. Boat: £7.50. Season Ticket Holders pay the boat price only!! Meet at the lodge from 5pm. Optional Takeaway after at extra cost.
Please could all anglers remember to fill in their catch returns, this data helps us manage the fishery. Catch returns can now be filled out online at https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water-park/trout-fishing
Boat availability is getting low on some days so to avoid disappointment call the lodge on 01780 686441.
As a reminder remember all Brown Trout must be returned at all times. If you can’t return a brown then it must be handed into one of our fishery staff.
Anglers parking is only permitted in designated parking areas on the peninsula, disabled bay, sailing club, New Zealand Point.
Tight lines.