The unsettled weather of strong winds and heavy rain has tried it’s best to upset things, however those who did brave the elements managed to find fish of both bank and boats.
Bank
There are still many fish moving close into the shoreline, with Sykes Lane, in particular, Stockie bay up to the mouth of Whitwell, and the Normanton bank has seen constant movement of fish feeding close in for the last 3+ months’ feeding mainly on Shrimp, though one or two have Snails in them. It’s been a season to remember for fish to be so close in for all this length of time.
Dry fly, and nymphs have been the best method for theses fish, be patient though, as you have to stick with it on occasions, it has been frustrating for some, as fish come up to their fly, then turn away. When they do take though as it’s often memorable as they leave the shallows at a tremendous speed, taking fly line and backing with it.
Boat
The main basin has been in very good form with fish not only coming from the various Aerators, but drifts down wind of them in the slicks have also been profitable, including numbers of very fit rainbows in the 3 to 4lb+ class in reports. Various methods and lines are being used, from floaters, down to Di-7s with lures, black snakes, tube flies, etc, to nymphs, Hares, Diawl Bach, Cruncher etc.
A few boats have tried down the arms, with “Hit and Miss” reports, those who found fish were around the few weed beds in the South arm and good fish were caught, That were feeding on Corixa, for other boats though it was a bit of a struggle.
Two boats went down the South arm last Friday seeking out big Browns fishing very deep with fry patterns, it was difficult, however, they did come across three specimen fish estimated between 6 to 8lb +
Prospects
Settled weather would be very welcome, and a constant wind direction would also help, food wise, as mentioned, fish in general are locked on to this years Shrimp supply, with a few on Snails, and Corixa.
There are many reports coming back of this year’s massive (Huge) shoals of fry showing in most areas of the reservoir, however the Trout have not locked onto them yet.
Plenty of fish close in for the bank anglers to go at Sykes lane and Normanton, Boat anglers could give one of the arms at look, if there is no response, there is always the main basin to fall back on if need be.