Fish 442 (Season 871) Returns 102 (201) Rod average 4.13 (4.33)
The recent settled weather has encouraged buzzer hatches, which the trout have been enjoying in abundance. The brighter, warmer weather has definitely brought out the anglers.
Another 2,500 fish have gone in taking our season total to just over the 20,000 mark.Boat anglers have been successful with buzzer patterns and lures. Anglers have been catching the majority of their fish drifting between the Sailing Club and the church, with double figure quantities on buzzer patterns just outside the harbour. Boat anglers wishing to go on the hunt were picking fish up between Whitwell Creek and Sykes Lane and between Normanton and the Dam. Best methods were Di 5 and Di 7’s but tip lines fished slow and deep were also picking up fish. Buzzer patterns under the bung were favoured by many anglers.
Bank anglers were catching fish either first thing in the morning or late on in the evening. During the middle of the day, or if conditions were bright, fish tended to move further out. Anglers have been catching around Stockie Bay into Whitwell Creek, East Creek and if the wind has been favourable along Normanton/Fantasy. Local angler Roger Marshall caught his limit in Stockie Bay by 10am on Diawl Bach’s on Sunday. As always, the harbour wall at Normanton has been popular with bank anglers
Combined Services vs Police
This annual match saw anglers sending out scouts in the days leading up to the competition, sussing out the productive areas and the best methods. This tactic seemed to work for both teams as only 3 of the 28 anglers didn’t catch their limit of 3 fish and 11 C&R. But the result went the Forces way catching a combined total of 196 fish to 181. Best fish fell to Sean Hanlon from the Combined Services team weighing 3lb 11oz and best bag including time bonus went to Graham Anthony from the police with 41lb exactly.
Winter restrictions are lifted from 1 April meaning boat anglers can fish the bottom of the arms beyond the sailing limits and bank anglers can fish all banks with exception of Sailing Club and nature reserves. Brown trout are also back in season but remember you are only allowed to take 1 brown per limit.
Fishing Stats
Midweek boat winner: Kevin Griffin of Rothly.
Fish stocked: 2,500
Water temperature: 9 celsius at 3-6 metres.
Forthcoming events
Anglian Water Airflo International – Northern Heat 29 April
Davy Hodgson Memorial 5 May
Anglian Water Rudder Match 11 May
Airflo Invitation Match 15-19 May
Bob Church Classic 2 June
Beginners courses: 7,14,20,25 & 27 April; 16,25 & 29 May; 7,16 & 29 June and throughout the season.
Boat handling courses: 29 April, 14 & 30 May; 5,10,17 & 24 June and throughout the season.