Weekly rod average 7.15 (season 10.06), killed & released 1314 (season 14457), total catch returns 191 (season 1494), stocked 1725 (season 35483)
This week we have seen a distinct shift in the trout behaviour with the most successful anglers changing tactics compared with the last few weeks. The trout have certainly moved higher in the water and huge numbers have been seen moving and actively feeding. Small buzzer, buzzer shucks and shrimp are all contributing to the diet of these fish that can be seen acting like 'basking sharks'. This presents and exciting situation where presentation needs to finely tuned to turn 'offers' into fish in the net. The most successful tactics have been small dries such as a Shipman's Buzzer, Bob's bits in red or claret, or a sparse GRHE fished dry. These tactics have produced fantastic sport for anglers and have resulted in large numbers of fish. As to be expected washing line tactics have also been succesful with a FAB/Booby on the point to hold the cast up higher in the water. Buzzers, muskins and GRHE have all taken their fair share of fish this week with the emphasis being on size of fly, it has been noticeable that size 12, 14 and (even 16s!) have out fished the more standard 'size 10's'. Overwintered rainbows seem to be showing in increasing numbers, perhaps in part to the larder of food on offer close to the shore? The fish remain relatively close to the bank as has been the case for the last few weeks providing great sport for both bank and boat anglers.
Best areas -
Hideaway bay, Old Hall, Yellowstone, Normanton bank, Church Bay, Barnsdale Steep Bank, The Mound - Whitwell front.
On Saturday we held our Rudder match, part of a series of matches held across our waters. Congratulations to Adi Naylor and Dave Bradshaw winning with their combined bag of 16
fish for 34lb 8oz with Adi also taking the best fish of the match, a fantastic rainbow tipping the scales at 4lb 15oz. 2nd place fell to Simon Lehane and Ben Bizzel with 16 fish for 30lb 11oz. 3rd place went to Mick Bennett and Ian Dalby with 16 fish for 28lb 9oz.
This Tuesday the Rutland Tuesday Night Boat Club starts, 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 www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk
Boat availability is getting low on some days so to avoid disappointment call the lodge on 01780 686441.
April 1st saw winter restrictions lifted for bank and boat anglers this has now opened up more of Rutland’s hot spots.
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 fisheries staff.
Anglers parking is only permitted in designated parking areas on the peninsula, disabled bay, sailing club, New Zealand Point.
Tight lines.